Step 1: Identify the Part 2 question requirements The question asks you to describe an item you bought that cost more than you expected. You need to mention: - What the item is - How much you spent on it - Why you bought it - And explain why you think you spent more than expected Step 2: Strategies for a better answer - Expand your answer with details about the item, the shopping experience, and your feelings - Ensure coherence by logically connecting each clue - Paraphrase the question and use synonyms for “item,” “spend,” and “expected” - Refer back to previous points for cohesion - Use signposting language like “firstly,” “to be honest,” “another reason,” “in addition,” etc. - Use a range of vocabulary and grammar structures, including conditionals and relative clauses - Make sure the answer is over 300 words and flows naturally Topic:A laptop for university studies What it is The item I’d like to talk about is a laptop that I purchased about a year ago. It’s a high-end model from a well-known brand, and I bought it specifically for my university studies. I had been using an old computer for several years, but it was becoming increasingly slow and unreliable, so I decided it was time for an upgrade. How much you spent on it Initially, I had set a budget of around 5,000 yuan, which I thought would be more than enough to get a decent laptop for my needs. However, after doing some research and visiting several electronics stores, I realized that the features I wanted—such as a fast processor, plenty of storage, and a high-resolution display—were only available in more expensive models. In the end, I spent almost 8,000 yuan, which was significantly more than I had planned. To be honest, I was a bit shocked when I saw the final price, but by that point, I had already fallen in love with the laptop. Why you bought it The main reason I bought this laptop was for my studies. As a university student, I often have to write essays, do research online, and participate in virtual classes. My old computer was so slow that it was affecting my productivity and even causing me stress. I also wanted a device that could handle graphic design software, since I sometimes need to create presentations or edit photos for my coursework. Another reason was that I wanted something reliable that would last for several years, so I wouldn’t have to worry about replacing it anytime soon. And explain why you think you spent more than expected Looking back, I definitely spent more than I anticipated. One reason is that I got carried away by all the advanced features and the sleek design. The salesperson also convinced me to buy some extra accessories, like a wireless mouse and a protective case, which added to the total cost. In addition, I underestimated how much high-quality laptops actually cost these days. Although it was a big investment, I don’t regret it because the laptop has made my life much easier and more efficient. In fact, I think it was worth every penny, even though it was more expensive than I originally planned. This experience taught me to do more thorough research and to be prepared for unexpected expenses when making important purchases.

The answer demonstrates a strong command of both simple and complex sentence structures, which helps the story flow naturally. There is effective use of relative clauses ("which I thought would be more than enough..."), conditionals ("if I wanted those features, I had to pay more"), and a variety of tenses to describe past decisions and present reflections. The answer also uses linking words and signposting language ("Initially," "However," "To be honest," "Another reason," "Looking back," "In fact") to organize ideas clearly and logically. Pronouns and referencing are used well to avoid repetition and maintain cohesion.