Mastering IELTS Speaking: How to Describe an Expensive Place You Visited

The topic of describing an expensive place you visited is a common theme in IELTS Speaking tests. It allows examiners to assess your ability to discuss travel experiences, personal opinions, and economic aspects. This topic has appeared frequently in past exams and is likely to remain relevant in future tests.

Describe a museum that you have visited can also be an expensive experience, especially in major cities. Let’s explore how to effectively answer questions about expensive places in your IELTS Speaking test.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about expensive places or related topics. Here are some possible questions:

1. Do you enjoy visiting expensive places?
2. What’s the most expensive place you’ve ever been to?
3. Do you think expensive places are always worth the money?

Let’s look at a sample answer for the second question:

Sample Answer (Band 7-8):
“The most expensive place I’ve ever been to is undoubtedly Dubai. I visited last year, and I was taken aback by the sheer opulence of the city. Everything from the hotels to the restaurants and shopping malls seemed to exude luxury. Even simple activities like having a coffee or taking a taxi were considerably pricier than what I’m used to back home. It was an eye-opening experience that really made me appreciate the extravagant lifestyle some people lead.”

Part 2: Long Turn

Here’s a sample cue card related to the topic:

Describe a place you visited where things were expensive
You should say:

• Where it was
• When you went there
• What you did there
• And explain why you think things were expensive there

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):

“I’d like to talk about my recent trip to Zurich, Switzerland, which I visited last summer. Zurich is renowned for being one of the most expensive cities in the world, and my experience there certainly confirmed this reputation.

I spent about a week in Zurich, primarily exploring the city and its surroundings. I visited several museums, including the prestigious Swiss National Museum, took a boat tour on Lake Zurich, and indulged in some local cuisine at various restaurants.

What struck me most was how astronomically high the prices were for almost everything. A simple meal at a mid-range restaurant could easily cost upwards of 50 Swiss Francs, which is about 55 US dollars. Even basics like a cup of coffee or a bottle of water were significantly more expensive than what I’m accustomed to.

I believe there are several factors contributing to the high costs in Zurich. Firstly, Switzerland has a very high standard of living and strong currency, which naturally leads to higher prices. Additionally, Zurich is a global financial hub, attracting wealthy individuals and international corporations, which drives up the cost of goods and services. The city’s commitment to maintaining high quality in everything from public transportation to food production also plays a role in the elevated prices.

Despite the high costs, I found Zurich to be an incredibly beautiful and well-maintained city. The cleanliness, efficiency, and overall quality of life were evident everywhere, which made me understand why people are willing to pay a premium to live or visit there. It was certainly an eye-opening experience that gave me a new perspective on the relationship between cost and quality of life.”

Expensive Zurich cityscape with lake

Examiner’s follow-up questions:

1. Do you think it’s worth visiting expensive places?
2. How do expensive places differ from more affordable destinations?

Sample Answer (Band 7-8):

1. “I believe visiting expensive places can be worthwhile, depending on one’s personal preferences and budget. These destinations often offer unique experiences, top-notch services, and impeccable infrastructure that can justify the high costs. However, it’s crucial to weigh the benefits against the expenses and ensure that the visit aligns with one’s travel goals and financial situation.”

2. “Expensive places typically boast superior infrastructure, cleaner environments, and more exclusive attractions compared to more affordable destinations. They often have stricter regulations and higher standards for services, which can lead to a more polished and comfortable experience. However, affordable destinations might offer more authentic cultural experiences and can be more budget-friendly for longer stays or frequent travels.”

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In this section, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to expensive places and travel. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:

Examiner: Do you think the trend of visiting expensive places is increasing? Why or why not?

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I believe the trend of visiting expensive places is indeed on the rise, particularly among certain demographics. This can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, there’s been a growing emphasis on experiential travel rather than just sightseeing. Many travelers, especially millennials and Gen Z, are willing to splurge on unique, high-quality experiences that often come with a hefty price tag.

Secondly, social media has played a significant role in popularizing luxury travel. Influencers and celebrities often showcase their visits to expensive destinations, creating a desire among their followers to emulate these experiences. This has led to the phenomenon of ‘travel bragging’ where people seek out expensive or exclusive destinations partly for the prestige associated with them.

However, it’s important to note that this trend isn’t universal. There’s also a counter-movement focusing on budget travel, sustainable tourism, and off-the-beaten-path destinations. Many travelers are becoming more conscious of their environmental impact and are opting for more affordable, eco-friendly options.

In conclusion, while there is a noticeable trend towards visiting expensive places, it’s part of a broader diversification of travel preferences, with different groups gravitating towards various types of travel experiences based on their values, interests, and financial capabilities.”

Examiner: How do you think expensive travel destinations impact local communities?

Sample Answer (Band 7-8):
“Expensive travel destinations can have both positive and negative impacts on local communities. On the positive side, they often bring in significant revenue, creating jobs and boosting the local economy. This can lead to improved infrastructure and services that benefit both tourists and residents.

However, there are also potential drawbacks. The influx of wealthy tourists can drive up the cost of living for locals, potentially pricing them out of their own neighborhoods. This can lead to issues of gentrification and loss of local culture. Additionally, if not managed properly, luxury tourism can put a strain on local resources and the environment.

It’s crucial for expensive destinations to strike a balance between catering to high-end tourists and preserving the local way of life. Implementing sustainable tourism practices and ensuring that a fair portion of the revenue benefits the local community are key steps in mitigating potential negative impacts.”

Key Vocabulary and Phrases

To enhance your IELTS Speaking performance, consider using these advanced vocabulary items and phrases:

1. Exorbitant /ɪɡˈzɔːrbɪtənt/ (adjective): Unreasonably high (in price or amount).
   Example: “The prices at that resort were absolutely exorbitant.”

2. Affluent /ˈæfluənt/ (adjective): Having a great deal of money; wealthy.
   Example: “The city attracts many affluent tourists who can afford its luxury hotels.”

3. Lavish /ˈlævɪʃ/ (adjective): Sumptuously rich, elaborate, or luxurious.
   Example: “We were impressed by the lavish decorations in the five-star hotel lobby.”

4. To splurge /splɜːrdʒ/ (verb): To spend money freely or extravagantly.
   Example: “I decided to splurge on a gourmet meal at the Michelin-starred restaurant.”

5. Cost an arm and a leg (idiom): To be extremely expensive.
   Example: “Staying in central London during peak season costs an arm and a leg.”

Describe an item on which you spent more than expected is another topic where you can use these vocabulary items effectively.

Examiner’s Advice

To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when discussing expensive places:

1. Use a wide range of vocabulary related to travel, luxury, and economics.
2. Provide detailed examples and personal experiences to support your points.
3. Discuss both advantages and disadvantages of expensive destinations to demonstrate critical thinking.
4. Use advanced grammatical structures and idiomatic expressions naturally.
5. Maintain fluency while elaborating on your ideas.
6. Show awareness of global trends and their impacts on travel and local communities.

Remember, practice is key to improving your speaking skills. Try to incorporate these strategies and vocabulary items into your daily conversations or practice sessions. Describe an outdoor activity you tried for the first time can also provide opportunities to discuss potentially expensive experiences, allowing you to further practice these language skills.