Speaking Part 2 · ObjectsIn the May–Aug 2026 forecast
Describe Something You Would Like to Own
In short
“Describe Something You Would Like to Own” is a common IELTS Speaking Part 2 cue card. You get 1 minute to prepare and should speak for 1–2 minutes, covering all four points below. This page gives you a Band 9 model answer, an idea map so you can make it your own, the Part 3 follow-up questions with answers, and the vocabulary examiners reward.
The task card
Describe Something You Would Like to Own. You should say:
- •What the item is
- •How you first learned about it
- •How you would use it
- •And explain why you would like to own it
Band 9 model answer
Something I'd really love to own is a good-quality mirrorless camera — one of those proper ones with interchangeable lenses, rather than just the camera built into my phone. It's been sitting near the top of my wish list for a while now, and every time I manage to save a bit of money I'm sorely tempted to finally go and buy one.
I first got properly interested in them a couple of years ago, when a friend of mine, who's a keen photographer, lent me hers for a weekend trip to the coast. I'd always assumed my phone was more than good enough, but the moment I looked through the viewfinder and took a few shots, I could see the difference straight away — the colours were richer, the detail was far sharper, and it just felt like a completely different experience. Looking back, I think that weekend is what really planted the seed.
If I did get one, I'd mainly use it for travel and landscape photography, which is something I've become more and more drawn to. I'd love to capture things like sunrises, old buildings and quiet street scenes whenever I'm exploring somewhere new, instead of relying on the same automatic snaps that everyone takes. I'd probably also force myself to learn the technical side — things like aperture and shutter speed — so that I could actually understand what I'm doing rather than just pointing and shooting and hoping for the best. I've even started watching a few tutorials online, so I'd have some idea what to do the day I finally get my hands on one.
The main reason I want one so badly, though, is that I feel like I'm letting far too many moments slip past me without recording them properly. Photos are one of the few things that genuinely let you hold on to a memory, and I still regret not having better images from trips I took years ago. There's also a creative side to it that really appeals to me — I love the idea of having a hobby that gets me outdoors, forces me to look at ordinary things more carefully, and actually gives me something to show for it at the end. In a way, it's not only the camera I want; it's the version of myself that would use it — someone a bit more patient, observant and creative. If I'm honest, that's probably the real pull.
So it's definitely far more than just a gadget to sit on a shelf. To me it feels like a proper investment in a skill and a hobby I'd genuinely stick with, and I'm fairly certain that the moment I've saved enough, it'll be the very first thing I buy.
Make it your own: three angles
An aspirational gadget like a camera or laptop
Lets you use the second conditional ('I'd use it to…') throughout, which shows off grammatical range.
A home, car or other big-ticket item
Good for talking about long-term goals and saving up, as long as you keep the reasons personal.
Something creative like an instrument or art supplies
Ties the object to a hobby, which gives you a strong, sincere answer to the final 'why' bullet.
What the examiner is listening for
This card almost demands the second conditional — 'I'd use it to…', 'if I owned one…' — so lean into it to show grammatical range. Make the final 'why' personal and aspirational rather than just reeling off the item's features.
Part 1 warm-up questions
- Is there anything you are saving up to buy at the moment?
- Do you prefer to save money or spend it?
- When you were a child, what did you most want to own?
- Do you think expensive things always bring happiness?
Part 3 follow-up questions & answers
Do you think young people today are too materialistic?
I think there's some truth to it, partly because social media constantly exposes them to what others own and encourages comparison. That said, I don't think it's fair to single out young people — the desire for nice things is pretty universal. If anything, I'd say they're simply more visible about it than previous generations were.
Why do some people want to own luxury items?
For some it's genuinely about the quality and craftsmanship, but for many others it's really about status — luxury goods are a way of signalling success to the people around them. There's nothing inherently wrong with that, I suppose, though I do think chasing status through possessions can become a bit of a trap that's never truly satisfied.
Is it better to rent or to own things like houses and cars?
It really depends on your circumstances. Owning gives you long-term security and something to pass on, which is why most people aspire to it. But renting offers flexibility and far fewer responsibilities, which suits people who move around a lot, so I don't think there's a single right answer.
Does advertising make people want things they don't really need?
Absolutely — that's essentially its whole purpose. Clever advertising creates a sense of desire, or even insecurity, convincing you that a product will make your life better or more complete. I try to be aware of it, but I'd be lying if I said it didn't influence me at all.
How do people's attitudes to ownership change as they get older?
I think many people become less interested in accumulating things as they age. When you're young, buying things can feel exciting and status-driven, whereas older people often start to value experiences and relationships over possessions. Some even begin decluttering deliberately, having realised that things don't bring lasting happiness.
Can owning fewer possessions actually make people happier?
I genuinely think it can, for a lot of people at least. Clutter can be surprisingly stressful, and constantly wanting more is exhausting, so paring back can bring a real sense of calm and freedom. Of course, it's about balance — the goal is to own things that add value to your life, not to deprive yourself.
Is saving up for something better than buying it on credit?
In most cases I'd say saving up is the wiser choice, because buying on credit can trap people in debt and end up costing far more in interest. There's also something more satisfying about finally affording something you've worked towards. That said, for genuine essentials like a home, sensible borrowing can make perfect sense.
Useful vocabulary
| Word / phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| on my wish list | something you hope to have in the future |
| to plant the seed | to give someone an idea that grows over time |
| a big-ticket item | an expensive thing to buy |
| to save up | to keep money aside for a future purchase |
| to point and shoot | to take a photo without adjusting any settings |
| to let moments slip past | to fail to capture or appreciate them |
| to have something to show for it | to have a real result from your effort |
| an investment | spending now for a benefit later on |
| to be drawn to something | to feel naturally attracted to it |
| sorely tempted | very strongly tempted to do something |
More cue cards
Describe a Goal You Want to Achieve
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