A Situation When You Were Not Allowed to Use Cell Phone
IELTS Speaking Part 2 (Cue Card) Part 3: Follow-Up Questions
A Situation When You Were Not Allowed to Use Cell Phone
🗂️ Part 2 – Cue Card
Describe a situation when you were not allowed to use your mobile phone.
You should say:
- When it was
- Where it was
- Why you were not allowed to use it
And explain how you felt about not being able to use your phone.
🗣️ Sample Answer
A situation where I couldn’t use my mobile phone was during a university examination. It happened during my final semester last year. As per the exam rules, we were required to switch off our phones and leave them outside the exam hall.
The invigilators were very strict about this policy. I usually keep my phone close, so initially, I felt uneasy without it. I kept reaching into my pocket out of habit, only to realise it wasn’t there. However, it actually helped me concentrate more on the paper and not get distracted.
After the exam, I felt a bit relieved not having used my phone for a while. It made me realise how dependent I was on it and how much more productive I could be without constant notifications.
🔁 Part 3: Follow-Up Questions
1. Why are mobile phones banned in some places?
Phones can be distracting or misused, especially in exams, hospitals, or cinemas. They can disturb others and reduce attention. Banning them helps maintain focus and order.
2. Do you think it’s a good idea to ban phones in schools?
Yes, it can help students focus on learning. But it should be balanced—phones can also be useful for research and emergencies. Controlled use might be better than a full ban.
3. What problems can mobile phones cause in public places?
Loud ringtones, talking during events, or using flash can be disturbing to others. People also tend to ignore their surroundings. This leads to poor etiquette and safety issues.
4. Can people become addicted to mobile phones?
Absolutely. Many people check their phones constantly, even without a reason. This addiction affects sleep, concentration, and even relationships.
5. How do you feel when you forget your phone at home?
At first, I feel anxious or disconnected. However, it can be freeing later on. It gives me a break from constant alerts.
6. Are there any benefits to being without a phone for some time?
Yes, it can improve focus and mental clarity. People spend more quality time with others. It also helps reduce stress caused by information overload.
7. How do people usually react when asked not to use phones?
Some understand and follow the rule, especially in formal settings. Others may feel uncomfortable or even annoyed. It depends on the individual and the circumstances.
8. Do mobile phones impact face-to-face communication?
Yes, phones can interrupt conversations or reduce eye contact. People often check their phones instead of listening. This weakens real-life interactions.
9. In what situations should phones be avoided entirely?
Phones should be avoided in exams, religious places, performances, and while driving. These situations require full attention and respect. Using phones there is unsafe or inappropriate.
10. How can people reduce phone usage in their daily lives?
They can set screen time limits, turn off notifications, or have phone-free zones. Using apps that monitor screen time can also be helpful. Developing offline hobbies is another good method.
Top 10 Topic Vocabulary – A Situation When You Were Not Allowed to Use Cell Phone
Vocabulary |
Type |
Meaning |
Synonyms |
Antonyms |
Word Family |
Example Sentence |
Invigilator |
Noun |
A person who supervises students during an exam |
Supervisor |
— |
Invigilate |
The invigilator ensured no phones were in the exam hall. |
Distracted |
Adj |
Unable to concentrate due to interruptions |
Unfocused, diverted |
Focused |
Distract, distraction |
Without my phone, I was less distracted during the test. |
Dependent |
Adj |
Relying too much on something |
Reliant |
Independent |
Depend, dependence |
I realised how dependent I had become on my phone. |
Notifications |
Noun |
Alerts from apps or messages |
Alerts, updates |
— |
Notify, notifying |
Constant notifications make it hard to focus. |
Concentrate |
Verb |
To focus attention on something |
Focus, attend |
Distract |
Concentration |
I could concentrate better without my phone. |
Etiquette |
Noun |
Accepted social behaviour |
Manners, decorum |
Rudeness |
— |
Using phones in cinemas goes against basic etiquette. |
Addiction |
Noun |
Being unable to stop doing something harmful |
Dependency |
Freedom |
Addict, addictive |
Mobile phone addiction is common among teenagers. |
Productive |
Adj |
Getting a lot done in a useful way |
Efficient, effective |
Unproductive |
Produce, productivity |
I felt more productive without my phone. |
Disconnect |
Verb |
To separate or detach |
Detach, unplug |
Connect |
Disconnection |
Being disconnected from my phone was refreshing. |
Screen time |
Noun |
Amount of time spent using a device screen |
— |
— |
— |
Reducing screen time improves mental health. |

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