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IELTS Speaking Part 2 · Technology & society

Describe a social media platform that you find interesting

Describe a social media platform that you find interesting

You should say:

  • what the platform is
  • how you discovered it
  • what type of content you interact with

and explain how this platform influences social interaction today.

How to plan your answer

Use your 1 minute to jot down key words for each point, not full sentences.

  1. 1

    what the platform is

    A video-sharing app focused on short, educational, and creative hobby videos.

  2. 2

    how you discovered it

    Found it through a classmate who shared a helpful tutorial video.

  3. 3

    what type of content you interact with

    Mostly watch step-by-step DIY crafts, cooking tutorials, and book reviews.

  4. 4

    and explain how this platform influences social interaction today.

    It connects niche communities globally but can reduce face-to-face depth.

Sample answer

about 235 words · 2 minutes

I am going to talk about a video-sharing application that focuses on short, creative content. It allows users to upload brief clips about almost any topic imaginable, from cooking to language learning. I first stumbled upon this app about two years ago when a close friend sent me a link to a quick tutorial on baking bread. At the time, I was not particularly interested in downloading yet another application, but once I opened the link, I was immediately drawn in by how easy it was to learn something useful in under a minute. In terms of the content I engage with, I mainly follow accounts that share step-by-step guides for cooking, language learning, and home organisation. I like to bookmark practical videos so I can refer back to them whenever I am working on a new project. Occasionally, I also leave comments or share useful posts with my family. As for how this platform influences social interaction today, I think it has a double-edged effect. On one hand, it allows people with rare interests to find like-minded individuals across the globe, creating strong digital communities. It makes sharing knowledge quick and accessible. On the other hand, because the interactions are brief and fast-paced, it can sometimes replace meaningful face-to-face conversations with superficial online comments. Overall, I find it fascinating because it shows how technology can reshape the way we learn and connect with others.

A teaching example, not a script to memorise. Say it in your own words.

Useful phrases

  • stumbled upon

    I stumbled upon a quiet cafe near my house last weekend.

  • drawn in by

    She was immediately drawn in by the bright colors of the painting.

  • engage with

    It is important for teachers to encourage students to engage with the material.

  • double-edged effect

    Working from home has a double-edged effect on personal productivity.

  • like-minded individuals

    Joining a hiking club helps you connect with like-minded individuals.

Common mistakes

I am using this app since two years.

I have been using this app for two years.

Use present perfect continuous with 'for' to describe ongoing past actions.

The platform influence how people speak.

The platform influences how people speak.

Subject-verb agreement requires third-person singular verb ending in '-s'.

It makes me to feel connected.

It makes me feel connected.

The verb 'make' is followed by a bare infinitive without 'to'.

Tips for a higher band

  • Use varied signposting phrases like 'as for' or 'in terms of' to transition smoothly between prompts.
  • Focus on topic-specific vocabulary such as 'digital communities' and 'superficial interactions' instead of simple words.
  • Maintain a natural speaking pace with expressive intonation rather than reciting memorised blocks of text.

Part 3 follow-up questions

After Part 2 the examiner may ask deeper questions on the same theme.

  • How has social media changed the way traditional news is consumed by young people?
  • Do you think online interactions will eventually replace real-life socialising altogether?
  • What responsibilities should social media companies have regarding the spread of misinformation?

Now try this cue card

1 minute to prepare, up to 2 minutes to speak, then a band estimate and tips for each criterion.

Practise this cue card

Practice estimate, not an official IELTS score.

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Describe a social media platform that you find interesting (IELTS Cue Card & Sample Answer)