Describe A Time When You Were Not Allowed To Use A Mobile Phone - IELTS Cue Card

During Part 2 of the IELTS Speaking test, you will have exactly one minute to prepare and speak on a specific topic. This is the IELTS cue card task. You can learn how to speak clearly and successfully by reviewing sample answers.

This IELTS cue card gives you an opportunity to share one of your memories of when you were not allowed to use a mobile phone.

Practise IELTS Speaking Part 2 by referencing the Cue Card Sample Answers below.

Describe a time when you were not allowed to use a mobile phone.

Sample Answer 1

Here is the sample answer for the IELTS Cue Card – describe a time you were not allowed to use a mobile phone.

In the modern age, mobile phones have become a necessity rather than a luxury. Technology is an integral part of our everyday lives. It helps us stay connected and makes life easy in a hundred different ways. In my experience, a lot of people don’t just need this device – they’re addicted to it. Even I cannot imagine my life without it.

• When it was?
• Where it was?
• Why you were not allowed to use a mobile phone?

However, using a mobile phone is prohibited in so many places. For example, a few months ago I had to visit a nearby bank to sort out some issues with my education loan transactions. There was a long queue, as is typical of these places. When it was my turn, I pulled out my documents and noticed that I had forgotten to bring my admission letter! I instantly thought of calling my father and pulled out my phone to place the call. However, almost immediately, the security in the bank told me off for using my mobile phone.

• What did you do?

A security guard approached me and very politely asked me to step out of the building if I needed to make a phone call. At first, I was a bit apprehensive because if I moved from my spot, I would have to go back to the end of the queue again. I pleaded with the security guard to let me make just one phone call. I thought, surely he would be understanding of my situation.

However, he told me that if he bent the rules for me, everybody else will also ask him to do the same for them. With no other option, I went outside and called my dad to bring me the required documents.

It was a frustrating experience. However, I did realize the significance of the security system in that bank. From that day onwards, I double-check that I have all of my documents before leaving the house.

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Sample Answer 2

• When it was?
• Where it was?
• Why you were not allowed to use a mobile phone?

In my school, there used to be numerous rules and regulations. While everything seemed acceptable during my junior years, some of the restrictions seemed illogical when I reached the senior classes. And, one of them was the rule of “bringing no mobile phone under any circumstances”.

Despite the stringent authorities, there were always some rebels trying to bring in revolution. When I was in school, cell phones were not extremely popular. However, despite the exorbitant prices, my parents still got me one. I had to spend a lot of time outside the house because of school and tuition, so my parents wanted to stay in touch.

• What did you do?

The then principal of our school completely banned cell phones on the campus as she believed that such a device was a distraction during class. Adhering to this rule, I never dared to take the phone to my school. Even if I did, I switched it off and handed it to the receptionist or my class in charge. However, some students used to sneak phones into the classroom and create a lot of nuisance, leaving everybody disturbed and worrisome.

As a result of this, the authorities started with an inspection every morning where everybody’s bags and pockets were checked. And, no doubt, there were plenty of phones that were being seized each day.

Vocabulary for Cue Card

Here are the vocabularies for “describe a time you were not allowed to use a mobile phone” with examples:

• Restrictions: something that limits the use
  Eg: My residential building has parking restrictions.
• Illogical: not reasonable
  Eg: Your reason for not attending this party seems illogical.
• Stringent: strict
  Eg: When it comes to night outs, my parents are extremely stringent.
• Rebel: somebody who fights against the rules
  Eg: The present generation is filled with rebels.
• Exorbitant: something that is too high (generally a price)
  Eg: The prices of petrol continue to be exorbitant.
• Distraction: to take somebody’s attention away
  Eg: While working or studying, the use of social media is nothing but a distraction.
• Worrisome: something that makes you worry
  Eg: Not getting to be in touch with my parents is worrisome

Questions for Part 3

Do young and old people use phones in the same way?

There is a huge difference between how young and old people use cell phones. Majorly, it is in terms of frequency. Also, younger generations are adept at using indispensable devices. They use it for calling, texting and surfing the internet. On the other hand, the older generation only uses phones to call somebody or pick the incoming call.

What are the differences between writing a letter and writing a text message on a cell phone?

Well, these are two different concepts. Writing a letter, be it formal or semi-formal, requires an amount of effort and time. Language and punctuation will have to be considered to write something decent that is easily understood. On the other hand, text messages are exchanged between known or acquainted people and can get quick replies, unlike letters.

Many people think mobile phones can be annoying at times. Can you give any examples of that?

Honestly, even I am one of those who find a mobile phone irritating at times. I have never been a fan of hi-tech devices. Sure, I appreciate them for their development but there are problems that they create as well. One of the things I don’t like is that during a conversation with others, people keep checking their phones. It makes me feel offended that the person is not paying complete attention. Another time is when you are in a meeting, a buzzing phone can be disturbing and unprofessional.

Do you prefer face-to-face conversations or conversations by phone?

I genuinely prefer a face-to-face conversation as I feel that is a more personal way of talking to somebody. These days, with mobile phones gaining popularity, people have stopped spending time with each other and continue neglecting their loved ones. While phones are necessary, they should not create a hurdle between one another.

Vocabulary for Speaking Part 3

• Frequency: the rate at which something happens or is repeated
  Eg: Her hospital visiting frequency is increasing each month.
• Indispensable: too important to be without
  Eg: For a full-time employee, a Wi-Fi connection has become indispensable.
• Require: to need something
  Eg: To pass this tough exam, utmost dedication is required.
• Punctuation: marks that divide phrases and sentences in a writing
  Eg: For IELTS grammar, you must have an understanding of punctuation.
• Acquainted: knowing somebody
  Eg: I and that lady have been acquainted.
• Irritating: annoying
  Eg: When together, all of my siblings and cousins can be an irritating gang.
• Appreciate: to be grateful for something
  Eg: I appreciate your efforts in looking after me during my sick hours.
• Offend: to make somebody feel upset by saying something rude
  Eg: His thoughts on feminism offended me.
• Genuinely: honestly
  Eg: She is genuinely in love with him.
• Neglecting: ignoring
  Eg: He has been neglecting his work for a while now.
• Hurdle: problems
  Eg: When you wish to accomplish something, you will have to pass a lot of hurdles.

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