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2 min read11 June 2026

Describe An Expensive Activity That You Enjoy Doing Occasionally - IELTS Cue Card

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Describe An Expensive Activity That You Enjoy Doing Occasionally - IELTS Cue Card

As a widely recognized English language assessment, the IELTS is taken by individuals whose native tongue is not English. Every year, upwards of 3.5 million test-takers sit for the exam to pursue educational opportunities abroad and build careers in English-speaking nations. The test consists of four distinct components: Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking. Specifically, the Speaking module is divided into three parts, with part 2 functioning as the cue card segment. This portion lasts between 4 and 5 minutes. Upon receiving a topic on a cue card, candidates are granted 1 minute of preparation time before speaking continuously for 2 to 3 minutes.

In this article, we examine a prominent cue card prompt: describe an expensive activity that you enjoy doing occasionally. While maintaining self-assurance is crucial, test-takers often experience nervousness due to the tight time limits. To help you grasp how to successfully tackle cue cards, this post provides four model responses.

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What is an IELTS Cue Card?

Examiners hand candidates a cue card featuring a specific topic that forms the basis of their talk. This evaluates your capacity to articulate and structure thoughts using diverse vocabulary and grammatical forms. The card also lists 2 to 4 bullet points for you to elaborate on. This segment takes three to four minutes in total, split into two minutes of speaking and one to two minutes for related follow-up inquiries.

Performance in the Speaking test is reported as band scores ranging from 0 to 9. Each whole and half band reflects a distinct tier of English competence. Note that part 2 carries greater weight in evaluation than part 1. The time allocation for the cue card segment is detailed below.

Task

Duration

Preparation

1 minute

Speaking

2-3 minutes

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Why are IELTS Cue Cards Important?

IELTS cue cards form a vital element of the speaking examination and serve several significant purposes.

Describe An Expensive Activity That You Enjoy Doing Occasionally: Sample Answer 1

What is it?

Visiting an amusement arcade to play games is an activity I indulge in from time to time, even though I consider it rather costly.

Who do you do it with?

I share a passion for arcade games with a close circle of friends, and together we head to a gaming center on a monthly basis. Situated inside a local shopping mall, this entertainment hub is called Adventure Zone and features an array of attractions like video games, slot machines, pool tables, and bowling alleys.

Why is it expensive?

It is a rather pricey destination. Admission requires purchasing a card preloaded with 1000 rupees of credit, which is then swiped to pay for individual games. My friends and I particularly enjoy bowling, adding a friendly competitive edge to the outing, and it happens to be the costliest attraction at the venue. We also play video games and billiards, with billiards being my personal favorite. Our visits generally happen during the first week of every month right after receiving our pocket money, most of which we end up spending there.

Explain how you feel about it.

We thoroughly enjoy the vibrant atmosphere filled with loud music, lively chatter, and flashing laser lights. Naturally, after spending hours playing, we grow tired and hungry, at which point we make our way to our favorite mall restaurant to eat our fill.

Describe An Expensive Activity That You Enjoy Doing Occasionally: Sample Answer 2

What is it?

Rather than the cost, the sheer sense of adventure is what draws us to this pursuit. While our financial situations may not always easily accommodate it, we are all eager to participate. One such pastime I like to practice occasionally is shooting. Our city houses an Olympic-sized shooting facility offering diverse disciplines, including 50m, 25m, and 10m rifle and pistol events, alongside trap and skeet shotgun shooting.

Who do you do it with?

My father sparked my interest in this discipline. Watching him practice when I was young inspired me to take up the sport myself. Now that I am grown and eligible to participate, it serves as my ultimate weekend hobby. My father and I frequently visit the shooting academy together to practice. We both find joy in the distinct crack of bullets cutting through the air and the competitive spirit among fellow marksmen at the range.

Why is it expensive?

This sport incurs high costs due to the specialized gear and apparatus required. Shooters receive a restricted allocation of ammunition per session, and purchasing refills can be quite expensive.

Explain how you feel about it.

Shooting is an exceptional discipline for cultivating emotional control and fostering mental clarity. In today's fast-paced world, preserving inner peace is essential. This activity not only refreshes my mind but also invigorates my entire physical self. Though costly, it is an endeavor well worth the expense.

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Describe An Expensive Activity That You Enjoy Doing Occasionally: Sample Answer 3

What is it?

Certain pursuits involve steep expenses, whereas others are quite budget-friendly. My personal pastimes include watching movies online, capturing nature photography, and listening to music. Consequently, the majority of my leisure activities remain relatively inexpensive. On occasion, I venture out to photograph wilderness landscapes and outdoor explorers.

Who do you do it with?

I frequently go on these trips alongside friends and cousins.

Why is it expensive?

Visiting these locations is costly since they are located far from my residence. Travel expenses generally total about Rs 5,000. Additionally, I need to upkeep my camera and lens, which is a remarkably pricey undertaking. I took up photography during my school days. My companions are also photography enthusiasts. In the course of this year's summer break, two of my friends and I traveled to Gir to capture wildlife images.

Explain how you feel about it.

I am passionate about wildlife photography for several reasons. The primary reason is that I appreciate nature and find photographing animals to be an incredible experience. Capturing the hidden actions of various creatures makes me feel truly alive. I also cherish photography because it lets me spend quality time with my friends. The entire trip lasts around two days and one night. Throughout this period, we converse, play games, tease each other, and enjoy wonderful meals.

Describe An Expensive Activity That You Enjoy Doing Occasionally: Sample Answer 4

What is it?

On the whole, I do not spend heavily on myself, yet I do treat myself to certain activities from time to time. One such pastime is clubbing. It stands out as a group activity that I truly relish.

Who do you do it with?

This is why I head out with my friends. We determine which clubs will be entertaining and possess a fantastic vibe. Furthermore, we seek out venues that offer superb food and mocktails.

Why is it expensive?

Clubbing is an expensive pursuit because charges apply to virtually everything. Nightclub cover fees can vary between INR 1,000 and INR 2,000. Food and drinks cost another INR 1,000 to INR 2,000, not to mention parking fees. If you intend to go out for a party, it is wise to carry approximately INR 5,000.

Explain how you feel about it.

Even though clubbing demands extra expenditure, it provides me with a chance to unwind following a long, demanding day. I let go of my worries the instant I step into the club. I believe everyone should engage in activities that make them feel liberated periodically.

Sample Follow Up Questions

Candidates must answer follow-up questions about the discussed topic after completing the cue card task. Potential questions for "Describe An Expensive Activity That You Enjoy Doing Occasionally" include:

Q1. What kind of expensive things do people like to buy?

Ans: It differs from person to person. Costly goods comprise clothing and tech devices such as smartphones, cars, and bikes. The priciest possession I have is a mountain bicycle, which I bought for a trip to Ladakh.

Q2. What is the difference between men and women buying things?

Ans: I do not think there is a major distinction. Men do, however, occasionally buy high-end watches and mobile phones. I feel that women make purchases after much deliberation.

Q3. What are some sports so expensive? Are they for everyone?

Ans: Certain sports, specifically adventure sports, are costly because they necessitate permits, trained professionals, and expensive safety gear. I do not believe everyone can afford them. Moreover, the inherent danger makes them unsuitable for the timid.

Q4. What are the benefits and drawbacks of being rich?

Ans: The greatest advantage of wealth is that you can experience the joy of work-life balance without laboring purely for money. The disadvantage of being rich is that people often value wealth more than the individual.

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Tips to Answer IELTS Cue Card

Answering an IELTS cue card may appear challenging, but through practice, you will master it. Dedicate sufficient time to preparation, and adhere to the following pointers to articulate your ideas:

Conclusion

The IELTS speaking section part 2 serves as a fundamental instrument to assess candidates' capacity to communicate efficiently and think rapidly. This enables test takers to feel confident that they can manage their lives overseas, as communication is a vital means to achieve this.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the IELTS Speaking Part 2 cue card important for the test?

<p>The IELTS Speaking Part 2 speech cue card is crucial because it evaluates a candidate&#039;s fluent, time-bound English communication ability. Test takers must think quickly, organize their thoughts, and speak effectively in this segment. It transcends casual conversation and offers applicants a more structured approach to showcase their language proficiency.</p>

What role does the example answers' format play in helping candidates complete the IELTS Speaking Part 2 Cue Card?

<p>The provided example responses are organized systematically and incorporate key themes, including object identification, the object&#039;s attributes, and the reasons behind the candidate&#039;s fondness for the object. Throughout the one-minute preparation phase, applicants must structure their thoughts using this methodical technique, which guarantees a thorough and comprehensive response during the one-to-two-minute speaking interval.</p>

Can I ask the examiner a question if I do not understand something about my topic?

<p>You can ask the examiner about anything you do not comprehend. Nevertheless, do not ask to alter the cue card topic, as this is something the examiner will not do. Additionally, refrain from stating that the topic is something you know nothing about. The examiner can hardly assist you here. Instead, draw upon your imagination or past experience.</p>

Is grammar essential when speaking in my IELTS Speaking exam?

<p>Accurate grammar is mandatory for the IELTS Speaking test. Grammatical precision is one of several criteria employed to evaluate your speaking capability. Without proper grammar, you cannot perform well in your IELTS speaking examination.</p>

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Describe An Expensive Activity That You Enjoy Doing Occasionally - IELTS Cue Card