Talk About a Time When You Did Shopping in a Street Market- IELTS Cue Card

Sample Answer

Street markets are an ingrained part of the daily lives of many people who reside in third world countries like India, Pakistan, Brazil and many others. These markets are famous for their dirt-cheap prices and the assortment of products they sell. A majority of the population is known to do their shopping in such flea markets. Since I was a child, I have had countless memories of accompanying my mother on her trips to such a street market. The name of the place is Gariahat and it is one of the most famous places in the city of Kolkata.

The Gariahat market is famous for its humongous range of products ranging from garments, accessories, books, utensils, electronics, and even furniture. The most notable aspect of this particular flea market is its gargantuan range of ladies’ garments and accessories for almost every occasion. People who visit the Gariahat market rarely find themselves in a position where they are unable to find the product that they seek. These markets have more options to choose from than some of the largest and most exorbitant shopping malls in the city.

Gariahat market is famous for everything ranging from its selection of products and services to the nature of the people from the locality. It is one of the busiest markets in Kolkata and is always bustling with crowds. Another characteristic of this market that makes it so favoured is the local food. The different types of cuisines available here range from Chinese, North Indian to Bengali and several others.

Gariahat market has been a major part of my childhood and it will always hold a special place in my heart. Even to this day, I always prefer going to this market for most of my needs instead of a high-priced shopping centre.

Vocabulary

• Ingrained

Meaning: (of a habit, belief, or attitude) firmly fixed or established; difficult to change.
Eg.: The values taught by his parents were ingrained in his personality.

• Humongous

Meaning: huge; enormous.
Eg.: There was a humongous increase in college applications after the pandemic.

• Notable

Meaning: worthy of attention or notice; remarkable.
Eg.: Martin Scorsese is one of the most notable filmmakers of our time.

• Exorbitant

Meaning: (of a price or amount charged) unreasonably high.
Eg.: The exorbitant prices of this place were the reason the trip had to be cut short.

• Bustling

Meaning: (of a place) full of activity.
Eg.: The hall room was bustling with students during the convocation ceremony.

Part 3 – Follow up Questions

• Do you like shopping online or going out shopping?

The choice between online shopping and shopping from a physical store is quite difficult. Both online shopping and offline shopping have their advantages and disadvantages. Although online shopping provides customers with the practicality of shopping from the comfort of their homes, it is difficult to judge the quality of the products from online shopping platforms. On the other hand, customers can personally judge the standard of the products they buy when visiting a store. In my opinion, I would prefer going out shopping as opposed to online shopping.

• What is the difference between shopping with friends and shopping alone?

There is a huge difference between shopping by yourself and shopping with friends. When shopping alone, an individual makes decisions on their own. Although there is a certain amount of liberty in such a practice, it might lead some people to make unappealing choices, especially when shopping for apparel. However, when shopping with friends, a person can get the opinion of others before they make a purchase which is always prudent.

• What are the disadvantages of shopping in a big mall?

Contrary to popular belief, there are a few disadvantages to shopping in a big mall. One of the biggest disadvantages is the hike in the prices of products due to the addition of several fixed costs that the vendor has to bear. Another disadvantage is the unhygienic and questionable quality of the products due to them being surveyed and inspected by countless people. Some people who are not used to shopping in big malls might also feel self-conscious and hesitant to make purchases in these places.

• Why do people like to buy branded products?

The inclination towards branded products is a widespread phenomenon in this day and age. People’s obsession with lavish brands is often driven by snob appeal. Although this is the case for a sizeable portion of shoppers, many people prefer branded products for their superior quality. Branded products are also popular for following a standard of quality which makes them consistent when it comes to usage over a long period of time.

• In your opinion, are big discounts real or just an advertisement?

People have always questioned the credibility of big discounts and sales. Many individuals believe that such offers are nothing but shrewd marketing strategies to allure more customers. Some companies are known to hike their prices before they offer a discount to protect their profit margins. In my opinion, there are some brands that offer genuine discounts to their customers.

Vocabulary

• Liberty

Meaning: the power or scope to act as one pleases.
Eg.: George was at total liberty to study the subjects he preferred in college.

• Unappealing

Meaning: not inviting or attractive.
Eg.: The ambience of this restaurant is quite unappealing.

• Apparel

Meaning: clothing.
Eg.: Pantaloons is famous for its wide range of apparel.

• Hesitant

Meaning: tentative, unsure, or slow in acting or speaking.
Eg.: The students were hesitant to ask the teacher for a re-evaluation of their exam papers.

• Lavish

Meaning: sumptuously rich, elaborate, or luxurious.
Eg.: It was clear from their social media pictures that they had a lavish wedding.