IELTS Speaking Part 2

Describe a time when you bought something expensive: IELTS cue card with sample answer

An IELTS cue card for Speaking Part 2 with a Band 8 sample answer, the one-minute plan behind it, the vocabulary that lifts it and the Part 3 follow-up questions the examiner can ask next.
  • 258 words
  • An object
  • 1 minute to prepare
  • 2 minutes to speak

The cue card

Describe a time when you bought something expensive

You should say:

  • →What you bought
  • →Why you bought it
  • →How you felt about the purchase
  • →And explain whether it was worth the money

One minute to prepare, then speak for one to two minutes.

An object

How to answer this cue card: a one-minute plan

  1. 1

    Identify the item clearly and explain the specific need that triggered the purchase.

  2. 2

    Use descriptive adjectives to explain your emotional state during and after the transaction.

  3. 3

    Evaluate the purchase by linking the cost to long-term benefits or personal well-being.

Model answer

Band 8 sample answer

Band 8258 words, about two minutes at a natural pace. Details are invented; use your own.

A couple of years ago, I decided to splurge on a high-end ergonomic office chair. After transitioning to remote work, I found myself spending ten hours a day hunched over my laptop, which eventually led to chronic back pain. I realised that my makeshift wooden kitchen chair was simply not cutting it for long-term comfort. I spent weeks scouring the internet for reviews before settling on a top-tier model from a reputable Scandinavian furniture brand. It cost a small fortune, setting me back nearly eight hundred pounds, which was a significant dent in my savings at the time. When the package arrived, I felt a mix of apprehension and excitement; I was worried I might have fallen for a marketing gimmick, but the moment I sat down, the difference was palpable. The mesh material was breathable, and the lumbar support felt like it was moulded specifically for my spine. The adjustment mechanisms were intuitive, allowing me to tailor every angle to my posture. Looking back, I can confidently say that this was worth every penny. Beyond the immediate physical comfort, it transformed my productivity. I no longer finish my working day feeling physically drained or stiff, which has actually improved my overall mood and focus. Investing in my health through a piece of furniture might sound excessive to some, but considering the countless hours I spend at my desk, it has proven to be an essential tool rather than a luxury item. It was a steep upfront cost, but the relief from back pain has been absolutely priceless.

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8 words

Useful vocabulary for this cue card

  • splurge

    spending a large amount of money on luxury

  • makeshift

    temporary substitute used during an emergency or need

  • scouring

    searching thoroughly and quickly through a place

  • palpable

    so intense as to be easily felt or noticed

  • lumbar support

    a feature providing comfort for the lower back

  • steep

    an adjective describing an excessively high price

  • upfront cost

    the initial payment required before using a service

  • priceless

    extremely useful or valuable beyond any monetary measure

6 questions

Part 3 follow-up questions

  1. 1How has shopping changed in recent years?
  2. 2What are the advantages and disadvantages of online shopping?
  3. 3Do you think people are too materialistic today?
  4. 4How important is it to be a smart consumer?
  5. 5What role does advertising play in consumer behavior?
  6. 6How do you think shopping will change in the future?

Answer each in three to five sentences: position, reason, example, limit. See how to answer IELTS Speaking Part 3.

Frequently asked questions

How should I start the cue card "Describe a time when you bought something expensive"?+

Identify the item clearly and explain the specific need that triggered the purchase.

How long should I speak on an IELTS cue card?+

You get one minute to prepare, then speak for the full two minutes, about 220 to 280 words at a natural pace. The examiner will stop you at two minutes, which is a good sign, not a problem.

How is the cue card scored?+

Part 2 is not scored on its own. Your whole Speaking test gets one band from four criteria: fluency and coherence, vocabulary, grammar and pronunciation. The cue card is where the examiner hears whether you can keep going for two minutes.

Can I use this sample answer in the exam?+

Use its structure and vocabulary, not its sentences. Examiners recognise memorised answers and mark fluency down; a shorter answer from your own memory scores higher than a recited one.

Keep practising

More cue cards: an object

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