How would you answer this IELTS Speaking test question? Describe a time when you had a problem with a piece of equipment.
Here is an example of a recent IELTS speaking test Part 2 question about problematic equipment which was asked this month in the USA.
IELTS Speaking Test Part 2
Describe a time when you had a problem with a piece of equipment
(For example, a TV or a washing machine)You should say:
- what equipment it was
- what problem you had
- when you had this problem
IELTS Sample Answer
I remember once, a few years ago it was, when I had a problem with my washing machine. It was quite an old machine but it had always worked very well and was effective at washing clothes, sheets and such like.
Anyway, one day when I was using it, I noticed some water leaking out from underneath the machine.
It was maybe about half-way through the washing cycle when this happened. I started to mop up the water and thought it maybe wasn’t anything serious – but a few minutes later a wave of water appeared across the floor of the laundry room, it was as if I’d just opened the door on the machine while it was still full of water.
I couldn’t mop up the water fast enough. I had to turn the machine off, and there was still more water inside it.
So, the machine stopped and I continued trying to mop up the water, eventually managing to get the floor dry.
I’m not a technical person at all, so I called my brother who is quite good at things like that and he came round later in the afternoon to have a look at it.
It only took him about 5 minutes to find the problem – apparently one of the water hoses at the back of the machine had come loose and that was why the water had been pouring out from under the machine instead of draining away through the hose.
He managed to reconnect it again and then we tested the washing machine by filling it with a little water and some clothes to make sure that it would operate again normally.
Thankfully it did … so it was quite a simple problem to fix, but it was very inconvenient at the time.
I’m happy to say that it’s been working fine ever since then – just like it used to.
Tips for IELTS Speaking Test (Part 2 Long Turn)
Describe a time when you had a problem with a piece of equipment
How to Answer this IELTS Speaking Topic
Here are tips for the IELTS speaking topic "Describe a time when you had a problem with a piece of equipment":
- Choose a clear example: A broken phone, computer or household item.
- Set the scene: When and where did this happen?
- Describe the problem: What went wrong with the equipment?
- Explain your actions: What did you do to fix it?
- Share the outcome: How was the problem solved (or not)?
- Feelings: How did you feel during and after?
- Use specific words: Equipment and problem related words (see below).
- Time yourself: 1-2 minutes.
- Stay on track: Don’t go off topic or add extra details.
- Conclusion: End with a short wrap up.
These tips should help you plan and deliver a good answer.
Vocabulary for IELTS
Problems with Equipment
"The device started to malfunction during the meeting."
"I noticed a glitch in the system when it kept restarting."
"I tried to troubleshoot the problem by checking all connections."
"I faced a technical issue with the equipment when it wouldn't turn on."
"The piece of equipment was faulty from the start."
"The machine had a sudden breakdown in the middle of the job."
"I realized it was a user error on my part when I read the manual."
"I needed to get it repaired at the local shop."
"It required urgent maintenance to prevent further damage."
"I had to reboot the system to clear the error."
"The problem was due to normal wear and tear over time."
"The software was outdated and couldn't run new programs."
"I decided to upgrade the equipment to a newer model."
"In the end, I had to replace the whole unit with a new one."
"Luckily, it was still under warranty, so the repair was free."