Part 2 of the IELTS Speaking Test, popularly known as the ‘cue card’ segment, is widely regarded as one of the most challenging sections of the IELTS exam.
It is because you are expected to speak for a longer period with little time to prepare.
We are here to assist you thus we have provided sample responses for the cue card topic ‘Describe a vehicle that you want to buy‘ in this article. Please continue reading to find out more.
What is the IELTS Cue Card Question?
You are given a subject card with a theme and a few items to cover in the IELTS Cue Card Section. This is known as a ‘cue card.’
Along with it, you are handed a piece of paper and a pen to help you prepare for your speech.
You have one minute to plan and roughly 1-2 minutes to discuss the topic that has been assigned to you.
The subject is usually something close to your heart. You may be asked to recollect an incident or to describe why you like or detest something.
This section lasts approximately 3-4 minutes, and following your speech, the examiner may ask you one or two follow-up questions based on the topic of your speech.
How to Answer this Specific Cue Card Question: “Describe a Vehicle that You Want to Buy”?
Topic/ Question
Describe a Vehicle that You Want to Buy
Guidelines to answer this question
You should say:
- What type of vehicle it is
- How you know about this vehicle
- How you got interested in it
And explain why you think and feel it would be a good purchase.
- Think of your dream vehicle. It does not necessarily have to be a car. It could also be a scooter, a motorcycle, or even a boat. Whatever it is that you choose, you need to have a lot of knowledge about it.
- The moment you have picked a specific vehicle, take notes right away. Keep in mind that you have only 60 seconds to prepare.
- When you write down notes, state what vehicle and brand it is. Describe how it looks and explain how you learn about this vehicle. Do not forget to share why you think it would be a good purchase. Since you only have a little time to plan, write only keywords and phrases.
- Utilize sophisticated vocabulary and complex structures of grammar. These two major components will help you score high in this part of the test.
- Write as fast as you can but make sure that your handwriting is readable. The examiner will not mind whatever you have written on your notes. You are graded on how you deliver your speech.
- Now and then, you may glance at the notes you have written. It is okay. The examiner will not reprimand you.
Sample Responses: “Describe a Vehicle that You Want to Buy”
Sample Response 1:
“A Porsche 911 (nine-eleven) is one automobile I’d want to purchase. It’s one of the most famous automobiles, in my opinion, because it’s a modern classic with a lot of history. It is a two-door sports coupe developed by Porsche AG in Stuttgart, Germany. It has a very distinctive style that hasn’t changed much since it was initially released in 1963.
I appreciate this automobile because of its classic style. It looks as a car should look, and of course, its performance. It’s really fast. It’s not practical if you have a family or anything, but it’s a lot of fun to drive, a truly thrilling experience. I tried one three years ago at a promotional racing event, and it was an absolutely incredible experience that I’ll never forget.
If all goes well, I might treat myself and get one in silver in the future. It’s a nice color for a Porsche, kind of classy and sophisticated without being arrogant. It’s something I’d like to do in the next 5 years or so, and then tour it in France or Italy. I enjoy driving and vehicles have always been a hobby of mine, so it would be the ideal way to spend a couple of weeks – traveling around, visiting some great sites, and enjoying the car as well.
As I previously stated, it may not be the cheapest or most practical automobile for everyday use, but I’m sure I’d use it whenever it was handy. It’s too much pleasure to keep it in the garage all the time. It’s like delicious food. It has to be used to be appreciated and enjoyed.”
Follow-up Question 1:
Which do you prefer, commuting or driving to work?
Response:
“It actually depends. There are days when commuting is better. Taking the subway for instance is preferable on days that you think traffic might be heavy. On the other hand, there are days when it is more convenient to drive, especially when I need to do an errand or need to buy something along the way.”
Follow-up Question 2:
What do you think is the difference between vehicles today and in the past?
Response:
“I can say that the most noticeable difference in recent years is the inclusion of all necessary safety measures like ABS, airbags, crumple zones, and so on. And then there’s the degree of technology that is now deemed commonplace. Also, the modern car is also far more expensive than previous models, and we also use cars for more leisure activities than just commuting.”
Sample Response 2:
“This is actually a very timely topic because currently, I do not possess a car and have been planning to get one for the past year. As an alternative to public transportation, I intend to purchase an automobile that will allow me and my family members to travel to various locations. I have a lot of brands in mind but I am leaning towards the Suzuki brand, it’s a Japanese brand.
We now use public transit, and as a result, we are unable to manage our schedule in a flexible manner. We must rely significantly on public transportation timetables, which wastes a lot of time. Waiting in a long line for a bus is quite irritating, and we frequently feel the need for a personal car. I suppose having a personal automobile would give us a lot of flexibility and allow us to go out together more frequently in our spare time. Because of the excessive traffic on the route, we frequently cancel attending programs organized by relatives and friends. We would be able to avoid congested roads and attend more social programs if we had our own car.
Because of my reliance on public transportation, I am frequently late for essential meetings and appointments. Furthermore, in a personal automobile, I would be able to spend my time as I see fit, which would be soothing since being in a public car can be exhausting at times. Sometimes the shopping I do becomes too difficult to carry on public transportation, and having a car would allow me to conveniently take them home. We have 2-3 children at home, and we are concerned about taking them on public transportation. A personal car would assure the protection of the children on the street as well.”
Follow-up Question 1:
When did you learn how to drive? Who taught you?
Response:
“As a matter of fact, yes, I do. My older brother was the one who taught me how to drive. I was fifteen then. It took me a month before I could finally learn how to drive without his assistance and I am extremely grateful to my brother for being so patient in teaching me. I remember I was about to give up because I was so scared I might hit something or someone. I’m glad I didn’t.”
Follow-up Question 2:
Is traffic an issue in your city?
Response:
“Unfortunately, it is. My city has a vast population. Because of the city’s large population and the rising number of public and private cars, traffic congestion is common. The number of people, the number of cars they own, and the amount of public transportation they require exceeds the number of roads. As a result, traffic jams are common, and citizens suffer as a result. Unauthorized parking of cars on the street is another cause of the traffic delay. People do not always obey the exact traffic laws, and as a result of their earnestness, we frequently confront terrible traffic jams on the street.”
Vocabulary List for Answering the Question: “Describe a Vehicle that You Want to Buy”
Below are some terms from the sample responses for the cue card topic ‘Describe a vehicle that you want to buy.’ with their meanings and sample sentences for your reference.
| Word | Part of Speech | Definition | Example Usage of the Word in a Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|
| alternative | noun | Offered as an additional choice | “We had no alternative but to fire her.” |
| arrogant | adjective | Having or exhibiting an overestimation of one’s own importance or ability | “I’ve never encountered somebody who was so arrogant and self-assured.” |
| commute | verb | To travel some distance between one’s house and place of employment by public transport | “We made the decision to reside outside of town and commute to work every day.” |
| congested | adjective | Clogged with traffic or people to the point of impeding freedom of movement | “Vehicles were congesting the city roadways.” |
| coupe | noun | A vehicle having a fixed roof, two doors, and a sloping back end | “Okay, you can take my coupe, and I’ll drive your car to town.” |
| crumple | adjective | To crush anything, usually paper or cloth to make it wrinkled | “His car contains crumple zones in the front and rear, as well as two side-impact safety bars.” |
| deem | verb | To view or regard in a specific way | “I deem it appropriate for me to make a remark after the incident.” |
| distinctive | adjective | A distinguishing feature of one person or item that serves to set it apart from others | “The pattern on the shell is really distinctive.” |
| earnestness | noun | Sincere and fervent conviction | “Many people admired him for his earnestness.” |
| inclusion | noun | The act or state of incorporating or being incorporated into a group or structure | “Her inclusion on the panel has sparked debate.” |
| practical | adjective | Rather than theory and ideas, of or related with the actual doing or application of something | “It’s an intriguing concept, but it’s fraught with practical challenges.” |
| reliance | noun | Confidence in or faith in someone or something | “The city’s reliance on tourism is risky.” |
| soothing | adjective | Having a mildly relaxing impact | “Her speaking voice is both soothing and calming.” |
| sophisticated | adjective | Developed to a severe level of complication | “Her demeanor was sophisticated and infantile.” |
| thrilling | adjective | Exciting; bringing excitement and pleasure | “This stadium has witnessed some thrilling football games.” |