Details

Written by IELTS Mentor

IELTS Speaking Part 2: IELTS Cue Card/ Candidate Task Card.

Describe a website you have bought something from.

You should say:

• what the website is
• what you bought from this website
• how satisfied you were with what you bought

and explain what you liked or disliked about using this website.

[You will have to talk about the topic for one to two minutes. You have one minute to think about what you are going to say. You can make some notes to help you if you wish.]

Model Answer 1:
No doubt, there are so many sophisticated eCommerce websites on the internet, but choosing one of them can be a bit tricky since we would never know if they are really that much reliable or trustworthy except, of course, we are talking about amazon.com.

Now, I think that there are very few people, using the internet to buy things, who don’t know about the Amazon eCommerce website. But, still, to repeat, it is the world’s largest online retailer, manufacturer of electronic book readers and web service provider that has become the iconic example of the electronic commerce industry all over the world.

Being founded in the year of 1994, amazon.com has actually revolutionized the way business is done on the internet by incorporating the latest technologies on its website to the best possible effects. And I realized this, again, when I went to buy an E-book reader from their website about a few months ago for my 14-year-old cousin.

By the way, the E-book reader, I bought, is the Amazon Kindle Paperwhite, which probably is the right choice for all kinds of users. And it didn’t even cost me that much money even though this sharp 6-inch device is packed with 8 GB of storage and a 300-PPI backlit display. So, in the end, it was quite a deal for me, as I didn’t have to look anywhere else for what I was exactly looking for. But, the best thing was that it probably took me only about 5 to 7 minutes to finish the whole process of finding my E-book reader and paying for it.

Well, what I really liked about amazon.com was that the website actually allows its customers to personalize and filter the product information based on the customers' tastes and preferences. Besides, I was very impressed with the way the website managed to organize its navigational features. It was designed and built in such a simplified manner (especially, for such a “gigantic” online retailer) that the customers don’t feel lost when searching for their products.

Model Answer 2:

Introduction: 
In the present era of technology, online shopping has become more convenient and accessible than ever before. I consider myself a regular online shopper. I have shopped on many websites, but the one I would like to talk about today is eBay. 

What the website is:
eBay is an online shopping website that allows people to buy and sell a vast range of products, from electronics to fashion, cars to antiques, and much more. It is a platform that connects millions of buyers and sellers around the world, making it easy for people to find and buy what they are looking for.

What you bought from this website: 
Last month, I purchased a Wi-Fi router from eBay. I was in dire need of a new router as my old one was not functioning correctly. So, I searched for a suitable router on eBay and found a good one at a reasonable price.

How satisfied you were with what you bought:
I was extremely satisfied with what I bought. The router was exactly as described in the listing, and it worked flawlessly. It was easy to install, and I had no trouble setting it up. The seller shipped it promptly, and it arrived on time.

And explain what you liked or disliked about using this website:
What I liked about eBay was the variety of products it offered. It has products of every category, and there is something for everyone. I also appreciated the user-friendly interface of the website, making it easy to navigate and find what I needed. However, what I disliked was the shipping cost, which was quite high for some items. Also, the website can be a little overwhelming for first-time users, with so many options and listings to choose from.

Personally, I would highly recommend it to anyone looking to buy something online.

Idea generation for this Candidate task card / Cue card topic:

There are many popular websites where people buy products or services. Below are some examples of websites where you may have made a purchase. Choose one and elaborate on your experience.

1. Amazon:
Amazon is one of the largest online shopping platforms, offering a vast range of products from books to electronics, clothing, and groceries. It is known for its convenience, wide selection, and customer reviews. Many customers appreciate the fast delivery and easy return policies.

2. eBay:
eBay is an online auction site where individuals and businesses sell new or used goods. The platform allows users to bid on items or buy them outright. Many people enjoy using eBay for unique, rare, or second-hand products, often at competitive prices.

3. Etsy:
Etsy is an online marketplace specializing in handmade, vintage, and unique items. It’s the go-to site for people looking for custom gifts, clothing, or home décor. Etsy offers a personalized shopping experience, and buyers can often interact directly with sellers.

4. Alibaba:
Alibaba is a global e-commerce platform that connects buyers with suppliers, mainly for wholesale purchases. It is ideal for bulk buying or sourcing products from overseas manufacturers. Many entrepreneurs use Alibaba to find suppliers for their businesses.

5. Flipkart:
Flipkart is one of the largest e-commerce platforms in India, offering products ranging from electronics to fashion and home appliances. The platform is known for its great deals, especially during seasonal sales, and offers easy payment and delivery options.

6. Walmart:
Walmart’s online shopping platform allows customers to purchase groceries, electronics, home goods, and much more. It’s known for its reliable customer service and competitive prices. Many people enjoy the convenience of shopping for groceries and non-perishable items from home.

7. Zara:
Zara’s online platform allows customers to shop for the latest fashion trends for men, women, and children. The website offers a seamless shopping experience, with an intuitive interface and a fast checkout process. Many people appreciate the stylish options available on the website.

8. Book Depository:
Book Depository is an online bookstore that offers a wide range of books with free worldwide delivery. The website is known for its vast selection of books in various genres, and its simple, user-friendly interface makes browsing and purchasing books an enjoyable experience.

9. Best Buy:
Best Buy is a popular electronics retailer with an extensive online presence. Customers can buy a wide range of products, from gadgets to home appliances, with a focus on technology. Best Buy offers good customer service, fast delivery, and the option for in-store pickup.

10. Target:
Target is a retail giant in the US, offering everything from home goods to groceries. Its online store is well-organized and known for attractive discounts and promotions. Many customers prefer shopping on Target’s website for convenience and good prices.
 

Necessary Vocabulary for this topic:

Here are some words and phrases related to online shopping that will help you express your ideas more effectively in the IELTS Speaking test:

Online platform – A website or app where users can interact with and purchase products or services.
Online marketplace – A website or app that connects buyers and sellers, such as eBay or Amazon.
Product range – The variety of products available for purchase on a website.
Shipping options – The methods available for delivering purchased goods to customers (e.g., standard delivery, express delivery).
Return policy – A company’s rules and conditions regarding the process of returning a purchased item.
Secure payment system – A method used by online stores to ensure customers' financial transactions are safe.
Transaction history – A record of all the purchases and payments made on a particular website.
Fast delivery – A service option that allows customers to receive their items in a short amount of time.
In-stock – Products that are available for purchase and ready to be shipped.
Out of stock – Products that are temporarily unavailable for purchase due to high demand or low supply.
Refund policy – A policy that allows customers to return items and get their money back under certain conditions.
Click-and-collect – A service that allows customers to order products online and pick them up in-store.
Virtual cart – A digital version of a shopping cart used by online shoppers to store selected items before purchase.
Secure checkout – The process of completing a purchase on a website, ensuring that payment details are protected.
Customizable options – Features that allow a customer to personalize or modify a product according to their preferences.
Delivery tracking number – A unique reference number given to each delivery to help customers follow the progress of their order.
 

Part 3 - Details Discussion:

Discussion topic: Shopping online

Q. What kinds of things do people in your country often buy from online shops?
Q. Why do you think online shopping has become so popular nowadays?
Q. What are some possible disadvantages of buying things from online shops? 

Discussion topic: The culture of consumerism

Q. Why do many people today keep buying things which they do not need? 
Q. Do you believe the benefits of a consumer society outweigh the disadvantages? 
Q. How possible is it to avoid the culture of consumerism?

The answer to those Part 3 Questions - Speaking Sample 113: Part 3 - Details Discussion

• IELTS Cue Card
• Candidate Task Card
• Speaking Part 2

• Prev
• Next