IELTS SPEAKING CUE CARD
[PART 2]
SOMETHING YOU BOUGHT
BUT
NOT USE OFTEN
Describe an item you bought but do not use often
You should say:
- When you bought it
- Where you bought it
- Why you bought it
And explain why you don’t often use it
A N S W E R
To be honest, I am an impulsive buyer, I am easily tempted to buy things that for me are attractive at first glance, but later when I buy them, I feel that I don’t actually need them at all. I think this is some kind of psychological problem that I have been suffering but I have never taken this problem seriously.
LEXICAL RESOURCE
An impulsive buyer [noun] – refers to a person who buys things on a whim
Tempt [verb] – entice Glance [verb] – look briefly
Psychological problem [noun] – mental disorder
TIP
i.) The speaker starts his story by not talking about the item immediately, instead, he talks about his personality or attitude about buying in order for him to give the examiner an idea of what is he like. This is a very good way to give the examiner some background knowledge for the purpose of giving a better understanding later of the story.
Two months ago, I accompanied my friend Jenny to a sports shop as she wanted to buy a new pair of running shoes since her current shoes were already worn out. While she was being entertained by the sales clerk, a yellow color exercise ball caught my attention.
While I was checking, a saleswoman approached me and encouraged me to get that exercise ball since it was on sale. The sales clerk was very good at sales talk and she was able to persuade me to buy it. It’s funny that I made up my mind to buy it not because of its uses which the clerk taught me but because of its color. My favorite color is yellow and that was my very first time seeing an exercise ball that’s yellow.
LEXICAL RESOURCE
Accompany [verb] – go somewhere with someone
Worn out [adj.] – shabby; overused
Caught my attention [expression] – to capture or attract the attention
Approach [verb] – come nearer; talk to; speak to
Sales talk [noun] – an argument accompanied by a demonstration to persuade someone to buy something
Persuade [verb] – convince
Made up my mind [expression] – to decide
TIPS
i.) In this paragraph the speaker starts talking about the item but before giving the description of the item, he first develops the story by giving details on what brought him to the shop and what made him decide to buy the item. This is the best part to talk about the item, after your introductory part immediately talk about the item, do not delay it any longer.
ii.) The speaker gives a description of the item in order for the examiner to visualize what the item is about. You really have to do that, when talking about an object or place give descriptive details always, and as much as possible.
When I arrived home I placed it in our small gym inside the house together with other exercise and workout equipment that have been there unused for so many months, as far as I know. To tell you the truth, my life is really busy, something that is unthinkable since I work as a nurse on different shifts. And because my work schedule is very irregular, the idea of exercising is nearly impossible. I remember the very first time I used that exercise ball was a week later since I bought it, when my back was really in pain after my 12-hour work, I needed to sit on that ball to force proper spine alignment, I knew that that was the best remedy for my backache. And it actually worked!
So whenever I get the same problem, I just immediately sit on that ball but if I don’t have any problem with my back, I never bother myself exercising using that exercise ball at all.
LEXICAL RESOURCE
Unthinkable [adj.] – unimaginable
Near to impossible [expression] – seem almost impossible
In pain [phrase] – to feel pain
Remedy [noun] – treatment
TIPS
i.) The speaker talks about his job and the nature of his job which is very good to give the examiner more understanding of why he doesn’t use the item often. Instead of immediately giving the reason as to why he doesn’t use the item, giving the examiner a story about his lifestyle is way better since he’s able to show the examiner his language ability. That leaves a very good impression.
ii.) The speaker ends the story by just giving a condition which is also a reason why he never uses the item often. A very good way to end the story.
PART 3
Do people in your country practice recycling?
Yes certainly, this is because our government has been putting a lot of effort into spreading awareness about the importance of recycling. Every now and then, we can see some government advertisements related to environmental protection like recycling on TV. Also, the local governments of my country are very strict in the implementation of laws regarding recycling. Anyone caught disobeying the policy is fined or worse jailed. In addition, all supermarkets advise shoppers to bring their own plastic bags whenever they go shopping.
LEXICAL RESOURCE
Certainly [adv.] – definitely; surely; undoubtedly
Put a lot of effort [expression] – to give time and energy in attempting to achieve something
Spread (-ing) awareness – to broaden the consciousness of something
Implementation [noun] – execution; application
To be fined [verb] – to be charged
TIPS
i.) The use of ‘certainly’ expresses certainty or sureness. Use this after saying ‘yes’ as an affirmation or to express the truthfulness of something or if you are 100% sure of something.
ii.) The speaker answers the question by citing how their government made people practice recycling. His answer is very substantial as he provides a thorough explanation and at the same time an example. Giving an example will surely help you discuss your answer better.
Do you think people nowadays are more aware of environmental protection?
I cannot generalize since I do not have any knowledge about other nationalities, I can only speak about the people in my country. The citizens in our country are absolutely paying attention to protecting the environment as our government is steadfast in the implementation of environmental laws. Like I said a while ago, fines are high if people do not obey the law. I am confident to say that my country would be a very good model or inspiration to other nations in terms of giving protection or saving the environment.
LEXICAL RESOURCE
Citizens [noun] – the inhabitants of a country who are either born or naturalized
Pay attention [expression] – to listen, watch, consider, or practice something carefully
Steadfast [adj.] – loyal; dedicated
Nation [noun] – another term for country
TIPS
i.) The speaker expresses his honesty as he doesn’t have any firsthand information about whether or not other nationalities are aware of giving protection to the environment, he uses the expression “I can only speak about…” This is a very good way to answer a question in which your knowledge is limited.
ii.) The speaker talks about the citizens in his country only and he discusses how the government in his country made its people protect the environment. He ends his answer by giving an analysis that his country can take the lead and can be a good inspiration to other nations. That conclusive statement is really impactful.
Do you care about the pollution caused by food packaging?
Yes, I do care but I am not as dedicated as those environmental advocates. I suppose I am like any other ordinary citizen who really understands the value of protecting the environment and who practices ways how to lessen pollution. However, I cannot also deny the fact that I do not always and religiously think about that issue in my everyday life as a result I sometimes forget about it.
LEXICAL RESOURCE
Dedicated [adj.] – committed; steadfast
Advocates [noun] – supporters; people who publicly support a cause or policy
Lessen [verb] – minimize
Religiously [adv.] – consistently
TIPS
i.) The speaker gives a straightforward answer by saying ‘yes I do care…’, it’s no problem to give a straight answer. You don’t always paraphrase every question. Giving a direct line or answer is very natural.
ii.) The speaker uses a contrasting view on the later part of his answer by admitting that he doesn’t always think or consider the matter. This way of presenting another idea is a brilliant way to discuss the answer even further.
In what ways children can help save the environment?
Realistically, children cannot do so much since it is the last thing that comes to their minds. This big issue about saving the environment is too much to handle for them. The majority of children just want to play and have fun with other children.
Well, it is undeniable that children can contribute little to conserving the environment just by properly throwing their trash or saving water but that is what they all can do. For me, the responsibility for saving the environment lies on the government and the adult citizens. They should set a good example to children in order for them to understand better the importance of protecting and saving the environment.
LEXICAL RESOURCE
Realistically [adv.] – in a way that is true to life
Comes to (one’s) mind [idiom] – to suddenly occur
Too much to handle [expression] – there is more to understand
(The responsibility)…lies on [phrase] – depend on
Set an example [expression] – to encourage or inspire people with your practices or beliefs and hope that they would do the same thing
TIPS
i.) The speaker expresses a very honest answer, and the use of ‘realistically’ is just so right.
ii.) I agree with the speaker knowing that children are just wanting to have fun. They don’t care about environmental protection as much as adults do. The explanation is very straightforward and at the same time expresses the speaker’s realization based on the reality that he observes. Don’t be afraid to say what your heart wants to say. Being honest in answering can go a long way.
Develop a story better in Part 2 for
the recent IELTS Speaking CUE
CARD about
Describe An Interesting Old Person
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Meaning of Words and Phrases Sources: Collins, Macmillan, Cambridge, Oxford
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