Scorify.uzThe cue card
Describe a time when you saved money for something.
You should say:
- what you saved money for
- how long it took you to save
- how you managed to save
- and explain how you felt when you reached your goal
Band 7 sample answer
I would like to talk about the time I saved money to buy a good laptop for university. It was two years ago, when I was finishing school, and my old computer had become so slow that I could hardly open two programs at once.
I set myself a target of about six hundred dollars, and it took me almost eight months. First, I wrote down everything I spent in a notebook, and I was surprised how much went on snacks and online games. I cut those expenses, I started walking to the language centre instead of taking a minibus, and I gave private lessons in maths to a neighbour's son twice a week. Every time I put money into a small tin box, I felt I was one step closer.
The day I finally bought the laptop in a shop in Tashkent, I was extremely proud. It was not just a computer; it was proof that I could be patient and disciplined. I also learned that small savings add up quickly, and I still keep a monthly budget today. If I had simply asked my parents for the money, I would not have valued it nearly as much.
One more thing I should mention is that my friends laughed at me for refusing invitations to expensive cafes during those months. At the time it felt a little lonely, but now I think the sacrifice was worth it, and a few of them have even copied my notebook method for their own goals.
About 253 words, roughly 2 minutes of natural speech.
Key vocabulary
- put money aside — save a little regularly
- cut back on — spend less on
- stick to a budget — follow a spending plan
- splash out — spend a lot on something
- a sense of achievement — pride after reaching a goal
- add up — grow into a large amount
- frugal — careful with money
Tips for this cue card
- Give a clear target and a time frame so the story has a shape.
- Mention two or three concrete saving methods, not just “I saved”.
- End with what you learned about money or patience.
Part 3 follow-up questions
Do young people in your country save enough money?
Idea: Many spend on phones and fashion, but those who have goals such as education or marriage tend to save more.
Should schools teach children how to manage money?
Idea: Yes, basic budgeting at school builds good habits early and prevents debt problems in adult life.
Is it better to save or to spend money on experiences?
Idea: A balance works best: saving gives security, while experiences like travel create memories and skills.
More discussion questions with full answers: IELTS Speaking Part 3 topics.
Study guides
How Is IELTS Scored in Speaking and Writing? Criteria, Weighting and Rounding
The short answer first, then the Speaking and Writing criteria tables, how Task 1 and Task 2 combine and how the overall band is rounded.
IELTS Speaking Band Descriptors Explained in Plain English
The IELTS Speaking test is marked on four criteria. Here is what each one means at bands 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9, with short examples you can compare with your own answers.
IELTS Speaking Part 2: How Many Minutes to Speak (With a Practice Timer)
How long Part 2 lasts (1 minute to prepare, 1–2 minutes to speak), a practice timer, a four-step structure and a model answer.