Describe a place you have been to where things are expensive: IELTS Speaking Cue Card

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

14 unique answers with expert feedback

What factors do you think contribute to the high prices in tourist destinations?

I believe several factors contribute to high prices in tourist destinations, such as demand from tourists, limited supply of goods and services, and the cost of maintaining attractions. Additionally, local economies often rely on tourism, which can drive prices up, especially for unique or local products.

How do you usually budget for trips to expensive places?

When budgeting for trips to expensive places, I usually set a total budget and allocate specific amounts for accommodation, food, activities, and souvenirs. I also try to research and find deals or discounts in advance, and I prioritize experiences that are worth the cost to make the most of my trip.

Have you ever regretted spending money on something during your travels?

Yes, there have been times when I regretted spending money on certain activities or souvenirs that didn't meet my expectations. It's important to do thorough research and read reviews before making purchases, as some experiences may not be worth the price.

Band 6-7

00:00

A few years back I went to Hyderabad which is in Telangana state of India. It is a multicultural city, a metropolitan city as some would say. It was a nice experience over there. I went there to do my internship which was in forensic lab. I did there internship for a brief period of 2-3 months and when I stayed there for that period of time, I went for shopping casually and I found things that are in the market are very quite expensive compared to that those we can find here back at our town in Vijayawada and then I thought the place is too much pricey, even the food stalls, the food is very costly over there. We could find much affordable products or much affordable food over here back at my home town, so I felt that it was a very pricey place to live in, expensive I would say. But then it was very different from what we have in our home town. It is very diverse with many cultures, many cuisines and vivid fashion sense also. That is definitely an upgrade from my home town. But then the prices are not affordable for everyone especially for somebody like me who comes from a middle class background. So I could...

Follow up questions

What specific items did you find to be expensive in Hyderabad?

In Hyderabad, I found clothing, electronics, and even basic groceries to be quite expensive. For instance, a simple shirt that would cost around 500 INR in Vijayawada was priced at 1000 INR in Hyderabad. Even local food items at restaurants were significantly higher than what I'm used to.

How did the high prices affect your experience in Hyderabad?

The high prices made me more cautious about my spending. I had to budget carefully for my internship and often opted for cheaper food options. While I enjoyed the cultural experiences, the cost of living was a constant consideration, which sometimes limited my activities.

Did you find any affordable places or deals in Hyderabad?

Yes, I discovered some local markets where prices were more reasonable, especially for street food. There were also occasional sales in shopping malls that made certain items more affordable. However, these were exceptions rather than the norm, and I still found most things to be pricey.

Band 6-7

00:00

I am basically from Vijayawada but I have did my bachelors in Bangalore. So I used to quite travel a lot in Bangalore and I love shopping. So whenever I get time I would be going for shopping and in the same journey I have experienced one mall which is called as the UB City which is located in Bangalore itself and when I went there for the first time I found it very expensive because the ambience itself, the architecture of the mall itself is quite expensive I felt because of the architecture, the lights, everything was off to the mark and every place and every corner of the mall is vibing richness and when I went to the stores however even though I never went to shop there but in particular when I saw each and every product and each and every shop in the mall I figured out that it was the most expensive mall which I have ever went in Bangalore but as of now I didn't purchase anything in that particular mall because it was very expensive and the price range of my budget and the actual budget of the mall is very different so I never purchased something from that mall but I do wanted to purchase something from that mall someday and why I think the mall is expensive is because all the top brands were located in that particular mall as well as the other malls which are located in the Bangalore and middle of the city also have the same shops but the price ranges are quite different from normal malls and that particular mall because may be because of the area where all the rich people do be residing in that

Follow up questions

What are some other expensive places you have visited?

Apart from UB City, I have visited places like Connaught Place in Delhi and the Marina Bay Sands in Singapore. Both locations are known for their luxury shopping and high-end dining experiences, showcasing a similar vibe of opulence.

How do you feel about expensive shopping places?

I appreciate the aesthetics and experience of expensive shopping places, but I often find them out of my budget. They offer a unique atmosphere and high-quality products, but I prefer to shop where I can afford to buy something.

Do you think expensive places are worth visiting?

Yes, I believe they are worth visiting for the experience, even if I don't buy anything. The ambiance, architecture, and the overall vibe can be quite enjoyable, and it’s nice to see luxury items and how they are presented.

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Band 6-7

00:00

Hi, I am Vidisha and a place where I have been to and the things were expensive was when I traveled to Jaipur. Jaipur is a very beautiful city of forts and it has a very rich culture and heritage. I went to different restaurants there which specialized in the local food. It was a great experience tasting the traditional Jaipur thali. Then I really enjoyed traveling and sightseeing the different forts and knowing the history of each and every fort and the kings who lived there. Traveling to different forts was expensive since the city is all about the forts so you have to take another vehicle and travel to those places. Generally these forts are not situated in the city they are little farther away so you have to plan everything accordingly. When I was in Jaipur I did buy different photographs which had me in their traditional clothes or attire. Wearing that ensemble was a very emotional experience for me because for the longest time as I can remember I had never worn any traditional dress and trying that dress and getting pictures along with my friends was an exciting and fun experience for me.

Follow up questions

What other cities have you visited that are known for being expensive?

I have also visited cities like Mumbai and Dubai, which are known for their high living costs. In Mumbai, the food and accommodation can be quite pricey, while in Dubai, luxury shopping and dining experiences are abundant.

How do you feel about spending money on travel experiences?

I believe spending money on travel experiences is worth it, as it allows you to create lasting memories and learn about different cultures. The experiences, like trying local food or visiting historical sites, enrich my life and broaden my perspective.

What advice would you give to someone traveling to an expensive place?

I would advise them to plan their budget carefully and prioritize experiences that matter most to them. It's also helpful to look for local dining options and free attractions to balance the costs while still enjoying the essence of the place.

Band 6-7

00:00

quality. So the place where I had visited and the things were expensive was London in UK. Since London is one of the smartest city in the world so definitely the cost of the goods and products available which are available are at a very you know extraordinarily high priced and when I went for the shopping I didn't know about this fact earlier but since my parents were extraordinarily extremely concentrate they allowed me to purchase few of the bags and clothes that I really liked and I did that and if I talk about the place the place is really aesthetic where ambience is really really good and even the people over there are very soft-spoken and polite. My overall shopping experience over there was really really full of satisfaction because they did not harass me with marking it at a very high cost then to which I had to bargain and all sorts of things. The things were marked accurately and the cost was fixed so it didn't take me much time to bargain or to talk with the shopkeepers for the reduction of the cost etc. My experience in London for shopping was really good.

Follow up questions

What other cities do you think are expensive for shopping?

Cities like New York, Tokyo, and Paris are also known for their high shopping costs. Each city offers unique luxury brands and experiences, making them popular among shoppers who are willing to spend more for quality and exclusivity.

How do you feel about the prices in your hometown compared to London?

In my hometown, prices are generally lower than in London. While we have some expensive shops, the overall cost of living and shopping is more affordable. This makes it easier for people to buy what they need without spending excessively.

Do you think expensive items are worth the price?

It depends on the item and its quality. Sometimes, expensive items are made with better materials and craftsmanship, which can justify the price. However, I believe it's important to find a balance between quality and cost, ensuring that we get value for our money.

Show all 14 answers

Cue 1:Where the place is

Begin by mentioning the city and specific location of the place.
Include any notable landmarks or features that make the place recognizable.

Example

I visited Connaught Place in New Delhi, which is one of the most famous shopping areas in the city, known for its circular layout and vibrant atmosphere.

Cue 2:What the place is like

Describe the ambiance and overall vibe of the place.
Mention the types of stores or services available that contribute to its expensive reputation.

Example

Connaught Place is bustling with energy, filled with high-end boutiques, luxury brands, and gourmet restaurants. The architecture is colonial, which adds to its charm, making it a popular spot for both locals and tourists.

Cue 3:Why you went there

Explain your purpose for visiting the place, whether it was for shopping, dining, or leisure.
Share any specific event or occasion that prompted your visit.

Example

I went there to celebrate my friend's birthday. We wanted to have a special meal and shop for some unique gifts, so Connaught Place seemed like the perfect destination.

Cue 4:What you bought there

List the items you purchased and their significance.
Mention any particular store where you made your purchases.

Example

I bought a designer handbag from a well-known store called 'H&M', which was quite pricey but I felt it was worth it for the quality and style.

Cue 5:And explain why you think things are expensive there

Discuss factors that contribute to the high prices, such as location, brand reputation, or quality.
Mention any personal experiences that highlight the costliness of the items.

Example

I believe things are expensive in Connaught Place because it is a prime location in the city, attracting affluent customers. Additionally, the brands available are often international and cater to a luxury market, which drives up prices.

Conclusion

Summarize your overall impression of the place and your experience.
Reflect on whether you would recommend visiting this place to others.

Example

Overall, my experience at Connaught Place was delightful despite the high prices. I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a taste of luxury shopping and dining in Delhi.

Following this structure will ensure you cover all the essential points while providing a clear and engaging response to the cue card topic.

Tips to answer this Cue Card

1: Avoid Vague Descriptions

Using vague language can make your answer less engaging and informative. It's important to provide specific details about the place to create a clearer picture for the examiner.

Tip

Use descriptive adjectives and specific examples to illustrate your points, such as mentioning the architecture, atmosphere, or unique features of the place.

2: Don't Overlook Personal Experience

Failing to share your personal experience can make your response sound generic. The examiner wants to hear your unique perspective and feelings about the place.

Tip

Include personal anecdotes or feelings about your visit, such as what surprised you or how the prices affected your experience.

Neglecting to Explain Prices

Simply stating that things are expensive without explanation can weaken your answer. It's crucial to provide reasons for the high prices to demonstrate your understanding.

Tip

Discuss factors like location, demand, or quality that contribute to the high prices, and relate them to your personal experience.

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