Cue Cards Samples with band 8 answers
A shop near where you live that you sometimes use - Cue Card # 838
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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 a shop near where you live that you sometimes use.
You should say:
- what sorts of product or service it sells
- what the shop looks like
- where it is located
and explain why you use this shop.
[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.]
[Examiner: All right? Remember you have one to two minutes for this, so don't worry if I stop you. I'll tell you when the time is up. Can you start speaking now, please?]
Model Answer 1:
Introduction:
There are several shops near where I live that I frequent, but there is one in particular that I visit more often than others. It is a small convenience store that sells a wide range of everyday products and services. The name of this shop is "Daily Grocers". For this topic, I will describe this shop, its location, and why I use it. But before I do so, I would like to thank you for the time and opportunity to let me talk about this shop.
What sorts of product or service it sells:
The convenience store sells a variety of products and services, including groceries, gift items, pens and papers, cosmetics, snacks, fruits, household items, stationery, books and drinks. They also offer services like photocopying and printing. The shop is stocked with a good range of products, which makes it convenient for me to purchase things that I need quickly.
What the shop looks like:
The shop is a small, but neat and organized store. The front of the shop has a large glass window that allows customers to see inside. The interior of the shop is brightly lit, with shelves and racks filled with products. The aisles are well-organized, making it easy for customers to find what they are looking for.
Where it is located:
The shop is located just a few minutes walk from my apartment building, on a busy street. It is situated in a small commercial area that has several shops and restaurants. The location is convenient for me because I can easily pop in and out of the shop when I need to pick up something quickly.
And explain why you use this shop:
I use this shop because it is convenient and has everything I need. The location is ideal, and the staff is friendly and helpful. The owner of this shop is a middle-aged lady who is very amiable and well-mannered. Also, the prices are reasonable, which makes it an affordable option for me. I find it to be a reliable and trustworthy store, and I appreciate the convenience of being able to buy what I need at a moment's notice.
Sample Answer 2:
Thank you for this nice topic. For that, I'll tell you about a shop where I often visit to purchase some important items at least once or twice a week. This shop is conveniently located near my house.
In fact, living in a small town has its perks, and one of them is being able to enjoy personalized shopping experiences from local businesses. I have a favourite shop near where I live, which I often use for various reasons.
The shop I'm talking about is a bookstore that sells all kinds of books, including novels, comics, magazines, newspapers, and academic books. In addition to books, the shop also offers stationery items like pens, papers, and pencils, as well as some educational toys and games.
The bookstore is located in the heart of the town, just a few minutes walk from my house. It is a small but cosy shop, with wooden shelves lined up neatly, displaying books and other products. The shop's exterior is decorated with a large glass window, which showcases the latest books and stationery items available.
I love reading, and this bookstore is the perfect place to find my favourite books. I appreciate the variety of options available, from classics to contemporary books. Besides, the shop owner is very friendly and knowledgeable about books, and he always recommends me some excellent reads. Moreover, the convenience of its location makes it easy for me to pop in and browse the new releases whenever I have some spare time. I would highly recommend this shop to anyone looking for an excellent read or stationery items.
Idea generation for this Candidate task card / Cue card topic:
This topic gives you the chance to describe a shop in your neighbourhood that you visit occasionally. It could be a small local business, a convenience store, a specialised shop, or even a service-oriented place. Below are a few useful ideas you can expand into your answer:
1. Corner convenience store:
This small shop near my house sells snacks, soft drinks, and household essentials. It's located just two minutes away, and I often visit it for last-minute grocery shopping. The shop has narrow aisles but is well-stocked, and I use it for its accessibility and quick service.
2. Pharmacy:
There’s a pharmacy down the street that sells both prescription and over-the-counter medicines. It's clean, organised, and has polite staff. I go there when I need quick health-related products, and I trust their service and advice.
3. Bakery:
A cosy little bakery near my home specialises in fresh bread, pastries, and cakes. It has a warm atmosphere and an irresistible aroma. I usually stop by for fresh croissants and enjoy the friendly conversation with the baker.
4. Stationery and gift shop:
This shop sells greeting cards, notebooks, pens, and decorative items. It’s colourfully decorated and well-lit. I go there when I need a thoughtful gift or supplies for my writing and art.
5. Coffee shop:
There's a local coffee shop that offers artisan coffee and light snacks. The interior is stylish, with indoor plants and wooden furniture. I go there for some quiet time, to read, or to meet friends.
6. Mobile accessories shop:
Located in a small shopping plaza, this store sells phone cases, chargers, and gadgets. The shop is compact but efficient, and I go there whenever I need phone accessories or repairs.
7. Vegetable vendor:
A roadside stall in my neighbourhood sells fresh vegetables and fruits daily. Though it’s a small setup, I like it because the produce is fresh and cheaper than supermarkets.
8. Tailor shop:
There’s a local tailor who offers alteration and stitching services. The shop is neat and filled with fabrics and sewing tools. I use his services for minor repairs and custom stitching for special occasions.
9. Hardware store:
A few blocks away, there's a hardware shop selling tools, paint, and building materials. I visit it occasionally when doing home repairs. The owner is knowledgeable and offers good suggestions.
10. Bookstore:
A quaint little bookstore near my building sells novels, textbooks, and magazines. I go there to browse or pick up something new to read. The smell of books and the peaceful setting draw me in.
Model Answer 3:
Introduction:
Thank you for this great topic that asks me to talk about a shop near my living place where I often go to. Well, I live in a residential area on the outskirts of the city. There is a coffee shop that I visit quite often, which is not too far from my house. Here, I'd like to talk about this coffee shop in detail.
What sorts of product or service it sells:
The shop sells a wide range of coffee drinks, such as cappuccino, latte, espresso, and Americano, along with various types of tea. It also serves light snacks like muffins, croissants, and cookies. They use high-quality coffee beans and fresh ingredients, which make the coffee and snacks taste really good.
What the shop looks like:
The coffee shop has a modern and stylish interior. The decor is a combination of rustic and contemporary, with exposed brick walls, wooden floors, and industrial lighting fixtures. The furniture is cosy and comfortable, and there are plenty of seats for customers to sit and relax.
Where it is located:
The shop is located on the corner of a busy street, just a few blocks away from my house. It is easily accessible by foot, bicycle, or car. There is also plenty of parking space available nearby.
And explain why you use this shop:
I use this coffee shop quite often because of its proximity to my house and the high-quality products and services it offers. The coffee is always fresh and delicious, and the snacks are a perfect complement to the beverages. The shop also has free Wi-Fi, which is perfect for getting some work done while enjoying a cup of coffee. Moreover, the staff is friendly and welcoming, and they always greet me with a smile. I find this coffee shop a perfect place to relax, catch up with friends, or get some work done and that's why often visit it.
Part 3 - Details Discussion
Discussion Topic: Local business
Q. What types of local business are there in your neighbourhood? Are there any restaurants, shops or dentists for example?
Q. Do you think local businesses are important for a neighbourhood? In what way?
Q. How do large shopping malls and commercial centres affect small local businesses? Why do you think that is?
Discussion Topic: People and business
Q. Why do some people want to start their own business?
Q. Are there any disadvantages to running a business? Which is the most serious?
Q. What are the most important qualities that a good business person needs? Why is that?
Please visit IELTS Speaking Test - Sample 77 for the answer to these Part 3 questions.
Vocabulary for this Candidate Task Card / Cue Card topic:
Below is a list of useful words and phrases to help you speak more fluently and naturally when discussing this topic:
Neighbourhood store – A shop located in a local residential area.
Convenience store – A small shop selling everyday items that is open for extended hours.
Well-stocked – Having a wide variety or large quantity of items available.
Locally owned – A shop or business that is run by someone from the local community.
Personalised service – Customer service that is customised or tailored to individual needs.
Accessible – Easy to reach or approach; conveniently located.
Compact space – A small but efficiently used area.
Ambience – The mood, character, or atmosphere of a place.
Frequented – Visited often or regularly by someone.
Friendly staff – Employees who are polite, welcoming, and helpful.
Browse – To look around casually without a specific intention to buy.
Essential items – Basic products needed for daily life.
Customer loyalty – The tendency of customers to return to the same shop because of satisfaction or familiarity.
Reasonably priced – Fair or moderate in terms of cost.
High foot traffic – A location where many people pass by or visit, often used to describe busy shops.
If you prepare for the topic "Describe a shop near where you live that you sometimes use", you should be able to talk about the following topics as well:
1) Describe a shop or store where you often go to.
2) Describe a shopping centre you often go to.
3) Describe your favourite shopping centre.
4) Describe a place where you meet your friends often.
5) Describe a place you like to go to.
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