Describe an item on which you spent more than expected: IELTS Speaking Cue Card

You should say

What it is
How much did you spend on it
Why you bought it
And explain why you think you spent more than expected.

14 unique answers with expert feedback

What features of the iPhone 13 do you find most valuable?

I find the camera quality and the smooth performance to be the most valuable features. The camera takes stunning photos, especially in low light, and the overall speed of the phone makes multitasking a breeze. These features justify the higher price for me.

How do you feel about spending more than you initially planned?

Initially, I felt a bit guilty about spending more than I planned, but now I believe it was worth it. The phone has served me well, and I appreciate the quality and longevity it offers. It has become an essential part of my daily life.

Have you recommended the iPhone 13 to others?

Yes, I have recommended it to friends and family. I often share my positive experiences with them, especially regarding its durability and performance. I think it's a great investment for anyone looking for a reliable smartphone.

Band 6-7

00:00

that's an interesting question as a shopaholic myself I usually find it difficult to say no to items which I really like and I usually shop online and when I go to stores if I like something I don't hesitate and just buy it but when I shop online I compare prices over the different apps and sites the recent item which I bought was a designer purse and it cost me more than what I thought I was going to expend with my pocket money but again I really needed it for my parties and after a few months that particular item went on sale and on which I should have saved 20% more than what I have actually spent on that item yet again I really liked it my eyes were set on that particular purse so I don't regret it though however my pocket was disrupted

Follow up questions

What factors influence your shopping decisions?

I often consider the quality, brand reputation, and how much I really need the item. Additionally, I look at reviews and ratings from other customers to ensure I'm making a wise purchase.

How do you feel about impulse buying?

Impulse buying can be exciting, but it often leads to regret. I try to balance my desires with my budget, but sometimes the thrill of a good deal or a beautiful item can sway my decision.

Have you ever regretted a purchase? Why?

Yes, there have been times when I've bought something on a whim and later realized I didn't need it. It usually happens with clothes or accessories that I thought were trendy but didn't end up wearing much.

Band 6-7

00:00

So the item that I spent more than I expected was a piece of jewellery. It was more of a personal feeling than what I expected. So the first time I got my salary, I really wanted to do something nice for my parents, especially my mom. I'm really close to her. So yeah, and I ended up buying a piece of jewellery that she really wanted for a very long time. Well, I was hoping to save some of my money just to invest a little bit, but I mean the jewellery price did go up and the pricing did not really matter as much as my emotion because she's given me every possible thing in life and she's always went out of her way to give me those things and make me happy. And for once, I got the chance to do so and I did not really want to miss that. So I did go out and I just got the jewellery that she really wanted and I did end up gifting her and she was so happy that it made me realise that money could come back, but this feeling would never and it was the best moment in my life. I would say that the feeling of happiness and independent I did end up with was nice.

Follow up questions

What other items have you considered buying for your loved ones?

I've thought about buying things like clothes, gadgets, or even experiences like trips. However, I always prioritize items that hold sentimental value, as I believe they create lasting memories.

How do you decide when to spend more than planned?

I usually consider the emotional significance of the purchase. If it means a lot to someone I care about, I tend to justify spending more. It's about the happiness it brings rather than just the price.

Have you ever regretted spending more than expected on something?

Yes, there have been times when I regretted spending too much on items that didn't hold much value. However, the jewellery for my mom was different; I have no regrets because it brought her joy.

Practice other cue cards

Band 5-6

00:00

recently i was planning to gift a brand new car to my father on his birthday so i made a budget of it i was planning to spend around six to six and a half lakhs for the car and when i went to the showroom to see the car and i purchased a car which was more than that it was around eight lakhs as it has some additional features which would help my father

Follow up questions

What features made the car worth the extra cost?

The car had advanced safety features, a better sound system, and enhanced fuel efficiency. These features not only ensure my father's safety but also provide a more enjoyable driving experience, which made the extra cost justifiable.

How did you feel about exceeding your budget?

Initially, I was a bit worried about exceeding my budget, but knowing that I was buying something special for my father made it worthwhile. I felt happy that I could provide him with a better gift that he would truly appreciate.

Have you ever regretted spending more than planned on something?

Yes, there have been instances where I regretted overspending, especially on gadgets that didn't meet my expectations. However, in this case, I don't regret spending more because it was for my father's happiness and well-being.

Band 5-6

00:00

So the item that I spent more than I expected on was basically my bike which is Royal Enfield bike which I bought about 2 years ago from now and the reason I bought it was initially because I wanted to travel and travelling with my scooter was not an efficient way to travel as it was very slow as well as it had several problems that it had developed since it was being an EV scooter it was electric hence we had to charge it and there was a lot of hassle with the scooter so hence I sold it and then the plan was to buy a bike but we didn't decide which bike exactly at first it was probably you know a patrol bike but not a very expensive one but an affordable version of it but I ended up spending about more than 2 lakh rupees on the bike which was initially going to be about 1 lakh rupees to 1,50,000 rupees and that's why I think I spent more than which was actually required to be spent on that item.

Follow up questions

What features of the bike made it worth the extra cost?

The bike had several features that justified the extra cost, such as a powerful engine, better handling, and advanced safety features. Additionally, the brand reputation of Royal Enfield and its durability played a significant role in my decision to invest more.

How did you feel about your decision to spend more on the bike?

Initially, I felt a bit anxious about spending more than planned, but after using the bike, I realized it was a great investment. The comfort and performance exceeded my expectations, making my travels much more enjoyable.

Have you faced any challenges with the bike since purchasing it?

Yes, I faced a few challenges, such as maintenance costs and occasional repairs. However, these issues were manageable, and overall, the bike has been reliable and has provided a great riding experience.

Show all 14 answers

Cue 1:What it is

Begin by clearly stating the item you purchased, including its name and type.
Provide a brief description of the item, highlighting its features or significance.

Example

The item I want to talk about is a high-end smartphone that I bought last year. It has a sleek design, an excellent camera, and a lot of advanced features that caught my attention.

Cue 2:How much did you spend on it

Mention the actual price you paid for the item, and compare it to your initial budget.
Explain any additional costs that may have contributed to the total amount spent.

Example

I spent around 70,000 rupees on this smartphone, which was significantly more than I had planned. Initially, I intended to spend only about 50,000 rupees, but I ended up getting a model with extra features that drove the price up.

Cue 3:Why you bought it

Discuss the reasons that motivated you to purchase this item.
Include any specific needs or desires that influenced your decision.

Example

I bought this smartphone because my old one was very slow and had a poor camera. I needed a reliable device for both personal and professional use, especially for taking high-quality photos and staying connected.

Cue 4:And explain why you think you spent more than expected

Reflect on the factors that led to overspending, such as emotional decisions or marketing influences.
Consider how the features or brand reputation played a role in your choice.

Example

I think I spent more than expected because I was really drawn to the brand's reputation and the impressive features of the phone. The advertisements and reviews made me feel that this was the best choice, and I let my excitement override my budget.

Conclusion

Example

In conclusion, while I did spend more than I had initially planned on my smartphone, I believe it was a worthwhile investment. It has served me well and has enhanced my daily life significantly.

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

Using vague language can make your answer unclear. Avoid general statements that don't provide specific details about the item or your experience.

Tip

Be specific about the item, including its features and why it stood out to you.

2: Ignoring the Price

Failing to mention the exact amount spent can weaken your response. It's important to provide a clear figure to illustrate your point.

Tip

State the exact amount you spent and compare it to your initial budget to show the difference.

Lack of Personal Reflection

Not explaining your feelings or thoughts about the purchase can make your answer less engaging. Personal insights add depth to your response.

Tip

Share your emotions about the purchase and why it was worth the extra cost to you.

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