The IELTS test is an integral part of every candidate who wishes to study or even move abroad. Divided into four parts, the IELTS test assesses one’s proficiency in the English language. The IELTS speaking test is designed to understand how well a student can converse and communicate in English, of which the IELTS cue card is a vital part. Let’s dive into one of the example cue cards of ‘Describe an item on which you spent more than expected’
Harry Potter series : Describe an Item on Which You Spent More Than Expected
Introduction
I must say I like reading books a lot but I don’t buy physical copies of the books as the prices are high and online copies of the same books are available for free or a minimal amount of ₹50-100. But a few years ago, I spent more than expected on something I never thought I would.
What is it?
I was at a bookstore casually browsing through sections when I saw this beautiful edition of the Harry Potter series sitting on the top shelf. It was looking so elegant that I could not take my eyes off it. There were eight books of the series in black hardcovers with Matt finish, the titles of the books shining in the colours associated with the books. When I held the books in my hand and started going through the pages I saw that these books also have an author’s note from JK Rowling which the other editions do not choir the salesman told me that this a limited edition set knew that instant that I had to get this book. The price of the book set was ₹6000 which was way higher than expected.
How much did you spend on it?
However, since I had my heart and eyes set on it, I was ready to spend more than expected. So without any second thoughts, I added the books set to my bag. I spent ₹6000 which was higher than I was expecting to spend. Despite the cost, it was worth the happiness I was feeling. There was an inner conflict for a brief moment between practicality and giving in to temptation and I chose the latter.
What did you learn from this situation?
Spending more than I expected on a limited edition set was a valuable lesson in my life. Now when I look back on that day I realise I learnt a very important lesson that will stay with me throughout my life which is sometimes spending, more than expected can bring happiness because it is the feeling that matters not the money. So whoever said Money can’t buy you happiness was wrong. Money can buy happiness if you know where to spend it.
Conclusion
This event shaped me emotionally in many ways. Spending more than I expected on something I never really spent money on changed me in many ways. One should keep the budget constraints in mind but also care about how for once it will make them feel.
Kindle: Describe an Item on Which You Spent More Than Expected
Introduction
When Kindle was first introduced in the market, I was one of the many people who said I would be sticking with physical books rather than switching to Kindle because as a reader I preferred the feeling of having a book in my hand. Also, the price of Kindle was more than what I was willing to spend. But then I saw Kindle trending everywhere on social media and many of my friends also switched from physical books to Kindle. That was when I gave into the allure and decided to buy a Kindle for myself and spend more than I expected.
What is it?
It was a Kindle Oasis -10th generation in black colour with dual storage and many free books already available at the Kindle Store. The design of the Kindle was sleek and it looked so elegant.
How much did you spend on it?
Its cost was 25000 which was higher than I was expecting, after purchasing the Kindle I also had to buy a case for it which was priced at 1500. I ended up paying ₹26500 which was more than I was expecting to spend.
What did you learn from this situation?
From this situation, I learnt that one should not give in to the allure and trends of social media and end up spending more than expected. Not every trending item is worth spending so much money on. The lesson I learned from this event will help me throughout my life.
Conclusion
I enjoyed reading from my Kindle but not as much as I enjoyed reading physical copies. Eventually, I ended up switching back to physical books. I spent more than I expected on something I saw trending on social media but now I know I’m going to think twice before repeating that.
Books: Describe an Item on Which You Spent More Than Expected
Introduction
I would like to state that I love to read and collect books a lot. Once I ended up spending more than I expected on a book that I already had a physical copy of. I found out that the limited edition of a book named ‘verity’ is available exclusively on Kindle with two additional chapters. So, I purchased the e-copy of Verity on Kindle and spent more than I expected.
What is it?
It was an e-copy of ‘verity’ with two additional chapters. The physical copies of the said book were to be released in the local market after a few months. I did not want to wait that long to read this book. The e-copy of the book was priced at a very high rate but I ended up spending more than I expected on the e-copy because I didn’t want to wait.
How much did you spend on it?
The physical copy of the book was priced for ₹499 but the e-copy of the special edition was priced for ₹1700. As I did not want to wait for a few months, I paid 1700 which was more than I was willing to spend.
What did you learn from this situation?
From this situation, I learnt that sometimes being patient is far better than spending more than expected money. If I had been patient that day I would have saved a lot of money and probably bought newer books.
Conclusion
As much as I enjoyed reading the book on Kindle I am never going to spend so much money rather than being patient. This incident taught me that being patient is far better than spending more than expected.
Follow-up Questions: Describe an Item on Which You Spent More Than Expected
1. Does social media influence people to spend more money than expected?
Social media plays a very vital role in brainwashing people into spending more money than expected. People young or old easily get influenced by the lifestyle celebrities or influencers showcase there. They try to mimic their lifestyle in every possible way to get accepted by their peers not realizing that the lifestyle showcased there is just for the show.
2. Is it important to form budgets while spending money?
Yes, I think it is necessary to form budgets as it helps in spending an estimated amount of money on things thus not ending up spending more than expected. However, sometimes I feel it is okay to loosen up a little when one has their heart set on something. Happiness also matters along with money.
3. According to you what is the one expensive thing people like to buy?
This differs from person to person. Different people prefer to spend money on different things they admire and people they follow. However, the one according to me that everyone likes to spend on is the iPhone. As known by all it’s very expensive yet the latest models of this phone can be seen even by the majority of middle-class people.
4. Do young people spend more money than adults?
While the answer to this question may differ from person to person, I think that people of all ages can spend more than expected on something they want.
5. According to you do people buy things they might not need
Yes. I think people sometimes spend unnecessarily on things they might not need but buy it anyway because it is trending on social media. Social media has turned out to be a great influence on people of all ages nowadays. So when people see something that’s everywhere on social media, to be accepted by their peers they also end up buying expensive things they might not need.
FAQ: Books: Describe an Item on Which You Spent More Than Expected
For how long is an IELTS score valid?
The IELTS test report form (TRF) is valid for two years.
What is the age limit for IELTS?
IELTS can be taken by students of 16 years or more.
Is the IELTS speaking module easy to crack?
Yes, it is easy to crack if you prepare for the exams with discipline and practice your routine daily.
Can I take the IELTS exam online?
Yes you can take the IELTS exam easily on your computer or laptop.
Other Cue Card Ideas to Practise:
Describe A Website Which Helped You To Do Something IELTS Cue Card
Describe A Time When You Missed An Appointment IELTS Cue Card
Describe An Old Friend You Got In Contact With Again IELTS Cue Card
Describe an Introvert Person Whom You Know IELTS Cue Card
Describe a Photo That You are Proud of IELTS Cue Card
Describe a person you would like to study or work with IELTS Cue Card
Neha Sharma is an IELTS faculty with a decade of experience in teaching IELTS. She holds a PhD in English from Stanford University, USA. Excelling in tailoring her teaching to individual student needs, she has helped over 50,000 students achieve their target scores. Actively involved in research, she ensures that her methods remain effective and innovative.
