Describe a useful website | IELTS Quiz | Speaking Part 2
Wikis are super handy for sharing knowledge and working together. They usually have a change history, so you can always go back if something's not right and see who changed what. Pretty handy, right?
Describe a useful website you have used and liked
You should say:- which website it was
- how you learned about it
- why you used it
IELTS cue card
💡 Read the sample answer and then test your English with a quick IELTS Quiz!
Sample Answer
Okay, so you've got tons of cool websites out there. Amazon, YouTube, and a bunch more. But the one I'm always on? Wikipedia. It's the king of wikis, and honestly, I think wikis are just the best. I started diving into them back in my student days. They're awesome for snagging some general info when you're starting your research.
A Wiki is basically this cool idea on the Internet where websites let anyone edit their content, right from their browser. So, these sites grow and get better thanks to lots of people just like you and me pitching in – adding stuff, changing things up, or even deleting info that's no longer needed.
Did you know "wiki" is Hawaiian for "fast"? Pretty cool, right? This whole wiki idea really took off with Wikipedia, which is this massive, free encyclopedia everyone uses online. It's become super popular and one of the top sites people visit on the Web.
Wikis are incredibly helpful for sharing knowledge and working together. They usually have a change history, so you can always go back if something's not right and see who changed what. Pretty handy, right?
A big plus about wikis is how easy it is to whip up pages on the fly. You don't have to stress about making it look pretty or sorting out the info just right. Plus, many wikis are smart enough to turn words or phrases you type a certain way (like in all caps with no spaces, or between two brackets) into hyperlinks and new pages, just like magic.
Wikis have some great perks as well. They're super handy because they let anyone jump in and tweak pages on the fly, offering loads of flexibility and freedom. This makes them incredibly popular, thriving on endless community contributions.
Usually, what you find on wikis is up-to-date, but that really depends on how popular the topic is. Plus, it's super easy to check over the work before it goes live. In a classroom setting, wikis are great because they mix learning with tech, which encourages students and gets them excited about group work.
A wiki is super easy to use, yet it's powerful enough to totally change how we study and share knowledge. Depending on what you're working on, they're cheap to set up and keep running. Plus, you can write articles in different languages, which is pretty cool.
Once it's out there, anyone around the globe can check out the version they're interested in - each one's got links to the others, super handy, right? But, wikis have their downsides too. Since pretty much anyone can hop on for free and tweak info as they please, the truthfulness of the articles can take a hit. Despite all the random acts of vandalism on sites like Wikipedia, there are a bunch of ways to keep things in check, and the community plays a big part in that!
A lot of times, content steps on another author's toes, like when someone cites stuff without asking or different writers mix their styles, which can also clash with cultural vibes. Plus, you often stumble upon articles that are a wild mix of neat paragraphs and then some real spelling and grammar disasters.
But honestly, I think wikis are the absolute best type of website out there for folks to use. I’m always telling my friends about specific wikis that are super useful and sharing all sorts of wiki pages on my social media with valuable tips.
Follw-up question:
Do you think that internet-based learning will one day replace traditional teaching methods?
Tech really changes how we live, but, let's not forget, that in-person classes have their own perks. They bring us together, creating a community vibe and catering to different ways people learn through real-time chats and group discussions. Yet, mixing in online stuff can spice up learning, offering fresh info and making education easier to dive into. Probably, the future of learning is a mix of old-school and digital, using the best of both worlds to make the learning journey more rich and varied.
IELTS Quiz
1. What makes Wikipedia stand out among other websites mentioned in the passage?
A) Its popularity among students.B) Its extensive collection of hyperlinks.
C) Its status as a free encyclopedia that allows anyone to edit its content.
2. According to the passage, what does the Hawaiian word "wiki" mean?
A) Knowledge sharing.B) Fast.
C) Community collaboration.
3. How does the passage describe the process of editing content on wikis?
A) It requires approval from website administrators.B) It involves adding, changing, or deleting information by users.
C) It only allows professional writers to make modifications.
4. What feature of wikis does the passage highlight as particularly beneficial for classroom settings?
A) Their ability to automatically correct spelling and grammar errors.B) Their integration of learning with technology, encouraging group work.
C) Their restriction of access to a limited number of users.
5. What downside of wikis is mentioned in the passage?
A) They often lack up-to-date information.B) They are difficult to navigate and use.
C) They can suffer from inaccuracies due to unrestricted editing by users.
Describe a website you find useful for learning
Sample Answer
Today I would like to talk about Khan Academy, which I think is one of the most useful websites I've discovered in recent years. I actually started using it around six months ago when I was struggling with some science topics for my assignments.
Khan Academy is essentially an educational platform that offers free courses on virtually every subject you can imagine - from mathematics and psychology to computer programming and finance. What makes it incredibly useful is that it provides interactive lessons with videos, exercises, and practical examples. The videos are really engaging and the teachers explain complex concepts in a very clear and simple way that even beginners can understand.
I visit this website regularly, probably three or four times every week, because it helps me gain new skills and understand difficult topics that I find challenging at university. For instance, when I had to complete a project on Excel and data analysis, the step-by-step tutorials were absolutely invaluable. The platform is also incredibly convenient because I can access it from my computer or through the app on my phone, so I can learn whenever I have a free moment.
What I personally love most about Khan Academy is that it's completely cost-effective - everything is free, which is a huge advantage for students like me. Additionally, the lessons are organized by difficulty levels, so you can start from the basics and gradually build your understanding. The visual explanations and interactive exercises really help boost my confidence in subjects I previously found intimidating.
In today's digital world, where quality education can be expensive, Khan Academy serves as a gateway to knowledge for millions of people. It's been a great help in mastering new things without the mental strain of traditional classroom settings. I would absolutely recommend it to anybody who's curious about learning, regardless of their age or background. It's become an essential tool in my everyday life, and I honestly can't imagine completing my studies without it.
Describe a useful website you use frequently
Sample Answer
Well, I'd like to talk about Google, which I suppose might seem like an obvious choice, but it's genuinely the best website I use on a daily basis. I'm not exaggerating when I say I visit it every single day, often multiple times throughout the day.
Google is much more than just a search engine, though that's what most people primarily use it for. Personally, I use several of their services regularly. Google Search helps me find information on virtually any topic within seconds - whether I'm looking for news, academic references, recipes, or solutions to technical problems. Then there's Google Maps, which has become absolutely essential for navigation. I remember years ago, before smartphones and apps like this, it was practically impossible to find your way around a new neighborhood without asking for directions or carrying physical maps.
What makes Google incredibly helpful is its efficiency and the quality of results it provides. When I'm searching for something specific, like academic books for my research or templates for a PowerPoint presentation, Google Scholar is particularly valuable. It displays authoritative sources with proper citations, which saves me enormous amounts of time when I'm working on assignments. The search function is so intuitive - you just type what you need, click, and within a fraction of a second, you have access to millions of resources.
I also frequently use Google for more practical purposes in my everyday life. For example, when I want to explore new restaurants in my area, I can browse reviews and see pictures of food before deciding where to go. Or when I'm curious about learning something new, whether it's cooking techniques or understanding business concepts, Google connects me to the right materials instantly.
The reason I prefer Google over other platforms is its simplicity and reliability. The design is clean and straightforward - there's no clutter or confusion. Additionally, the fact that it's completely free makes it accessible to everybody, no matter their financial situation. In today's digital world, Google has become such an integral part of how we gain knowledge, accomplish tasks, and stay informed that I honestly feel it would be incredibly difficult to function efficiently without it. It's truly a tool that everybody relies on, and for good reason.
Describe a useful website that has helped you develop a skill
Sample Answer
I'd really like to talk about one website that's been incredibly useful for my personal development - YouTube. Now, I know everybody has heard of YouTube, but I want to explain why I consider it one such website that's genuinely changed how I learn and develop new skills.
YouTube is a platform where people can upload videos on practically any subject imaginable - from educational content and tutorials to music, entertainment, and cooking. What impressed me most is how it serves different purposes for different people. For me personally, it's become an essential resource for mastering skills that I wouldn't have the opportunity to learn otherwise.
I started using YouTube more seriously about two years ago when I wanted to improve my Spanish. I discovered several channels where native speakers produce lessons specifically for learners at different levels. The advantage of video content is that you can see pronunciation, hear the speaker's voice, and follow along with subtitles - it's much more engaging than just reading from a book. I subscribe to maybe five or six educational channels, and I try to watch their content regularly to maintain my progress.
Beyond language learning, YouTube has helped me in so many practical ways. When I needed to learn basic coding for a university project, I found step-by-step tutorials that were far clearer than my textbook. When I wanted to enhance my cooking skills, I could watch professional chefs demonstrate techniques and follow recipes visually. Even for software like Photoshop or video editing programs, YouTube tutorials have been absolutely invaluable - they're often more helpful than official documentation because real people explain things in a relatable way.
What makes YouTube particularly valuable is that it's free to use - you don't need to pay for courses or subscribe to expensive educational platforms. The variety of content is astonishing, covering everything from science topics and psychology to design, marketing, and even niche subjects like SEO or network security. Additionally, the interactive aspect where you can leave comments, ask questions, and engage with both creators and other viewers creates a kind of learning community.
I visit YouTube almost daily, whether to follow my favorite educational channels, explore new things I'm curious about, or simply find quick solutions to specific problems. For instance, last month I needed to fix an issue with my computer, and within minutes I found a video showing exactly what to do. The platform has become such a powerful tool for self-education that I genuinely believe it's transformed how people approach learning in the modern age. It's cost-effective, convenient, and offers quality content from experts and enthusiasts around the world. I would highly recommend that anybody who wants to develop new skills or gain knowledge should take advantage of this amazing resource.