Describe A Time You Bought Something From A Street Market: IELTS Speaking Cue Card

You should say

  • When was it?
  • Where was the market?
  • What did you buy?
  • And how do you feel about it?

Band 7

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So last year I went to Jayanagra, there I bought a mug. I bought it to create a habit of drinking black coffee everyday. Actually I do drink black coffee everyday but I do not prepare it myself. So the habit that I wanted to inculcate in myself was to make your own coffee and drink it. So I required a mug. I didn't have very high expectations on it but I wanted something artistic and that's what exactly I found. The mug was very artistic in nature in the sense it had traditional art markings on it, geometric ones and it was very attractive. It's been like 30 days and I have not missed a day to drink black coffee in it. I feel amazing about it to drink from that mug. I even posted some pictures with the mug on Instagram and some other social media platforms. The major thing about having a mug or any utility like this is that you get yourself encouraged to drink more coffee or it helps you facilitate to inculcate the habits that you really want to. At the same time I also purchased a watch over there for my friend. Now it was a cheap watch, not an expensive watch but they were selling everything very artistic. So the band there was also having art on the belt. The thing with this art is that it was very geometric, very abstract and nothing too extravagant.

Follow up questions


What do you think makes street market shopping unique?
Street markets offer a vibrant atmosphere, unique products, and the chance to interact with local vendors. Unlike traditional stores, they often feature handmade or artistic items that reflect the culture of the area, making the shopping experience more personal and memorable.

How do you feel about supporting local artisans?
Supporting local artisans is important as it helps sustain their livelihoods and promotes cultural heritage. When you buy from street markets, you often get unique, handcrafted items that you can't find in regular stores, and it fosters a sense of community and appreciation for local craftsmanship.

Have you ever regretted a purchase from a street market?
Yes, sometimes impulse buys can lead to regret, especially if the item doesn't meet expectations or isn't practical. However, many times, the experience and the story behind the purchase outweigh any regret, as they often hold sentimental value or remind you of a special moment.

Band 7

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I bought something from a street market just before winter started and the market was located in my city which is Jodhpur in the state of Rajasthan. I bought a jacket and hat for me because I gained some weight this year and the last year which winter clothes I am having they are not fitted in me. So that's why I decided to buy a new jacket and hat this year. I go to the market during weekends and after roaming most of the time and lots of walks I found a local shop there and then I went inside and there are lots of variety of winter clothes and I like jacket which is made of leather material and a hat. Then I buy both of them and it helps me a lot in winter.

Follow up questions


What do you enjoy most about shopping at street markets?
I enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and the variety of products available. Street markets often have unique items that you can't find in regular stores. Plus, it's a great way to support local vendors and experience the culture of the area.

How do you usually choose what to buy from a street market?
I usually look for items that catch my eye and fit my needs. I also consider the quality and price. If I see something unique or handmade, I’m more likely to buy it. I like to explore different stalls and see what interesting things I can find.

Have you ever regretted a purchase from a street market? Why?
Yes, there was a time I bought a decorative item that looked great but turned out to be poorly made. It broke after a few days. I learned to check the quality more carefully before making a purchase, especially in street markets where items can vary greatly.

Band 7

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00:00

When I was travelling with my friend to Delhi, we decided to go to Sarojini Nagar market which is also in Delhi. There I bought two tops, one was in white and the other one is in brown colour. The design was pretty unique. In addition to this, the quality was also unexpected. The fabric was way too soft and it felt very smooth. I do have that top now as well while it is very good and I can wear it a lot more times.

Follow up questions


What do you think makes street markets unique compared to regular shops?
Street markets often offer a vibrant atmosphere, unique products, and local culture that you can't find in regular shops. They provide an opportunity to interact with local vendors and experience the hustle and bustle of the area, which adds to the charm of shopping there.

How do you usually decide what to buy when shopping at a market?
When shopping at a market, I usually look for items that catch my eye, especially unique designs or good quality. I also consider the price and how much I need the item. Sometimes, I just enjoy browsing and see what interesting things I can find.

Have you ever haggled for a better price at a street market?
Yes, I have haggled for better prices at street markets. It's a common practice, and it can be quite fun. I usually start by asking for a lower price and negotiate from there. It adds to the experience and often leads to a better deal.

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Band 7

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One memorable time I bought something from street market was during a short trip to Pondicherry last year. It was a bright Sunday morning, and I was walking along the famous Bishop Street, where they have a vibrant flea market every weekend. The market was filled with colors, sounds, and smell of street food. It was buzzing with energy. As I strolled past stalls selling everything from handicrafts to cloths, my eyes fell on a small table where a local artisan was selling handmade leather journals. They were beautifully crafted, with detailed buttons pressed into the covers. One particular journal caught my attention. It had a peacock design on the front and a thick, recycled paper inside. It felt vintage and special. I spoke to the seller for a while, and he told me that he made them himself using eco-friendly materials. That made it even more meaningful. I bought the journal for around 300 rupees, which felt like a steal for something so unique and handcrafted. I still use that journal today to write thoughts and poems every time I look at it. It reminds me of that peaceful morning, the warmth of Pondicherry, and the joy of finding something special in a simple street market. I really value that purchase not just for what it is, but for the memory attached to it. .

Follow up questions


What do you think makes street markets special compared to regular shops?
Street markets offer a unique atmosphere filled with local culture, vibrant colors, and personal interactions with vendors. Unlike regular shops, they often feature handmade and unique items, creating a sense of discovery and connection to the community.

Have you ever tried bargaining in a street market? How was that experience?
Yes, I have tried bargaining in street markets. It can be a fun and engaging experience. I remember negotiating for a piece of jewelry once, and it felt rewarding when I managed to get a better price. It adds an interactive element to shopping that you don't find in regular stores.

Do you think buying handmade items is more valuable than mass-produced ones? Why?
Absolutely, buying handmade items feels more valuable because they often carry a story and reflect the artisan's skill and creativity. Each piece is unique, and supporting local artisans helps preserve traditional crafts and promotes sustainability.

Band 7

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00:00

Recently I bought a necklace from the streets of Charminar, a beautiful place found in Hyderabad where all the visitors specially come to have a unique experience in shopping and the delicious foods known for its authentic taste. So when I visited Charminar, I bought a necklace for my friend's wedding. It was a ruby necklace with stones engraved and a beautiful collection of those present with a pair of earrings and a bindi. It was a great experience bringing that necklace from the streets of Hyderabad. I don't remember the last time I bought something from the street. So I had a literal memorable experience with the shopping in Charminar. And therefore, when I wore it on my friend's wedding, she was surprised and delighted by watching the necklace I wore. Overall, it was a good experience shopping in Charminar.

Follow up questions


What do you think makes street markets special compared to regular shops?
Street markets offer a unique atmosphere, local culture, and often handmade or unique items that you can't find in regular shops. They provide a vibrant experience with the hustle and bustle of vendors and customers, making shopping feel more personal and engaging.

How do you usually choose what to buy when shopping at a street market?
I usually look for items that catch my eye, especially unique or handmade products. I also consider the quality and price. Sometimes, I ask the vendors about the items to learn more about their origin or craftsmanship, which helps me make a decision.

Have you ever haggled for a better price at a street market?
Yes, I have haggled before! It's a common practice in street markets. I find it adds to the experience and can lead to getting a better deal. However, I always try to be respectful and fair, as I appreciate the work that goes into making the items.
Show all 41 answers

All Answers

Here are all the answers by real-users practicing speaking for IELTS Cue Cards on our IELTS Prep App.

Band 7

When I was travelling with my friend to Delhi, we decided to go to Sarojini Nagar market which is also in Delhi. There I bought two tops, one was in white and the other one is in brown colour. The design was pretty unique. In addition to this, the quality was also unexpected. The fabric was way too soft and it felt very smooth. I do have that top now as well while it is very good and I can wear it a lot more times.

Band 7

I bought something from a street market just before winter started and the market was located in my city which is Jodhpur in the state of Rajasthan. I bought a jacket and hat for me because I gained some weight this year and the last year which winter clothes I am having they are not fitted in me. So that's why I decided to buy a new jacket and hat this year. I go to the market during weekends and after roaming most of the time and lots of walks I found a local shop there and then I went inside and there are lots of variety of winter clothes and I like jacket which is made of leather material and a hat. Then I buy both of them and it helps me a lot in winter.

Band 7

Recently I bought a necklace from the streets of Charminar, a beautiful place found in Hyderabad where all the visitors specially come to have a unique experience in shopping and the delicious foods known for its authentic taste. So when I visited Charminar, I bought a necklace for my friend's wedding. It was a ruby necklace with stones engraved and a beautiful collection of those present with a pair of earrings and a bindi. It was a great experience bringing that necklace from the streets of Hyderabad. I don't remember the last time I bought something from the street. So I had a literal memorable experience with the shopping in Charminar. And therefore, when I wore it on my friend's wedding, she was surprised and delighted by watching the necklace I wore. Overall, it was a good experience shopping in Charminar.

Band 7

One memorable time I bought something from street market was during a short trip to Pondicherry last year. It was a bright Sunday morning, and I was walking along the famous Bishop Street, where they have a vibrant flea market every weekend. The market was filled with colors, sounds, and smell of street food. It was buzzing with energy. As I strolled past stalls selling everything from handicrafts to cloths, my eyes fell on a small table where a local artisan was selling handmade leather journals. They were beautifully crafted, with detailed buttons pressed into the covers. One particular journal caught my attention. It had a peacock design on the front and a thick, recycled paper inside. It felt vintage and special. I spoke to the seller for a while, and he told me that he made them himself using eco-friendly materials. That made it even more meaningful. I bought the journal for around 300 rupees, which felt like a steal for something so unique and handcrafted. I still use that journal today to write thoughts and poems every time I look at it. It reminds me of that peaceful morning, the warmth of Pondicherry, and the joy of finding something special in a simple street market. I really value that purchase not just for what it is, but for the memory attached to it. .

Band 7

Well, that's an interesting question. If I remember, then last year, I went to Nairobi, which is the capital of Kenya, to visit my mom, who works there, and we went on like just walking around a street market, and we happened to stumble upon a Nike shoe shop, and the time I saw those Air Jordan 1 sneakers, I just fell in love with them. I thought of buying them, but they were just too expensive, but then my mother said, you should buy them as a souvenir, with which you would return to India. Then we just started to check out more and more, more and more, and I finally got the piece I wanted. I got the Air Jordan 1 low-cut sneakers in the white, grey, and black colour. I was tremendously happy. My happiness could be seen from my face. My cheeks were all red. I was blushing while looking at the shoes, and my mother got really happy when she saw me with so much joy, and yeah, that's the thing I remember, that I would never forget, that even from a street market, you could get so much happiness and joy in one day, that would just be a memory that you would savour for a lifetime.

Band 7

So last year I went to Jayanagra, there I bought a mug. I bought it to create a habit of drinking black coffee everyday. Actually I do drink black coffee everyday but I do not prepare it myself. So the habit that I wanted to inculcate in myself was to make your own coffee and drink it. So I required a mug. I didn't have very high expectations on it but I wanted something artistic and that's what exactly I found. The mug was very artistic in nature in the sense it had traditional art markings on it, geometric ones and it was very attractive. It's been like 30 days and I have not missed a day to drink black coffee in it. I feel amazing about it to drink from that mug. I even posted some pictures with the mug on Instagram and some other social media platforms. The major thing about having a mug or any utility like this is that you get yourself encouraged to drink more coffee or it helps you facilitate to inculcate the habits that you really want to. At the same time I also purchased a watch over there for my friend. Now it was a cheap watch, not an expensive watch but they were selling everything very artistic. So the band there was also having art on the belt. The thing with this art is that it was very geometric, very abstract and nothing too extravagant.

Band 6-7

To tell you the truth They have asked for dresses, kitchen items, food items To tell you the truth, I bought more than one item in street markets Actually in my home country, street markets are familiar and famous in many areas Actually in our native slang we call it as Sandai Weekly once or monthly once, in many areas those Sandais are available And also I visited the place several times Actually when it compared to shops, the street market prices are very less And we can get quality products there Few months ago I bought a dress in a street market The quality was really good I saw the same cloth and same material in some other shop It was too costly and expensive So I avoided it And then as soon I saw the same dress in the street market Immediately I bought it I checked the quality and the price And the interesting part is we can bargain There is no fixed price in street markets And furthermore I bought many small or big kitchen items through street markets Actually it's very reasonable and we can get the premium quality and moderate quality Varieties will be there when it compares to stores Additionally I bought many food items in street markets And I am very considerate about the hygiene and all those things Before buying any food items I will just monitor the place And enquire about the water and other things before buying it Then if everything is ok for me I will buy the product

Band 6-7

So, last September I was visiting Vizag, that is in Andhra Pradesh, so I was walking through the market of Andhra Pradesh, like a street market, during the evening and I found a man who was selling Jhumkas, like earrings, so I, myself was very fond of buying Jhumkas and I was having a collection of more than like 100 Jhumkas, so I was searching for my pair of Jhumka among like 50 Jhumkas that was in the display, so I found myself a green colour Jhumka with like white beads, like it's like a, it's not that much small, it's like a medium size Jhumka and the colour of that Jhumka was like bottle green, so when I am seeing a thing in bottle green, I suddenly stop and buy there, that is to a dress, that can be a dress or like a sari or a Jhumka or anything, I am, I love green so much, so I select that and he told me it was costing around 200 rupees and I bargained and he gave me that to 100 rupees, I was able to reduce the price to 100 and it was a very reasonable price and I felt so like happy that, it was like, I was able to pair that Jhumka with any kind of dress, so last autumn, I wore that with, I paired that with my Kerala sari and I wore that to my like office and everybody was captivated by the sari and that pairing and they told me like, I am looking very beautiful in that Jhumka and that sari, so I feel so bad, like so happy in,

Band 6-7

I just randomly visited the Pune city and I thought of going to the fashion street which was located nearby so when I went there I was not expecting to find such a good piece of clothing but I found a leather jacket which was made of multiple designs and it caught my eye the moment I saw it so I asked her the price and at first she told me it was of 3000 but I bargained and bought it for 1500 so and when I bought the jacket everyone was so amazed by looking at the piece of art like they didn't believe that I got this from the street markets and originally it was a thrift store so yeah it was all worth it for just 1500 and I got so many compliments from everyone and it was of perfect size to me so yeah

Band 6-7

Well, last time I had visited a very bustling place of India which is Mumbai, there we find lot of street markets where we are explored to different variety of attires, footwear, home appliances, all variety where one can find for. I went there with my cousin to see, I was in need of a inclining chair, I was looking for it, so when I reached that market, I saw beautiful leather inclining chair where I fell in love with it and it had, the beautiful part of it was it had 50% discount on it where in no time I made up my mind to buy it. After coming home, it was a struggle to take it and keep it in a place where it is suitable for and it was a bit of juggle to install it and fix it in a corner where it consumed lot of space and children at my home, my nieces and nephews started playing with it, they started to jump from it, it was bit a struggle for me to manage
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