Describe an expensive hobby you can't pursue daily.: IELTS Speaking Cue Card

You should say

What is it?
Why is it expensive?
Why do you wish to pursue it?

43 unique answers with expert feedback

What destinations have you traveled to that you found particularly expensive?

I have traveled to places like Switzerland and Japan, which are known for their high costs. In Switzerland, the prices for food and accommodation are quite steep, while in Japan, transportation can also add up quickly, especially if you use the Shinkansen.

How do you budget for your travels considering the high costs?

I usually set a specific travel budget before planning a trip. I save money over time and look for deals on flights and accommodations. Additionally, I try to travel during off-peak seasons to reduce costs and prioritize experiences that are free or low-cost.

What are some hobbies that are less expensive than traveling?

Some less expensive hobbies include reading, hiking, or photography. These activities often require minimal investment and can be enjoyed locally. For instance, hiking allows you to explore nature without the need for extensive travel expenses.

Band 6-7

00:00

So my favorite expensive no one of the expensive hobbies that I have is photography. I'd say photography I'd call photography as an expensive hobby because because you need the right equipment to capture images. Yes of course photography can be done with mobile phones which is a cheaper option but if I have to become a professional photographer I would need the right equipment so I think it's that's why it's an expensive hobby and why I would like to pursue photography is because I think I'm really good at it and I can see a career me making a career for myself in photography because I find myself when I do photography like I observe a lot I notice a lot and that's when I started capturing pictures and realized I have a thing for photography

Follow up questions

What specific equipment do you think is essential for photography?

I believe that a good camera body, a variety of lenses, and accessories like tripods and lighting equipment are essential. A high-quality lens can make a significant difference in the outcome of the photos. Additionally, having editing software is important for post-processing.

How do you think photography can impact your career opportunities?

Photography can open many doors in various fields such as fashion, journalism, and advertising. It allows for creative expression and can lead to freelance opportunities or even a full-time job. Building a strong portfolio can attract clients and help establish a personal brand.

What are some challenges you face in pursuing photography as a hobby?

One challenge is the cost of high-quality equipment, which can be a barrier. Additionally, finding time to practice and improve my skills can be difficult due to other commitments. Lastly, the competitive nature of the photography industry can be daunting.

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.

Absolutely! If swimming were more affordable, I would definitely swim more frequently. The health benefits and enjoyment I get from it would motivate me to make it a regular part of my routine, enhancing my fitness and overall well-being.

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Cue 1:What is it?

Begin by clearly stating the hobby you are referring to.
Provide a brief description of what the hobby entails and why it interests you.

Example

One expensive hobby that I can't pursue daily is scuba diving. It involves exploring underwater ecosystems and experiencing marine life up close, which I find incredibly fascinating.

Cue 2:Why is it expensive?

Discuss the costs associated with the hobby, such as equipment, training, and travel.
Mention any additional expenses that may arise, like maintenance or membership fees.

Example

Scuba diving is quite expensive due to the high costs of the necessary equipment, such as wetsuits, tanks, and regulators, which can easily add up to several thousand rupees. Additionally, I need to pay for training courses and travel to dive sites, which further increases the overall expense.

Cue 3:Why do you wish to pursue it?

Explain your passion for the hobby and what you hope to gain from it.
Share any personal experiences or aspirations related to this hobby.

Example

I wish to pursue scuba diving because it allows me to connect with nature in a unique way. I have always been captivated by the ocean, and diving gives me the chance to explore its beauty. I dream of visiting the Great Barrier Reef one day and witnessing its vibrant marine life firsthand.

Conclusion

Summarize your feelings about the hobby and its significance in your life.
Mention any future plans or hopes related to pursuing this hobby.

Example

In conclusion, while scuba diving is an expensive hobby that I can't engage in daily, it holds a special place in my heart. I hope to save up and dive more frequently in the future, as it brings me immense joy and a sense of adventure.

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: Vague Descriptions

Avoid being too general when describing your hobby. Vague answers can make it hard for the examiner to understand your passion and interest in the hobby.

Tip

Provide specific details about the hobby, such as what it involves, your experiences, and any unique aspects that make it special to you.

2: Ignoring Financial Aspects

Not explaining why the hobby is expensive can lead to an incomplete answer. The examiner expects to understand the financial implications of your hobby.

Tip

Clearly outline the costs involved, such as equipment, materials, or membership fees, and explain how these contribute to the overall expense.

Lack of Personal Connection

Failing to express your personal desire to pursue the hobby can make your answer less engaging. The examiner wants to hear your motivations and feelings.