IELTS Speaking Cue Card

Sample Answer 1:

Although big shopping malls have captured the attention of many, I think street markets still hold the charm they had for years. The most famous market is my city, Mumbai, is the Sarojini market located in Bandra. It is one of the oldest street markets to exist where shoppers and tourists flock in a huge number every day. 

The market is filled with shops that offer affordable fashion with latest trends, stalls with exclusive statement jewellery and footwear shops with a variety of designs. They purvey countless options to buyers at reasonable rates rendering customers happy with the services provided. Shops located there also sell various household items and toys for kids.

It gained popularity for its wide range of seasonal and festival collections with a huge crowd visiting it during festivals. In addition, it offers almost everything at a cheaper price including branded products. Besides shopping, it is also renowned for the delectable street food. Tourists and local people alike enjoy roaming the streets while getting mouth-watering food to devour.

I enjoy visiting the market at my leisure time to buy some fashion products that I need. I like the fantastic collection of earrings and neck pieces that shops offer which can be bargained for a cheaper price. I find it interesting and makes me wonder how the market managed to be still so eminent even with multiple shopping complexes built around the city. Going there with friends is also a fun getaway as shopping accompanied by them is always memorable. 

Vocabulary:

1. Flock – a crowd of people
2. Purvey – provide
3. Rendering – the action of giving
4. Delectable – delicious
5. Eminent – well known

 

Sample Answer 2: 

I would like to describe a street market that is located in my neighborhood. I live in quite a residential area which is located in the center of the city and the street market is located at the end of my street. It is quite popular in the area, because of the daily offers and interesting deals that are offered to the customers. The name of the market is “Santa Monica Farmers Market”, it attracts the customers with fresh farm vegetables and fruits at reasonable prices. You can also find separate sections for meat and other items.

It was originally started in the year 1910 in my locality which is famous for profuse availability of fruits, vegetables, meat and so on, irrespective of the season with eccentric offers. You can find almost all the items in the market. 

On every Friday an exhibition is conducted on the other side of the market, where children can enjoy rides and spend some quality time with their family members. One of my friends has a shop in the market and he says that the members in the market are really friendly and co-operative. 

I never sweat purchasing anything from my list at the “Santa Monica Farmers Market”, because of its transparency. Especially the fruits over there are really fresh and delicious. 

 

Vocabulary:

1. Profuse – Of great quantity.
2. Eccentric – Different.
3. Apparels – Clothes
4. Rejuvenate – Refresh
5. Contemporary – Present

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Part 3 Follow Up - Questions & Answers

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1. Do you like shopping or going out for shopping?

I like shopping online as well as going out. I prefer online shopping when there is a sale where I can get products at a cheaper rate and have an option of getting a full refund of the amount I pay if I do not like the item I receive. I like going out to shop with my friends as it is fun and I can try on clothes to see how they fit before buying them.

2. What is the difference between shopping with friends and shopping alone?

Shopping with friends is enjoyable as they advise on what suits better and be engaged in fun conversations. They also help us stay in trend with latest fashion while we may not be that informed with those trends when shopping alone.

3. What are the disadvantages of shopping in a big mall?

Big malls are usually located far away from cities and take time to get there leading to a possibility of traffic congestion. Furthermore, there are less people that guide customers on which products are the latest and best suited. The prices are also comparatively higher than that offered by local shops.

4. Why do people like to buy branded products?

Some people believe that brands represent a social status. So, although branded products are expensive, people like buying them as a symbol of dignity. Moreover, they also provide superior quality and best performing products that last longer than local products.

5. In your opinion are big discounts real or just an advertisement?

I consider big discounts to be a bait to boost sales. They are a market strategy that makes people talk about a store or brand and increase the sales of their products by offering discounts which only make people spend the same amount even without them. Sometimes, defective items are sold at discounted rates.