Describe the most expensive thing you have bought.
This test has appeared in 4 seasons · 1 reported by test takers
- Jan–Apr/2025
- Sep–Dec/2024
- May–Aug/2024
- May–Aug/2023
Reported by test takers Forecast only
Part 1
The examiner asks about you and two familiar topics. About 4–5 minutes.
Work or study
- Do you work, or are you a student? (Why?)
- Why did you choose that job or that subject? (Tell me more about that.)
- What do you enjoy most about it? (Why?)
- Is there anything you would like to change about it? (Why?)
Perfume
- Do you ever wear perfume? (Why is that?)
- What kind of scent do you like most? (Tell me more about that.)
- Have you ever given or received perfume as a present? (Why is that?)
- Do you think perfume says something about a person's personality? (Why is that?)
Reading
- Do you like reading? (Why is that?)
- What kind of things do you usually read? (Tell me more about that.)
- Did you read more when you were a child than you do now? (Why is that?)
- Do you prefer reading paper books or reading on a screen? (Why is that?)
Part 2
One minute to prepare, then speak for one to two minutes.
Describe the most expensive thing you have bought.
You should say:
- what you bought
- when and where you bought it
- why you decided to buy it
and explain whether you think it was worth the money.
Follow-up question after your talk: Would you buy the same thing again? / How long did you save for it?
Part 3
A broader, more abstract discussion of the Part 2 topic. About 4–5 minutes.
how people spend their money
- Can you explain why people are willing to pay much more for certain products?
- In general, what do young people in your country spend most of their money on?
- How would you contrast saving up for something expensive with buying it on credit?
consumer habits
- Can you explain why people buy things they later regret?
- What could be done about families who find it hard to control their spending?
- Can you speculate on how easy online payment will change the way people spend?
Test titles follow test-taker reports and each season's forecasts — IELTS does not publish its papers. "Reported" means someone reported meeting this topic in a dated test. The questions are written by us in the format of the real test.