A couple of years ago, I decided to splurge on a high-end ergonomic office chair. After transitioning to remote work, I found myself spending ten hours a day hunched over my laptop, which eventually led to chronic back pain. I realised that my makeshift wooden kitchen chair was simply not cutting it for long-term comfort. I spent weeks scouring the internet for reviews before settling on a top-tier model from a reputable Scandinavian furniture brand. It cost a small fortune, setting me back nearly eight hundred pounds, which was a significant dent in my savings at the time. When the package arrived, I felt a mix of apprehension and excitement; I was worried I might have fallen for a marketing gimmick, but the moment I sat down, the difference was palpable. The mesh material was breathable, and the lumbar support felt like it was moulded specifically for my spine. The adjustment mechanisms were intuitive, allowing me to tailor every angle to my posture. Looking back, I can confidently say that this was worth every penny. Beyond the immediate physical comfort, it transformed my productivity. I no longer finish my working day feeling physically drained or stiff, which has actually improved my overall mood and focus. Investing in my health through a piece of furniture might sound excessive to some, but considering the countless hours I spend at my desk, it has proven to be an essential tool rather than a luxury item. It was a steep upfront cost, but the relief from back pain has been absolutely priceless.
The cue card
Describe a time when you bought something expensive
You should say:
- →What you bought
- →Why you bought it
- →How you felt about the purchase
- →And explain whether it was worth the money
One minute to prepare, then speak for one to two minutes.
An object
How to answer this cue card: a one-minute plan
- 1
Identify the item clearly and explain the specific need that triggered the purchase.
- 2
Use descriptive adjectives to explain your emotional state during and after the transaction.
- 3
Evaluate the purchase by linking the cost to long-term benefits or personal well-being.
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 large amount of money on luxury
makeshift
temporary substitute used during an emergency or need
scouring
searching thoroughly and quickly through a place
palpable
so intense as to be easily felt or noticed
lumbar support
a feature providing comfort for the lower back
steep
an adjective describing an excessively high price
upfront cost
the initial payment required before using a service
priceless
extremely useful or valuable beyond any monetary measure
6 questions
Part 3 follow-up questions
- 1How has shopping changed in recent years?
- 2What are the advantages and disadvantages of online shopping?
- 3Do you think people are too materialistic today?
- 4How important is it to be a smart consumer?
- 5What role does advertising play in consumer behavior?
- 6How do you think shopping will change in the future?
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 time when you bought something expensive"?+
Identify the item clearly and explain the specific need that triggered the purchase.
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
- IELTS speaking practice with AI scoring
- IELTS Speaking Part 3 questions and answers
- IELTS Speaking Part 1 questions
- IELTS speaking predictions
- IELTS pronunciation practice
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