Cue Cards Samples with band 8 answers
Describe your favourite place for shopping - Cue Card # 686
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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 your favourite place for shopping.
You should say:
- where it is
- what types of products are available there
- how frequently you visit there
and explain why this is your favourite place for shopping.
[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 like to go shopping much unless I have a good reason to do so because it usually takes longer than usual for me to do the shopping most of the time. However, here I would like to talk about a shopping place which rather encourages me to visit it once in a while.
The name of this shopping place is “Buy All You Can” which is located on the outskirts of my hometown. It is more like a “supercenter” which opens at 6:00 am every morning and closes at 11:00 pm. I would say that it is easily one of the busiest shopping places in my town because I have seldom found a dull and quiet moment there, no matter what time I visit it.
Covering an area of about 12000 square feet, with a large parking space in front of it, this shopping place draws all types of customers, not only from within the city but also from outside of the city, most of the time. Of course, these customers have a handful of reasons to visit this busy supercenter, but the main reason is that it sells a complete line of grocery products, including fruits, vegetables, dry foods, snacks, loaves of bread and cakes, fish, meat, dairy products, frozen food, kitchen and household appliances, and cleaning products, among many other items for our daily needs. This supercenter also has separate sections for “seasonal clothing items” and “beauty products”.
One of the distinct features of this shopping place is that it sells both the “high-end” products as well as the products for “regular” customers. There are other reasons for visiting this great shopping place, but I visit it twice a month mostly to buy some fresh fish and vegetables.
This is my favourite shopping place because I can find and buy the products, I want, rather easily and quickly without asking the store crews there. Besides, I also like to visit this big store because it promotes the products of “serious small businesses” as opposed to just selling the merchandise of only big and profit-making companies.
Model Answer 2:
Introduction:
One of my favourite places for shopping is the Mall of America, located in Bloomington, Minnesota, USA. It's the largest shopping mall in the United States and offers a wide range of products and entertainment options under one roof. For this topic, I will talk about this shopping mall.
Where it is:
The Mall of America is situated in Bloomington, a suburb of Minneapolis-St. Paul in the state of Minnesota. It's conveniently located near the Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport, making it easily accessible for both local residents and visitors from out of town.
What types of products are available there:
The Mall of America boasts over 500 stores, ranging from high-end luxury brands to budget-friendly options, covering almost every category imaginable. From fashion apparel, accessories, and cosmetics to electronics, home goods, and speciality items, there's something for everyone's taste and budget. Additionally, the mall features numerous dining options, entertainment venues, and attractions, including an indoor amusement park, an aquarium, and a miniature golf course.
How frequently you visit there:
I visit the Mall of America several times a year, often during weekends or holidays when I have free time to explore and shop.
And explain why this is your favourite place for shopping:
The Mall of America holds a special place in my heart for several reasons. Firstly, its sheer size and variety of stores ensure that I can find everything I need in one place, saving time and effort. Whether I'm looking for trendy fashion items, the latest gadgets, or unique gifts, I know I'll find them at the mall.
Moreover, the mall's vibrant atmosphere and diverse mix of retailers create an exciting and dynamic shopping experience. I enjoy strolling through its spacious corridors, browsing through the latest collections, and discovering new brands and products.
Idea generation for this Candidate task card/ Cue card topic:
This topic asks you to describe your favourite place for shopping. A great answer should mention where this place is, what kinds of things are sold there, how often you go there for shopping, and why it’s your top choice. It’s helpful to focus on the environment, variety, pricing, customer service, and your personal preferences. Your choice can range from a luxury mall to a humble roadside stall. Here are a few ideas to help you develop your own response:
1. A large shopping mall:
One of my favourite places for shopping is a large shopping mall in the city centre. It offers a wide variety of branded clothes, electronics, cosmetics, and books. I usually visit once a month. I love the convenience of having everything under one roof and the clean, air-conditioned environment makes it enjoyable.
2. A local street market:
I often shop at a busy street market near my home. It has stalls that sell clothes, fresh produce, kitchenware, and handmade crafts. I go there almost every week. The prices are low, and the bargaining culture makes it fun. I also like supporting local vendors.
3. An online shopping platform:
These days, my favourite place to shop is an online site like Amazon. I can find everything from books and gadgets to clothes and accessories. I shop online twice or thrice a month. It's incredibly convenient and saves me the hassle of going out in traffic.
4. A second-hand bookstore:
There's a second-hand bookstore I adore visiting once a month. It's tucked away in a quiet corner of town and has shelves full of rare and vintage books. I enjoy browsing through the titles, and the place feels peaceful and nostalgic.
5. A neighbourhood convenience store:
The small convenience store just around the corner is my go-to for everyday items. It has snacks, drinks, toiletries, and basic groceries. I visit it almost every day. It's my favourite because it's nearby, open late, and the shopkeeper knows me well.
6. A farmers' market:
Every Saturday morning, I go to a local farmers' market to buy fresh fruits, vegetables, eggs, and flowers. Everything is organic and locally sourced. I love the cheerful atmosphere, the music, and chatting with the sellers.
7. A brand outlet store:
There’s a branded outlet shop outside the city where I love to shop for clothes and shoes. The prices are discounted, and the quality is top-notch. I go there once every few months during the sales season and always find something useful.
8. A traditional handicraft bazaar:
In my city, there’s a famous handicraft bazaar that sells handmade items like pottery, carpets, and jewellery. I visit it during festivals. I like it because it promotes local artisans and each item has cultural significance and craftsmanship behind it.
9. A boutique fashion store:
A boutique fashion store near my college is where I shop for trendy clothes. The store is small, but the designs are unique and stylish. I go there when I want to buy something special for a party or event. The personal attention from the staff makes it my favourite.
10. A tech and gadget store:
For electronics and gadgets, I love visiting a tech store in the mall. It has the latest smartphones, headphones, laptops, and gaming accessories. I go there every few months to explore new tech, and the knowledgeable staff always guide me well.
11. A weekend flea market:
The weekend flea market is a place I really enjoy visiting. It’s full of quirky items like antiques, vintage clothes, handmade soaps, and DIY crafts. I visit once every month. The treasure-hunting feeling and the creativity of the products draw me in.
12. A wholesale grocery store:
When I need to buy in bulk for the family, I head to a wholesale grocery store. It has everything from rice and oil to frozen foods at cheaper prices. I visit it once every two months. It helps save money and reduces frequent shopping trips.
Vocabulary for this Candidate task card/ Cue card topic:
When describing your favourite place for shopping, using vivid vocabulary can effectively convey its location, the variety of products, your shopping habits, and the personal reasons that make it special. Thoughtful word choices will help you articulate the atmosphere and convenience, making your response both engaging and relatable. Here are some relevant words and phrases:
Bustling atmosphere: – A lively and energetic environment, usually with many people moving around.
Example: I love the bustling atmosphere of the central market; there's always something happening.
One-stop destination: – A place where all necessary goods or services can be found.
Example: This mall is a one-stop destination for all my needs, from groceries to electronics.
Diverse selection: – A wide and varied range of choices or options.
Example: They offer a diverse selection of products, catering to every taste and budget.
Retail therapy: – The act of shopping in order to lift one's mood or spirits.
Example: For me, a visit to this place is pure retail therapy, helping me relax and de-stress.
Vibrant ambience: – A lively and energetic mood or feeling of a place.
Example: The vibrant ambience of the local craft fair always draws me in.
Curated collection: – A carefully selected and organized group of items.
Example: This boutique has a beautifully curated collection of unique fashion pieces.
Conducive to: – Tending to produce; contributive to.
Example: The relaxed environment is conducive to a pleasant and unhurried shopping experience.
Browse experience: – The act of looking through items casually, without necessarily intending to buy.
Example: I enjoy the leisurely browsing experience, discovering new items each time.
Regular haunt: – A place frequently visited by a person.
Example: This bookstore has become my regular haunt whenever I need to escape and find peace.
Unparalleled variety: – An unmatched or unequalled range of choices.
Example: The sheer unparalleled variety of fresh produce at the farmers' market is why I love it.
Personalized service: – Customer assistance that is tailored to an individual's specific needs or preferences.
Example: The friendly staff offer personalized service, making my visits very enjoyable.
Escape the mundane: – To get away from the ordinary, routine, or boring aspects of life.
Example: For me, shopping here is a chance to escape the mundane and immerse myself in unique finds.
Community hub: – A central place where people from a local area gather for various activities.
Example: The market functions as a true community hub, where I often run into friends and neighbours.
Elevated experience: – A heightened or improved level of enjoyment or satisfaction.
Example: The overall design and offerings provide an elevated experience compared to typical stores.
If you prepare for the topic "Describe your favourite place for shopping", you should be able to talk about the following topics as well:
1) Describe your favourite shopping mall or shopping centre.
2) Describe a shop or store where you often go for shopping.
3) Describe a shopping centre/mall that you have visited.
4) Describe a shop near where you live that you sometimes use.
5) Describe an open-air or street market that you enjoyed visiting.
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