Cue Cards Samples with band 8 answers
Describe a review you read about a product or service - Cue Card # 765
- Details
- Last Updated: Tuesday, 08 April 2025 07:24
- Written by IELTS Mentor
- Hits: 128822
IELTS Speaking Part 2: IELTS Cue Card/ Candidate Task Card.
Describe a review you read about a product or service.
You should say:
- where you read this review
- what the product or service was
- what information the review gave about the product or service
and explain what you did as a result of reading this review.
[Instruction: 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:
I don’t really rely upon any kind of product reviews that much before buying anything mainly because such reviews don’t always give us a clear picture of a particular product or brand. But, still, about a few months ago, I decided to go over some reviews before deciding to buy an air cooler.
Of course, the air cooler, I was trying to buy, was made by one of the most prestigious and reliable electronics companies in my country, which meant the product didn’t really need any kind of introduction or favourable reviews or opinions to pursue its customers. But, still, I decided to read the reviews because one of my friends had insisted that I better read some of the product reviews, no matter whether the products were made by some famous brands or some unknown brands. I read the review online - on a famous product comparison website in my country.
Anyway, as I started to read some of the product reviews of the so-called “prestigious and reliable” company, I noticed that most of the reviews were negative, contrary to what I actually had anticipated. Initially, after reading those reviews, I thought that they were just some “mad” customers for whatever reasons that might be, but as I started to read a bit more carefully with a critical mind, I found out that most of those people, who left their reviews, were rather knowledgeable about how an air cooler should have performed under what kinds of weather. To my surprise, I found that they were also familiar with a lot of engineering details or features of many parts of an air cooler, which meant that they were not just saying something out of some “speculation”.
In the end, I didn’t really buy the air cooler of the so-called popular and reliable company as I thought that most of the negative reviews on that particular product were authentic and supported by facts and data. Besides, after reading those reviews, I also came to know about what core factors really to consider before buying an air cooler or, for that matter, any other electronics products. So, I am glad that I decided to read those reviews.
Model Answer 2:
Introduction:
I think that in modern times, product and service reviews have become a crucial aspect of the decision-making process for many consumers. These reviews help potential buyers to get a better understanding of the quality and features of the product or service. I also happen to read reviews before I decide to buy something or subscribe to a service. Today, I will describe a review that I read about a product or service that left a lasting impression on me.
Where you read this review:
I read the review on the website of an e-commerce platform called Amazon. This website is one of the most popular platforms for online shopping, and it offers a wide range of products from different categories.
What the product or service was:
The product was a pair of wireless earbuds made by a popular brand. These earbuds were known for their exceptional sound quality and durability, and they were quite expensive compared to other options in the market.
What information the review gave about the product or service:
The review provided detailed information about the sound quality, design, and features of the earbuds. The reviewer also mentioned how easy it was to pair the earbuds with different devices and the battery life of the earbuds. Additionally, the reviewer mentioned that the earbuds came with a warranty, and the customer service of the company was excellent.
And explain what you did as a result of reading this review:
After reading the review, I decided to purchase the earbuds as I was impressed with the features and positive feedback from the reviewer. The earbuds lived up to the expectations mentioned in the review, and I was satisfied with my purchase. I also left a positive review of the earbuds on Amazon to share my experience with others who were looking to purchase the same product.
Idea generation for this Candidate task card / Cue card topic:
Here are some ideas for reviews you might have read about a product or service. You can choose any of these and expand on them in your answer.
1. Online review of a smartphone:
I read a detailed review on a tech website about the latest smartphone model. The review covered its camera quality, battery life, and performance. It mentioned both pros and cons, helping me decide whether to buy it or not.
2. Customer feedback on a restaurant:
On a food blog, I came across a review of a newly opened restaurant. The reviewer praised the ambiance and food quality but mentioned slow service. Based on this, I decided to visit the restaurant on a less crowded day.
3. YouTube video review of a laptop:
I watched a YouTube review of a high-performance laptop for gaming. The reviewer demonstrated its speed and graphics but pointed out heating issues. This review helped me choose a different model with better cooling features.
4. Travel blog review of a tourist destination:
I read a travel blog about a scenic island. The writer described its beauty, activities, and best places to stay. Based on the positive review, I planned my next vacation there.
5. E-commerce website reviews of a skincare product:
While shopping online, I checked customer reviews of a skincare product. Some users reported excellent results, while others had allergic reactions. This made me research more before purchasing.
6. Movie review on a film critic's website:
I read a review of a newly released movie. The critic appreciated the storyline but criticized the acting. After reading it, I decided to watch the movie to form my own opinion.
7. Service review of an online food delivery app:
A social media post reviewed a popular food delivery service. Customers praised its quick delivery but complained about missing items in orders. This review helped me choose a different platform for food delivery.
Part - 3: Details Discussion:
Discussion topics: Online reviews
Q. 1) What kinds of things do people write online reviews about in your country?
Answer: Just like in many other parts of the world, where the internet is available, online reviews are gaining huge popularity in my country as well, especially, in service-oriented industries like hotels, restaurants, tourism and transportation, perhaps because these industries have a better online presence in my country. To a lesser extent, of course, some non-perishable items, like clothing, furniture, electronic appliances and home appliances, that are sold online, are also able to generate online reviews to help customers make an informed decision.
Q. 2) Why do some people write online reviews?
Answer: To put it simply, some people like to offer online reviews for the same reasons that motivate them to leave offline reviews. And the reasons, of course, are either that they are frustrated or upset about using certain products and services, or they are really excited about using them. Sometimes, some people write online reviews also because they have made it their habit. But, for whatever reasons that they might write those reviews, the end result is pretty much the same: creating awareness among the prospective customers at the end of the day.
Q. 3) Do you think that online reviews are good for both shoppers and companies?
Answer: Yes, I do think that online reviews are good and positive things for both the customers and companies for more than one reason. The primary reason, of course, is it doesn’t only inform the customers or shoppers about the possible benefits or drawbacks of using a certain product or service but it also forces the companies to amend their ways of doing business for better, and fixing the possible flaws with their products and services. Besides, it also helps build a trusting relationship between the customers and companies that is mutually beneficial for both parties.
Topic: Customer service
Q. 4) What do you think it might be like to work in a customer service job?
Answer: No doubt, it is a tough question to answer since customer service isn’t exactly like any other job. Having said that, however, a customer service job can be both rewarding and challenging, depending on what kinds of customers we are dealing with. If the customers are fairly rational and don’t like to complain too much about the choices they make in life, then perhaps this job can be rewarding. On the other hand, if customers don’t like to leave an inch from their demands of receiving it “all”, then the chances are that a customer service job is a very challenging one.
Q. 5) Do you agree that customers are more likely to complain nowadays?
Answer: Well, from what I have seen so far from my personal life experience, I can easily agree with the fact that customers indeed are more likely to complain these days, primarily because people, in general, are expecting more out of their life in whichever manner possible. Besides, it is also possible that customers nowadays are more aware of their “rights” as customers, and as a result of this, they think that it is absolutely okay to complain about the products and services that they pay for.
Q. 6) How important is it for companies to take all customer complaints seriously?
Answer: In my opinion, it is absolutely important that companies consider all customer complaints valid and serious if they really want to stay in the competition. After all, tons of other companies are also trying their best to gain their – the same customers that are – businesses at the same time, and just a simple customer service blunder can make that happen. Now, while all companies would do good to take all kinds of customer complaints rather seriously, customers should also be well-advised not to complain indiscriminately.
Vocabulary for this Candidate task card / Cue card topic:
Reading and discussing reviews has become an integral part of modern consumer behaviour. Whether it’s about a product, a service, or an experience, reviews help shape our decisions. When describing a review you read, it's crucial to use precise vocabulary to convey your thoughts and reactions. Below are some related words and phrases that can help you effectively discuss a review you came across:
Customer feedback – Opinions and experiences shared by people who have used a product or service.
Detailed analysis – An in-depth examination of a product’s features and performance.
User rating – The score given by customers based on their satisfaction.
Testimonial – A formal statement from a user about their experience.
Product evaluation – An assessment of the quality and functionality of a product.
Pros and cons – The advantages and disadvantages mentioned in the review.
Critique – A detailed analysis and assessment, often highlighting both positive and negative aspects.
Verified purchase – A review from someone who has actually bought and used the product.
Insightful opinion – A review that provides deep and thoughtful perspectives.
Customer satisfaction – The level of happiness expressed by users.
Constructive criticism – Feedback that highlights flaws while suggesting improvements.
Glowing recommendation – A very positive endorsement of a product or service.
Personal experience – An individual’s own encounter or interaction with the product.
Word-of-mouth – Information about a product or service spread by verbal communication.
Positive endorsement – A strong recommendation from a satisfied customer.
Consumer insight – Information gathered from customers’ reviews and opinions.
Objective review – A fair and unbiased evaluation of a product or service.
Critical assessment – A detailed examination that often highlights areas of improvement.
In-depth review – A comprehensive analysis covering multiple aspects of the product or service.
Mixed opinions – Reviews that include both positive and negative feedback.
First-hand experience – Information based on personal use or direct interaction.
Thorough evaluation – A careful and detailed analysis of the product’s features.
Honest feedback – Sincere and straightforward opinions, whether positive or negative.
Highlighting flaws – Pointing out the shortcomings or issues with a product.
Genuine review – An honest assessment, not influenced or fabricated.
Valuable insight – Useful information that helps others make decisions.
Star rating system – A method of evaluating a product on a scale, often from one to five stars.
Bias-free opinion – A fair assessment without personal or commercial influence.
If you prepare for the topic "Describe a review you read about a product or service", you should be able to talk about the following topics as well:
1) Describe something you have recently read online.
2) Describe an online article or information that helped you.
3) Describe a product that you purchased online.
4) Describe a time when you wrote a review about a product or service.
5) Describe a time when you complained about a product or service.
Report