Cue Cards Samples with band 8 answers
Open-air or street market which you enjoyed visiting - Cue Card # 477
- Details
- Last Updated: Saturday, 12 April 2025 05:56
- Written by IELTS Mentor
- Hits: 229803
IELTS Speaking Part 2: IELTS Cue Card/ Candidate Task Card.
[The topic for your talk will be written on a card which the examiner will hand over to you. Read it carefully and then make some brief notes.]
Describe an open-air or street market which you enjoyed visiting.
You should say:
- where the market is
- what the market sells
- how big the market is
and explain why you enjoyed visiting this market.
[You will have to talk about the topic for one to two minutes. You have one minute to think about what you're going to say. You can make some notes to help you if you wish.]
Model Answer 1:
My country has many, many street markets or open-air markets all over the place which are visited by hundreds of thousands of people every day in order to meet their daily needs. Today, I would like to talk about one of these open-air markets which I really enjoyed visiting approximately two years ago.
The market I am talking about was located in an old town and the farthest north-western part of my country. Situated by one of the largest rivers in my country, it used to (and I am sure, it still is) be considered a “business hub”, by thousands of people who live in that area and beyond.
Occupying an area of almost 3 square kilometres, I think that this certainly is one of the largest street markets in my country. In fact, this open-air market is so busy and popular among the people that a significant number of people (or rather “wholesalers”) come to this a day ahead of the scheduled “market day” with their products and merchandise so that they can find a suitable location to conduct their business activities.
However, even though pretty much all kinds of items for our daily needs can be bought and sold in this busy street market, this undoubtedly is aimed mainly at farmers and businesses who want to buy and sell paddy and rice. In fact, it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to suggest that this market is the perfect meeting place for all the wealthy farmers who want to buy or sell their main “cash crops” (i.e. rice and paddy).
Anyway, I enjoyed visiting the street market because I actually got to talk to so many different kinds of people from different backgrounds. They were so friendly when doing business deals with each other. I also enjoyed visiting this place because I had never really enjoyed such a beautiful view of the river where rows upon rows of boats were floating and carrying fresh produce, stacked one upon another - in a beautiful manner.
Model Answer 2:
Introduction:
Thank you for this nice topic. Here, I'd like to talk about an open-air market which I visited a few months ago. This market is quite popular among locals and tourists alike, and I thoroughly enjoyed my visit there.
Where the market is:
The market is located in the heart of the city, in a bustling area known for its vibrant street life. It sprawls across a large area, with rows of small stalls lining the streets and alleys.
What the market sells:
The market is a treasure trove of all kinds of things, ranging from fresh produce and handmade crafts to clothing and electronics. The market is known for its variety of unique and exotic items, including local handicrafts, antique items, and vintage clothing.
How big the market is:
The market is quite big and can be overwhelming at first glance. It spans several streets and alleys, and it can take hours to explore everything on offer. The market is usually crowded, especially on weekends and during the festive season.
And explain why you enjoyed visiting this market:
I enjoyed visiting this market for a few reasons. Firstly, the atmosphere was very lively and energetic, with vendors calling out to customers and bargaining for prices. Secondly, the variety of products on offer was amazing, and I found many unique items that I had never seen before. Finally, the market was a great place to interact with locals and learn more about the culture and traditions of the city. I also enjoyed trying out the local street food and snacks, which were delicious and affordable. Overall, the street market gave an enjoyable and memorable experience.
Sample Answer 3:
I was a bit stumped when I saw the topic! It’s been ages and ages since I’ve been to a ‘proper’ open-air street market. Where I live in England the weather isn’t that great, so the fashion for completely open-air markets has passed. So, I am going to tell you about my memories of a more authentic open-air market from my childhood instead.
So the market was about a mile away from my childhood home and was held in a place called Kingston upon the Thames. I didn’t know it then, but in fact, Kingston is a really ancient market town. It was of particular prominence as a trading centre because of its geographic location at a river crossing point as well as the boundary of some ancient territories. It was a thriving, noisy and busy place.
There were seemingly countless market stalls which sold predominantly food items. Lots of different fruit, vegetable and flower stalls competed to attract the attention of passers-by to buy their goods. Because we went every week we were wise to any bad practice and knew which stallholders could be trusted to supply quality goods and not over-charge us. I also learned to haggle – which doesn’t happen so much anymore nowadays, but was acceptable even commonplace then. Also, I knew to always check the contents of the brown paper bags that were handed over to make sure the quality of fruit and vegetables was acceptable before paying for them in full!
The market extended throughout the whole of the town centre, with different stalls selling the same types of things grouped close together. All the fruit was in a part of the town known as ‘The Apple Market’ for example. The area of streets it used to occupy is still called that now, but the open-air stalls with the colourful-striped canvas tops have long since gone, replaced with gentrified boutique shops selling rather more upmarket goods. Other areas had clothes stalls grouped together, you could pick up pairs of socks and pants for practically nothing. They weren’t good quality, but good enough for the price.
So I enjoyed visiting the market because it was such an assault on the senses. The crowds, smells and sights had a great atmosphere. The piles of fresh fruit and vegetables looked amazing, and there were many colourful characters calling out to sell their wares. You could also pick up some extraordinary bargains at the end of the day if you were smart, and could risk waiting to make a last-minute purchase. Occasionally I’d get a huge bunch of flowers for some trifling sum and feel a real sense of achievement carrying them home knowing I’d got myself a bargain! I enjoyed those visits and stored up some memories of what a ‘proper’ open-air market should be like, with a character and surprise around every corner.
[ Written by - Lucy Marris (2016): Careers Adviser (UK), TEFL teacher (Vietnam) ]
Idea generation for this Candidate task card / Cue card topic:
Open-air and street markets offer unique local experiences, showcasing everything from traditional crafts to regional foods. Below are some ideas you can use to build your own answer for this topic.
1. Chatuchak Market, Bangkok:
Located in Bangkok, Thailand, this is one of the largest weekend markets in the world. It sells everything from vintage clothing and handicrafts to pets and plants. With over 15,000 stalls, it covers a massive area. I enjoyed visiting it because of its vibrant atmosphere and wide variety of affordable, local products.
2. Camden Market, London:
Situated in the heart of London, Camden Market is known for its eclectic mix of vintage fashion, handmade crafts, and global street food. It spans several connected markets and alleyways. I loved the artistic vibe and street performances that made the shopping experience fun and memorable.
3. Djemaa el-Fna Market, Marrakesh:
This famous Moroccan market sells traditional spices, lamps, carpets, and fresh juices. It’s large, noisy, and incredibly colourful. I enjoyed it for the cultural immersion — snake charmers, storytellers, and food stalls made it feel like stepping into a different world.
4. La Boqueria Market, Barcelona:
Located along the famous Las Ramblas street, this market is a feast for the senses. It offers fresh produce, seafood, meats, and tapas. Though not massive, it’s densely packed and lively. I appreciated the fresh flavours and beautiful displays of food that represented Catalan cuisine.
5. Temple Street Night Market, Hong Kong:
This night market in Kowloon sells gadgets, clothes, watches, and street food. It stretches about 600 metres and lights up after sunset. I loved the atmosphere — bargaining with vendors, trying new foods, and watching fortune tellers made it a culturally rich experience.
6. Khan el-Khalili Bazaar, Cairo:
This centuries-old market offers traditional Egyptian items like perfumes, spices, silverware, and hand-woven textiles. It’s moderately large and feels like a maze. I enjoyed wandering through its narrow lanes, discovering hidden gems, and speaking with local artisans.
7. Sunday Market, Goa:
Held in Arpora, Goa, this market sells everything from hippie fashion to handmade jewelry. The market isn’t massive but offers a relaxed, beachy atmosphere. I enjoyed it because it reflected the vibrant and laid-back culture of Goa.
8. Pike Place Market, Seattle:
An iconic waterfront market in the USA, it’s famous for fresh seafood, produce, crafts, and live performances. It’s quite large and attracts both locals and tourists. I enjoyed the energy and the way vendors interacted with customers in fun and creative ways.
9. Marché Bastille, Paris:
This street market in Paris offers artisanal cheeses, fresh bread, wines, flowers, and clothes. It runs a couple of times a week and stretches along a lovely Parisian avenue. I found it charming, especially for the authentic French food and elegant presentation.
10. Dong Xuan Market, Hanoi:
This Vietnamese market is known for its wide selection of local foods, clothes, accessories, and souvenirs. It’s a sprawling, multi-level structure that feels like a labyrinth. I enjoyed it because it gave a taste of everyday life in Hanoi and allowed me to practise my bargaining skills.
More Ideas to talk about this topic:
Topic: Describe an open-air or street market which you enjoyed visiting.
11. Hell's Kitchen Flea Market, New York, USA:
I often visit the Hell's Kitchen Flea Market in New York, and it has become one of my favourite open-air markets. The market is well-known for its eclectic collection of antiques, books, and second-hand electronics. It’s not particularly large—there are roughly 50 stalls—but the charm lies in its variety and affordability. I enjoy going there because the prices are negotiable, and most vendors are friendly and open to reasonable bargaining. It’s the perfect spot to find hidden gems at a fair price.
2. Wangfujing Snack Street, Beijing, China:
I consider myself lucky to have grown up near Wangfujing Snack Street in Beijing. This lively market is famous for its endless selection of local delicacies and traditional street food. With about 40 food stalls packed into a single alley, it offers everything from spicy skewers to sweet pastries. I love visiting this market because of the incredible flavours and affordable prices. It’s one of the few places where you can try a wide range of authentic Chinese snacks in one visit.
3. Chinatown Street Market, Singapore:
The Chinatown Street Market in Singapore was one of the most vibrant markets I’ve ever visited. Spanning several streets, it offers a wide variety of goods including traditional Chinese herbs, handicrafts, clothes, souvenirs, and antiques. The quality of the products was excellent, and I still have a beautifully crafted showpiece I purchased there a few years ago. I enjoyed the lively atmosphere, the bright lanterns overhead, and the cultural richness that surrounded the whole experience.
4. Dilli Haat, New Delhi, India:
During a business trip to New Delhi, I visited Dilli Haat, an open-air handicrafts and food market. It was recommended by a local colleague, and I’m glad I took their advice. The market features around 100 small stalls selling everything from handmade textiles to traditional Indian cuisine. I particularly loved the regional food stalls that served delicious snacks. The setup was colourful and inviting, with goods displayed neatly in front of each stall. It was a delightful shopping experience that combined culture, food, and craftsmanship.
5. Oedo Antique Market, Tokyo, Japan:
The Oedo Antique Market in Tokyo is one of the largest open-air antique markets in Japan and is held only on selected weekends. I visited it last spring and was amazed by the quality and variety of items on offer. From vintage clocks to ceramic pots, each item had its own history. I bought a beautiful antique wall clock and some pottery, both of which are still in use in my home. Bargaining is a must, but the sellers are generally polite and informative. It was a memorable experience.
6. Austin Renaissance Market, Texas, USA:
While exploring Austin, I stumbled upon the Renaissance Market located on 23rd Street. It turned out to be an unexpectedly pleasant shopping experience. The market had a decent range of handmade jewellery, leather goods, vintage clothes, and unique art pieces. Though not enormous in size, the market had an artistic and relaxed vibe that made shopping enjoyable. I especially liked that I could find things there that weren’t available in regular stores. It’s one of those hidden gems that locals love.
Model Answer 4:
Visiting any Indian street market is like visiting India itself as the diversity and colours of the country are captured in its local markets so well. So, when I, as a frequent visitor of open-air markets in my country, visited Commercial Street in Bengaluru last time, I knew that I was going to have a really good time!
Being well-known as one of the best, busiest and oldest (running for more than 400 years) markets in Bengaluru, the market is about 460 meters in length, with its one end starting from Kamaraj road and ending at the Juma Masjid (mosque). As one of the most popular tourist destinations for international visitors as well as college students (because of its proximity to many colleges), the commercial street is like a “one-stop” shop for everybody who is on the lookout to buy all kinds of stuff, especially if you are interested to buy apparel, footwear, jewellery, electronics, books, accessories, antiques, foods and beverages at a very affordable price. However, if you are not really in the mood to buy something, or if you get really tired of shopping, you can always eat mouth-watering Indian delicacies such as “Sweet Corn”, “Bhel Puri”, “Shawarmas” and “Dosas” from a very wide range of food places!
I enjoyed visiting this shopaholics’ paradise primarily because not only everything is really affordable there (of course, only after hefty bargaining), but also many international brand products were on display! Another reason, for which I really enjoyed visiting this grand old street market is that I was actually able to park my car very close to the marketplace which doesn’t really happen that often when visiting an Indian open-air market. Finally, I will never forget about visiting this great place because I was actually able to talk to two of my favourite actors, who visited (in fact, I later came to know that they visited that place pretty much regularly) the famous flea market on that day!
Sample Answer 5:
Introduction:
Oh, I am so lucky to have been given this topic to talk about a street market that I enjoyed visiting. Since I have an enjoyable memory of visiting such a street market, I would be able to share my experience with you pretty easily.
Where the market is:
Last year, during a short business trip to Hong Kong, I stumbled upon a place that turned out to be the highlight of my visit — Temple Street Night Market, nestled in the heart of Kowloon near Jordan MTR Station. It was just a ten-minute walk away from the hotel where I was staying.
What the market sells:
The market was a buzzing artery of life. Under strings of glowing lanterns, I walked past stalls bursting with everything from handmade jade jewellery and knock-off designer watches to herbal teas, silk robes, antique trinkets, and quirky souvenirs. Loud voices filled the air — not in anger, but in negotiation. Haggling was the language here, and everyone seemed fluent. The scent of sizzling seafood and steamed dumplings wafted through the night, making it impossible to ignore the food stalls lined up at the corners.
How big the market is:
Spanning several city blocks, the market seemed endless, stretching as far as the eye could see. The stalls were arranged in neat, narrow rows, and despite the chaos, there was an energy and rhythm that made navigating the market oddly enjoyable. It was crowded, yes — shoulder-to-shoulder at times — but never overwhelming. The heartbeat of the market pulsed in the laughter of tourists, the sing-song pitches of sellers, and the clinking of chopsticks against ceramic bowls.
Why you enjoyed visiting this market:
What I loved most about Temple Street wasn’t just the vibrant colours or the thrilling bargains. It was the experience — raw, unfiltered, and deeply human. I remember bargaining for a hand-painted fan, laughing with the vendor over our clumsy attempts at each other’s language. I ended up paying more than I should have; but left with something far more valuable — a memory. The market had stories in every corner, and for a few hours, I felt like a character in one of them.
Vocabulary for this Candidate Task Card / Cue Card topic:
Describing an open-air or street market allows you to explore themes such as local culture, shopping, community experiences, and sensory details. The following words and phrases will help you speak more vividly and fluently when discussing this topic:
Bustling atmosphere – A lively and busy environment, often full of energy and people.
Street vendor – A person who sells goods in the street or in an open-air market.
Local delicacies – Regional food items that are considered special or traditional.
Traditional crafts – Handmade items that reflect the local culture or heritage.
Bargain (verb/noun) – To negotiate the price / a good deal or discount.
Open-air stalls – Small shops or booths that are not enclosed within a building.
Artisanal goods – Products made in a traditional or non-mechanized way.
Fresh produce – Recently harvested fruits and vegetables sold at markets.
Local flavour – The distinct cultural or culinary elements of a place.
Maze-like layout – A market design that is complex or confusing, like a labyrinth.
Tourist hotspot – A place popular with tourists.
Crowd-puller – A person, product or event that attracts a large audience.
Atmospheric – Having a distinctive mood or feeling, often positive or culturally rich.
Night market – A market that operates in the evening, often with lights and entertainment.
Alleyway stalls – Shops located in narrow lanes or side streets.
Cultural immersion – The experience of being deeply involved in another culture.
Handmade jewellery – Ornaments crafted by hand, often sold in street markets.
Haggling – The act of negotiating a price in a lively or persistent way.
Final offer – The last price a seller or buyer is willing to accept.
Reasonably priced – Fair or moderate in cost.
Rip-off – Something that is greatly overpriced or not worth the money.
Value for money – Something that is worth what you pay for it.
Memorable experience – An enjoyable or meaningful event that stays in your mind.
Memorable outing – A trip or visit that left a lasting positive impression.
Fond memories – Happy and affectionate recollections of the past.
Unforgettable experience – An event or moment that stays in your mind for a long time.
Treasure hunt feel – The sense of excitement in searching for unique or valuable items.
One-of-a-kind finds – Rare or unique items not easily found elsewhere.
Cultural souvenir – A keepsake that reflects the heritage or tradition of a place.
Part 3: Detailed Discussion/ Two-way discussion:
Discussion Topic: Shopping at markets:
Q. Do people in your country enjoy going to open-air markets that sell things like food or clothes or old objects? Which type of market is more popular? Why?
Q. Do you think markets are more suitable places for selling certain types of things? Which ones? Why do you think this is?
Q. Do you think young people feel the same about shopping at markets as older people? Why is that?
Discussion Topic: Shopping in general:
Q. What do you think are the advantages of buying things from shops rather than markets?
Q. How does advertising influence what people choose to buy? Is this true for everyone?
Q. Do you think that any recent changes in the way people live have affected general shopping trends? Why is this?
Those Part 3 Answers can be found in - Speaking Sample 54- Part 3
If you prepare for the topic "Describe an open-air or street market which you enjoyed visiting", you should be able to talk about the following topics as well:
1) Describe a traditional market you have visited and liked.
2) Describe a famous tourist spot in your hometown.
3) Describe a crowded place you have been to.
4) Describe a place you have been to but did not like much.
5) Describe a place which is located near a river or a lake.
6) Describe a place you visited in your childhood that you still remember.
Report