When preparing for the IELTS Speaking test, candidates often encounter questions about places and experiences. One common topic is describing a place where things are expensive. This subject has appeared frequently in past IELTS exams and is likely to remain relevant in future tests. Let’s explore how to effectively answer such questions and maximize your speaking score.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about expensive places. Here are some possible questions and a sample answer:
Q: Have you ever been to a place where you thought things were too expensive?
A: Yes, I have. Last summer, I visited Describe a place where you thought things were too expensive during my vacation. I was taken aback by the exorbitant prices of almost everything, from accommodation to dining out.
Part 2: Long Turn
Here’s a potential cue card related to the topic:
Describe a place where you thought things were too expensive. You should say:
- Where it was
- When you went there
- What you did there
- And explain why you thought it was expensive
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
I’d like to talk about my recent trip to Geneva, Switzerland, which I visited last summer for a week-long vacation. Geneva is renowned for being one of the most expensive cities in the world, and my experience there certainly confirmed this reputation.
Upon arriving, I was immediately struck by the high cost of accommodation. Even a modest hotel room was priced exorbitantly, far exceeding my initial budget. Throughout my stay, I engaged in various activities, including exploring the city’s famous landmarks like the Jet d’Eau and the Palais des Nations. I also took a boat tour on Lake Geneva and visited some museums.
What truly astonished me was the cost of dining out. A simple meal at a casual restaurant would often set me back more than I’d typically spend on a fancy dinner back home. Even everyday items at supermarkets were significantly more expensive than what I was accustomed to.
I believe Geneva’s high prices can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, Switzerland has a strong economy and a high standard of living, which naturally drives up costs. Additionally, Geneva is home to numerous international organizations and multinational companies, creating a demand for luxury goods and services. The city’s status as a global financial hub also contributes to its expensive nature.
Despite the high costs, I found Geneva to be a beautiful and fascinating city. The experience taught me the importance of thorough budget planning when traveling to such expensive destinations.
Expensive cityscape of Geneva, Switzerland
Follow-up questions:
Q: How did you manage your expenses in such an expensive place?
A (Band 6-7): I tried to cut costs by staying in a cheaper hotel outside the city center and cooking some of my meals instead of eating out all the time. I also looked for free activities and used public transportation to save money.
A (Band 8-9): To mitigate the financial impact, I employed several cost-saving strategies. I opted for accommodation through a home-sharing platform, which proved more economical than traditional hotels. Additionally, I prioritized my spending, allocating more of my budget to experiences I deemed essential while economizing on less critical aspects. I also took advantage of the Geneva Pass, which offered free public transportation and entry to numerous attractions, thereby maximizing value for money.
Q: Do you think expensive places are always worth visiting?
A (Band 6-7): Not always. Sometimes expensive places can be overrated and not worth the high costs. However, some expensive destinations offer unique experiences that can justify the price.
A (Band 8-9): The value of visiting expensive places is highly subjective and depends on individual preferences and circumstances. While some costly destinations offer unparalleled experiences and cultural richness that can justify the expense, others may be overhyped. It’s crucial to weigh the potential benefits against the financial outlay. Personally, I believe that if a place offers unique insights, exceptional beauty, or significant personal growth opportunities, it can be worth the investment. However, it’s equally important to recognize that memorable and enriching experiences can often be found in more affordable locations as well.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Q: Why do you think some places are more expensive than others?
A (Band 6-7): Some places are more expensive because they’re popular tourist destinations or have a high cost of living. Factors like location, demand, and local economy can all affect prices.
A (Band 8-9): The disparity in costs between different locations can be attributed to a complex interplay of economic, geographical, and social factors. Prime factors include the overall economic strength of the region, supply and demand dynamics, and the cost of living index. Popular tourist destinations often command higher prices due to increased demand and the willingness of visitors to pay a premium for unique experiences. Additionally, places with scarce resources or those requiring significant infrastructure investment to maintain (such as remote islands or mountainous regions) typically have higher operational costs, which are reflected in consumer prices. The presence of high-income industries, like finance or technology hubs, can also drive up local prices as the market adapts to cater to a more affluent demographic.
Factors contributing to expensive places
Q: Do you believe the trend of increasing prices in popular destinations will continue?
A (Band 6-7): Yes, I think prices in popular places will keep going up because more people want to visit them. This increased demand usually leads to higher prices for things like hotels and restaurants.
A (Band 8-9): The trajectory of pricing in popular destinations is likely to continue its upward trend, driven by several persistent factors. As global wealth increases and travel becomes more accessible, the demand for unique and luxurious experiences in sought-after locations is likely to grow. This increased demand, coupled with the often limited supply of accommodations and services in these areas, creates a perfect storm for price inflation.
However, it’s important to note that this trend may not be uniformly linear. External factors such as economic downturns, health crises (as we’ve seen with the recent pandemic), or shifts in travel preferences could temporarily disrupt or alter this pattern. Additionally, the rise of alternative tourism models, such as eco-tourism or community-based tourism, might offer more affordable options even in traditionally expensive locations.
In the long term, the sustainability of continually increasing prices will likely depend on the ability of these destinations to consistently deliver value that justifies the cost. Destinations that fail to maintain their appeal or adapt to changing traveler expectations may find it challenging to sustain premium pricing.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases
To enhance your IELTS Speaking performance, incorporate these sophisticated terms and expressions:
Exorbitant [ɪɡˈzɔːbɪtənt] (adj): Unreasonably high (in price or amount).
Example: The exorbitant prices in the resort town shocked many visitors.Taken aback [ˈteɪkən əˈbæk] (phrasal verb): Surprised or startled by something unexpected.
Example: I was taken aback by the cost of a simple coffee in the city center.Set (someone) back (idiom): To cost someone a certain amount of money.
Example: A night out in this expensive city can set you back hundreds of dollars.Mitigate [ˈmɪtɪɡeɪt] (verb): Make less severe, serious, or painful.
Example: To mitigate the high costs, many tourists opt for budget accommodations.Disparity [dɪˈspærəti] (noun): A great difference.
Example: The disparity in prices between the tourist areas and local neighborhoods was significant.
IELTS vocabulary flashcards for describing expensive places
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when discussing expensive places:
- Use a wide range of vocabulary related to economics and travel.
- Provide detailed examples to support your points.
- Analyze the reasons behind high prices rather than just describing them.
- Compare and contrast expensive places with more affordable ones.
- Discuss both positive and negative aspects of visiting expensive destinations.
- Practice speaking about various expensive places to improve fluency and confidence.
Remember, the key to excelling in the IELTS Speaking test is not just about knowing the topic, but also about expressing your ideas clearly, coherently, and with linguistic sophistication. Regular practice with a variety of topics, including describe a concert you want to attend or describe a time when you did something exciting, will help you develop the skills needed to tackle any question confidently.
