IELTS VocabMaster

Describe a special day out that cost you little money.

Describe a special day out that cost you little money. You should say: - when it was - where you went - who you went with - and explain why it was special

Part 2 model answer

One of the most memorable days out I've had was a trip around Old Dhaka with two of my close friends last winter. The amazing thing is that the whole day cost each of us less than five hundred taka, including food and transport.

We'd been talking for ages about doing something fun, but none of us had much money at the time. So one Friday morning, we decided to explore the old part of our own city, which, surprisingly, none of us had properly visited before.

We started early by taking a local bus to Lalbagh Fort, a seventeenth-century Mughal fort. The entry fee was really cheap, and we spent a couple of hours walking through the beautiful gardens and old buildings. After that, we walked through the narrow lanes of Old Dhaka, which are full of character, with old houses, colourful rickshaws, and tiny shops selling everything imaginable. For lunch, we went to a famous local restaurant and had kacchi biryani, which was absolutely delicious and quite affordable. In the afternoon, we visited Ahsan Manzil, also known as the Pink Palace, and then hired a small wooden boat on the Buriganga River for a short ride. We finished the day with street snacks like fuchka and lassi.

The reason it was so special was that it showed me you don't need a lot of money to have a great time. We laughed non-stop, took tons of photos, and learned a lot about the history of our own city. It also made me appreciate Dhaka more. Before that, I only saw it as a crowded, polluted city, but that day, I discovered its rich history and charm.

Part 3 discussion

Do you think people need to spend a lot of money to have fun?

Not at all. Some of the best experiences, like walking in a park, having a picnic, or chatting with friends, cost very little. What really matters is good company and a positive attitude. Expensive activities can be enjoyable, but they don't automatically guarantee happiness. In fact, simple experiences often create the most meaningful memories.

What free or cheap activities can people do in your city?

In Dhaka, people can visit parks like Ramna Park or Hatirjheel, where they can walk and relax for free. Historical places like Lalbagh Fort and the National Museum have very low entry fees. Street food is also cheap and delicious. People can also attend free cultural events, especially during festivals like Pohela Boishakh.

Why do some people spend a lot of money on entertainment?

Some people believe expensive experiences are better or more exciting. Social media also plays a big role, as people want to share impressive photos from fancy restaurants or trips. For wealthier people, spending on entertainment may simply be part of their lifestyle. Others use it as a way to relieve stress after working hard.

Should museums and historical sites be free to visit?

I think they should be free or at least very cheap, especially for students. These places help people learn about their history and culture, so they should be accessible to everyone, regardless of income. However, some fees are necessary to maintain and protect the sites. A fair solution could be free entry for locals and a small fee for foreign tourists.

Is it important to explore your own city or country?

Yes, definitely. Many people dream of travelling abroad but know very little about the history and beauty of their own country. Exploring local places is cheaper, easier, and helps people appreciate their own culture. It also supports local tourism and businesses, which benefits the community.