Describe A Place You Have Been To Where Things Are Expensive

IELTS^TM CUE CARD

Describe A Place You Have Been To Where Things Are Expensive: IELTS Speaking Cue Card

Updated on Nov 13, 2024, 05:46

Overview

An IELTS Speaking cue card is a prompt that candidates receive during the speaking section of the exam. It requires you to speak for two minutes on a given topic. Today, we'll delve into describing a place you have been to where things are expensive.

Think about a location where the cost of living or purchasing goods is notably high. Throughout this discussion, we'll examine sample answers to help you understand how to approach and tackle this topic effectively. Let's begin exploring!

Cue Card/Topic: Describe A Place You Have Been To Where Things Are Expensive

You should say

Where the place is?
What the place is like?
Why you went there?
What you bought there?
And explain why you think things are expensive there.

Sample Answers

How to answer

Sample Answer 1

Introduction:

Let's talk about my visit to Delhi, a city where luxury and opulence often come with a hefty price tag.
From upscale markets like Connaught Place and Khan Market to lavish restaurants serving delectable cuisines, Delhi is renowned for its extravagant lifestyle where every indulgence comes with a significant cost.

Describing Your Experience/Opinion/Interest:

During my trip to Delhi, I was struck by the extravagance and high prices prevalent throughout the city.
Walking through the bustling streets of Connaught Place, surrounded by towering buildings adorned with designer brands, I couldn't help but marvel at the sheer grandeur of it all.
However, amidst the glitz and glamour, the exorbitant costs of goods and services were impossible to ignore, making me realize the stark contrast between luxury and affordability.

Key Highlights:

One memorable experience was dining at a renowned restaurant nestled in the heart of Delhi.
The ambience, with dimly lit chandeliers and plush seating, created an unforgettable dining atmosphere.
While savouring the delectable cuisine, ranging from traditional Indian delicacies to international fusion dishes, I found myself immersed in a culinary journey like no other.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, my visit to Delhi provided me with insight into the luxurious yet expensive lifestyle prevalent in urban India.
Despite the expense, Delhi remains a vibrant and dynamic destination that offers a unique blend of culture, history, and modernity.
Exploring the city's affluent neighbourhoods and experiencing its lavish offerings was an eye-opening journey that left me with lasting memories of the contrast between opulence and affordability in the heart of India's capital.

Sample Answer 2

Introduction:

Let me recount my experience in Bengaluru, a bustling metropolis known for its vibrant culture and thriving IT industry.
Despite its many attractions, Bengaluru is also notorious for its high cost of living, making it a city where extravagance often comes with a hefty price tag.

Describing Your Experience/Opinion/Interest:

During my visit to Bengaluru, I was amazed by the city's modernity and development. Exploring its upscale neighbourhoods like Indiranagar and Koramangala, I found myself surrounded by chic cafes, designer boutiques, and luxury condominiums.
However, alongside the allure of urban sophistication, I couldn't ignore the palpable presence of high prices, which served as a constant reminder of the city's affluent lifestyle.

Key Highlights:

One standout experience was dining at a trendy rooftop restaurant overlooking the city skyline. The panoramic views and stylish decor created an ambience of exclusivity, elevating the dining experience to new heights.
However, as I perused the menu filled with gourmet delicacies, I couldn't help but brace myself for the inevitably hefty bill that would follow.
Similarly, shopping for souvenirs and artisanal crafts in upscale markets like UB City revealed the premium attached to luxury items in Bengaluru.

Conclusion:

So, my trip to Bengaluru showed me how the city's modern and fancy lifestyle comes with a big price tag.
Even though things can be expensive, Bengaluru is still an awesome place with lots of opportunities. It's a city of contrasts, where you can see both luxury and affordability side by side.
My time there gave me a new perspective on the balance between fancy living and managing costs in a big city.

Sample Answer 3

Introduction:

Let me tell you about my visit to Mumbai, a city known for its glitz and glamour, but also for its high prices.
From flashy malls to fancy restaurants, Mumbai is famous for its expensive lifestyle.

Describing Your Experience/Opinion/Interest:

During my trip to Mumbai, I was amazed by the hustle and bustle of the city. Everywhere I looked, there were skyscrapers, luxury cars, and people dressed to the nines.
It felt like stepping into a movie set, but I soon realized that living the high life here comes with a hefty price tag.

Key Highlights:

One highlight of my trip was dining at a swanky restaurant overlooking the Arabian Sea.
The view was breathtaking, and the food was top-notch, but when the bill arrived, I was in for a shock.
It was a reminder that luxury in Mumbai doesn't come cheap. Similarly, shopping for designer clothes and accessories in posh areas like Bandra revealed the steep prices of living the high life in this city.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, my visit to Mumbai showed me that living in a city of dreams also means facing the reality of high costs.
Despite the expense, Mumbai remains an incredible city with endless opportunities and experiences to offer.
My time spent in Mumbai gave me a deeper appreciation for the balance between luxury and affordability in urban life.

Also Read: IELTS Speaking Practice Test With Sample Answers

Knowing how to effectively answer cue card topics like ‘Describe a place you have been to where things are expensive’ is crucial for your success in the IELTS test.

It helps you showcase your English speaking abilities and demonstrates your ability to articulate thoughts coherently within a limited time frame. Mastering the structure and content of your response enables you to convey your ideas concisely, maximising your score potential.

Now, here’s how we will cover each of the above prompts:

Introduction

Briefly introduce the chosen place: name and location.
Mention its significance or notable features.
Set the context for the discussion by stating that the place is known for its expensive nature.

Describing your experience/opinion/interest:

Share details about your visit and what caught your attention regarding the expensive items.
Express your feelings or thoughts about the expensive things you encountered.
Explain why the expensive nature of the items made an impression on you.

Key highlights:

Describe specific examples of expensive items you encountered during your visit.
Discuss how the expensive items affected your overall experience at the place.
Reflect on any observations or insights you gained about the local economy or culture from the expensive items.

Conclusion

Summarise the main points discussed in the response.
Reinforce the idea that the chosen place is indeed expensive.
Leave a lasting impression by making a final statement or reflection.

Follow-Up Questions

In the follow-up question round of the IELTS speaking test, the examiner will delve deeper into the topic you discussed in the cue card round. Expect questions related to your opinions, experiences, and general knowledge about the topic.

This round allows the examiner to assess your ability to sustain a conversation, express opinions, and provide detailed responses. It's important to remain calm, articulate, and engaged throughout this segment to demonstrate your proficiency in English communication skills.

Q1. Do you think it's important to watch costs all the time?

Answer 1: Yes, for sure! Keeping an eye on your spending is key in everyday life. It's like checking grocery bills or how much you spend on fun things. This helps you save money and budget well. By taking charge of your spending, you can look after your finances and reach your savings goals.

Answer 2: Definitely! It's important to know how much you're spending to be good with money these days. But you don't want to be too stressed about it either. If you worry about costs all the time, it can be no fun. So be money-wise, but also enjoy life!

Q2. Is there any place near your home that you find expensive?

Answer 1: Absolutely! There's a fancy shopping area near me where things are way more expensive than usual. It's got famous shops and designer brands, so it's for people who want the best and most stylish things. It's nice, but most people wouldn't buy there all the time because of the high prices.

Answer 2: There's a busy shopping area a little way from me that's known for being pricier than other places. It's got lots of fancy shops, expensive restaurants, and nice places to go out. There's a lot to choose from, but it can be a bit too expensive for most people.

Q3. Do you buy expensive items?

Answer 1: As a smart shopper, I look for things that last and are good quality, not just the cheapest option. Sometimes I might spend more on something if I know it will last a long time and be useful. But I'm careful with my money and only buy expensive things if I really need them.

Answer 2: I usually try to stick to a budget, but sometimes I do buy something expensive if I think it's a good investment. It could be a new gadget or a nice accessory, but I always make sure it's something I'll use a lot, and that won't break the bank.

Q4. What was the most expensive thing you have ever bought?

Answer 1: The most expensive thing I've ever bought so far was a really good laptop for school. Because technology is so important for studying now, I wanted to get the best one I could to help me learn and do my work well. It cost a lot, but it's been worth it because it's so helpful.

Answer 2: The most I've ever spent on something was a special piece of jewellery for a big family celebration. It was expensive, but it was a special occasion and the jewelry is beautiful. It was a lot of money, but it's worth it to me because of the memories.

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FAQs

Q. How many hours is the IELTS speaking test?

A. The IELTS speaking test typically lasts around 11-14 minutes. Part 1 lasts 4-5 minutes, Part 2 (the cue-card section) lasts 3-4 minutes, and Part 3 lasts 4-5 minutes. Each part assesses different speaking skills, including fluency, coherence, vocabulary, and pronunciation.

Q. How to find resources for practising cue-card topics?

A. To practice cue-card topics for the IELTS speaking test, utilize online resources such as IELTS preparation websites, YouTube channels offering sample cue-card topics and model answers, and IELTS speaking preparation books. Additionally, consider joining speaking practice groups or finding a speaking partner to simulate the test environment and receive feedback on your performance.

Q. Can I exceed the time limit during the speaking test?

A. It's crucial to manage your time effectively during the IELTS speaking test. Exceeding the time limit can negatively impact your score as the examiner may have to cut you off, leading to incomplete answers and potential loss of coherence. Practice answering questions within the allocated time to develop fluency and ensure you can convey your ideas concisely within the given timeframe.

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