Describe a special day out that cost very little – IELTS speaking part 2 and 3
Describe a special day out that cost you little money
You should say:
- When it was
- Where you went
- How much it cost
And explain how you felt about the day
“Well, as I’m still a uni student, doing things on the cheap is something I’ve had to learn over the last few years, and just the weekend before last, myself and my 2 best mates had a really wonderful day out that cost next to nothing.
It was a bank holiday weekend, and we really wanted to have a special day out, as the weather forecast was perfect, and we really needed to get away from our studies.
To do anything in the city, especially during a holiday weekend, always costs a lot of money, and as we were flat broke, we decided to look for somewhere to go outside of the city. One of the guys came up with the idea of riding our bikes to a very beautiful park and lake, about 15 km outside of the city.
We all agreed it would be a great idea, and each chipped in some cash, so we could buy some nice food in the local supermarket, as there is a barbeque area in the park which is free to use.
It turned out to be a really wonderful and special day, and was as cheap as chips, as riding our bikes meant there was no transport cost, and entry to the park was actually free. I think in total we spent about 24 dollars on the food between the three of us, and it really goes to show that it’s still possible to have a really special day out that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg.
Idioms
- On the cheap
To do something on the cheap means to spend very little money doing it, and often less than they should spend on it. This can often be negative, as people think of cost before quality.
“I wouldn’t want to live in those new houses as they were built on the cheap and the quality is very bad.”
- To cost next to nothing
This just means that something was so cheap that it cost almost nothing.
“I bought a lovely new t-shirt at the local market today, which cost next to nothing.”
- To be flat broke
To be flat broke means to have no money at all
“After being unemployed for the past 6 months, he is flat broke.”
- To chip in
To chip in means to give some or a share of money to pay for something together.
“Everybody in the office chipped in some money to buy a cake for the boss’s birthday.”
- To be as cheap as chips
This is another way of saying that something is very cheap
“The noodles in that new restaurant are as cheap as chips.”
- To cost an arm and a leg
To say something costs an arm and a leg means that it is very expensive.
“I would love to have the new iphone, but it costs an arm and a leg.”
Describe a special day out that cost you little money – IELTS speaking part 3
1.Do you think teenagers today spend more money than in the past?
“Well, personally I think yes, they probably do spend, and even waste a lot of money compared to what teens spent in the past. I think teens today spend a lot of money on consumer goods, such as mobile phones as well as often throwing money around trying to keep up with the latest fashion trends.
I think a lot of this is due to the influence of social media, which I feel really puts a lot of pressure on young people today, to keep up with all the latest and most fashionable consumer goods. What’s more I think that all these different social media platforms are brainwashing teens and even young children into consuming more and more consumer goods.
I believe this is actually a social problem that needs to be addressed, as it’s having a negative effect on society. Furthermore, I think that both the government and parents must try to change this in some way for a better future.”
2.Do you think it’s important for people to save money?
“Well, in my opinion, yes, I think it’s extremely important for everyone to try and save money, especially for any unexpected financial emergencies or expenses.
What’s more, saving money can help us to avoid debt and to pay for expensive purchases in the future. I think just about every person worldwide wants to buy their own home, drive a nice car or take a holiday abroad in the future. Another important reason for saving money is that it can also reduce any financial stress which is a problem for so many people today. Furthermore it can give people more financial freedom and independence which is something I think many of us dream about. So, yes, I believe being able to save money is terribly important, and can make life a lot easier.”
3.Do people in your country prefer to stay at home or go out for leisure?
“I think generally speaking that most people enjoy going out for different leisure activities, but of course this depends on a number of factors. When the weather is sunny, I think just about everybody wants to go out, and enjoy some sort of outdoor activity, for example going to the local park or for a stroll on the beach. What’s more, when the weather is good people, especially children, usually have more energy and want to get outside and enjoy some sort of activity or exercise.
Having said that, a lot of younger people these days would often rather stay at home and spend their time playing computer games, even when the weather outside is perfect. As well as that, many older people are often too tired after a long day at work, and just want to stay at home and relax, as they don’t have the energy to go out for any activities.
Personally, I believe it’s important for people to get outside as much as possible, as I think it’s not only good for our physical health, but also our mental health. On top of that, it can help to build relationships, and gives people a chance to make new friends, which is always a good thing for both young and old alike.”
More links to IELTS speaking part 2 and part 3 example answers
Describe an object you find beautiful
Describe a person who likes to grow plants
Describe a bad shopping experience
Describe a photo that you are proud of
Describe a friend from your childhood
Describe a city you think is very interesting
