Cue Cards Samples with band 8 answers
Something you bought but did not use much - Cue Card # 654
- Details
- Written by IELTS Mentor
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 something you bought but did not use much.
You should say:
- what you bought
- when you bought it
- why you bought it
and explain why you did not use it much.
[Instruction: You will have to talk about the topic for one to two minutes. You have one minute to think about what you are going to say. You can make some notes to help you if you wish.]
Model Answer 1:
We buy things either because we need them or because we like them. Sometimes we buy things just because we think we might need them! But, just because we buy something we need, it doesn’t necessarily mean that we use it much. Sometimes, we don’t even use them at all, and leave them in a storeroom. One such thing, that I bought a few years ago, was a nice-looking and expensive sound system, made by a very famous German company. However, I scarcely ever used it.
It was a sound system which was really unique and special to me at the time of its purchase because of its many cool and advanced features. In fact, I bought the system after making very careful consideration of the coverage requirements for my rooms, the walls, the ceiling and the floors as so that the sound system could interact perfectly with its surroundings. Anyway, I bought the sound amplifier, of course, because I wanted to listen to some of my favourite soft rock and pop music in isolation from the crowds and noise of the “rest of the world”.
However, after using it for the first few weeks in a random fashion after buying it, I didn’t exactly use my favourite sound system much anymore, mainly because I just didn’t have enough time. Besides, changing and resetting the speaker system, every time you want to listen to a different genre of songs, can be a bit frustrating and time-consuming. On top of that, my family members didn’t exactly like the way I was enjoying my “free time” by listening to music in isolation from the rest of my family.
Finally, I have a smartphone now in my hand which allows me to listen to my favourite songs with much ease. But, just because I don’t use my speaker system much anymore, it doesn’t necessarily mean that I don’t like it anymore. In fact, I still like it just like the time when I bought it first, and I will keep it with me as long as I can!
Model Answer 2:
Introduction:
Thank you so much for the time and the topic. I can, in fact, remember several such items that I purchased and hardly used. One purchase that stands out when considering something I bought but did not use much is a barbecue grill. Here, I will talk about this item.
What you bought:
The barbecue grill was a deluxe model I purchased about three years ago from a special outdoor cooking store. It boasted multiple burners, a spacious cooking surface, and an array of additional features designed to elevate the outdoor cooking experience.
When you bought it:
I bought the barbecue grill during a summer sale three years ago or so, enticed by the promise of hosting memorable backyard cookouts and enjoying delicious grilled meals with friends and family.
Why you bought it:
Well, I was drawn to the idea of expanding my cooking skills beyond indoor cooking and exploring the art of grilling. The allure of sizzling steaks, juicy burgers, fish barbecue, and perfectly charred vegetables was irresistible at that time. Additionally, I also thought that it would be a perfect opportunity to invite a few friends and relatives and enjoy the outdoor barbecue party with them.
And explain why you did not use it much:
Despite my initial excitement and anticipation, I found that I had hardly used the barbecue grill. In fact, as far as I can recall, I used it only twice. I think unpredictable weather conditions just after buying the barbecue grill disrupted my outdoor cooking plans during the first couple of weeks, with unexpected rain showers or scorching heat waves deterring me from firing up the grill. Later on, I realised that the time and effort required for preheating the grill, preparing ingredients, and cleaning up afterwards seemed daunting, especially on busy weekdays when convenience was paramount. Moreover, as the novelty of owning a barbecue grill wore off, and the realities of maintenance and upkeep set in, I found myself gravitating back towards simpler, indoor cooking methods that better suited my lifestyle.
Idea generation for this Candidate task card/ Cue card topic:
This topic asks you to describe something you purchased but did not use much. You need to say what the item was, when and why you bought it, and explain the reasons why it remained largely unused. To answer this question well, you should reflect on your thought process before buying, your expectations versus the reality of usage, and how you felt about the purchase. Here are a few ideas to help you develop your own response for a high band score.
1. A treadmill for home workouts:
I bought a treadmill about a year ago, thinking I would start exercising regularly at home. It was during a fitness phase when gyms were closed due to COVID restrictions. However, after a few initial uses, I lost motivation, and it became a clothes hanger. I realised I prefer walking outdoors and enjoy the fresh air and change of scenery more than running in place.
2. A digital camera:
I purchased a professional DSLR camera for a trip to the mountains. It was quite expensive, and I was excited to capture beautiful landscapes. Unfortunately, the camera was too bulky to carry, and I ended up using my smartphone for most photos. Since then, the camera has stayed in its box, untouched.
3. A slow cooker:
I bought a slow cooker during a sale with the idea of preparing healthy meals ahead of time. At first, I tried one or two recipes, but the long cooking times and clean-up discouraged me. I also realised I didn’t have the patience for this type of cooking. It now just takes up space in my kitchen cupboard.
4. A language learning subscription:
I subscribed to an online Spanish learning platform for a full year. I was enthusiastic at first and completed the first few lessons, but then my work schedule became hectic, and I never returned. Despite my interest in learning Spanish, I didn’t manage to make time for consistent practice.
5. A pair of expensive leather boots:
I bought a stylish pair of leather boots last winter during a seasonal discount. They looked great, but turned out to be slightly tight. I thought I would break into them gradually, but they were uncomfortable, so I never wore them more than once. They’re still sitting in the box.
6. A smart watch:
I bought a smart watch hoping it would help me manage my schedule better and track fitness goals. At first, I enjoyed the novelty, but soon I stopped using the extra features and it became a regular watch. I realised my phone already did everything the watch did.
7. A Bluetooth speaker:
I purchased a portable Bluetooth speaker for outdoor picnics and small gatherings. But I rarely hosted such events, and my home speakers were more convenient. The speaker remains unused in my drawer, although it still works perfectly.
8. A sketching kit:
Inspired by a YouTube artist, I bought a professional sketching kit thinking I would restart my childhood hobby. But after one or two sessions, I realised I no longer had the same passion or time. It’s now neatly packed in my shelf, untouched.
9. A yoga mat and accessories:
I bought a yoga mat, blocks, and resistance bands during a New Year’s resolution phase. I did yoga for about a week, then got distracted by work and lost interest. The items are still in good condition but mostly gather dust in the corner.
10. A fancy blender:
I invested in a high-end blender to make smoothies and shakes. I used it for a week or two, but cleaning it was too much of a hassle for daily use. I went back to eating fruits directly and the blender ended up in storage.
Vocabulary for this Candidate task card/ Cue card topic:
When describing something you bought but didn't use much, using specific vocabulary can effectively convey the item, the timing of the purchase, your initial motivations, and the reasons for its subsequent disuse. Thoughtful word choices will help you articulate the misjudgment or change in circumstances, making your response both honest and relatable. Here are some relevant words and phrases:
Impulse purchase: – An unplanned decision to buy a product or service.
Example: It was definitely an impulse purchase, driven by a momentary whim.
Buyer's remorse: – A feeling of regret experienced after making a purchase.
Example: I felt a strong sense of buyer's remorse after realising how little I used it.
Gathering dust: – (Of an object) not being used and getting covered in dust.
Example: Now it's just gathering dust in the corner of my room.
Initial enthusiasm: – The strong feeling of excitement or interest felt at the beginning.
Example: My initial enthusiasm for the item quickly waned after a few uses.
Overestimated need: – Judged the requirement for something to be greater than it actually was.
Example: I clearly overestimated my need for such a specialised gadget.
Passed its prime: – Gone beyond its best or most active period.
Example: By the time I actually thought about using it, it felt like it had already passed its prime.
Novelty wore off: – The quality of being new, original, or unusual ceased to be exciting or interesting.
Example: The novelty of the product quickly wore off, and I lost interest.
Practicality overrode desire: – The sensible and realistic aspects of a situation became more important than one's wishes or impulses.
Example: Ultimately, practicality overrode my initial desire for the item.
Fell out of favour: – No longer liked or approved of.
Example: It simply fell out of favour as newer, more convenient alternatives emerged.
Justified the expense: – Proved that the cost of something was necessary or reasonable.
Example: I tried to justify the expense by thinking I'd use it more, but I couldn't.
Regrettable acquisition: – A purchase that causes feelings of sorrow or disappointment.
Example: It turned out to be a rather regrettable acquisition, now sitting unused.
Change in routine: – A shift or alteration in one's usual pattern of activities.
Example: A sudden change in my daily routine meant I no longer had time for it.
Space constraint: – A limitation due to insufficient room or area.
Example: Due to space constraints, I realised it was more of a hindrance than a help.
Didn't live up to expectations: – Failed to meet the standards or hopes that one had for something.
Example: Unfortunately, the product didn't quite live up to my expectations in terms of usability.
If you prepare for the topic "Describe something you bought but did not use much", you should be able to talk about the following topics as well:
1) Describe something expensive you purchased and did not like much.
2) Describe a product you bought and felt happy about.
3) Describe something you have recently bought from an online shop.
4) Describe something you own which is very important to you.
5) Describe a product you bought and were dissatisfied with.
6) Describe something you bought for which you had to save money.
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