Describe a Time You Saw Something Interesting on Social Media - IELTS Speaking Cue Card

You should say:

• When it was
• Where you saw it
• What you saw
• And explain why you think it was interesting

When it was

A few months ago, around late May, I was scrolling through my Instagram feed during a short break between work tasks. It was a typical weekday, and I wasn’t expecting to find anything particularly captivating. But then, something popped up that completely grabbed my attention.

Where you saw it

I saw this post on Instagram, which is probably my most-used social media app. I follow a lot of educational and creative pages, so my feed is usually a blend of artwork, productivity hacks, and motivational content. On this particular day, a reel from a science-based page called “The Quantum Insider” showed up.

What you saw

The reel showed a 30-second animation explaining how quantum computers can solve problems in seconds that would take classical computers thousands of years. What fascinated me wasn’t just the topic, but how simply and creatively the information was presented. The animation used clever visuals like a race between a tortoise (representing classical computers) and a teleporting rabbit (symbolizing quantum computers). The sound effects and the smooth voiceover made it easy to understand, even for someone without a technical background.

And explain why you think it was interesting

I found this video really interesting because it took a complicated concept and made it accessible to the average person. It didn’t just give information; it sparked curiosity. I ended up spending nearly an hour diving into more videos and articles about quantum computing. It also made me appreciate how social media can be a powerful learning platform when used right. In fact, that single reel inspired me to start following more science-based content and even consider taking a short course in tech innovation.

Follow-Up Questions and Sample Answers

1. Why do people like to use social media?

People enjoy using social media for various reasons. Firstly, it’s a way to stay connected with friends and family, especially when they live far away. Secondly, it provides instant access to news, trends, and entertainment. Many people also use it to showcase their personal lives or professional work, which can be rewarding. It offers a sense of community and belonging, and for some, it’s even a creative outlet or a business platform.

2. What kind of things are popular on social media?

Content that is visually appealing, entertaining, or emotionally relatable tends to go viral. For example, funny memes, short reels or TikToks, travel vlogs, food videos, fashion tips, and inspirational quotes are hugely popular. Educational content, like DIY tutorials and life hacks, also performs well. Interestingly, trending challenges, celebrity gossip, and behind-the-scenes content often grab massive attention too.

3. What are the advantages and disadvantages of using social media?

Social media has several benefits. It helps people stay informed, learn new things, and express themselves creatively. It also provides networking opportunities and allows small businesses or independent creators to grow their audience without a massive budget.

However, it’s not without drawbacks. Excessive use can lead to addiction, low self-esteem, or mental health issues due to constant comparison. There’s also the issue of misinformation, cyberbullying, and privacy risks. Like most tools, it depends on how wisely it’s used.

4. What do you think of making friends on social media?

I think making friends on social media can be both positive and risky. On the bright side, it allows people to connect with others who share similar interests, no matter where they live. It’s especially helpful for introverts or those with niche hobbies. Some online friendships even turn into strong, lifelong relationships.

However, one must be cautious. Not everyone is who they claim to be online. There’s always a risk of being misled or even scammed. So, while making friends through social media is perfectly fine, it’s important to stay vigilant and avoid oversharing personal information too quickly.