Describe a Street Market that You Love to Visit – IELTS Speaking Part 2 & 3

Street markets are the vibrant hub of every town or city that fulfills all the needs of its visitors. From food and clothes to items of daily use, we get them all here at a cheaper cost from the air-conditioned malls. Therefore, preparing cue card topics like ‘Describe a Street Market that You Love to Visit’ is crucial for IELTS Speaking Part 2.

Let’s explore 3 sample answers on the topic – Describe a Street Market that You Love to Visit – along with Part 3 follow-up questions related to it to brush up your speaking skills.

Check Out – My Strategy for IELTS Speaking Part 2 (Video)

Describe a Street Market that You Love to Visit – IELTS Cue Card Sample Answer 1

• Where is the market?

Chandni Chowk, located in the heart of Old Delhi, is one of my favourite street markets in India. It is one of the oldest and busiest markets in the country, dating back to the Mughal Era.

• What does the market sell?

Chandni Chowk is a vibrant maze of narrow lanes and bustling bazaars, offering a kaleidoscope of goods and experiences. The market is renowned for its diverse range of products, including traditional Indian clothing such as sarees, lehengas, and sherwanis, as well as jewelry, accessories, and textiles. It is also a paradise for food enthusiasts, with countless street food stalls and eateries serving up iconic dishes like parathas, chaat, kebabs, and jalebis. Additionally, Chandni Chowk is famous for its wholesale markets, where vendors sell spices, dry fruits, electronics, stationery, and household goods.

• How big is the market?

It covers a vast area, with its labyrinthine lanes spanning approximately 1.5 kilometers that stretches from the Red Fort to the Fatehpuri Masjid. The market is divided into several sections, each specializing in specific products and experiences. From lanes of Kinari Bazaar to the aromatic alleys of Khari Baoli, Asia’s largest spice market, Chandni Chowk offers a sprawling tapestry of sights, sounds, and smells.

• And explain why you enjoyed visiting this market.

To me, visiting Chandni Chowk is an exhilarating sensory experience as it transports me to the heart of India’s rich cultural heritage. I am captivated by the vibrant chaos of the market, where every corner reveals a new treasure waiting to be discovered. Whether I’m haggling with vendors over colorful fabrics, indulging in mouth watering street food, or simply soaking in the sights and sounds of this bustling bazaar, Chandni Chowk never fails to enchant me with its charm and energy. Moreover, the market’s historical significance and architectural splendor, embodied by iconic landmarks like the Jama Masjid and the Red Fort, add an extra layer of fascination to my visits.

Describe a Street Market that You Love to Visit – IELTS Cue Card Sample Answer 2

• Where is the market?

On one of my trips to Bangkok, I visited the Chatuchak Weekend Market spanning a vast area in the northern part of the city.

• What does the market sell?

It is renowned for its sheer variety, offering everything from clothing, accessories, and handicrafts to home decor, antiques, pets, and even plants and gardening supplies. Additionally, it features numerous food stalls serving authentic Thai street food. Being a foodie, I felt I was in gastronomic heaven.

• How big is the market?

The Chatuchak Weekend Market covers an expansive area of approximately 27 acres, making it one of the largest weekend markets in the world, with over 15,000 stalls spread across multiple sections.

• And explain why you enjoyed visiting this market.

Whenever I am in Bangkok, I make it a point to visit the Chatuchak Weekend Market due to its eclectic mix of products, vibrant atmosphere, and the thrill of discovering unique treasures around every corner. Navigating the maze-like alleyways of the market, I’m constantly surprised by the sheer diversity of goods on offer, from trendy fashion finds to quirky souvenirs and authentic Thai handicrafts. The lively energy of the market, coupled with the aromas of sizzling street food and the sounds of bargaining and laughter, creates an unforgettable shopping experience. Each visit feels like a journey of exploration and discovery, where I can immerse myself in the vibrant tapestry of Thai culture while indulging in the excitement of haggling and bargaining with friendly vendors. Whether I’m hunting for a one-of-a-kind souvenir, sampling delicious street food, or simply soaking in the bustling atmosphere, Chatuchak Weekend Market never fails to captivate and inspire with its endless array of delights.

Describe a Street Market that You Love to Visit – IELTS Cue Card Sample Answer 3

• Where is the market?

Colaba Causeway is situated in South Mumbai, one of the most vibrant and bustling districts of India’s financial capital, Mumbai. It stretches from Colaba Market to Regal Circle, forming a lively thoroughfare teeming with shops, stalls, and vendors.

• What does the market sell?

Colaba Causeway is a shopper’s paradise, offering a diverse range of products to suit every taste and budget. From trendy clothing and accessories to traditional Indian handicrafts, antiques, and souvenirs, the market caters to a wide array of shoppers. Visitors can browse through stalls selling intricately embroidered textiles, handmade jewelry, colorful bangles, leather goods, and quirky home decor items. Additionally, the market is renowned for its street food stalls, serving up delicious snacks and local delicacies like vada pav, chaat, and pav bhaji, adding to the vibrant tapestry of sights, sounds, and smells.

• How big is the market?

This market spans approximately 1.5 kilometers, encompassing a bustling stretch of shops, stalls, and eateries. The market’s lively ambiance and strategic location near popular tourist attractions like the Gateway of India and Taj Mahal Palace Hotel make it a favored destination for both locals and visitors alike.

• And explain why you enjoyed visiting this market.

I enjoy visiting Colaba Causeway for its vibrant atmosphere, eclectic mix of products, and the unique blend of old-world charm and modernity that defines Mumbai. The market’s bustling lanes are a treasure trove of hidden gems, where every corner reveals something new and exciting to discover. Whether I’m hunting for trendy fashion finds, searching for souvenirs to take home, or simply indulging in a culinary adventure through the maze of street food stalls, the Colaba Causeway never fails to impress me. Moreover, the market’s proximity to iconic landmarks like the Gateway of India and the Arabian Sea adds to its allure, offering a glimpse into Mumbai’s rich cultural heritage and cosmopolitan spirit.

Vocabulary You Can Use to Answer IELTS Speaking Part 2 Questions on Describe a Street Market that You Love to Visit

• Maze

Meaning: a complex and confusing network of passages or paths, often difficult to navigate

Example: The animal was trapped in the maze located below the castle.

• Bustling

Meaning: full of energetic and noisy activity; lively and bustling with people or activity

Example: The group of friends visited the bustling market of Goa.

• Wholesale

Meaning: sale of goods in large quantities, typically for resale by a retailer

Example: My father bought the goods from the wholesale market at a lower price.

• Labyrinthine

Meaning: complicated and confusing, like a maze; having many twists and turns

Example: After exploring the labyrinthine roads of the village, they were tired.

• Exhilarating

Meaning: making one feel very happy, animated, or elated; thrilling

Example: Going on the rollercoaster for the first time was an exhilarating experience for Danny.

• Haggling

Meaning: negotiating or arguing over the price of something, often in an attempt to get a lower price

Example: Whenever she visits any street market, Shreya is always haggling with the seller.

• Gastronomic heaven

Meaning: a place or experience where one can find an abundance of delicious food and culinary delights

Example: For food enthusiasts, visiting the bustling night markets of Taipei is like entering a gastronomic heaven.

• Souvenir

Meaning: a keepsake or memento, typically purchased as a reminder of a place one has visited or an experience one has had

Example: Miya always brings souvenirs for her siblings wherever she goes.

• Thoroughfare

Meaning: a main road or public highway, typically one that runs through an urban area

Example: Most boulevards in Paris served as a major thoroughfare connecting the city center to the suburbs.

• Eclectic

Meaning: deriving ideas, styles, or tastes from a diverse range of sources; diverse or varied

Example: The shop has an eclectic collection of antique furniture.

Check Out – How to Answer IELTS Speaking Part 3 ?

Describe a Street Market that You Love to Visit – IELTS Part 3 Follow-Up Questions

• Do people in your country enjoy going to open-air markets that sell things like food or clothes or old objects? 

Yes, people in my country generally enjoy visiting open-air markets that offer a variety of goods, including food, clothing, and old objects. These markets often hold a special place in the hearts of many as they provide a unique shopping experience characterized by vibrant atmospheres, diverse offerings, and opportunities for social interaction. Whether it’s browsing through stalls filled with fresh produce, hunting for vintage treasures, or exploring the latest fashion trends, open-air markets cater to a wide range of interests and preferences, making them popular destinations for both locals and tourists alike.

• Which type of market is more popular? Why?

Food markets tend to be more popular than markets selling clothing or old objects due to their universal appeal, cultural significance, social atmosphere, and perceived freshness and quality of the products. Food is a fundamental necessity, and food markets offer a unique opportunity to explore local culinary traditions, interact with vendors, and sample fresh ingredients. Additionally, the vibrant atmosphere of food markets fosters social interaction and community engagement, further enhancing their appeal as social destinations.

• Do you think markets are more suitable places for selling certain types of things? Which ones? Why do you think this is?

Definitely. Markets often specialize in certain types of goods. For example, food markets are ideal for selling fresh produce, spices, and cooked meals because they allow customers to see, smell, and sometimes taste the products before buying. On the other hand, clothing markets may be more suitable for selling textiles and garments, as customers can browse through a wide variety of options and negotiate prices directly with vendors.

• Do you think young people feel the same about shopping at markets as older people? Why is that?

In my opinion, there may be some differences in preferences between young and older people when it comes to shopping at markets. Younger individuals might appreciate the authenticity and unique finds that markets offer, while older generations may value the tradition and sense of community that often accompanies market shopping. However, these are broad generalizations, and individual preferences can vary widely.

• What do you think are the advantages of buying things from shops rather than markets?

I believe buying from shops offers certain advantages, such as a more curated selection, fixed prices, and the convenience of a formal retail environment. Shops often provide a consistent shopping experience, with amenities like fitting rooms, return policies, and customer service. Additionally, shopping at shops can be more time-efficient for those with busy schedules.

• Do you think that any recent changes in the way people live have affected general shopping trends? Why is this?

Yes, recent changes in lifestyle, such as the rise of online shopping and the increasing pace of urbanization, have most certainly influenced general shopping trends. Many people now prefer the convenience of online shopping for certain items, while others still value the experiential aspect of in-person shopping at markets or shops. Moreover, urbanization has led to the proliferation of shopping malls and supermarkets, which offer a one-stop destination for various goods and services. Overall, these changes reflect evolving consumer preferences and the adaptation of retail environments to meet modern lifestyles.

Vocabulary You Can Use to Answer IELTS Speaking Part 3 Questions on Describe a Street Market that You Love to Visit 

• Vintage

Meaning: something from the past, particularly items that are of high quality or value due to their age or historical significance

Example: We have a vintage grandfather’s wall clock at home.

• Vendor

Meaning: a person or company that sells goods or services, typically in a public place or at a market

Example: The street vendor set up his stall in the busy marketplace, offering fresh fruits and snacks to passersby.

• Culinary

Meaning: relating to cooking or the art of preparing food

Example: The culinary school offers a variety of courses on food preparation.

• Negotiate

Meaning: to discuss or bargain in order to reach an agreement, typically regarding the terms of a transaction or deal

Example: The manager will negotiate with the upper management about the annual budget.

• Proliferation

Meaning: the rapid increase or spread of something, especially in large numbers

Example: The proliferation of smartphones has dramatically changed the way people communicate and access information.

• Array

Meaning: a large or impressive display or arrangement of things

Example: They offered an array of dress materials at an affordable price.

There’s no doubt that the IELTS cue card topic ‘Describe a Street Market that You Love to Visit’ and the sample answers were hugely useful!

Make sure that your vocabulary and style of speaking are on point to grab that Band 8+ in the IELTS Speaking test. You can also practice IELTS Speaking test papers or can connect with our IELTS experts to practice similar cue cards to take your IELTS Speaking preparation to the next level!

Also let us know which street market you love to visit in the comments below!

Also Check:

• Street Markets: IELTS Speaking Part 1 Sample Answer
• How to Prepare a Cue Card?
• Talk About a Time When You Did Shopping in a Street Market- IELTS Cue Card 
• Online Shopping and Clothes- Speaking Answers 
• Common Mistakes to Avoid in the IELTS Speaking Test
• 50 Recent IELTS Speaking Part 2 and 3 Topics with Model Answers for IELTS
• Describe a shop you often go to – IELTS Cue Card
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