I would like to talk about an app called Obsidian, which has become an indispensable tool in my daily life. It is essentially a note-taking and knowledge-management application that functions as a personal digital brain. I use it almost religiously every single day, often starting my morning by drafting a to-do list and ending my evening by jotting down reflections on the books I have read. I access it primarily on my laptop, but I also keep the mobile version synced for whenever inspiration strikes while I am commuting. I stumbled upon this program about two years ago while I was spiralling down a YouTube rabbit hole, searching for ways to improve my productivity. A tech blogger described how it used a method called 'linked thinking', where you connect notes via hyperlinks rather than folders. That concept really resonated with me because it felt more like how a human brain actually operates. I decided to install it that very afternoon, and after a short learning curve, it became the backbone of my workflow. The reason I find it so incredibly useful is that it allows me to build a complex web of ideas over time. Unlike standard apps that just store information in a linear fashion, Obsidian helps me see patterns in my notes that I would have otherwise missed. It has transformed my writing process from a chaotic scramble into a structured, creative endeavour, making it far easier to retrieve information when I am working on a project or simply trying to remember a specific detail from a lecture months later.
The cue card
Describe a program or app on your computer or phone
You should say:
- →What it is
- →How often you use it
- →When/how you use it
- →When/how you found it
One minute to prepare, then speak for one to two minutes.
Try it now, out loud
One minute to prepare, then up to two minutes to speak. Cover every point on the card, then compare with the Band 8 answer below.
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A film, book, song or programme
How to answer this cue card: a one-minute plan
- 1
Jot down keywords for each bullet point to ensure you cover all requirements.
- 2
Choose an app you genuinely use so your enthusiasm sounds authentic and natural.
- 3
Focus on how the app changes your workflow rather than just listing its features.
Model answer
Band 8 sample answer
Say it out loud and get a band
Record your answer to this cue card: one minute of preparation, two minutes to speak, then request AI feedback on fluency, vocabulary, grammar and pronunciation.
Try AI feedback before signup →8 words
Useful vocabulary for this cue card
indispensable
something that is absolutely necessary and essential
religiously
doing something regularly and with great consistency
spiralling
becoming quickly involved in a complex situation
rabbit hole
a complex situation that leads to more
resonated
evoked a sense of personal connection or agreement
learning curve
the rate at which someone gains new skills
backbone
the most important part of a complex system
endeavour
a serious effort or attempt to achieve something
6 questions
Part 3 follow-up questions
- 1What are the differences between old and young people when using apps?
- 2Why do some people not like using apps?
- 3What apps are popular in your country? Why?
- 4Should parents limit their children's use of computer programs and computer games? Why and
- 5how?
- 6Do you think young people are more and more reliant on these programs?
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 program or app on your computer or phone"?+
Jot down keywords for each bullet point to ensure you cover all requirements.
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: a film, book, song or programme
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- All 705 IELTS cue cards 2026
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