Of course! Here is a comprehensive guide to answering IELTS Speaking Part 1 questions about "Computers." This includes a list of common questions, high-scoring sample answers, and key vocabulary and tips to help you sound natural and fluent.

Part 1: The Basics

In Part 1, the examiner asks you simple, personal questions about everyday topics. The goal is to have a short, natural conversation. Your answers should be direct but also provide a little extra detail (a reason or an example).

Common Questions & Sample Answers

Here are some typical questions you might be asked about computers, along with sample answers.

Question 1: How often do you use a computer?

• Good Answer: "I use a computer pretty much every single day. It's become an essential part of both my work and my personal life. For work, I use it for emails and reports, and in my free time, I like to stream movies or browse social media."

• Why it's good:

  • Direct: "pretty much every single day."
  • Elaborates: Explains why (work and personal life).
  • Gives examples: "emails," "reports," "streaming movies," "social media."

Question 2: What do you usually use your computer for?

• Good Answer: "Well, it varies depending on whether it's a weekday or the weekend. On a typical weekday, I mainly use it for my studies—researching for assignments and writing essays. But on weekends, I switch to more recreational stuff like watching YouTube videos or playing video games to unwind."

• Why it's good:

  • Structured: Uses "Well, it varies..." to show thinking.
  • Contrasts: Clearly separates work/study from leisure.
  • Specific vocabulary: "recreational stuff," "unwind."

Question 3: Do you think computers have made our lives easier or more difficult?

• Good Answer: "That's an interesting question. I definitely think they've made our lives easier in so many ways. For instance, it's so much more convenient to shop online, pay bills, or even connect with friends and family who live far away. However, I can see how they've also complicated things, like making us more dependent on technology or blurring the line between work and personal life."

• Why it's good:

  • Balanced view: Shows you can see both sides (easier and more difficult).
  • Strong topic sentence: "That's an interesting question."
  • Clear examples: "shop online," "connect with friends."
  • Advanced vocabulary: "convenient," "dependent on technology," "blurring the line."

Question 4: What was your first computer like?

• Good Answer: "My first computer was a pretty old desktop PC, probably from the early 2000s. It was huge and had a massive, heavy monitor that took up half my desk! The internet connection was dial-up, so you had to listen to that awful screeching sound every time you went online. It was slow by today's standards, but I thought it was the coolest thing ever back then."

• Why it's good:

  • Vivid description: Uses adjectives like "huge," "massive," "heavy," "awful."
  • Specific detail: Mentions "dial-up" and the "screeching sound," which is a great, memorable example.
  • Shows contrast: Compares the past ("slow") to the present ("today's standards").

Question 5: What kind of computer do you prefer, a laptop or a desktop?

• Good Answer: "I much prefer a laptop, and I think most people my age would agree. The main advantage for me is the portability. I can take it to the library, a café, or even to a friend's house, which gives me the flexibility to work or study from almost anywhere. A desktop is more powerful, but for my everyday needs, the convenience of a laptop is a game-changer."

• Why it's good:

  • Clear opinion: "I much prefer a laptop."
  • Explains the reason: Focuses on "portability" and "flexibility."
  • Acknowledges the other side: Mentions that a desktop is "more powerful," showing a balanced understanding.
  • Idiomatic language: "game-changer."

Useful Vocabulary & Phrases

To boost your score, use a range of vocabulary and natural phrases.

Nouns & Verbs

• To rely on / to be dependent on (something)
• To browse / to surf (the internet)
• To stream (videos, music)
• To multitask
• Connectivity / an internet connection
• A desktop / a laptop / a PC / a Mac
• A device / a gadget
• A keyboard / a mouse / a monitor
• Software / applications / apps

Adjectives & Adverbs

• Essential / crucial / vital
• Convenient / handy
• Powerful / efficient / fast
• User-friendly / intuitive
• Outdated / obsolete
• Portable / compact
• Constantly / regularly / frequently

Phrases to Structure Your Answers

• "I'd say I use it..."
• "It really depends, but generally..."
• "On the one hand..., on the other hand..."
• "The main advantage is..."
• "That's a great question. In my opinion..."
• "Compared to the past, it's..."

Key Tips for a High Score

1. Be Natural, Not Perfect: Don't try to use words you don't understand. Speak clearly and at a natural pace. A few small mistakes are okay; fluency is more important.
2. Elaborate with "Why" and "How": Don't just give one-word answers. For every statement, try to add a reason or an example.
   • Bad: "I use a computer every day."
   • Good: "I use a computer every day because my job requires it, and also I use it for entertainment in the evening."
3. Show Your Personality: Let your own experience and opinion come through. Talk about your hobbies, your work, or your studies. This makes your answers more authentic and interesting for the examiner.
4. Use Linking Words: Use words like well, actually, you know, for example, however, so, because to connect your ideas and make your speech flow smoothly.
5. Listen Carefully: Make sure you answer the question that is asked. If the examiner asks "Do you like...?", a simple "yes" or "no" is not enough. You must explain why.

Good luck with your practice! Remember, the key is to have a relaxed conversation.