Buzz
Describe a time when you had a problem with a piece of equipment
You should say:
- Identify the equipment involved
- Detail the problem you encountered
- Specify when this issue occurred
- Explain the actions you took to resolve the problem.
Sample Essay Scoring Band 8
This story dates back to when I got my very first smartphone. You know, at that time, about 7 – 8 years ago, most students only had a basic phone, or, a dumbphone, which could only serve 2 or 3 functions. Having a brand new, updated iPhone seemed to be such a big deal, and I immediately became the target of jealousywhen I brought my phone to school.
At first, it was really great to be the centre of attention, but after a while, I realised that my friends tried to download a ton of applications to my device. When I got my phone back, one of them secretly told me that a boy had installed a harmful app which would cause serious battery drain, and right after that, the phone shut down. It came as a real shock to me as that was just the first day I had that phone. I was speechless for hours, paralysed with fright. I didn’t know how to tell mom and dad about the incident, because I was very sure they would kill me the second they found out about it. Also, I couldn’t get my phone fixed at the store because I was flat broke then. In that moment, I really thought that my life was over.
My seatmate noticed my silence and glanced at my tear-filled eyes. I anticipated words of comfort from her, but instead, she burst into laughter, causing my cheeks to flush with embarrassment. Startled, I halted my tears and gazed at her inquisitively. She gestured for me to switch on my phone, and to my surprise, it resolved the issue. It turned out I had been pranked by my peers.
That's how I resolved the issue with my phone, in a remarkably simple manner. Thank you for your attention.
By Mytour Academic English Institute
Vocabulary highlights
- technical hiccup: an issue related to the functioning of a machine or system
- be significant: to be considered important.
- envy: the feeling of being jealous.
- focus of attention: a person or thing that captures everyone’s interest or concern
- completely penniless: to have no money at all
