IELTS Speaking Part 2: IELTS Cue Card/ Candidate Task Card.
Describe a time you spent a lot of money on something.
You should say:
- what you bought or spent money on
- when it was
- why you spent such a large amount of money on it
and explain how you felt about it after you spent the money on it.
[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:
Thank you so much for this interesting topic. Here, I’d like to talk about a time when I spent a large sum of money on something that was totally worth it, and that was a trip to Brazil.
I took this trip about a year ago during a long vacation. I had wanted to visit Brazil for a long time because I’d always heard about its stunning beaches, lively culture, and natural beauty. But the main reason I decided to finally go was that I felt mentally exhausted from routine life, so I wanted a proper break, not just a short weekend escape.
I spent a lot of money on several things during that trip. First of all, the flight tickets cost a lot because Brazil is far from where I live, and I didn’t want to take extremely long layovers. Then I booked hotels in safe areas, which were not cheap, but I didn’t want to compromise on comfort or security. I also spent money on local tours, especially to places like beaches, famous city spots, and nature-based activities. Plus, I tried Brazilian food almost every day, and I bought a few souvenirs for friends and family.
I paid such a big amount because I wanted the trip to feel smooth and memorable. I didn’t want to travel with stress, get stuck with poor planning, or regret missing out on experiences just to save money. I treated it like a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
After I spent the money, I felt two emotions at the same time. At first, I felt slightly guilty because the cost looked huge when I checked my balance. But honestly, that feeling didn’t last long. The trip gave me incredible memories, new perspectives, and a sense of freedom I hadn’t felt in ages. When I came back, I felt refreshed and proud because I invested in an experience, not just an object. So overall, I believe it was money well spent.
Model Answer 2:
introduction:
Thank you very much for this interesting topic, and for giving me the time and the chance to talk about it. I can actually think of a very clear moment when I spent a lot of money on something, and it was when I bought a high-quality camera for content creation.
what you bought or spent money on:
So, I spent a large amount of money on a mirrorless camera along with a couple of essential accessories, like a lens, a tripod, and an external microphone. It was from the Japanese Canon brand. I didn’t buy it just for fun or photography as a hobby. I bought it mainly because I wanted to improve the quality of my content and make my videos look more professional. By the way, I create video content for YouTube, and I have a channel with more than 80 thousand followers. I wish to grow it more and more.
when it was:
I bought it around a year ago, after months of thinking, comparing models, and honestly, arguing with myself about whether I really needed it. I remember I finally placed the order after I completed a small project and saved up enough money to justify the purchase without feeling guilty.
why you spent such a large amount of money on it:
I spent that much money because I reached a point where my phone camera simply couldn’t give me the results I wanted. The lighting looked inconsistent, the focus sometimes felt unstable, and the overall video quality didn’t match the kind of content I wanted to create. I wanted sharper visuals, better low-light performance, and that clean background blur that makes videos look cinematic. Also, I saw it as an investment rather than an expense.
how you felt about it after you spent the money:
Right after buying it, I won’t lie, I felt a little nervous. It was a big amount, and for a few minutes I thought, “Okay… I really hope I didn’t just buy an expensive toy.” But the moment I started using it, that fear disappeared. The video quality looked amazing, the colours looked richer, and the footage felt smooth and professional. I also felt motivated to work harder because the camera almost pushed me to take my content seriously.
Idea Generation for this Topic:
This topic asks you to describe a time you spent a lot of money on something. This “something” could be an electronic item, a gadget, a gift, furniture, an international trip or even a professional course, and so on. You should explain what you bought or opted for, when it happened, why you spent such a large amount, and how you felt after spending the money. To make your answer great, include a few practical details like how you paid for it, whether it was planned or spontaneous, and whether you felt satisfied or guilty afterwards. Here are a few ideas you can use to develop your own response:
1. Buying a high-quality smartphone:
The time I spent a lot of money was when I bought a high-quality smartphone a few months ago. I purchased it because my old phone was slow, the battery was terrible, and I needed a reliable device for work, communication and taking photos. I spent a large amount because I wanted a model that would last for several years and wouldn’t need constant repairs. After spending the money, I felt relieved and excited, but I also felt slightly guilty for a day or two because it was such a big expense.
2. Purchasing a laptop for study or work:
The expensive thing I bought was a new laptop, and I purchased it last year when I had important projects and deadlines. I spent that much money because I needed fast performance, good battery life and a strong processor for multitasking. I chose a reliable brand and bought it from an official store so I could get warranty support. After the purchase, I felt proud because it was an investment in my productivity, although I was careful with my spending for a few weeks to balance my budget.
3. Paying for a professional online course:
I spent a large amount of money on a professional online course about skill development, and it happened earlier this year. I paid for it because I wanted to learn something practical that could help my career and improve my confidence. The course was expensive, but it offered a certificate, real projects, and mentorship support, which made it worth it. After spending the money, I felt motivated and focused, but I also promised myself I would complete the course properly so the money wouldn’t go to waste.
4. Buying a DSLR or mirrorless camera:
The time I spent a lot of money was when I bought a DSLR camera for content creation, and I bought it around six months ago. I spent so much because I needed better photo and video quality, and I wanted a long-term device for creativity. I also bought extra lenses and accessories, which increased the cost even more. After I spent the money, I felt extremely happy because the camera improved my work, but at the same time, I became extra careful with it like it was a newborn baby.
5. Buying a premium bicycle or motorbike:
I spent a large amount of money on a premium bicycle, and I bought it last summer. I purchased it because I wanted a healthier lifestyle and a faster way to travel short distances without depending on public transport. It was expensive because it had strong parts, good suspension and long-lasting tyres. After spending the money, I felt satisfied because I started cycling regularly, but I also felt pressure to use it often so I could justify the high price.
6. Booking an international trip:
I spent a lot of money when I booked an international trip last year, including flights, hotel stays and sightseeing costs. I spent that amount because it was a rare opportunity to explore new places and take a break from my busy routine. I planned it carefully, but it still cost more than I expected because travel always includes hidden expenses. After spending the money, I felt excited and refreshed, and even though my wallet became slimmer, my memories became richer.
7. Buying furniture for a new home:
The expensive thing I bought was furniture for my room, and I purchased it a few months ago after moving to a new place. I spent a lot because I wanted good-quality items like a sturdy bed, a comfortable chair, and a work desk. I chose durable furniture because I didn’t want to replace it again and again. After spending the money, I felt comfortable and settled, although I definitely had to cut down on eating out for a while.
8. Buying a gold jewellery item as a gift:
I spent a large amount of money when I bought a gold jewellery item as a gift, and it happened during a family celebration. I spent that much because it was a special occasion and I wanted the gift to feel meaningful and valuable. I bought it from a trusted jewellery shop and double-checked the weight and authenticity. After spending the money, I felt proud and happy to see the person’s smile, although I also felt the financial pinch afterwards.
9. Paying for a medical treatment:
I spent a lot of money on a medical treatment a few months ago for a health issue. I paid that much because health is not something you can compromise on, and I wanted proper diagnosis and quality care. I chose a well-known clinic to avoid risks and delays. After spending the money, I felt relieved and thankful because my health improved, and honestly, I didn’t regret it at all.
10. Investing in a gym membership and personal training:
I spent a large amount of money when I signed up for an annual gym membership with a personal trainer, and it happened earlier this year. I spent that much because I wanted expert guidance, a structured routine and motivation to stay consistent. It was expensive, but it included advanced facilities and customised diet advice as well. After spending the money, I felt motivated and confident, although I also felt responsible for actually hitting the gym regularly instead of wasting the money.
Vocabulary for this Candidate task card/ Cue card topic:
When describing a time you spent a lot of money, using specific vocabulary helps convey the weight of the financial decision, the value of the purchase, and your feelings afterwards. Whether it was a planned investment or a spontaneous treat, these words will help you articulate the experience clearly. Here are some relevant words and phrases:
Splurge: To spend a lot of money on something, especially a luxury, that you do not strictly need.
Example: I decided to splurge on a high-end camera to pursue my passion for photography.
Hefty price tag: A very high cost for an item or service.
Example: Even though the laptop had a hefty price tag, its performance was essential for my work.
Investment: Something that is worth buying because it may be profitable or useful in the future.
Example: Buying a quality mattress is an investment in your health and sleep quality.
Cost an arm and a leg: An idiom meaning something is extremely expensive.
Example: Repairing my car after the accident cost an arm and a leg.
Buyer’s remorse: A feeling of regret experienced after making an expensive purchase.
Example: I felt a bit of buyer’s remorse when I realised I could have found a cheaper alternative.
Saved up: To keep money so that you can buy something with it in the future.
Example: I saved up for months to afford the tuition for my advanced certification course.
Break the bank: To cost more than one can afford (often used in the negative).
Example: I wanted a nice vacation, but I made sure it wouldn’t break the bank.
Big-ticket item: An expensive item, such as a car, appliance, or piece of furniture.
Example: A new washing machine is a big-ticket item that requires careful research.
Worth every penny: Used to emphasise that something was very good or useful despite being expensive.
Example: The guided tour was pricey, but the knowledge we gained was worth every penny.
Financially draining: Something that uses up a lot of your money or resources over time.
Example: Commuting long distances every day can be quite financially draining.
Indulgence: An occasion when you allow yourself to enjoy something special or expensive.
Example: That gourmet dinner was a rare indulgence to celebrate my promotion.
Pricey: A common synonym for expensive.
Example: The tickets for the concert were quite pricey, but the experience was unforgettable.
Frugal: Being very careful and intentional with money or food.
Example: I am usually quite frugal, so spending that much money made me feel nervous at first.
Out of reach: Something that is too expensive for someone to buy.
Example: For many years, owning my own home felt like it was out of reach.
Quality over quantity: The idea that it is better to have one high-quality item than many cheap ones.
Example: I decided to buy one expensive coat rather than three cheap ones, opting for quality over quantity.
If you prepare for the topic “Describe a time you spent a lot of money on something”, you should be able to talk about the following topics as well:
1) Describe something expensive you have recently bought.
2) Describe something you plan to buy soon.
3) Describe something you own which is very important to you.
4) Describe something you gave someone as a gift.
5) Describe an electronic item you use regularly.
6) Describe something special that you saved money to buy.