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IELTSTM CUE CARD

Describe a Time You Bought Something from a Street Market: IELTS Cue Card

Updated on Sep 03, 2024, 15:08

Overview

In the IELTS Speaking test, Part 2, you must speak for up to two minutes on a given topic. This segment, commonly called the cue card or individual long run, evaluates your ability to express ideas clearly and coherently on a specific subject.

 

For the topic "Describe a Time You Bought Something from a Street Market," think of an instance when you purchased something memorable or significant from a local street market. It could be a unique handicraft, a delicious snack, or an item with sentimental value. Consider the market atmosphere, your interactions with vendors or other shoppers, and why this experience stood out to you.

 

To help you prepare effectively, I'll share some strategies and a sample answer that can guide you in structuring your response.


 

Sample Answer 1

Introduction (Covers: When was it?)

 

  • I vividly remember a delightful experience visiting a bustling street market in my hometown last summer. 
  • It was a warm Saturday afternoon, and the market was teeming with vendors selling various goods, from local crafts to fresh produce.

 

Describing Your Experience/Opinion/Interest (Covers: What did you buy? / Where was the market?)

 

  • As I strolled through the market, one particular stall caught my eye—a vendor selling intricately designed handmade jewellery. 
  • The craftsmanship was exquisite, and each piece seemed to tell a story. 
  • I spoke with the vendor, who shared insights into the traditional techniques used to create these pieces.

 

Key Highlights 

 

  • Among the array of jewellery, a delicate silver bracelet adorned with semi-precious stones caught my attention. 
  • The design was elegant yet understated, and I was drawn to its craftsmanship and uniqueness. 
  • After some consideration, I purchased it as a gift for my mother, knowing she would appreciate its beauty and the story behind its creation.

 

Conclusion (Covers: How do you feel about it?)

 

  • Reflecting on this experience, I realised that buying the bracelet not only brought me joy but also connected me to the local culture and craftsmanship of my hometown. 
  • It reinforced my appreciation for handmade goods and the skill of local artisans.
  • Visiting the street market that day was about shopping and embracing the rich cultural heritage embedded in such places.
Sample Answer 2

Introduction (Covers: When was it?)

 

  • Last winter, I had a memorable experience exploring a vibrant street market in the heart of the city. 
  • The atmosphere was lively, with vendors displaying a colourful array of goods under makeshift tents, creating a festive ambience that was hard to resist.

 

Describing Your Experience/Opinion/Interest (Covers: What did you buy? / Where was the market?)

 

  • Amidst the stalls of handicrafts and local produce, I stumbled upon a stall selling handmade leather goods. 
  • The craftsmanship was exceptional, and each item exuded a rustic charm that instantly caught my attention. 
  • I spoke with the artisan, who shared stories of their craft and the meticulous process behind each piece.

 

Key Highlights 

 

  • Among the leather goods, a beautifully crafted wallet stood out. 
  • It was made from genuine leather with intricate embossing, reflecting the artisan's dedication to quality and detail. 
  • I was drawn to its practicality and timeless design, knowing it would make a perfect gift for my father.

 

Conclusion (Covers: How do you feel about it?)

 

  • Purchasing the wallet supported local craftsmanship and deepened my appreciation for handmade goods. 
  • It was more than just a transaction; it was a cultural exchange that enriched my understanding of traditional artisanal practices. 
  • Visiting the street market that day was a reminder of the beauty found in locally made treasures and the stories they carry.
Sample Answer 3

Introduction (Covers: When was it?)

 

  • A few months ago, during a weekend trip to a bustling market in Old Delhi, I had a delightful encounter with a street vendor selling traditional handicrafts. 
  • The market was teeming with energy, filled with the aromas of street food and the vibrant colours of textiles and pottery on display.

 

Describing Your Experience/Opinion/Interest (Covers: What did you buy? / Where was the market?)

 

  • Among the myriad stalls, I was drawn to a stall adorned with hand-painted pottery.
  • The intricate designs and vibrant hues immediately caught my eye. 
  • The vendor, a skilled artisan, explained the cultural significance behind each motif and the labour-intensive process of creating these pieces.

 

Key Highlights 

 

  • I was particularly captivated by a set of ceramic tea cups embellished with delicate floral patterns. 
  • Each cup was a masterpiece, reflecting the artisan's craftsmanship and attention to detail. 
  • The vendor's passion for preserving traditional art forms resonated deeply with me, prompting me to purchase a set as a souvenir of my visit.

 

Conclusion (Covers: How do you feel about it?)

 

  • Acquiring the tea cups enriched my collection of cultural artefacts and fostered a deeper connection to the local heritage. 
  • It was a memorable experience that underscored the value of supporting artisans and preserving traditional crafts. 
  • Visiting the street market was about shopping and immersing myself in the rich tapestry of Delhi's cultural heritage.

 

Also Read: Best IELTS Cue Cards for 7+ Band Score

 

When the cue card section begins, the examiner will hand you a card with a topic and some prompts. You will have one minute to prepare your response and can make notes

 

Cue Card Topic: Describe a Time You Bought Something from a Street Market You should say
  • When was it?
  • Where was the market?
  • What did you buy?
  • And how do you feel about it?

 

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This structure helps you stay organised and covers all topic aspects clearly and logically.

 

Introduction (Covers: When was it?)

 

  • Start by briefly introducing the street market you visited and setting the scene.
  • Mention why you decided to visit this particular market and what caught your interest.

 

Describing Your Experience/Opinion/Interest (Covers: What did you buy? / Where was the market?)

 

  • Describe the item you bought and why it appealed to you.
  • Share your experience interacting with the vendors or exploring different stalls.
  • Explain how this experience was different or memorable compared to shopping in regular stores.

 

Key Highlights 

 

  • Highlight specific details such as the market's atmosphere, sights, sounds, and smells.
  • Mention any bargaining or negotiation you did, if applicable.
  • Discuss any cultural or traditional market aspects that stood out to you.

 

Conclusion (Covers: How do you feel about it?)

 

  • Summarise why this experience was meaningful or enjoyable for you.
  • Reflect briefly on how this shopping experience impacted your view of local culture or community.
  • Conclude with a positive note about what you took away from this experience.

 

Following this structure, you can provide a well-rounded and engaging response to the cue card topic "Describe a Time You Bought Something from a Street Market." This approach helps ensure you make the most of your speaking time and effectively demonstrate your language skills.

 

IELTS Speaking Cue Card 2024 Topics With Samples


 

Describe a Time You Bought Something from a Street Market: Follow-up Questions

In the IELTS Speaking test, Part 3, referred to as the "Two-way Discussion", follows Part 2 (the cue card section). This part is designed to delve deeper into the topic you discussed in Part 2. It assesses your ability to sustain a discussion, express opinions, and provide detailed explanations. 

 

The examiner will ask follow-up questions related to the cue card topic, exploring different aspects and implications of your initial response. This segment lasts about 4-5 minutes, allowing for a more interactive and in-depth conversation between you and the examiner.

 

Follow-Up Question 1

Question 1. What do you think are the advantages of buying from street markets compared to shopping malls?

 

Answer 1: Street markets offer a unique atmosphere where you can interact directly with artisans and discover handmade crafts often unavailable in malls. They provide a cultural experience and the opportunity to negotiate prices.

 

Answer 2: Shopping in street markets supports local economies and helps preserve traditional crafts. Unlike malls, street markets often offer more affordable options and a chance to find one-of-a-kind items.

 

Follow-Up Question 2

Question 2:  How important do you think bargaining skills are when shopping at street markets?

 

Answer 1: Bargaining is a crucial skill at street markets as it allows you to get the best price for goods. It's also a cultural practice in many countries and adds to the fun and excitement of shopping.

 

Answer 2: While bargaining can be challenging, it's an opportunity to engage with vendors and learn about the value of goods. It can lead to fairer prices and a more satisfying shopping experience.

 

Follow-Up Question 3

Question 3: Do you think street markets play a role in preserving traditional crafts?

 

Answer 1: Absolutely. Street markets provide a platform for artisans to showcase their skills and traditional crafts, ensuring these art forms are passed down through generations.

 

Answer 2: Street markets serve as cultural hubs where tourists and locals alike can appreciate and support traditional craftsmanship, contributing to the preservation of cultural heritage.

 

Follow-Up Question 4

Question 4: In your opinion, what makes a street market experience memorable?


Answer 1: The authenticity of the products, the vibrant atmosphere, and the interactions with vendors and other shoppers make a street market experience memorable. It's about discovering unique items and experiencing local culture firsthand.

 

Answer 2: The variety of goods, from food to handicrafts, and the lively ambience where you can haggle and explore different stalls contribute to a memorable street market visit.

 

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FAQs

Q. How can I manage my time effectively for the speaking test?

Ans. You can manage your time in the following ways:
 

  • Allocate specific time limits for each part of the test (Part 1, Part 2, Part 3).
  • Practice speaking within these time limits during mock tests to improve time management skills.
  • Monitor your pace during the test to ensure you cover all aspects of each question without rushing.
Q. How can I improve my fluency for the Speaking test?

Ans. You can improve your fluency for the speaking test in the following ways:
 

  • Engage in regular conversations in English with friends, family, or language partners.
  • Practice speaking on a variety of topics to expand vocabulary and enhance comfort with different subjects.
  • Listen to native speakers and mimic their intonation and pronunciation to improve overall fluency.
Q. What happens if I don't finish my answer within time?

Ans. If you don’t finish your answer within the given time, the examiner will stop you when the allotted time for each part expires. Managing your time effectively is important to ensure you complete your response within the given timeframe. If you don't finish, summarise your main points quickly before the examiner intervenes.

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