The IELTS Speaking test assesses your communication skills, sentence structure, pronunciation, and more. In this article, we provide 3 sample model answers and 7 follow-up questions for the topic “Talk about a special day which was not that expensive.” Review the sentence structure and response framework to help you confidently tackle the actual IELTS Speaking Cue Card test.

IELTS Speaking Part 2: Cue Card

Talk about a special day which was not that expensive

In IELTS Speaking Part 2, you are required to deliver a short individual speech based on a given cue card. You’ll be provided with a card containing a set of questions related to the topic. You’ll have 1 minute to prepare your notes using a pen and paper, followed by a 4-5 minute speaking session. Below, we have provided sample model answers for the cue card topic “Talk about a special day which was not that expensive” to help you practice.

Talk about a special day which was not that expensive

You should say:

• What is the occasion?

• Where you went?

• Who did you celebrate with?

• Why it didn’t cost you much?

Model Answer 1

Introduction

Celebrating special occasions doesn't always require spending a lot of money. Sometimes, the most memorable events are the least expensive and offer opportunities to discover new interests.

What is the occasion?

During my graduation, we were invited to a college cultural fest that featured various activities such as workshops, quizzes, sports, and dance. The event lasted for three days and attracted students from different places.

Where you went?

The fest was hosted at the NIT Trichy campus. I attended along with my group of friends using invitation passes and stayed throughout the event.

Who did you celebrate with?

It was a wonderful experience competing in different activities like a robotics workshop, quizzes, and sports. We also enjoyed a rain dance and a bicycle race organized by the student committee.

Why it didn’t cost you much?

Since the invitations were exclusive, the organizers provided food and accommodation for the participants. We only had to pay for our travel, which was quite affordable.

Conclusion

Inter-college cultural fests offer great opportunities to connect with others, make new friends, and experience different campus cultures without incurring much expense.

Model Answer 2

Introduction

Social gatherings like office parties provide a refreshing break from work and help build strong bonds among employees.

What is the occasion?

Our company organized a New Year's Eve party, which took place at the end of December and continued through the night with various entertaining activities.

Where you went?

We held the party at a resort offering excellent amenities such as a swimming pool and sports activities.

Who did you celebrate with?

All employees, including the board of directors, attended. The event featured cultural performances and an award ceremony where some employees were recognized for their outstanding contributions.

Why it didn’t cost you much?

As it was a company-sponsored event and the resort had business ties with the company, most costs were covered. Accommodation and dinner were provided, and activities like go-karting and table tennis required only a minimal fee.

Conclusion

Such office parties not only allow employees to create enjoyable memories but also strengthen workplace relationships and morale.

Model Answer 3

Introduction

Celebrating special days helps create lasting memories and offers a chance to show appreciation for loved ones.

What is the occasion?

Usually, my parents plan special celebrations, but this time I decided to surprise my father with a birthday party.

Where you went?

I arranged the surprise party at a fancy restaurant and booked the function hall there for the celebration.

Who did you celebrate with?

I invited a few of my father's friends, family members, and some close friends who traveled from other cities to attend.

Why it didn’t cost you much?

The restaurant owner, a family friend, offered me a special discount on dining and allowed us to use the function hall free of charge. This made the event both memorable and affordable.

Conclusion

Celebrating birthdays allows us to spend quality time with our loved ones, strengthening our bonds and creating joyful memories without the need for extravagant spending.

IELTS Speaking Part 3 — Follow-up Questions

1. Do teenagers spend much more money than before?

Yes, today’s teenagers have greater spending power compared to earlier generations. With the rise of technology, online shopping, and social media, they are more inclined to buy gadgets, explore new cuisines, and travel, often leading to higher expenses.

2. How can people save money as much as possible?

To save money, people should monitor their expenses, set financial goals, and stick to a budget. Taking advantage of government or private saving schemes and developing financial literacy can also help avoid unnecessary losses.

3. Do you ever have a bad shopping experience?

Yes, I once tried online shopping and received a damaged product. While placing an order was easy, getting a replacement proved to be quite difficult, which made the experience frustrating.

4. Why is online shopping so popular these days?

Online shopping offers convenience, variety, and access to global products. Busy work schedules leave people with little time for traditional shopping, making online platforms a popular alternative.

5. Do you think you can buy something from a physical store without money?

Yes, many stores now offer cashless payment options like credit cards, debit cards, and mobile payment apps, allowing customers to make purchases without using physical cash.

6. Do you indulge in impulsive purchasing?

Generally, I avoid impulsive buying. I plan my purchases according to my budget and resist marketing tactics aimed at encouraging unnecessary spending.

7. What strategy do you follow to save money?

I utilize various savings schemes, avoid unnecessary purchases, and prefer home-cooked meals to maintain both financial stability and a healthy lifestyle.