Describe a time when you did a lengthy calculation without using a calculator IELTS cue card

The IELTS speaking test consists of three sections, with the entire exam lasting around 11 to 14 minutes. Each section has different time limits. The speaking cue card test is a conversation between the examiner and candidate about a general topic. In this article we have given Describe a time when you did a lengthy calculation without using a calculator as a topic for the IELTS speaking cue card as an example.

Describe a time when you did a lengthy calculation without using a calculator

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You should say: 
When was it?
Where was it?
How did you?
How did you feel about it?

Model answer 1

Introduction:
   Calculators are very useful for performing calculations and really handy to carry around. But you can’t carry calculators everywhere. Especially to exam halls. During my accountancy exam, I had to do lengthy calculations all by myself without the help of a calculator.

When was it?
   I did my 12th grade, in an accountancy group. During my pre public examination, in the accountancy exam I had many questions to calculate like tally, ledger etc. but we have a rule not to use a calculator to calculate the sums.

Where was it?
  I had a habit of practicing for my exam similar to writing the main exams. Both at home and in the examination hall I did up to 5 sums without using a calculator.

How did you?
  Our school will provide a bunch of papers for every examination to do rough work. Like other exams they have also given a bunch of papers to rough work during the pre public exam. Once we complete the exam we have to tie it with the main exam paper.

How did you feel about it?

I felt really tough because they have given only 2 hours for the exam. Within that 2 hours I should complete my whole question paper.

Conclusion: 
  Actually I felt it was very hard for me on those days, but nowadays I've gotten used to it. As a CA student now I am feeling that those sums are easier than what I am doing now.

Model answer 2

Introduction:

• Calculators have made basic to complex calculations easy. 
• Here I am going to share my experience where I calculated a lengthy calculation without using a calculator.

When was it?

• A year ago I completed my post graduation in statistics course.
• In statistics we have 4 major subjects,which have more tough equations.
• During my last semester exam I did all my 4 major exams without a calculator.

Where was it?

• According to my college rules students can use calculators only in class rooms and they will not be allowed to use calculators in the examination hall.
• So I have to do my exam without a calculator to solve the equations.

How did you?

• In my exam I get an additional paper to make a rough calculation using pen and pencil.
• After doing a rough calculation in additional paper I do my sums in the main answer sheet.

How did you feel about it?

• It was really tough because if we have to do all the sums without using a calculator, each sum will take almost 15 minutes to complete it. 
• But they have limited time to complete 10 questions in a given time.

Conclusion:

• In my opinion, calculating without a calculator is always best.
• Because sometimes calculator will not give an exact answers.

Model answer 3

Introduction:
   It is really hard to find people who are doing mind calculations on these days. From school to commercial everyone was preferring calculators to calculate. Here I am going to share about my experience when I did a lengthy calculation without using a calculator.

When was it?
   March 24, 2022 was my nephew's birthday. As it was his first birthday my sister planned to celebrate it as a huge function by inviting all of our relatives and friends.

Where was it?
   My sister decided to celebrate his son's birthday in a huge party hall. They have invited relatives, friends and colleagues. Most of them have given monetary gifts to him. As she was in other other work she gave all that money and asked to calculate.

 How did you?
  They have noted the amount in a separate note book. I calculated it page by page by mind calculation.

How did you feel about it? 
  I felt it was really tough because they haven’t written it correctly. I was unable to understand the handwriting. However, I managed it by asking my sister.

Conclusion:
  It was a great experience for me, because I also prefer calculators to simple calculations.

IELTS speaking part 3 - Describe a time when you did a lengthy calculation without using a calculator follow up questions.

In part 3 of the IELTS speaking test, the candidates will be given a few follow up questions to complete within 4-5 minutes.  Some follow up questions are given here which are related to the topic of “ Describe a time when you did a lengthy calculation without using a calculator”.

1. How often do you make calculations?
    I use a calculator everyday, because as an accountant I need to use it to solve problems.

2. What instruments do you use to make calculations?
     As an accountant I mostly prefer to use calculators to make my calculation easier and if i need to calculate numerous data then i like to use application software Microsoft Excel to calculate.

3. Is the significance of manual calculations declining?
   The significance of manual calculations has experienced a decline because the rise of digital tools and technology offers make it easier and accurate solutions. Technologies like calculators, mobile phones, softwares etc.

4. Do you know anyone who makes fast and accurate calculations.?
    My father is fast in calculation. Even if he calculates fastly he gives accurate answers.

5.What is the main use of a calculator?
   The purpose of a calculator is to do correct calculations, and to do so efficiently. The basic uses of calculators are addition, subtraction, multiplication and division.

Check out other IELTS speaking cue card topics

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