Describe an Expensive thing you Want to Buy in the Future- IELTS Cue Card

Janice Thompson

6 min read

Updated On Aug 14, 2024

Sample Answer 1
Sample Answer 2
Part 3 Follow-Up Questions

Predicted Cue Cards Topics 2024

In IELTS Speaking, you should focus on one idea only and then expand that idea into a long meaningful sentence using grammar patterns and vocabulary. So, try practising this topic for Part 2 of the cue card and some easy Part 3 questions related to the topic for your IELTS Speaking and achieve a good score!

Describe an expensive thing you want to buy in the future.

You should say:

why would you buy it?
where would you buy it?
what are some expenses that would come with owning it?
and what are your thoughts on owning it?

Sample Answer 1

Introduction

Money is essential for a happy life. However, one of the best habits of financially independent people is saving money. To be honest, I’m a pretty frugal person; I don’t waste my money on unnecessary items, and I only buy something if it’s absolutely necessary. So, I’d like to discuss something expensive that I’d like to get in the near future.

Why would you buy it?

I want to purchase a car, which will be a significant investment. I’ve wanted to buy it for a long time. But due to various unfortunate reasons, it has been getting delayed. I’d want to buy a car because I’ll have the convenience of being able to travel anywhere I want at any time. I can easily commute to work at the earliest time and avoid walking in a spread-out city. Honestly, having my car will save me both time and money.

Where would you buy it?

I have done my part of the research about the car I want to buy. After that, I’ll most likely go to the KIA dealership on the outskirts of town, where I’ll make sure to find the ideal car for my needs and budget at the best price the showroom has to offer.

What are some expenses that would come with owning it?

Well, a KIA car would cost an exorbitant amount of money as it ranges from INR 25 Lakhs to 30 Lakhs. Apart from that, I’d have to spend extra money on car accessories like a cordless vacuum, digital tire gauge, portable air compressor, headlight restoration lights, seat cover, and tire traction tool.

And what are your thoughts on owning it?

Buying a car of any kind is a significant commitment for me because I’ll be spending my hard-earned money, so I’ll make sure I acquire high-quality craftsmanship and a reliable vehicle in return. If I own a car, I’ll be on cloud nine and my happiness will know no bounds. It would be a great feeling to have the privilege and flexibility to commute wherever I want without relying upon public transportation or friends. Although it will cost me an arm and a leg, I’m resolute about purchasing it by the end of the year, perhaps before Christmas.

Sample Answer 2

Introduction

Well, I’m not one of those people who like to waste their hard-earned money on frivolous items only to show off or maintain their social status. Therefore, I don’t buy costly things unless I have a valid reason to do so. Here, I’d like to talk about an expensive thing that I would like to purchase in the future.

Why would you buy it?

Being a full-time social media manager isn’t easy. I have to develop strategies, oversee social campaigns, produce relevant content, review analytics, and communicate with key stakeholders in a company. As a result, the work involves a lot of tasks and responsibilities. Furthermore, I work as a freelance video editor, which makes managing my work on the same laptop quite tedious. In addition, the editing quality gets compromised. Thus, I’ve decided to get a MacBook, which is known for its high-powered speed, stylish looks, and powerful video editing capabilities.

Where would you buy it?

Apple MacBooks are often available in offline and online stores; however, I intend to personally visit the offline Apple store in the Infinity mall, check out the latest models and deals, and then decide whether to buy it offline or online.

What are some expenses that would come with owning it?

Since the initial price of a Macbook starts at $90,000, an Apple Macbook would undoubtedly cost me an arm and a leg. In addition, being a hardcore videographer, I’ll also need to invest in two editing software, which cost more than $30,000.

And what are your thoughts on owning it?

Owning a MacBook has always been something I’ve wanted to do for a long time because of its huge battery life, reliability, durability, and user-friendliness. Therefore, having a MacBook is extremely expensive; yet, I plan to get one in the near future because it will serve as a solid all-in-one solution for me, allowing me to work on my projects without having to worry about video quality.

Vocabulary

Show off

Meaning: a person who acts pretentiously or who publicly parades themselves, their possessions, or their accomplishments
Eg: John showed off his new Royal Enfield bike to his friends.

Freelance

Meaning: self-employed and hired to work for different companies on particular assignments
Eg: Kate works as a freelance designer.

Initial

Meaning: existing or occurring at the beginning
Eg: The initial results of the ECG didn’t show any warning signs.

Cost me an arm and a leg

Meaning: to be too expensive
Eg: Purchasing a Porsche costs the man his arm and leg.

Hardcore

Meaning: highly committed in one’s support for or dedication to something
Eg: Jim is a hardcore gamer.

Part 3 Follow-Up Questions

Do you think our shopping habits have changed?

Of course, with the advent of e-commerce, contactless payments, and technological improvements, people’s purchasing habits have altered dramatically. Everything is done online, from selecting things to paying for them. Since everyone is hooked to their smartphones, they are lured by the crazy deals and discounts the online application offers. As a result, they practically purchase the products online. However, a small percentage of individuals go to physical stores to check if the goods are available for a lower price.

Do people spend too much time shopping these days? Why?

Yes, absolutely! People of all ages spend a significant amount of time shopping online since it allows them to do so from the comfort of their own homes, with no restrictions. They are drawn to the crazy deals and offers advertised by online retailers. As a result, with the accessibility of smartphones, shopping has unequivocally become a more convenient option for people now than in the past. In addition, consumers enjoy a hassle-free shopping experience when they purchase online. Thus, the internet has revolutionized the way we are living our life.

Does consumerism affect the economy? Why?

Yes, it is undeniable that the more people spend, the stronger the economy will be since it contributes to job creation, local business expansion, and a significant increase in the number of people working and paying taxes. In other words, consumerism fuels economic growth; the more people spend on products and services, the more prosperous the economy becomes. In addition, people’s living conditions are also likely to improve due to consumption. However, there are negative consequences of consumerism, such as the depletion of natural resources and contamination of the environment because of the purchase of unsustainable products.

Does technology affect our shopping habits? Why?

Yes, technology has undoubtedly been the most critical engine of consumerism in recent decades. With the advent of technology, it has become effortless for people to shop, purchase and consume anything at any time, from anywhere. The ability to buy practically anything from almost anywhere globally has undoubtedly influenced how people shop for clothing, specialty foods, and other items. Thus, E-commerce has made shopping more convenient, given us more possibilities, and has had a significant impact on how, when, and why we shop.