IELTS Cue Card Sample Question – Describe the First Time You Had a Mobile Phone 

Sample Response 1:

“I still recall receiving my first mobile phone as a reward from my mother after passing the university entrance exam. I know that nowadays, children start using cell phones as early as secondary school, and many high school students acquire one. My parents, on the other hand, did not want me to have one before I started university because they were concerned that it would distract me from my studies. As you might guess, I was ecstatic when I received the phone.

It wasn’t a cool phone with a touch screen or a camera. Instead, it was a simple phone that simply allowed me to make calls and send text messages. Since I had to enroll in a university away from home, I used it to stay in touch with my family and friends. Of course, I used it to entertain myself from time to time by listening to the radio or playing games.

It was a modest phone, but it meant a lot to me. Going to university was the most significant change in my life. I had to leave my small hometown, my family, and the life I had known to live in a huge city. It took several months for me to get over my homesickness, and I don’t know how I would have survived without my phone. At least twice a day, I called my mother. She consoled me and provided me with helpful counsel. Now that I’ve graduated and found a job in this city, I can purchase many finer phones, but I keep this phone as a reminder of my family’s love and support.”

Follow-up Question 1:

What are the benefits of owning a mobile phone?

Response: 

“There are various benefits to owning a cell phone. We can stay in touch with our family at all times. When not in the workplace, it can be utilized to check work emails. Students use their mobile phones to research for assignments and studies. Mobile phones are used to pay bills, make reservations, shop online, bank online, and for a variety of other applications. This invention has made our lives much easier.”

Follow-up Question 2:

Do you think children should be allowed to own a mobile phone?

Response:

“In my perspective, I don’t think they should be allowed to own a phone. I think that owning a mobile phone is a responsibility and whenever children are using a mobile phone, their parents should be around to guide them, especially when they are surfing the net. However, I am not opposed to them being able to use mobile phones, at certain times, especially if they need it for school work.” 

Sample Response 2: 

“I’m going to tell you a little bit about my first mobile phone, or at least what I remember of it, because I received it around seven or eight years ago, so my recollection is a little hazy. Anyway, in terms of how I got my first mobile phone, I had been pestering my mother for quite some time to get me one, but she kept telling me, very rightfully, that I was too young and didn’t really need one. But, when I was about 15, I believe, she finally relented and took me to the shops to select one.

Neither of us understood anything about mobile phones, so when we stepped into the shop, we simply asked the sales assistant to recommend one to us. We chose the cheapest and most basic phone they had simply because I wasn’t interested in having a lot of functionalities. All I wanted to do with it was call and text people.

So that’s how I got it. As for how I felt when I got it, I wasn’t particularly pleased or anything. It was just a feeling of freedom, as well as appreciation to my mother, of course, for providing it to me! I took wonderful care of it, and it lasted a long time. I guess I used it for three or four years before upgrading to a nicer one. I believe I still have it somewhere in a drawer at home.” 

Follow-up Question 1:

How have mobile phones evolved in the last few decades? 

Response: 

“I think most people would agree that mobile phones have evolved greatly over the last few decades. From a mobile phone that only functions for calling and texting people, we have come a long way. We can now use our mobile phones to do almost anything. We can surf the net, video call our family and friends, play games, and take videos. I’m really excited about what else is coming for mobile phones in the near future.” 

Follow-up Question 2: 

What do you think are the drawbacks of using mobile phones?

Response: 

“While it is a fact that mobile phones have made our lives more convenient and fun, it is safe to say that they also cause problems, especially if the person using them isn’t responsible enough. Mobile phones cause addiction and may distract us at work and in school. Aside from that, since there are also children who own a mobile phone, their parents cannot filter the sites they are visiting, and this poses a serious threat to their well-being.”