Describe a shop just opened in your hometown – IELTS Speaking Part 2 & 3 Topic: Shopping

This article contains sample answers for the cue card topic – Describe a shop just opened in your hometown as well as Part 3 questions related to the topic.

In the Part 2 of the IELTS Speaking section, you will be given a cue card that provides prompts to help you formulate a response and speak on the given topic. You will have exactly one minute to prepare and speak on a specific topic.

In this cue card, you have an opportunity to share about a shop just opened in your hometown. Also, the sample answers given below will guide you to learn how to communicate clearly and successfully.

But!

In case you want a thorough reference material, check out the latest Speaking ebook that has some incredible features to help you achieve your desired band score!

Additionally, expand your Cue Cards vocabulary with the most useful synonyms for commonly used adjectives in IELTS.

Sample Answer 1

A new shop in my city? I think I would choose “ABC”, which was just opened 2 months ago near my house. Though it’s still new to the citizens in the area, a lot of people visit it all weekend. This shop mainly focuses on a variety of household appliances that are a necessity for everyone. Therefore, it usually sells TVs, washing machines, refrigerators, and other cooking machines like ovens, cookers, or stoves. Since the day it was opened, life in my neighborhood has been very joyful. People don’t have to travel a long way to buy TV or cookers anymore, now that there is a very big shop which offers them a lot of good electronic devices. Besides, this shop, which can seat up to 1000 people, is very spacious and modern with well-trained staff and good service. Hence, these are also some reasons why I enjoy this new shop a lot as there is no need to waste time traveling to a faraway place.

Sample Answer 2

Vocabulary for Cue Card

• Citizen: a person who is a member of a particular country and who has rights because of being born there or because of being given rights, or a person who lives in a particular town or city
  Eg: I am proud to be an Indian citizen. 
• Variety: many different types of things or people
  Eg: There were a variety of food options at the wedding. 
• Necessity:  something that you need, especially in order to live
  Eg: The hostels offer basic necessities required for a student living. 
• Neighborhood: the area of a town that surrounds someone’s home, or the people who live in this area
  Eg: Rose lives in my neighborhood. 
• Seat: (of a building, room, table, or vehicle) to have enough seats for
  Eg: The seat beside me on the bus seems booked for an old lady. 
• Well-trained: having the qualities that you connect with trained and skilled people, such as effectiveness, skill, organization and seriousness of manner 
  Eg: The animals in the circus are well-trained by their masters.

Questions for Part 3

1 What type(s) of the shop would you recommend a visit to your country should go to? (Why?)

If travelers ever want to have an authentic and unforgettable experience during their journey, I would highly recommend they pay a visit to traditional markets or food stands on the street to have a taste of true street foods, which are diverse in types and flavors. Street vendors will also offer visitors a wide range of delicious dishes and a true dining experience.

2 Do you ever buy anything on the internet?

I reckon that most of the clothing items I have ever bought are from ABC, an online fashion shop where you can find basically everything you need to become a stylish lady. From sexy little black dresses for partying to formal blouses for daily life at the office, ABC won’t let you down. Since e-commerce and online shopping has become a trend thanks to their convenience and optimal user experience, I no longer spend 30 minutes driving to any clothing shop and another 2 hours choosing and trying on everything. In fact, with only my laptop and a cup of coffee, I can easily shop from home with even more choices. The Internet really works magic.

3 What do you think are the advantages of buying things on the internet?

Online shopping has been prevalent in the past few years for some reasons. First and foremost, buying online is incredibly time-saving. Well, obviously, time is considered the most precious asset that everyone has but many have taken it for granted. Instead of spending hours driving to your favorite malls to get some new clothes from the latest collection, your problem can be solved with only Internet connections and, of course, your fine taste in fashion. No energy is needed, either. Secondly, you always have the best deals when subscribing to any online stores, which can save you tons of money that you even notice. Some shops even offer exclusive promotions for loyal customers, therefore, get ready for special treats. Lastly, you can easily switch from site to site to have even more choices without moving anything but your fingers. How awesome is that?

4 Are there any disadvantages (or dangers) of buying on the internet? (What?)

Every cloud has a bolt of silver lightning. Online shopping, in particular, and e-commerce, in general, are true advancements in the modern world, however, their drawbacks couldn’t be overlooked. It is widely known that there is no such thing as 100% nowadays, cyber security included. No less than once or twice have I heard about users’ information has been leaked, which can cause a serious threat to customers who are using that company’s products or services. Another concern should also be taken into account is overspending due to constant exposure to products of preference. By this I mean technology has advanced to the point that any shopping sites, especially social media, all have algorithms that can track your shopping habits and keep reminding you not to miss the latest items that might attract you. What a clever, yet annoying tool at the same time.

5 Do you like window shopping? (Why?/Why not?)

I must say I am not a big fan of window shopping no matter how shopaholic I am. Window shopping can only worsen my financial status rather than help. Admittedly, it pleases your eyes when looking at gorgeous clothing and fancy handbags, yet, it’s too much a temptation that not anyone can resist. As a result, you end up drowning in debt just because the urge to become a trendy lady gets a better hold of you than your modest budget. Hence, as I know myself well enough to understand that would be my reaction towards anything that is pretty, I would rather stay home than window shopping.

6 In your country, how has shopping changed in the past few decades?

Just like any other part of the world, Singapore has experienced dramatic changes in customers’ behavior when it comes to shopping. One of the striking features of shopping habits these days is people tend to buy things online and get them delivered to their houses, regardless of what kinds of items. It could be pizzas, clothing, or kitchen appliances. Besides, international trade has afforded customers easy access to a wider range of products and services which are not only from domestic suppliers but foreign ones as well. Lots of items have been imported to meet the demand of users within the country, ranging from food and beverage, cosmetics, cars, and so on.

7 Do you think people spend too much time (or money) on shopping? (Why?/Why not?)

I can’t tell for sure because the amount of time spent on shopping varies among different people. Nevertheless, thanks to the advent of the Internet and online shopping, that amount might be relatively less than it used to be. Besides, people seem to be busier and their schedules get tighter with much more important tasks other than shopping itself. Therefore, I don’t think shopping is people’s priority or anything more than a necessary deed to get on with life.

Vocabulary for Speaking Part 3

• When it comes to Ving (expression) as for something; speaking about something
  Eg: When it comes to academics, he’s a very good student. 
• Regardless of (conjunction) without considering something
  Eg: Regardless of Rose’s opinion, her family fixed her wedding date. 
• And so on (phrase) et cetera (etc)
  Eg:  She likes eating chips, fries, cakes, cookies, and so on. 
• A (big) fan of: an enthusiastic devotee or admirer of something or somebody
  Eg: I am a big fan of Salman Khan. 
• Shopaholic (noun) is a person considered to be addicted to shopping
  Eg: Rose is a shopaholic woman. 
• Get hold of (phrase) To gain control of
  Eg: Parents get hold of their children from a young age. 
• End up (phrasal verb) finish, result in
  Eg: The placement drive ended up successfully. 
• Every cloud has a silver lightning (idiom) something good even in an unpleasant situation
  Eg: Although he failed the exam, he realized that every cloud has silver lightning. 
• Take something into account (phrase) to consider something to be an important factor in some decision
  Eg: I hope the police take my statement into account and grant me the bail. 
• Prevalent (adj) Predominant; powerful
  Eg: In the olden days, the head of the family was prevalent in taking decisions. 
• First and foremost:  most importantly
  Eg: The first and foremost thing to do is wash your hands and sanitize them.
• Taken it for granted: Fail to properly appreciate (someone or something)
  Eg: The rich brat has taken his father’s earnings for granted. 
• Let you down: disappoint somebody
  Eg: John will never let his parents down. 
• E-commerce: the buying and selling of goods and services via the internet
  Eg: Rose has been offered a role in the E-Commerce sector.
• Optimal (adj) best or most favorable
  Eg: I think a simple wedding is optimal. 
• Authentic (adj) genuine
  Eg: We have prepared these food items with authentic ingredients. 
• Get on with: to give your time to something and make progress with it
  Eg: Rose will eventually get on with her life. 

Explore More Place/Location Cue cards >>