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IELTS Speaking Part 2: IELTS Cue Card/ Candidate Task Card.

[The topic for your talk will be written on a card which the examiner will hand over to you. Read it carefully and then make some brief notes.]

Describe a product you bought and felt happy about.

You should say:

• what it was
• why you bought it
• how long you used it

and explain why you were happy to buy this product.

[Instruction: You will have to talk about the topic for one to two minutes. You have one minute to think about what you're going to say. You can make some notes to help you if you wish.]

Model Answer 1:
Thank you for allowing me to tell you something on this interesting topic. Just like every other person, I also have to buy things for myself and my family, and it’s not that I always feel happy about my choices or purchases. But today, I would like to talk about buying a product which made me really happy.

Anyway, the product I bought that made me feel happy was a vacuum cleaner for my home, which I purchased about 3 years ago. I needed to buy a vacuum cleaner because the old one that we had got damaged. My 3-year-old nephew had poured water in it, apparently because he thought he needed to clean it!

It is worth mentioning that it was the first time I bought a vacuum cleaner, so I was really very sceptical about it since I had almost no or very little knowledge about it. However, it turned out to be a really good product in the end. Interestingly, this vacuum cleaner had a beautiful and shiny magenta colour, and it also felt rather light to carry, even though it was relatively bigger than a standard-size family vacuum cleaner.

Of course, I will have to thank my sister-in-law in a big way for that because it was her suggestion, after all, who had told me about what kind of vacuum cleaner I should buy. She was also kind enough to give me some hints about the brands or the names of companies which manufactured the best kinds of vacuum cleaners.

I was really happy to buy this product, mainly because it ran, and is still running, without giving any kind of trouble whatsoever! I was happy for this nice-looking vacuum cleaner also because it didn’t really make much sound like many other vacuum cleaners in the market. Finally, it also had some great safety features if my little nephew wanted to “clean” it (again)!

Sample Answer 2:
This is an interesting topic for me, and I'd like to thank you for the chance to talk about an item that I purchased and was happy about. Well, I can remember many such experiences; however, after I bought a washing machine for my mother, I was excited and happy.

My mother takes care of our house. She is like a comfortable shadow in our lives on a hot summer day. We often forget to tell her how much we love her, and sometimes we don't even thank her for things she does for us. But without her, our life would be a disaster. After I started my job, I had a plan to buy her something. I saved some money each month, and then after a few months, I decided to buy her a washing machine so that she no longer needed to do her laundry manually. I thought that would save her from some tedious weekly work and allow her more leisure hours.

One day, I visited a large LG showroom and selected a 12 KG front-load washing machine. It was a bit expensive for me to afford at that time, but I bought it anyway. After I reached home with this washing machine and surprised everybody, I realised how exhilarating it is to be able to make others happy. My mother was very excited that I surprised her this way. 

She asked me to teach her how to operate this washing machine. This was probably something she wished to own, and when I bought it for her, she was very amazed. She was also worried that I had to spend a large sum of money to buy it, but I told her that it was something I had always planned to do with my salary.

After that, I've bought many products and electronic gadgets for myself and others, but being able to surprise my mother with my first earned salary was something very special. The washing machine I bought worked fine for more than 5 years, and it was then replaced with a newer one. However, my memory regarding the first washing machine at our home was something I will never forget.

Model Answer 3: 

Introduction:
Thank you very much for this interesting topic, and I know exactly what I am going to talk about. One product that I bought recently and felt genuinely happy about was a pair of running shoes. This particular purchase brought me a great sense of satisfaction because it made my running experience more comfortable and enjoyable.

What it was:
As I've already told you, the product was a pair of high-quality running shoes made by Nike. They were specifically designed for long-distance running, equipped with cushioned soles, breathable material, and excellent grip.

Why you bought it:
I decided to buy them because my old pair of trainers had worn out, and I had started experiencing discomfort during my morning jogs. Since running is a regular part of my routine, I felt it was worth investing in shoes that could provide proper support and prevent injuries. I also did a bit of research beforehand, reading reviews and comparing different models, before settling on this pair.

How long you used it:
I have been using these shoes for around eight months now, and they are still in excellent condition. I wear them almost every day.

And explain why you were happy to buy this product:
I was particularly happy about this purchase because the comfort they provided was remarkable. I no longer felt pain in my ankles or knees after running. Moreover, they motivated me to be more consistent with my exercise routine, which improved both my physical fitness and my mood. Finally, the shoes felt like a good investment, as they combined durability, functionality, and style in one product.

Model Answer 4: 

A few months ago, I bought a bicycle for short commutes around my neighbourhood, and I still remember how excited I felt when I first rode it. I was so happy about this product, and for this topic, I will tell you about it. 

I had been thinking about getting a bicycle for quite some time because I was tired of relying on taxis or buses for short trips, which were often inconvenient, expensive and time-consuming. So, one weekend, I finally decided to visit a local bike shop and purchase a model that was lightweight but sturdy enough for daily use. I am happy that I did that.

The moment I got the bicycle home, I took it for a test ride around the block. The feeling of gliding smoothly along the streets and effortlessly weaving past traffic was incredibly exciting. At that moment, I knew that it would be a constant companion of mine. In a couple of days, I realised that even short commutes, which I had always considered a hassle, suddenly became enjoyable and something I looked forward to.

I’ve been using this bicycle for about four months now, almost every day. I ride it to the grocery store, to meet friends, and even for quick errands around the city. It has not only saved me money on transport but also encouraged me to be more active.

What makes me truly happy about this purchase is the sense of freedom and independence it has given me. I no longer have to wait for a bus or worry about traffic jams, and at the same time, I feel like I’m doing something positive for my health and the environment. It’s amazing how a simple bicycle, something I had long considered just a childhood toy, has now become such a useful and joyful part of my daily life.

Idea generation for this Candidate task card/ Cue card topic:

This Candidate Task Card topic asks you to describe a product you purchased and felt happy about. To make your answer good, you should say what the product was, why you decided to buy it, how long you used it, and explain clearly why the purchase made you happy. Below are a few ideas with enough detail to help you develop a full answer of your own.

1. A smartphone that changed how I work:
I bought a mid-range smartphone last year because my old phone kept crashing during calls and when I edited photos. I’ve used it daily for about twelve months, relying on it for emails, quick edits and video calls. I was happy because it was fast, had a good camera for the content I create, and saved me time - so the cost felt justified given the productivity gains.

2. A lightweight laptop for remote work:
Earlier this year, I bought a slim laptop after my desktop became unreliable and I needed something portable for cafés and client meetings. I’ve used it almost every day for six months, and it’s handled video editing and coding surprisingly well. The purchase made me happy because it restored my mobility and let me work comfortably outside the home without sacrificing performance.

3. A sturdy bicycle for short commutes:
I invested in a durable city bicycle two summers ago to avoid traffic and improve my fitness. I rode it regularly for over a year until the rainy season slowed me down. I felt pleased with the buy because it cut my commute time, kept me active, and reduced transport costs while giving me a quiet way to clear my head each morning.

4. A mirrorless camera for photography:
I purchased a compact mirrorless camera after saving up to seriously pursue photography as a hobby. I used it for two years across trips and family events, and it dramatically improved my photos compared with my phone. I was happy because the images felt professional, and the camera rekindled my love for visual storytelling and weekend outings.

5. An air-fryer that simplified cooking:
I bought an air-fryer six months ago to prepare quicker, healthier meals after long workdays. I use it several times a week for vegetables, grilled sandwiches and quick desserts. The happiness came from how it saved time, reduced oil in my diet, and let me enjoy home-made meals without long prep or cleaning routines.

6. Comfortable running shoes that ended knee pain:
After months of soreness, I splurged on a quality pair of running shoes recommended by a specialist store. I’ve worn them for daily runs and walks for nearly a year and noticed my knee pain has significantly reduced. I felt relieved and satisfied because the investment allowed me to keep exercising pain-free and get back into a consistent routine.

7. A roomy backpack for travel and work:
I bought a weatherproof backpack before a long trip because I wanted one bag to carry my laptop, clothes and camera. I’ve used it on many trips and daily commutes since then over two years now, and it’s still holding up. The purchase made me happy as it kept my gear organised, comfortable to carry, and spared me the hassle of multiple bags.

8. A bean-to-cup coffee machine for mornings:
I treated myself to a small bean-to-cup machine last winter after realising I spent too much on café coffees. I’ve used it almost every morning for nine months, experimenting with different beans and grind settings. I was delighted because it saved money in the long run, improved my morning ritual, and turned making coffee into a simple pleasure.

9. An e-reader that revived my reading habit:
I bought an e-reader when I found myself too busy to manage stacks of books during travel and work. For the past year, I’ve read dozens of books on it, appreciating the adjustable text and long battery life. I felt genuinely happy because it made reading convenient again, and I could carry a whole library in a device lighter than a single paperback.

10. A beginner guitar that sparked creativity:
I purchased an acoustic guitar two years ago to learn a new skill and unwind after work. I practised, regularly for months, then intermittently since, and it’s become my go-to way to relax. The choice pleased me because learning music boosted my confidence, gave me a creative outlet, and introduced me to a friendly local music group.

Vocabulary for this Candidate task card/ Cue card topic:

When describing a product you bought and felt happy about, using specific vocabulary can effectively convey what the item was, your motivation for buying it, how long you've used it, and your overall satisfaction. Thoughtful word choices will help you articulate its quality, usefulness, and the positive emotions it brought, making your response both personal and appreciative. Here are some relevant words and phrases:

Product: – An article or substance that is manufactured or refined for sale.
Example: The new laptop I bought is a fantastic product that I am very happy with.

Purchase: – The act of buying something.
Example: Making that purchase was one of the best decisions I've made all year.

Satisfied: – Contented; pleased.
Example: I am completely satisfied with the performance of this product.

Value for money: – Something well worth the money spent on it.
Example: This phone offers incredible value for money given all of its features.

High quality: – Of a very good standard.
Example: The camera's high quality has allowed me to take professional-looking photos.

Durable: – Able to withstand wear, pressure, or damage; lasting.
Example: The headphones are very durable and have lasted for years without any issues.

Reliable: – Consistently good in quality or performance; able to be trusted.
Example: It's a reliable device that I use every single day.

Exceeded expectations: – Surpassed what was expected or anticipated.
Example: The product exceeded my expectations and performs even better than the reviews said.

Fulfilling a need: – To provide or satisfy a requirement or desire.
Example: I bought it because it was a simple product that truly fulfilled a need I had.

Functionality: – The quality of being suited to serve a purpose well.
Example: Its functionality is excellent and very intuitive to use.

Utility: – The state of being useful, profitable, or beneficial.
Example: The product's utility is unmatched by anything else on the market.

Delighted: – Feeling or showing great pleasure.
Example: I was absolutely delighted with my purchase from the moment I unboxed it.

Worthwhile: – Worth the time, money, or effort spent; of value or importance.
Example: The investment was completely worthwhile and has paid for itself many times over.

Gratified: – Given pleasure or satisfaction.
Example: I felt deeply gratified that I had found such a great item at a fair price.

Seamless: – (Of a transition or process) smooth and continuous, with no apparent gaps or interruptions.
Example: The way it fits into my daily routine is completely seamless.

Indispensable: – Absolutely necessary.
Example: It has become an indispensable part of my daily life.

If you prepare for the topic "Describe a product you bought and felt happy about", you should be able to talk about the following topics as well:

1) Describe something you bought for which you had to save money.
2) Describe something important that you own.
3) Describe something you bought but did not use much.
4) Describe something you liked very much that you bought for your home.
5) Describe something you don’t have now but would like to own in the future
6) Describe something that you purchased but have not used much.
7) Describe a piece of equipment that is important in your home.
 

• IELTS Cue Card
• Candidate Task Card

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