Describe an item on which you spent more than expected IELTS cue card

The IELTS Speaking exam is a one-on-one interview session with an examiner that lasts between 11 and 14 minutes. The given Cue card (IELTS Speaking) topic ‘Describe an item on which you spent more than expected’ is for both IELTS Academic and General Training speaking tests. All aspects of the candidate's spoken English, including pronunciation, fluency, grammar, and vocabulary will be assessed throughout three distinct sections of the IELTS speaking test.

IELTS speaking part 2

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You will be able to provide longer responses if you have a high level of fluency in the language. Check the ‘describe an item on which you spent more than expected’ samples to improve your speaking skills. You’ll be given 1 minute of preparation time in the test. 

Describe an item on which you spent more than expected

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

Describe an item on which you spent more than expected model answer and follow up questions

The model cue card answer for the “Describe an item on which you spent more than expected” topic and the corresponding IELTS speaking cue card part 3 follow-up questions are also given for reference.

Describe an item on which you spent more than expected model answer 1

Introduction 

When I made the decision a few years ago that I wanted to pursue a career as a resin artist, I had no idea what supplies were required to get started in the industry at the time. I had no notion of what resources were essential to get started in the area.

What is it?  

I made a rash decision to buy an expensive hardener and epoxy because I was under the notion that using items of better quality would result in an improvement in the things that I produce.

How much did you spend on it?  

To be very honest, there are many low cost epoxy there. But I was blinded by the videos on youtube and the recommendation that I got on the internet. Both of these sources pushed me to buy an expensive one. As I was not in wholesale, the sellers did not give me any discounts and the overall expense was Rs. 6000.

Why you bought it? 

I was very much keen to learn the resin art. As I always look into many videos and free courses to do it on my own, I bought that epoxy to create a product that I saw in one of the videos.

And explain why you think you spent more than expected

It was all my fault, but I was in such a hurry to learn new things about this topic which caused me to purchase all of the raw ingredients at a price that was significantly greater.

Conclusion 

I cannot change the past but now I have promised myself that I will not take any step in the future without proper research.

Describe an item on which you spent more than expected model answer 2

Introduction 

I am the type of person who is not inclined to spend a lot of money on one thing in particular. When I have some free time, I truly enjoy producing some Do it yourself projects.

What is it?  

In the past, I have created lovely works of handcraft specifically for Diwali. Typically, it takes me a few weeks to finish a project. The cost of the raw materials that I needed to construct an artificial waterfall in my backyard was quite high. The complete cost of purchasing items such as the up-hill motor, cement, decorative materials, and other items were high.

How much did you spend on it?  

The overall cost of my do-it-yourself project was meant to be 2,000 rupees, which was the amount that the up-hill motor cost. Cement cost an additional thousand rupees, and the cost of the decorative material was twice as much as that of the motor.

Why you bought it? 

I wanted to do something particularly memorable for that year's Diwali celebration, given that it was that holiday. I wanted to ensure its durability because it was going to be the centerpiece of my home's decor and this was a significant undertaking. It is a common belief in Indian culture that a welcoming front door will entice the goddess Laxmi. 

And explain why you think you spent more than expected

I wanted to give that artificial waterfall to my mother as a gift because she has wanted one of these waterfalls for a very long time to be put in our home. In addition, having a waterfall in front is considered highly auspicious.

Conclusion

If I compare it with the artificial waterfalls available on the market I still saved a little bit. If I put my thoughts in such a way my expenses are justifiable, although deep down I know that I have spent a lot just on this decor.

Describe an item on which you spent more than expected model answer 3

Introduction 

There is no denial that anytime we attempt to make a purchase, we make every effort to find the best offer. But occasionally, we end up paying more than we bargained for. Well, I must admit that I am very cautious in spending money and do not believe in wasting money on needless items. 

What is it?  

Last year I bought a laptop to attend the classes online. Also, for the purpose of researching and taking skill-based online courses I decided to buy a laptop.

How much did you spend on it?  

My expectation was that it would cost Rs. 50,000, but I ended up paying Rs.1,00,000.

Why you bought it? 

My city was under lockdown last year because of the Corona pandemic. During that time, all educational institutions were shuttered. My school decided to begin online classes. It was tough for me to study through my smartphone during class.

And explain why you think you spent more than expected

I had to spend more than anticipated, due to the recent shutdown prices rose unexpectedly. Prior to the shutdown, consumers tend not to purchase laptops and rather smartphones for internet tasks and purchases. However, after the shutdown, the situation changed drastically, and there was a paradigm shift in how individuals used laptops. Previously, only college students used computers for academic purposes, but after the lockdown, school-aged youngsters also began to do so.

Conclusion

Therefore, due to this, I was forced to pay the higher cost. However, I learned a valuable lesson from it that I will keep in mind moving forward.

Describe an item on which you spent more than expected Model answer 4

Introduction 

It was an arangetram just a few months ago and I had to buy a saree for this function. As this is an important event for me, this event is supposed to be a highlight of my lifetime.  

What is it?  

The saree, which is to be bought for that day, always has elaborate detailing. There are many things that a dancer is supposed to be wearing which also include many pieces of jewelry. 

How much did you spend on it?  

I had spent nearly fifty thousand rupees, I actually might have gone above this amount as well because there were a lot of things which one needs to wear while dressing for the Bharatnatyam dance.

Why you bought it? 

As this function is supposed to be a once in a lifetime experience, I did not think about the amount I am spending on the things I bought.     

And explain why you think you spent more than expected

This would mark my first step in the world of dance, as the audience includes expert teachers and known artists as well. 

Conclusion

Given the special circumstances, I would like to justify my stance and say that the amount I had spent on my clothes was correct. I had already burnt the midnight oil to prepare for this performance, I did not want a single reason to ruin this special day.

IELTS speaking part 3 - Describe an item on which you spent more than expected follow-up questions

The IELTS speaking part 3 - follow up questions for “Describe an item on which you spent more than expected” are given below.

1.What do you think young people spend most of their money on?

Social media brainwashes minors to buy more goods. Adolescents want to be accepted by their peers, thus they follow negative role models online. Influencers want to sell as much as possible. They submit everyday photos to market clothes, perfumes, etc., influencing kids to buy them. 

2.Do you think it is important to save money? Why?

Saving money is important because it provides financial security, independence, and emergency protection. Saving money reduces debt and stress. Despite acknowledging the value of savings, we often spend more now. Future predictions are impossible and thus saving money can give financial security and provide an emergency safety net.

3.Do people buy things that they don’t need?

According to an analysis of the assertion, peer and societal pressure is the key source of this trend. Teenagers purchase new devices to impress their peers. Women purchase new clothing, accessories, and kitchenware to demonstrate their social standing. Men purchase expensive clothing and vehicles to impress their peers and workplace.

4.What kind of expensive things do people like to buy?

Obviously, this varies from person to person. People's purchasing decisions are heavily impacted by the people they admire and follow. I would like to point out that consumers like a variety of pricey items, including branded phones, clothing, footwear, automobiles, bicycles, gadgets, jewelry, and many more.

5.Are review sites useful for buyers?

The fast proliferation of the internet and social networks has drastically altered the manner in which individuals search for product and service information. The majority of the individuals are more likely to trust a friend's advice than the restaurant's website. Customer reviews are accorded the same significance and reliability by the vast majority of purchasers because they have the same purchasing habits.

Related IELTS cue card topics 

• Describe a person who solved a problem in a smart way
• Describe your favorite weather
• Describe a piece of advice you recently received

Conclusion

Your fluency and coherence are measured while speaking the cue card topic “Describe an item on which you spent more than expected”. You need to speak without excessive hesitation. Placing the right words and ideas in a logical order and employing cohesive devices effectively will help you to showcase your ability to gain a good band score.