Last Updated on March 8, 2025
Here is a question: Have you ever had a memorable day out without spending much money? If you have, you might just be asked in the IELTS Speaking Part Exam to describe a special day out that costs you little money. Or Did Not Cost You Much. You know, a budget-friendly getaway, one which could be about anything. From a picnic in the park to a road trip with friends, or a visit to a museum with free entry. This, dear readers, as such, makes for a common cue card topic. Why? Because it tests your ability to narrate personal experiences, use descriptive language–all the while demonstrating fluency, coherence and a rich vocabulary.
But do not worry. As with all things, being impromptu still necessitates preparation. In this guide, you will find 6 high-scoring sample answers, expert tips to improve your response, and follow-up questions you might face in IELTS Speaking Part 3. Let’s dive in!
A Day in the Park: Describe a Special Day Out That Cost You Little Money/Did Not Cost You Much
A few months ago, I remember having a special day out that barely cost me little to no money. It was a visit to the local park—a peaceful escape from the constraints of my busy schedule.
Where & When:
The park, as my memory serves, was located at the outskirts of the city I was working in. A hidden gem, if you might add. Going there on a cold winter morning, it made it the perfect time to enjoy nature.
Who You Were With:
I went alone to unwind but ended up meeting a few friendly joggers and families–all out there enjoying the morning sun.
What You Did:
I strolled through the pathways, read a book on a bench, and enjoyed watching children fly kites. Having joined them for a while, I remember later renting a cycle–all for just 50 rupees INR—and explored the rest of the park.
Why It Was Special:
I guess it was probably the peaceful atmosphere, the fresh air, and the simplicity of the overall day. It was a great reminder that joy does not always come with a price tag.
How It Cost Little Money:
Only 20 Rupees INR for a bus ride, 50 Rupees for the cycle rental. Plus I packed homemade snacks, saving on food costs.
A Beach Picnic With Friends: Describe a Special Day Out That Cost You Little Money
One of the most affordable (and fun) outings I have had was a beach picnic with my friends. It was spontaneous, with the idea being to unwind and enjoy ourselves without spending too much.
Where & When:
The beach was about 30 km from the city. We visited it on a breezy Sunday afternoon.
Who You Were With:
I went with three close friends of mine, having decided to pool our resources to keep expenses minimal.
What You Did:
My friends and I played beach volleyball, collected seashells, and even tried our hands at making sandcastles.
How It Cost Little Money:
We carpooled, bringing down our cost of transportation. We also packed home-cooked food, saving on eateries.
A Road Trip to the Countryside: Describe a Special Day Out That Cost You Little Money
One weekend, my cousins and I decided to go on a road trip, and that trip ended up becoming a special day that cost me little money. As they say, the best trips are the unplanned ones!
Where & When:
We drove to a scenic hill station–one that was just two hours away from our city.
Who You Were With:
I was with my two cousins, and we had taken our uncle’s car, which helped saving up on rental costs.
What You Did: All throughout the journey we stopped at roadside dhabas–be it for chai or for parathas. We also ended up exploring small villages, and even visited an old temple on the way.
Why It Was Special:
The trip felt like an adventure, and the scenic beauty made it even more refreshing.
How It Cost Little Money:
We only had to pitch in for petrol, given that we used a personal vehicle. Also, the homemade food and free sightseeing kept the overall trip pretty budget-friendly.
Exploring a Free Museum & Street Food: Describe a Special Day Out That Cost You Little Money
Being a history buff, I love visiting museums. Luckily, I found one that had free entry оn Sundays!
Where & When:
The city’s historical museum, which I visited last month.
Who You Were With:
I went with my younger sibling tо make іt an educational trip.
What You Did:
We explored ancient artifacts, took notes оn fascinating exhibits, and later, indulged іn delicious street food nearby.
Why It Was Special:
Learning about history while spending quality time with my sibling was the highlight оf the day.
How It Cost Little Money:
Entry was free, and we spent only ₹150 оn street food, making іt a budget-friendly yet enriching day out.
Check IELTS Speaking Links:
Follow-Up Questions: Describe a Special Day Out That Cost You Little Money
After describing a special day out in Part 2, the examiner will ask related follow-up questions in Part 3. These questions test your ability to express opinions, provide reasons, and discuss broader topics. Below are common questions with model answers.
Why do people enjoy low-cost activities?
People enjoy budget-friendly activities because they offer relaxation and fun without financial stress. In India, where many people prefer saving money, activities like picnics, temple visits, or evening strolls provide entertainment without a hefty price tag.
Model Answer:
Well, I think people appreciate low-cost activities because they allow them to unwind without worrying about expenses. For example, in India, many families spend their weekends at public parks or historic sites that have minimal entry fees. Personally, I enjoy street food walks with friends—it’s pocket-friendly and lets me try different flavors without breaking the bank.
Are outdoor activities better than indoor activities?
Outdoor activities promote physical health and social interactions, while indoor activities offer comfort and convenience. The choice depends on personal preference, weather conditions, and lifestyle.
Model Answer:
That’s an interesting question! I believe outdoor activities are fantastic for staying active and connecting with nature. A simple game of cricket with friends can be both thrilling and refreshing. However, in extreme summers or monsoons, indoor activities like board games or watching movies are a better choice. So, I’d say both have their charm, depending on the situation.
How can cities provide more affordable recreational options?
Governments and local authorities can make public spaces more accessible by maintaining parks, reducing entry fees for museums, and organizing free cultural events.
Model Answer:
I think cities can definitely do more to promote affordable recreation. For instance, in India, metro cities like Delhi and Mumbai have heritage sites that charge a nominal fee, making them great options for a day out. Authorities could also introduce community centers where people can engage in free art workshops or sports activities. Additionally, improving public transport can make recreational spots more accessible to everyone.
Read Also:
Describe an Occasion When You Helped a Family Member/Relative
Describe a Person Who Likes to Make Things by Hand | IELTS Cue Card
Describe a Person Who Has Strong Opinions: IELTS Cue Card
Describe a Challenge You Faced That You Thought Was Rather Difficult
Describe Something You Did in Your Study/Work That Has Made You Feel Confident
Final Thoughts: Tips to Score Band 8+ in IELTS Speaking
- Use Idioms & Phrasal Verbs
- Expand Your Answer Naturally
- Work on Pronunciation & Fluency
Quick Tips:
- Listen to native English speakers (YouTube, podcasts, movies).
- Practice speaking with a mirror or record yourself.
- Use online tools like BBC Learning English or IELTS Liz for pronunciation practice.
Your turn! Try answering this cue card іn your own words, and share your response іn the comments below. Want tо improve your IELTS Speaking skills even further? Explore our expert-led online IELTS courses tо boost your score!
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