If I had the financial freedom to splurge on a luxury item, I would undoubtedly choose a vintage 1965 Leica M3 camera. It is a masterpiece of German engineering, featuring a sleek, minimalist chrome body paired with a hand-stitched black leather grip. To the untrained eye, it might just look like a clunky old box, but to an enthusiast, its mechanical weight and the tactile satisfaction of the manual film advance lever are unparalleled. I have always been drawn to analogue photography because it forces you to slow down and compose every shot with intention rather than just snapping hundreds of digital images. Owning such a piece would be a dream, not merely as a collector’s item, but as a tool to capture the world in a way that feels permanent and authentic. The process of developing film in a darkroom has a meditative quality that I find incredibly appealing in our fast-paced, screen-obsessed era. As for whether I will ever own one, it is a complicated prospect. These cameras are becoming increasingly rare, and the price of a pristine, serviced model has skyrocketed lately. While I am currently saving for a flat, I have set up a small long-term savings fund dedicated entirely to this pursuit. I am optimistic that if I keep my finances in check over the next few years, I will eventually be able to justify the indulgence. It represents a reward for my hard work and a commitment to preserving the art of traditional photography, so I am determined to make it happen eventually.
The cue card
Describe a luxury item you would like to own in the future.
You should say:
- →What item you would like to own?
- →What does this item look like?
- →Why you would like to own this item?
- →And explain whether you think you will ever own this item.
One minute to prepare, then speak for one to two minutes.
An object
How to answer this cue card: a one-minute plan
- 1
Choose an item you genuinely find interesting to make your description sound more natural.
- 2
Use your one-minute preparation to jot down three adjectives describing its appearance and function.
- 3
Connect your desire for the item to a personal hobby or a specific life value.
Model answer
Band 8 sample answer
Say it out loud and get a band
Record this card with the AI examiner: one minute of prep, two minutes to speak, then a band for fluency, vocabulary, grammar and pronunciation with the words that cost you.
Say it and get a band free →8 words
Useful vocabulary for this cue card
splurge
spending a lot of money on luxury items
minimalist
a style that uses very simple design elements
tactile
something that is pleasing to the physical touch
unparalleled
having no equal; better than anything else similar
meditative
involving deep thought and a sense of calm
skyrocketed
increased very quickly and to a high level
pristine
in original, perfect, and clean working condition
indulgence
an expensive luxury that is not strictly necessary
6 questions
Part 3 follow-up questions
- 1Which expensive items would many young people (in your country) like to buy?
- 2How do the expensive items that younger people want to buy differ from those that older people want to buy?
- 3Do you think that people are more likely to buy expensive items for their friends or themselves?
- 4How difficult is it to become very rich in today's world?
- 5Do you agree that money does not necessarily bring happiness?
- 6In what ways might rich people use their money to help society?
Answer each in three to five sentences: position, reason, example, limit. See how to answer IELTS Speaking Part 3.
Frequently asked questions
How should I start the cue card "Describe a luxury item you would like to own in the future."?+
Choose an item you genuinely find interesting to make your description sound more natural.
How long should I speak on an IELTS cue card?+
You get one minute to prepare, then speak for the full two minutes, about 220 to 280 words at a natural pace. The examiner will stop you at two minutes, which is a good sign, not a problem.
How is the cue card scored?+
Part 2 is not scored on its own. Your whole Speaking test gets one band from four criteria: fluency and coherence, vocabulary, grammar and pronunciation. The cue card is where the examiner hears whether you can keep going for two minutes.
Can I use this sample answer in the exam?+
Use its structure and vocabulary, not its sentences. Examiners recognise memorised answers and mark fluency down; a shorter answer from your own memory scores higher than a recited one.
Keep practising
More cue cards: an object
- Describe a beanbag chair in your bedroom
- Describe a bedside table you use in your bedroom
- Describe a board game you enjoy playing
- Describe a colourful beach towel you own
- Describe a colourful tie or scarf you wear
- Describe a comfortable armchair or sofa you like
- All 705 IELTS cue cards 2026
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