Prepare for the IELTS Speaking test with this detailed guide on a sample cue card topic: Describe something you couldn’t afford before but have recently bought it. Learn how to structure your response, improve fluency, and practice with follow-up questions.
The IELTS Speaking test was divided into 3 different sections. In Part 1, you will answer the question about your purchasing habits and any expensive items you have recently bought, as asked by the examiner, Part 2 was about the random cue card given by examiner you should talk about the topic. In Part 3, you have to answer follow up questions. Here the sample topic Describe something you couldn’t afford before but have recently bought it for the Cue card (IELTS Speaking) test was given.
A Cue card is also called a candidate task card. In this part, the examiner checks the candidate's fluency with speaking. And, the candidate was expected to speak for 2 minutes without any pause. The topic Describe something you couldn’t afford before but have recently bought it is given below with some model answers for your reference.
If you are preparing for the IELTS Speaking test, practicing with a Free IELTS Mock Test can help you improve your fluency and confidence. You can access a full mock test here.
You should say:
· What the thing is?
· Why have you wanted it?
· How did you manage to buy it?
· Are you satisfied with it?
What the thing is?
One thing that I couldn’t afford before but recently bought is a high-end laptop. It’s a MacBook Pro, which I had been eyeing for quite some time.
Why have you wanted it?
I’ve always wanted this laptop because it offers exceptional performance, a sleek design, and it’s especially favoured by professionals in creative fields, which is something I’m interested in. The powerful specs make it perfect for tasks like graphic design, video editing, and even programming. Additionally, the battery life and display quality are superior to most other laptops, which makes it ideal for both work and leisure.
How did you manage to buy it?
Initially, the price was a huge barrier for me, and it felt out of reach. However, I managed to save up over several months by cutting back on unnecessary expenses. I also set up a separate savings account dedicated to this purchase, which really helped me stay disciplined. Another factor that contributed to my ability to buy it was that I found a good deal during a holiday sale, which made it more affordable.
Are you satisfied with it?
Now that I’ve had it for a few weeks, I can honestly say I’m extremely satisfied with it. The laptop has exceeded my expectations in terms of performance and functionality. It makes my work so much more efficient, and the design is really sleek and professional. It’s definitely an investment I don’t regret making, and it feels great to finally own something I’ve wanted for so long.
How do you feel when you buy something expensive?
When I buy something expensive, I feel a mixture of excitement and relief. Excitement because it’s something I’ve wanted for a long time, and relief because I’ve worked hard and saved up to afford it. It feels like a reward for my efforts, and I always feel more appreciative of the item because I’ve put in the time and energy to make it happen.
Do you think it’s important to save up for things before buying them? Why or why not?
Yes, I think it’s very important to save up for things before buying them. It not only prevents you from falling into debt, but it also gives you a sense of accomplishment when you finally purchase the item. Saving helps ensure that you’re not impulsively buying things that you don’t need, and it helps you make smarter financial decisions in the long run.
Have you ever regretted buying something expensive? What happened?
Yes, there was one time when I bought a designer bag, thinking it would be a good investment. However, after a few months, I realized I didn’t use it as much as I thought I would, and it ended up sitting in my closet. I regretted not thinking through the decision more carefully. Since then, I’ve become more cautious about impulse purchases.
Would you recommend buying expensive items on sale? Why or why not?
Yes, I would recommend buying expensive items on sale. Sales provide a great opportunity to get high-quality products at a lower price, which can make expensive items more affordable. However, I would only buy something on sale if it’s something I genuinely need or want, not just because it’s discounted.
In your opinion, what are the advantages and disadvantages of owning expensive things?
The advantages of owning expensive things include better quality, durability, and sometimes enhanced performance. Expensive items often last longer and provide a better experience. However, the disadvantages include the potential for guilt or pressure if you’ve spent more than you can afford. Expensive items also often come with high maintenance costs, so it’s important to weigh both the benefits and the downsides.
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