Describe technology that you decided to stop using

IELTS Cue Card/ Candidate Task Card 525 with Model Answer:

Describe some technology (e.g. an app, phone, software program) that you decided to stop using.

You should say:

• when and where you got this technology
• why you started using this technology
• why you decided to stop using it

and explain how you feel about the decision you made.

[You will have to talk about the topic for one to two minutes. You have one minute to think about what you are going to say. You can make some notes to help you if you wish.]

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Model Answer:

Introduction:
Thank you very much for this interesting topic. I'd like to also thank you for allowing me the time to talk about a technology that I stopped using. I will share with you what this technology is, why and when I started using it, when and why I stopped using it and how I feel about my decision.

When and where you got this technology:
I used to be an avid Instagram user, but I have since decided to stop using this social media platform. I first got Instagram around five years ago, during my last year of college. I got this application from the Google Play Store where Android smartphone users can download the application they want.

Why you started using this technology:
At the time, I was looking for a way to connect with friends and share photos of my life. Instagram seemed like the perfect solution, as it offered a user-friendly platform for photo sharing and social networking.

Why you decided to stop using it:
However, over time, my relationship with Instagram began to change. I found myself becoming more and more obsessed with the platform, spending hours scrolling through my feed and checking for new updates. I became fixated on the number of likes and followers I had, and started to compare my life to the carefully curated images of others.

Eventually, I realized that my use of Instagram was having a negative impact on my mental health and well-being. I was spending too much time on the app and becoming increasingly anxious and depressed as a result. I decided to take a break from Instagram, which eventually turned into a permanent decision to stop using the platform altogether.

And explain how you feel about the decision you made:
Although it was difficult to let go of Instagram at first, I ultimately feel that it was the right decision for me. I have more time to focus on other activities and hobbies that bring me joy, and I no longer feel the pressure to constantly compare myself to others. Additionally, I have noticed a positive impact on my mental health, as I am no longer exposed to the constant stream of images and updates that used to trigger my anxiety. I think my decision to stop using Instagram was a difficult one, but ultimately a positive step for my well-being.