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.

108 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 contrast, physical stores allow for immediate purchase and personal interaction, but can be chaotic during sales, as I experienced.

What strategies do you use to avoid problems while shopping?

To avoid issues while shopping, I usually go during off-peak hours, make a list of items I need, and check online for stock availability. This helps me save time and reduces the chances of encountering crowded conditions.

Have you ever had a positive experience while shopping online or in a store?

Yes, I once had a great experience shopping online for a pair of shoes. The website was user-friendly, and my order arrived quickly. The shoes fit perfectly, and I appreciated the easy return policy, which made the whole process stress-free.

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 clear return policies. I also prefer websites that provide high-quality images from multiple angles, as this helps me gauge the product better before making a purchase.

How do you feel about the customer service you received?

I felt a bit frustrated initially because my first call didn't resolve my issue. However, I appreciated that I could follow up and eventually got the help I needed. Good customer service is crucial, and I was relieved when they processed my refund.

What would encourage you to shop online again despite your experience?

I think if the app improves its product accuracy and enhances customer service, I would be more inclined to shop online again. Positive reviews from friends or better promotional offers could also motivate me to give it another try.

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

Now, I always check the seller's ratings and read customer reviews thoroughly before making a purchase. I also pay attention to the return policy and delivery times to avoid any potential issues.

How do you feel about the reliability of online shopping compared to physical stores?

I believe that while online shopping is convenient, it can be less reliable than shopping in physical stores. In stores, you can try items on and see them in person, which reduces the chances of receiving the wrong product.

Have you had any positive experiences with online shopping since that incident?

Yes, I have had positive experiences since then. I found a few trustworthy online stores that delivered exactly what I ordered on time. I also learned to be more cautious and check the details before finalizing my purchases.

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 strategies do you use to choose the right size when shopping online?

I usually refer to the size charts provided by the online store and read customer reviews about sizing. Some websites also have virtual fitting tools that help visualize how the clothes might fit. Additionally, I measure my own clothing to compare sizes.

How do you feel about the return policies of online stores?

I appreciate stores with flexible return policies, as they make the shopping experience less stressful. However, I still find it inconvenient to arrange pickups or drop-offs. A hassle-free return process can significantly influence my decision to shop online.

Do you think in-store shopping will become less popular in the future?

It's possible, especially with the convenience of online shopping. However, many people still enjoy the tactile experience of in-store shopping. I believe a balance will remain, as some prefer trying items on before purchasing, while others favor the ease of online shopping.

Band 7

00:00

It's February the next week and I recently went to a mall to get myself a good celebrational dress. I found this festive piece which was black in color and of the latest design. I was very happy and I bought it. Since there was a lot of crowd in the mall I chose not to try it there. Once I got back home I tried it on peacefully. I figured out that though the shape and design of the dress were very modern and elegant, the size did not flatter my body as I really expected it to be. On the very next day I went to the mall again and discussed with the staff about the issue. They explained it to me that it was a black market sale and they could not, they will not be able to exchange any of the items sold in that particular sale. I was really upset for a minute but then I thought of explaining them, explaining to them my situation of what exactly happened. Though the juniors could not help me out to be honest, speaking to the staff and management in a senior positions helped me out a lot. It took some convincing but they really got my point and helped me out through it. They offered me a different size of the same dress and this time I did not repeat my mistake from the past. I tried it on there itself and made sure that the size was perfect. Once all the exchange was done I took, I collected my dress and got back home.

Follow up questions

What do you think about online shopping compared to shopping in stores?

I believe both have their pros and cons. Online shopping offers convenience and a wider selection, but you can't try items on. In-store shopping allows you to see and feel products, but it can be time-consuming and crowded, as I experienced during my recent mall visit.

Have you ever faced any other issues while shopping online?

Yes, once I ordered a pair of shoes online, and they arrived in the wrong size. It was frustrating because I had to go through the return process, which took longer than expected. It made me cautious about ordering footwear online in the future.

How do you usually decide which size to buy when shopping online?

I usually check the size chart provided by the retailer and read customer reviews for fit advice. However, I still find it challenging sometimes, as sizes can vary between brands. That's why I prefer trying on clothes in-store when possible.

Show all 108 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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