Cue Card

Describe an item that cost more than you expected

You should say:

• What it was
• How much it cost
• Why you bought it
• And explain why it cost more than you expected.

Sample Part 3 Questions

1. Do you often spend more than you expect?
2. What do you think young people spend most of their money on?
3. Do you think it’s important to save money?
4. Do people buy things they don’t need?

Sample Cue Card Answer

I'm still reeling from the sticker shock I got when I bought my first smartphone. I mean, I'd heard the rumors, but I didn't think it'd be that bad. I walked into the Apple store, eyes fixed on the sleek new iPhone, and asked the sales rep how much it'd set me back. He told me, and I swear my jaw dropped like a trapdoor. $1,000? For a phone?! I could've bought a decent laptop for that price! I felt like I'd just been punched in the gut.

But here's the thing: I bought it anyway. And you know what? It was worth every penny. I mean, this thing is a beast. The camera's insane, the battery life is ridiculous, and the screen is so sharp it'll cut you. I use it for everything from snapping pics of my cat to running my entire business. It's like having a tiny supercomputer in my pocket.

Now, I know what you're thinking: 'Isn't that just a fancy paperweight?' But trust me, it's not. This phone has changed the game for me. I can respond to emails on the go, video conference with clients, and even edit videos in my spare time. It's like having an entire office in my pocket. And yeah, it was expensive, but it's been a solid investment.

Of course, there are some downsides. Like when I dropped it in the toilet and had to shell out another $200 for a new screen. Or when I got a $50 parking ticket because I was too busy texting to notice the meter had expired. But overall, I'd say it's been worth it. I mean, what's the point of having all this tech if we don't use it to make our lives easier, right?

Cue Card Answer Key Phrases and Idioms

sticker shock

a feeling of surprise or shock at the high price of something

I got sticker shock when I saw the price of the new iPhone.

The cost of the concert tickets gave me sticker shock.

beast

something that is very powerful or impressive

The new iPhone is a beast of a phone.

The new sports car is a beast on the road.

cut you

to be very sharp or impressive

The new TV's screen is so sharp it'll cut you.

The comedian's jokes were so sharp they cut you.

Sample Part 3 Answers

Do you often spend more than you expect? Honestly, I'd say it's not uncommon for me to spend more than I expect, especially when I'm shopping online. I'll be browsing through a website, and I'll come across something that catches my eye, and before I know it, I've added a few extra items to my cart. It's like, I'll be looking for a new pair of shoes, but then I'll see a shirt that goes perfectly with them, and suddenly I'm buying a whole outfit. I think it's easy to get caught up in the moment and lose track of my budget.

What do you think young people spend most of their money on? I think young people spend a lot of their money on experiences, like traveling and going to concerts or festivals. I mean, think about it - with social media, everyone's always seeing their friends' highlight reels, and it's easy to get FOMO. So, people want to have those experiences for themselves, and they're willing to spend money to make it happen. Plus, with the rise of influencers and online shopping, it's easier than ever to discover new products and brands, and people are willing to shell out cash for the latest and greatest things.

Do you think it’s important to save money? Absolutely, I think saving money is crucial, especially when you're young. I mean, it's easy to get caught up in the moment and think that you'll always have time to save later, but the truth is, the earlier you start saving, the better off you'll be in the long run. Plus, having a cushion of savings can give you peace of mind and freedom to make choices that aren't solely based on money. For example, if you want to quit your job to travel or pursue a passion project, having savings can give you the security to take that leap.

Do people buy things they don’t need? Unfortunately, yes, I think people do buy things they don't need. I mean, think about it - how many of us have bought something on impulse, only to realize later that we didn't really need it? It's like, we get caught up in the excitement of the purchase, and we don't think about whether it's really something we'll use or love. And then, of course, there's the pressure of keeping up with the latest trends and technologies. It's easy to get sucked into the cycle of consumption, but at the end of the day, it's just stuff, and it's not going to bring us lasting happiness.

Part 3 Key Phrases and Idioms

caught up in the moment

to be completely absorbed or distracted by what is happening at a particular time

I got caught up in the moment and forgot to take a photo.

She was caught up in the excitement of the party and didn't notice her phone was missing.