Navigating the IELTS speaking test can be daunting, especially when tasked with describing an item you wish to own. This guide is specifically tailored to help you tackle the speaking cue card topic: ‘Describe a bag you want to own’. We delve into each aspect of the topic, helping you articulate the type of bag, the place of purchase, cost, and the reasons behind your preference with clarity and confidence. From exploring the detailed description of the bag to expressing the intricacies of your choice, this comprehensive guide has got you covered.
Describe a bag you want to own:
What kind of bag is it?
Where do you want to buy it?
How much is the cost?
Why do you want this kind of bag?
Introduction:
In recent decades, bags have become a necessity rather than a luxury. People need a certain space to take their belongings carefully, whether a lunch box or a pile of clothes. I wanted to buy a laptop bag for the office.
Set 1:
What kind of bag is it?
I’ve set my eyes on the Herschel Little America Backpack. The bag’s design is an elegant fusion of contemporary chic with a hint of vintage aesthetics. Crafted with durable polyester fabric, it features a classic mountaineering silhouette updated for modern functionality. The bag offers ample space with a 25L capacity and includes a laptop sleeve that fits most 15″ laptops. Moreover, the bag also boasts adjustable drawstring closures, magnetic strap fastenings, and an internal media pocket with a headphone port, making it a perfect blend of style and function.
Where do you want to buy it?
I intend to buy this backpack from a Herschel flagship store in my city. The joy of walking into a physical store, touching the products, and trying them on is an experience that online shopping cannot replicate. Besides, it gives me an opportunity to inspect the bag firsthand, verify its quality, and ensure that it meets my expectations.
How much is the cost?
This particular model costs around $100. It’s a modest investment considering Herschel’s reputation for durability, functionality, and style. The price reflects not only the bag’s quality but also the meticulous attention to detail in its design.
Why do you want this kind of bag?
The Herschel Little America Backpack is my ideal bag because it aligns perfectly with my lifestyle. As a frequent traveler and outdoor enthusiast, I need a bag that offers a balance of space, comfort, and durability. This bag’s generous capacity can accommodate my essentials, the padded straps ensure comfort during extended use, and the high-quality materials promise longevity. In addition, its classic yet trendy aesthetics match my personal style and are versatile enough to pair with a variety of outfits, making it my top choice.
Set 2:
What kind of bag is it?
The bag that I’m dreaming of owning is the legendary Chanel 2.55. This classic flap bag, introduced by Coco Chanel herself in February 1955 (hence the name 2.55), has since become a symbol of luxury and elegance. Its design is distinctive, featuring a diamond or herringbone quilted pattern, a metal chain shoulder strap interwoven with leather, and the iconic ‘CC’ turn-lock closure. The bag is crafted in an array of materials, but my personal favorite is the lambskin leather variant, known for its softness and smooth texture.
Where do you want to buy it?
My intention is to purchase this timeless masterpiece directly from a Chanel boutique. Luxury brands like Chanel provide an unparalleled retail experience that goes beyond the product itself. It includes exceptional customer service, in-depth product knowledge, and the certainty of purchasing an authentic item. Besides, there’s something truly special about walking out of a Chanel store with that little black bag housing your cherished purchase.
How much is the cost?
The Chanel 2.55 comes with a substantial price tag, costing around $5,000. This cost reflects the brand’s rich heritage, the unparalleled craftsmanship that goes into each piece, and the timeless design that never goes out of style. Although it’s a significant investment, it’s also a classic piece that retains its value over time.
Why do you want this kind of bag?
The Chanel 2.55 aligns with my appreciation for timeless elegance, high-quality craftsmanship, and the history behind iconic fashion pieces. This bag is more than a mere accessory; it’s a statement, a piece of fashion history, and an expression of personal style. The fact that it can transition effortlessly from day to night, complementing any outfit, makes it a practical choice too. Its enduring allure and the joy it would bring me every time I wear it are reasons enough to justify the investment.
Set 3:
What kind of bag is it?
The Fjallraven Kanken Classic Backpack has always held a special place on my wishlist. This bag, with its origin dating back to the late 1970s, is a classic piece from the Swedish brand Fjallraven. Crafted from the brand’s proprietary Vinylon F material, the bag is famously durable, water-resistant, and virtually impervious to dirt. It is also remarkably versatile with a generous 16L capacity, a removable seat cushion, a simple yet robust zip closure, and a front pocket and two flat side pockets for quick access to essentials. Its ergonomic design with ‘X’ style shoulder straps is a thoughtful feature that aids in distributing weight evenly, making it a suitable choice for both everyday use and travel.
Where do you want to buy it?
I would like to make this purchase from Fjallraven’s official online store. While I value the experience of buying from a physical store, online shopping has its benefits too. Fjallraven’s online store offers detailed product descriptions, customer reviews, and a comprehensive selection of colors that may not be available at local outlets. Buying directly from their official website also guarantees that the product is authentic.
How much is the cost?
The Fjallraven Kanken Classic Backpack is priced at approximately $80. This price point is reasonable considering the quality of the materials, the functional design, and the brand’s commitment to sustainability. Fjallraven’s dedication to creating durable products that last, thus reducing overall consumption, makes the bag worth the price tag.
Why do you want this kind of bag?
The Fjallraven Kanken Classic Backpack appeals to me for a variety of reasons. From a practical standpoint, its size, durability, and design make it an excellent choice for both everyday use and travel. Its design ethos, combining Swedish minimalist aesthetics with functionality, aligns with my personal style. Moreover, as someone who values sustainability, I appreciate Fjallraven’s dedication to eco-friendly practices and creating products that withstand the test of time. Owning a Kanken bag, therefore, aligns with my lifestyle, aesthetic preferences, and values.
Follow-up questions include:
- Have you ever owned a similar bag before?
- What are the essential items you always carry in your bag?
- Do you think the design of a bag is more important than its functionality?
- Is it important for you to change your bag according to your outfit?
- What’s the maximum amount you would spend on a bag?
- How do you maintain and clean your bags?
- Would you ever consider purchasing a second-hand designer bag?
Key vocabulary to focus on:
- Durability: the ability to withstand wear, pressure, or damage.
- Aesthetics: a set of principles concerned with the nature and appreciation of beauty.
- Craftsmanship: the quality of design and work shown in something made by hand; artistry.
- Timeless: not affected by the passage of time or changes in fashion.
- Iconic: widely recognized and well-established; famous.
- Functionality: the quality of being suited to serve a purpose well; practicality.
- Versatile: able to adapt or be adapted to many different functions or activities.
- Investment: the action or process of investing money for profit or material result.
- Authenticity: the quality of being authentic; genuineness.
- Luxury: the state of great comfort and extravagant living.
- Ergonomic: designed to minimize physical effort and discomfort, and hence maximize efficiency.
- Sustainability: avoidance of the depletion of natural resources in order to maintain an ecological balance.
- Sophistication: the quality of being sophisticated.
- Capacious: having a lot of space inside; roomy.
- Exquisite: extremely beautiful and, typically, delicate.
- Chic: elegantly and stylishly fashionable.
- Minimalist: characterized by the use of simple or primary forms or structures.
