If I could choose any piece of technology to add to my home right now, it would undoubtedly be a high-end robotic espresso machine, specifically the latest model from a brand like Jura. I first became aware of this particular device while visiting a boutique coffee roastery in Shoreditch last autumn. The barista was using it to pull the perfect shot, and I was genuinely mesmerised by the precision and the velvety texture of the micro-foam it produced. Regarding the price, it is certainly an investment; this model typically retails for around two thousand pounds, which is a significant sum, but for a coffee enthusiast, it feels justifiable given the quality it promises. The reason I am so keen to own one is primarily for the sheer convenience of having café-quality coffee at the touch of a button. My current morning routine involves a rather temperamental manual machine that often leaves me frustrated, whereas this technology would streamline the process entirely. Beyond the functional aspect, I appreciate the aesthetics of the machine itself. Its sleek, brushed aluminium exterior would look incredibly sophisticated on my kitchen counter. Furthermore, being able to customise the grind size, temperature, and milk density through a smartphone app would allow me to experiment with different bean origins and roast profiles. It is not just about the caffeine hit, but rather the ritual of preparing a perfectly balanced cup before I start my workday. Owning this would transform my kitchen into a personal sanctuary where I can refine my palate and enjoy a moment of tranquility before the bustle of the day begins.
The cue card
Describe a piece of technology (not a phone) that you would like to own
You should say:
- →What it is
- →How much it costs
- →How you knew it
- →And explain why you would like to own it
One minute to prepare, then speak for one to two minutes.
An object
How to answer this cue card: a one-minute plan
- 1
Select a specific item you truly desire to make your enthusiasm sound more authentic.
- 2
Draft a quick timeline: discovery, cost, functionality, and personal benefit to ensure flow.
- 3
Focus on sensory details like appearance or sound to fill the two-minute speaking time.
Model answer
Band 8 sample answer
Say it out loud and get a band
Record this card with the AI examiner: one minute of prep, two minutes to speak, then a band for fluency, vocabulary, grammar and pronunciation with the words that cost you.
Say it and get a band free →8 words
Useful vocabulary for this cue card
Boutique
A small company that sells specialised goods.
Mesmerised
Holding one's attention in a hypnotic way.
Retail
To be sold in shops to customers.
Justifiable
Able to be shown to be right.
Temperamental
Unreliable and prone to unpredictable behaviour.
Streamline
To make a system work more efficiently.
Sanctuary
A place of refuge or quiet comfort.
Refine
To improve something by making small changes.
6 questions
Part 3 follow-up questions
- 1What are the differences between the technology of the past and that of today?
- 2What technology do young people like to use?
- 3What are the differences between online and face-to-face communication?
- 4Do you think technology has changed the way people communicate?
- 5What negative effects does technology have on people's relationships?
- 6What are the differences between making friends in real life and online?
Answer each in three to five sentences: position, reason, example, limit. See how to answer IELTS Speaking Part 3.
Frequently asked questions
How should I start the cue card "Describe a piece of technology (not a phone) that you would like to own"?+
Select a specific item you truly desire to make your enthusiasm sound more authentic.
How long should I speak on an IELTS cue card?+
You get one minute to prepare, then speak for the full two minutes, about 220 to 280 words at a natural pace. The examiner will stop you at two minutes, which is a good sign, not a problem.
How is the cue card scored?+
Part 2 is not scored on its own. Your whole Speaking test gets one band from four criteria: fluency and coherence, vocabulary, grammar and pronunciation. The cue card is where the examiner hears whether you can keep going for two minutes.
Can I use this sample answer in the exam?+
Use its structure and vocabulary, not its sentences. Examiners recognise memorised answers and mark fluency down; a shorter answer from your own memory scores higher than a recited one.
Keep practising
More cue cards: an object
- Describe a beanbag chair in your bedroom
- Describe a bedside table you use in your bedroom
- Describe a board game you enjoy playing
- Describe a colourful beach towel you own
- Describe a colourful tie or scarf you wear
- Describe a comfortable armchair or sofa you like
- All 705 IELTS cue cards 2026
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- IELTS pronunciation practice
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