Describe A New Store Shop In Your Town City: IELTS Speaking Cue Card

You should say

Who this person is?
When did you study/work with this person?
What did you do together?
What did you do to become successful?
Explain how you felt about studying or working with this person.

27 unique answers with expert feedback

What do you think makes Aastha Medicals unique compared to traditional pharmacies?

Aastha Medicals stands out because it allows customers to choose their own products, similar to a supermarket. This self-service model is quite innovative for a pharmacy in India, where typically, customers rely on pharmacists to select medications for them.

How do you think this new concept will affect the pharmacy industry in your area?

I believe this concept could inspire other pharmacies to adopt a similar model, enhancing customer experience and satisfaction. It may also encourage more competition, leading to better services and prices for consumers in the long run.

What challenges do you think your friend might face with this new store?

Your friend might encounter challenges such as ensuring customer safety and proper guidance in selecting medications. Additionally, managing inventory and training staff to assist customers effectively could also be significant hurdles in running the store.

Band 6-7

00:00

The new store which has recently opened near my house is the Trader Joe's. It's very vibrant and has a lot of variety of items in it. As in the States, we have a lot of different communities staying, Trader Joe's caters to all the items needed to different community requirements, may be Asian, American, Spanish, French. It has different types of cheese, different types of veggies. The most appreciative part of Trader Joe's is the, I would just say the sales person over there are very friendly, they greet people, they help the people to find a required item. They have exquisite variety of exotic fruits and vegetables and it is, it is always buzzing with people, be it on a weekend or in daylight or in weekdays. So most, the most fun part about Trader Joe's I would say is they also have these sales which makes the item very, which makes the objects to buy or vegetables to buy in a very reasonable and cheap rate. They also provide different types of cards and card points wherever we go and buy stuff from them. Again I would like to

Follow up questions

What do you think makes Trader Joe's different from other grocery stores?

Trader Joe's stands out due to its unique product offerings, friendly staff, and vibrant atmosphere. The store caters to diverse communities, providing a wide range of international foods and specialty items that aren't typically found in regular grocery stores.

How important is customer service in a store like Trader Joe's?

Customer service is crucial at Trader Joe's. The friendly and helpful staff enhance the shopping experience, making customers feel welcomed and valued. Good service can lead to repeat visits and positive word-of-mouth, which is essential for the store's success.

What types of products do you usually buy from Trader Joe's?

I usually buy a variety of items, including fresh produce, exotic fruits, and specialty cheeses. I also enjoy their snacks and frozen foods, which are often unique and of high quality. The sales and discounts on these products make them even more appealing.

Band 6-7

00:00

The business that I would like to talk about is the sold by their shop, which is a burger joint that recently opened in the KNK Road in Noongabakkam. This shop was one of a kind and it had authentic burgers like the Nashville Smash Burgers, which is a crowd favorite. Initially they started as a small kiosk, but in a course of one year, they've grown leaps and bounds. I think the space they have is well designed and they've used the budget they have in the most functional way possible, but also not sacrificing aesthetics in the process. They have a beige, brown and cream undertone interiors done with a natural ventilation and mist spraying to keep the atmosphere cool even during the summers of Chennai. The burgers are of three ranges, shrimps, chicken and beef. I am not a big fan of burgers, so I get the Nashville Pops as they're easier to eat and they don't really make a mess in public. The proof of sold making it big is very heartwarming because it says that hard work always bears fruit and I'm really happy for this business which started from a small cloud kitchen, then a kiosk and now a big store in the heart of city at Noongabakkam. I would really recommend you to try it.

Follow up questions

What do you think makes a store successful in your town?

I believe a store's success hinges on its unique offerings, quality of service, and how well it connects with the community. For instance, the burger joint I mentioned has a unique menu and a welcoming atmosphere, which attracts customers and keeps them coming back.

How do you feel about the trend of small businesses growing into larger ones?

I find it inspiring when small businesses thrive and expand. It shows that with dedication and hard work, entrepreneurs can achieve their dreams. The journey of the burger shop from a cloud kitchen to a full-fledged store is a testament to this, and it encourages others to pursue their passions.

What role do you think aesthetics play in attracting customers to a store?

Aesthetics play a crucial role in attracting customers. A well-designed space can create a pleasant atmosphere that enhances the dining experience. The burger shop's interior design, with its warm colors and natural ventilation, not only looks appealing but also makes customers feel comfortable and relaxed.

Practice other cue cards

Band 6-7

00:00

A new store that has recently opened is right opposite my house and I feel really lucky that it is right near my house that I can go anytime to the store to buy stuff because I am a huge candle, essence, aesthetic lover so firstly that shop as you enter you get all the different aromas of different candles and incense sticks and diffusers so as you enter on the left you have a whole stand with various candles which have different scents that are made with different various waxes and they are all naturally made they don't put any synthetic chemicals so that's one thing that I really like because it's not necessarily bad for the health next you continue down the line and you have another section of handmade notebooks and pencils and small keychains and these are so beautiful with the cover page being drawn by hand and the pages of the notebook the paper also has been made by hand and is not the regular paper we find in other common shops that we go to the pencils too are made out of recycled materials and then as you turn right next you have a row full of reed diffusers and in this section they have four different scents one is the lotus another is koloi another is I forget the two other scents but you can test them and you can buy whatever you want

Follow up questions

What do you think makes this store unique compared to others?

This store stands out because of its focus on natural and handmade products. The absence of synthetic chemicals in their candles and the use of recycled materials for their pencils and notebooks show a commitment to sustainability, which is increasingly important to many consumers.

How do you think the opening of this store affects the local community?

The opening of this store likely brings a sense of community and supports local artisans. It provides residents with access to unique, quality products that they may not find in larger chain stores, fostering a sense of pride and encouraging local shopping.

Would you recommend this store to others? Why or why not?

Absolutely! I would recommend this store to others because it offers a variety of unique, eco-friendly products. The atmosphere is inviting, and the quality of the items is exceptional. It's a great place for anyone who appreciates handmade goods and natural scents.

Band 5-6

00:00

And I want to know, I just want to mention about my friend who is Swetha, she is a fashion designing student and she completed her fashion technology course in my college and she is my, I belong to competition department and she is from fashion technology department and we both are from same locality, so we used to go to college together and I came to know about her that she started a business that is she started a small store shop in my city for, the works of she started to do is clothing business, initially she started to stitch and then later she start to sell those through social media platforms like she started to give those her dress free in the, in free course to the famous influencers to promote her shop and at that moment she met a famous influencer and I know her personally that influence, I know that influencer personally and we both got connected and we just gave her material of her cloth that she stitched in the cotton, cotton material and she just promoted the, that dress and later everyone start to buy from her and after getting exposed to this cotton world, she later started to work on hand, hand works like a zari works, embroidery works, those embroidery which got bigger success in her production by which she started a small shop stitching for cotton kuthis and tops, later she got developed and she got

Follow up questions

What challenges did Swetha face when starting her store?

Swetha faced several challenges, including sourcing quality materials, managing her time between studies and business, and initially gaining visibility in a competitive market. She had to learn about marketing and customer engagement, especially when starting her social media promotions.

How did social media impact the success of her store?

Social media played a crucial role in Swetha's success. By collaborating with influencers, she was able to reach a wider audience quickly. The visual nature of platforms like Instagram allowed her to showcase her designs effectively, attracting more customers and building her brand.

What future plans does Swetha have for her store?

Swetha plans to expand her product line by introducing more unique designs and possibly launching a website for online sales. She also aims to collaborate with more influencers and explore sustainable materials to appeal to eco-conscious consumers, ensuring her business grows sustainably.

Show all 27 answers

Cue 1:Who this person is?

Introduce the new store by mentioning its name and type, such as a clothing store, grocery store, or electronics shop.
Share a brief background about the store, including its owner or the concept behind it.

Example

The new store I want to talk about is called 'Trendy Threads', a clothing boutique that opened recently in my town. The owner, a young entrepreneur named Priya, has a passion for fashion and wanted to create a space that offers stylish yet affordable clothing for young adults.

Cue 2:When did you visit this store?

Mention the time frame when you first visited the store, such as the opening day or a specific month.
Describe the atmosphere during your visit, including any special events or promotions.

Example

I visited Trendy Threads on its opening day last month. The atmosphere was buzzing with excitement, as there were decorations, music, and even a small fashion show to showcase the new collection.

Cue 3:What did you buy there?

Talk about the items you purchased and why you chose them.
Explain how the products met your needs or preferences.

Example

I bought a couple of trendy tops and a pair of jeans. I chose these items because they were not only stylish but also comfortable, perfect for my casual outings with friends.

Cue 4:What did you think about the store?

Share your overall impression of the store, including the layout, customer service, and product variety.
Mention any unique features that stood out to you.

Example

I was really impressed with the layout of the store; it was spacious and well-organized. The staff were friendly and helpful, which made my shopping experience enjoyable. I also loved the unique collection of accessories they offered, which complemented the clothing perfectly.

Cue 5:Explain how you felt about this store.

Express your feelings about the store and whether you would recommend it to others.
Mention any plans to return or explore more of their offerings.

Example

I felt really happy about discovering Trendy Threads. It’s refreshing to have a local store that caters to our fashion needs. I would definitely recommend it to my friends, and I plan to return soon to check out their new arrivals.

Conclusion

Example

In conclusion, Trendy Threads has quickly become one of my favorite shopping spots in town. It not only offers great fashion choices but also supports local entrepreneurship, which I truly admire.

Following this structure will ensure you cover all the essential points while providing a clear and engaging response to the cue card topic.

Tips to answer this Cue Card

1: Lack of Specific Details

Avoid vague descriptions of the store. Providing specific details about the store's location, products, and atmosphere makes your answer more engaging and informative.

Tip

Include specific examples, such as the types of products sold or unique features of the store, to create a vivid picture for the listener.

2: Ignoring Personal Experience

Failing to share your personal experience with the store can make your response less relatable. Personal anecdotes help to connect with the examiner.

Tip

Share a memorable experience you had at the store, such as a purchase or interaction, to make your answer more personal and engaging.

Overly Simple Language

Using overly simple language can limit your score. It's important to demonstrate a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures.

Tip

Practice using varied vocabulary and complex sentences to express your thoughts, which will show your language proficiency.

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Reported by

Anonymous student Band 7.5

Pitampura Test Centre, New Delhi

Answer

I like to taste different types of cuisine. Here I would like to talk about my favorite dish at my traditional festival of Onam which is Sadya. Sadya is popular in my city. We are experimenting these cuisines on Onam festival day. Onam is a famous festival in my city. All family members get together in my home and we make a delicious Sadya. There are many ingredients includes that Sadya. Moreover, we make a big feast that day as well as we create a lot of memories together and we wear that day the traditional dress called Sari and men wear the Dhotis. That festival is really important to us because the whole day we are conducting different kinds of games at our homes and all the family members came together. It's a memorable day in my life. This is the festival. We are making the Sambar and Aviyal. These all the kinds of foods are making with the vegetables.

Talk about a toy you liked in your childhood

Reported by

Anonymous student Band 8

Sector 34 Test Centre, Chandigarh

Answer

The toy which I liked in my childhood was a panda doll, which makes me pleasant and makes me more blush. The pandas are the most beautiful creatures of the world, which looks gigantic and has pooshy cheeks and they are like stars in the clouds and they dream in me. Furthermore, these have been given by my father. My father is a very very beautiful artistic person, who makes me think of that. Every day you will face every difficulties and make you suffer and move forward. Pandas are always seen in Japanese countries. It is my lifelong dream to visit a Japanese country and click a photo with the original pandas, which makes sounds better.

Describe a time you were in a place where you didn't know the local language

Reported by

Anonymous student Band 6.5

Whitefield Test Center, Bengaluru

Answer

As India is a very large country full of diversity, so there are many places which have their own language and speak their native language. The place which I visited and I didn't know about their language was Leladakh, which is about 300 km away from my hometown and it is a very good place as it consists of different kind of trees, animals and have many scenic views and I visited over there last year in summers as it was the best time to visit because it has many, it was cold over there and we had summers in our area so it was the best time to visit over there and I went over there with my whole family.

Describe a time when your friend damaged something you owned

Reported by

Anonymous student Band 7

Begumpet Test Centre, Hyderabad

Answer

When I was a kid, I had a little pencil box which had these four buttons which gave the pencil box an operative use. When you press the button, the box would open up. When you press the second button, a little part of it would slide out. Basically it was just a little electronical and a fun thing to have and I owned it when I was in 6th. One day after break, I was standing and talking there with one of my friends and another friend of mine was running through the hallway and accidentally she pushed my shoulder and my pencil box hit the ground and it broke into multiple pieces to the point that it was not functional anymore.

Describe a book you recently read

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Anonymous student Band 7.5

CBD Belapur Test Centre, Navi Mumbai

Answer

It Ends With Us is a book I read recently. It's by the author Colleen Hoare. It's mainly a story about two teenagers, Atlas and Lily, and how they just handle their life going through high school, adolescence, and just domestic violence at home. Both of them come from very, very different families. However, they have one common determining factor between them, which is domestic violence. The abuse that they've seen their moms go through is just insane, and they connect through that on a different level. They're actually in the same high school, but they never speak to each other until Atlas actually crashes into an empty house next to Lily's villa. When Atlas is homeless and he doesn't have anywhere to go, he just comes and breaks into the house next to Lily's, and Lily helps him with all the daily necessities like clothes and food, medicines and stuff. Furthermore, their friendship blossoms into love, but it doesn't really fructify as Atlas has to leave. This book really gave me a lot of knowledge about domestic abuse and how to deal with it.