Describe A Problem You Had While Shopping Online Or In A Store: IELTS Speaking Cue Card

You should say

When it happened
What you bought
What problem you had
And describe the party.

109 unique answers with expert feedback

How do you think online shopping compares to shopping in physical stores?

Online shopping offers convenience and a wider selection, but lacks the tactile experience of trying items on. In-store shopping allows for immediate purchase and personal interaction, but can be chaotic, as I experienced. Each has its pros and cons depending on the situation.

What strategies do you use to avoid problems while shopping?

To avoid issues, I usually shop during off-peak hours, check online stock before visiting, and make a list of items I need. I also prefer stores with good organization and customer service, which helps in having a smoother shopping experience.

Have you ever faced a similar problem while shopping online?

Yes, I once ordered clothes online that were delivered in the wrong size. It was frustrating because returning items can be a hassle. I learned to check size charts carefully and read reviews to avoid such issues in the future.

Band >7

00:00

I prefer shopping offline more than purchasing a product online because the products don't really seem to accept, I mean, don't really seem to match the expectations. For instance, I had placed an order for a long green dress on an app called Slick, which promises to deliver within 60 minutes. Initially, I was thrilled about the purchase because the products seemed perfect on the website. However, on receiving it, I seemed to be a little disappointed. So I made a decision to return the product and contacted the customer service. Although my first call was unsuccessful, I persistently followed up and they finally had accepted to process my refund. They assured me that my refund would be done within a week. Despite such an experience, I would still want to give another chance to the app, hoping that the outcome would be better.

Follow up questions

What specific features do you look for when shopping online?

When shopping online, I look for detailed product descriptions, customer reviews, and high-quality images. It's also important for me to see size charts and return policies clearly stated. These features help me make informed decisions and reduce the chances of disappointment.

How do you feel about the customer service you received?

Initially, I was frustrated with the customer service since my first call was unsuccessful. However, I appreciated their willingness to eventually process my refund. Good customer service is crucial, and I believe they should be more responsive to customer inquiries.

What would you recommend to improve online shopping experiences?

I would recommend that online retailers provide more accurate product images and descriptions, as well as a more streamlined return process. Additionally, having a live chat option for customer service could help resolve issues more quickly and efficiently.

Band 7

00:00

One problem I faced while shopping happened about 6 months ago when I bought a pair of sneakers online from a popular shopping website. I was really excited because they were offering a big discount and the product looked perfect in pictures, stylish, comfortable and exactly my size. However, when the package arrived a few days later, I was really disappointed. First of all, the size was completely wrong. I had ordered size 7 but they sent size 9. Secondly, the color was different. I had chosen white sneakers but they sent me black ones instead. It was quite frustrating because I needed them for a short trip the following weekend and I didn't have time to buy another pair. I contracted a customer service team to request an exchange but the process turned out to be really slow and inconvenient. They asked me to send photos of the shoes and packing and even the invoice as a proof. After that, I had to wait almost 2 weeks for the pickup and another week for the replacement to arrive. By the time my trip was already over, so I couldn't even use the shoes when I wanted to. Although eventually I got the right pair, the experience left me quite frustrated. It made me realize that online shopping isn't always reliable even though it's convenient. Nowadays, I always double check the seller's rating and read reviews carefully before placing an order. Overall, it was a stressful experience but it also taught me to be a more careful and patient online shopper in future.

Follow up questions

What do you think are the advantages of shopping online?

Shopping online offers convenience, a wider selection of products, and often better prices compared to physical stores. You can shop from anywhere at any time, which saves time and effort. Additionally, online reviews can help you make informed decisions before purchasing.

How do you usually choose which online store to buy from?

I typically look for stores with good customer ratings and reviews. I also consider the return policy, shipping costs, and delivery times. If a store has a reputation for quality service and products, I'm more likely to trust them for my purchases.

Have you ever had a positive experience with online shopping?

Yes, I once ordered a gadget online that arrived ahead of schedule and was exactly as described. The quality was excellent, and the seller provided tracking information, which made the experience smooth and satisfying. It reminded me that not all online shopping is problematic.

Practice other cue cards

Band 7

00:00

A major problem when shopping online is, you are not able to try the fit of the outfit due to which there is constant ordering and returning. This takes a lot of time. Even if it is more convenient, they drop off, they deliver the product to home and once it doesn't fit, they pick up the product or exchange from home. Even though it is convenient, it is time consuming for working professionals such as myself to be available at the time of return or pickup. So this is one of the major problems that I have had with online shopping and most of the times we cannot be sure about the material quality or sometimes we get the wrong product. So this is one of the problems that I have faced while shopping online. When coming to in-store, in-store shopping takes a lot of energy and there is limited amount of collection of clothing or any such product when compared to online. But physically we need to go there and we need to spend the time and energy to pick out and to try that. I have met hundreds of people who will be doing the same thing and sometimes you never know how many people have tried the same clothing that you are trying which poses a serious threat in hygiene. So these are the two problems that I have seen one from online and the other from the in-store shopping. I think it would be best to pick based on the personal preferences either to go to shop or to shop online.

Follow up questions

What do you think could improve the online shopping experience?

I believe that better size guides and virtual fitting rooms could significantly enhance the online shopping experience. Additionally, clearer product descriptions and high-quality images can help customers make more informed decisions, reducing the chances of returns.

Have you ever had a positive experience while shopping online?

Yes, I have had positive experiences, especially when I found a website that offered free returns and fast shipping. The ease of browsing through a wide variety of products from home made it enjoyable, and I appreciated the convenience of having items delivered right to my door.

How do you feel about the hygiene concerns in in-store shopping?

Hygiene is definitely a concern for me when shopping in-store. I often think about how many people have tried on the same clothes before me. To mitigate this, I prefer to shop at stores that have strict hygiene protocols, such as regular cleaning and providing hand sanitizers.

Band 7

00:00

I once faced a problem while shopping online for a pair of shoes. I ordered them for a popular e-commerce website after reading positive reviews. However, when the product was delivered, the size was incorrect and the quality was not as good as shown in the pictures. The situation was quite frustrating because I needed these shoes for an upcoming event. I immediately contacted customer services and requested a return, although the return process was successful. It took almost a week to get a replacement. I remember this experience because it taught me to be more careful while shopping online, especially to check the size, return policy, and customer reviews before placing an order.

Follow up questions

What steps do you take to ensure a better online shopping experience?

To ensure a better online shopping experience, I now always check the size charts provided by the retailer, read multiple customer reviews, and look for detailed product images. Additionally, I pay close attention to the return policy to avoid any issues if the product doesn't meet my expectations.

Have you ever had a positive online shopping experience?

Yes, I have had positive experiences where the products matched the descriptions perfectly, and the delivery was prompt. For instance, I once ordered a dress that arrived on time, fit well, and was of high quality, which made me feel more confident about shopping online again.

Do you prefer shopping online or in physical stores? Why?

I prefer shopping online for its convenience and wider selection, especially for specific items like shoes. However, I still enjoy visiting physical stores for clothing to try things on and see the quality firsthand. Each method has its advantages depending on what I'm looking for.

Show all 109 answers

Cue 1:When it happened

Begin by mentioning the time frame when the online shopping experience occurred, such as during a festival or sale.
Provide context about your shopping habits, like if you usually shop online or prefer physical stores.

Example

Last month, during the Diwali festival, I decided to do some online shopping to buy gifts for my family. I usually prefer shopping online because of the convenience it offers.

Cue 2:What you bought

Clearly state the item you intended to purchase, including any specific details that make it relatable.
Mention why you chose this particular item, perhaps due to its significance or popularity.

Example

I was looking to buy a beautiful set of traditional Indian sweets to gift to my relatives. These sweets are a staple during Diwali, and I wanted to ensure I got the best quality.

Cue 3:What problem you had

Describe the specific issue you faced while shopping, whether it was related to the website, delivery, or product quality.
Explain how this problem affected your shopping experience and your feelings about it.

Example

Unfortunately, after placing my order, I received a notification that the sweets I ordered were out of stock. I was really disappointed because I had planned to surprise my family with them.

Cue 4:And describe the party

Talk about the significance of the occasion and how the problem impacted the celebration.
Share how you resolved the issue or what alternative you found to still make the occasion special.

Example

Diwali is a time for family gatherings and celebrations, and I wanted to make it special. After the issue, I quickly searched for another vendor and found a local store that offered similar sweets. I managed to get them in time for the celebration, and my family loved them!

Conclusion

Example

Overall, while my online shopping experience had its challenges, it taught me the importance of having backup plans. In the end, I was able to enjoy Diwali with my family, which was the most important part.

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: Vague Descriptions

Being vague can make your answer less engaging and informative. Avoid general statements that do not provide specific details about your experience.

Tip

Use specific examples and details about the product, the problem, and your feelings to create a vivid picture for the examiner.

2: Ignoring the Cues

Failing to address all the cues can lead to an incomplete answer. This may result in a lower score as it shows a lack of organization.

Tip

Structure your response by clearly addressing each cue: when it happened, what you bought, the problem, and your feelings about it.

Overly Negative Tone

Focusing too much on negativity can make your response less appealing. It’s important to balance your experience with some positive aspects.

Tip

While discussing the problem, also mention any positive outcomes or lessons learned to create a more balanced narrative.

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