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 the cost of living in that area, demand from tourists, and the quality of services provided. Additionally, local specialties like coffee and wine can be priced higher due to their uniqueness and popularity.

How do you usually budget for trips to expensive places?

When planning trips to expensive places, I usually set a budget that includes accommodation, food, activities, and souvenirs. I also try to research and find deals or discounts in advance. It helps to prioritize what experiences are worth spending on and what can be skipped.

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

Yes, there have been instances where I regretted spending money on certain activities or places that didn't meet my expectations. It's a learning experience, and now I try to read reviews and gather information before making such decisions to avoid disappointment.

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?

I noticed that clothing, electronics, and even basic groceries were significantly pricier than in Vijayawada. For instance, a simple shirt that would cost around 500 rupees back home was priced at 1000 rupees in Hyderabad. This made me more cautious about my spending.

How did the high prices affect your experience in Hyderabad?

The high prices made me budget my expenses more carefully. I had to prioritize what I really wanted to buy or experience. While I enjoyed the diverse culture and food, I often opted for more affordable local eateries instead of the pricier restaurants.

Did you find any ways to enjoy Hyderabad on a budget?

Yes, I explored local markets and street food, which offered delicious options at lower prices. I also took advantage of free cultural events and festivals happening in the city, which allowed me to experience the local culture without spending much.

IELTS Cue Cards asked last week

Reported by Leap students who gave IELTS

Describe your favourite food at a traditional festival or a special event in your country

Reported by

Anonymous student Band 7.5

Pitampura Test Centre, New Delhi

Answer

I like to taste different types of cuisine. Here I would like to talk about my favorite dish at my traditional festival of Onam which is Sadya. Sadya is popular in my city. We are experimenting these cuisines on Onam festival day. Onam is a famous festival in my city. All family members get together in my home and we make a delicious Sadya. There are many ingredients includes that Sadya. Moreover, we make a big feast that day as well as we create a lot of memories together and we wear that day the traditional dress called Sari and men wear the Dhotis. That festival is really important to us because the whole day we are conducting different kinds of games at our homes and all the family members came together. It's a memorable day in my life. This is the festival. We are making the Sambar and Aviyal. These all the kinds of foods are making with the vegetables.

Talk about a toy you liked in your childhood

Reported by

Anonymous student Band 8

Sector 34 Test Centre, Chandigarh

Answer

The toy which I liked in my childhood was a panda doll, which makes me pleasant and makes me more blush. The pandas are the most beautiful creatures of the world, which looks gigantic and has pooshy cheeks and they are like stars in the clouds and they dream in me. Furthermore, these have been given by my father. My father is a very very beautiful artistic person, who makes me think of that. Every day you will face every difficulties and make you suffer and move forward. Pandas are always seen in Japanese countries. It is my lifelong dream to visit a Japanese country and click a photo with the original pandas, which makes sounds better.

Describe a time you were in a place where you didn't know the local language

Reported by

Anonymous student Band 6.5

Whitefield Test Center, Bengaluru

Answer

As India is a very large country full of diversity, so there are many places which have their own language and speak their native language. The place which I visited and I didn't know about their language was Leladakh, which is about 300 km away from my hometown and it is a very good place as it consists of different kind of trees, animals and have many scenic views and I visited over there last year in summers as it was the best time to visit because it has many, it was cold over there and we had summers in our area so it was the best time to visit over there and I went over there with my whole family.

Describe a time when your friend damaged something you owned

Reported by

Anonymous student Band 7

Begumpet Test Centre, Hyderabad

Answer

When I was a kid, I had a little pencil box which had these four buttons which gave the pencil box an operative use. When you press the button, the box would open up. When you press the second button, a little part of it would slide out. Basically it was just a little electronical and a fun thing to have and I owned it when I was in 6th. One day after break, I was standing and talking there with one of my friends and another friend of mine was running through the hallway and accidentally she pushed my shoulder and my pencil box hit the ground and it broke into multiple pieces to the point that it was not functional anymore.

Describe a book you recently read

Reported by

Anonymous student Band 7.5

CBD Belapur Test Centre, Navi Mumbai

Answer

It Ends With Us is a book I read recently. It's by the author Colleen Hoare. It's mainly a story about two teenagers, Atlas and Lily, and how they just handle their life going through high school, adolescence, and just domestic violence at home. Both of them come from very, very different families. However, they have one common determining factor between them, which is domestic violence. The abuse that they've seen their moms go through is just insane, and they connect through that on a different level. They're actually in the same high school, but they never speak to each other until Atlas actually crashes into an empty house next to Lily's villa. When Atlas is homeless and he doesn't have anywhere to go, he just comes and breaks into the house next to Lily's, and Lily helps him with all the daily necessities like clothes and food, medicines and stuff. Furthermore, their friendship blossoms into love, but it doesn't really fructify as Atlas has to leave. This book really gave me a lot of knowledge about domestic abuse and how to deal with it.

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 do you think makes a place expensive?

I believe a place becomes expensive due to various factors such as location, brand presence, and the overall experience it offers. High-end brands usually set higher prices, and if the area is affluent, the cost of rent and maintenance also contributes to the overall pricing.

Have you visited any other expensive places?

Yes, I have visited other expensive places like luxury hotels and high-end restaurants. Each of these places had a unique ambiance and offered premium services, which justified their high prices. I find it interesting to see how different places cater to affluent customers.

Do you think expensive places provide better quality?

Not always. While many expensive places do offer higher quality products and services, there are also affordable places that provide excellent quality. It often depends on the brand and the specific product or service rather than just the price.

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 Paris, which are known for their high living costs. In Mumbai, the luxury shopping and dining experiences can be quite pricey, while Paris is famous for its gourmet cuisine and upscale boutiques.

How do you feel about spending money on experiences versus material things?

I believe spending money on experiences, like traveling and trying local foods, is more valuable than buying material things. Experiences create lasting memories and enrich our lives, while material possessions often lose their value over time.

Did you find any ways to save money while traveling in Jaipur?

Yes, I tried to save money by using public transportation instead of hiring private vehicles. I also looked for local eateries that offered delicious food at reasonable prices, which allowed me to enjoy the local cuisine without overspending.

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 expensive places have you visited?

Apart from London, I have visited cities like Paris and Tokyo. Both places are known for their high living costs and luxury shopping experiences. In Paris, the fashion scene is incredible, while Tokyo offers a unique blend of traditional and modern shopping, often at premium prices.

How do you feel about spending money on expensive items?

I believe spending money on expensive items can be justified if the quality is exceptional. It's important to invest in things that last longer and provide satisfaction. However, I also think it's essential to be mindful of one's budget and not overspend just for the sake of luxury.

Do you think expensive items are always of better quality?

Not necessarily. While many expensive items are of high quality, there are also overpriced products that don't meet expectations. It's crucial to research and compare before making a purchase. Sometimes, you can find great quality at a reasonable price if you look carefully.

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.