A couple of years ago, I decided to invest in a high-end ergonomic office chair, specifically the Aeron model by Herman Miller. At the time, I was working remotely full-time and my old, budget-friendly chair was wreaking havoc on my posture, leaving me with persistent back pain by the end of every workday. I finally took the plunge and ordered it directly from the official manufacturer’s website after spending weeks reading reviews and watching deep-dive videos on YouTube to ensure it was a sound investment. The price tag was admittedly eye-watering; it cost me roughly eight hundred pounds, which felt like a massive dent in my savings account at the time. I bought it during a seasonal promotion, though even with the discount, it remained the most expensive piece of furniture I have ever owned. I spent such a significant amount of money because I viewed it as an investment in my long-term physical health rather than a mere luxury purchase. I reasoned that since I spend at least eight hours a day sitting at my desk, the cost was justified by the potential savings on future physiotherapy bills and the immediate improvement in my daily comfort. It was not just about the brand name, but the build quality and the sheer level of adjustability it offered. Looking back, it was worth every penny because it completely eliminated the chronic discomfort I was experiencing. It taught me that when it comes to tools you use daily, it is often better to pay a premium for quality and durability.
The cue card
Describe a time you spent a lot of money on something.
You should say:
- →What did you buy?
- →When did you buy it?
- →Where did you buy it?
- →Explain why you spent a lot of money to buy it.
One minute to prepare, then speak for one to two minutes.
An object
How to answer this cue card: a one-minute plan
- 1
Select an item that has a clear emotional or functional justification for its high cost.
- 2
Use a narrative structure to link the problem you had with the purchase decision.
- 3
Include specific details about the buying process to make your story feel more authentic.
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
wreaking havoc
causing a large amount of damage or trouble
take the plunge
decide to do something important after much thought
eye-watering
extremely high in terms of price or cost
dent in my savings
a significant reduction in one's total accumulated money
deep-dive
a thorough and detailed analysis of a topic
pay a premium
pay a higher price for superior quality goods
long-term
relating to a long period into the future
chronic
persisting for a long time or constantly recurring
6 questions
Part 3 follow-up questions
- 1What do people spend most of their money on in your country?
- 2Why do you think some people spend an excessive amount of money on luxury cars and products?
- 3Do the young people in your country have the habit of spending a lot of money or are they conscious?
- 4Should young school children be taught about money management from an early age?
- 5Is it a good idea to save money? Why (not)?
- 6Do you think that people are happier if they have money? Why (not)?
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 you spent a lot of money on something."?+
Select an item that has a clear emotional or functional justification for its high cost.
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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- IELTS pronunciation practice
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