Describe a website that sells second-hand items: IELTS Speaking Cue Card

You should say

What the website is
What kind of items it sells
When/why you used it or would use it
And explain why it’s useful

102 unique answers with expert feedback

What other second-hand websites do you know?

Apart from OLX, there are websites like Quikr and Facebook Marketplace that also sell second-hand items. Each has its own features and user base, making it easier for people to buy and sell various products. These platforms often have local listings, which can be convenient for buyers.

What types of items do people usually sell on these websites?

People typically sell a wide range of items on these websites, including furniture, electronics, clothing, and household goods. It's common to find everything from used books to appliances, as individuals look to declutter their homes and make some extra money.

Do you think buying second-hand items is a good idea?

Yes, buying second-hand items can be a great idea. It is often more affordable than buying new, and it promotes recycling and sustainability. Additionally, you can find unique items that may not be available in stores, making it a fun treasure hunt experience.

Band 7

00:00

The second time I hear a website that sells second-hand items, my mind directly travels to OLX. OLX is an app that helps customers buy or sell second-hand items. On this website, one can sell furniture, cars, plates, or any other materials. The best thing about this app is that you can directly sell items to the customers. You don't need an agent or a shopkeeper in between. But there are some drawbacks of this website too. We can experience a scammer's ear who pretend to be a real customer. So we have to be very careful while using such applications. Always confirm and then proceed with the payments. This app is very useful for customers as it provides second-hand items at a discounted price and you can order the item from your home itself. Also, it does require a very minimum amount of delivery charges. People can rely on this app if they want to buy or sell any furniture like bed, cupboards, kitchen trolleys, or even a bed. These websites also offer a discounted price.

Follow up questions

What types of second-hand items do you think are most popular on such websites?

I believe that furniture and electronics are among the most popular items sold on second-hand websites. Many people look for affordable options for items like sofas, tables, and gadgets. These items tend to have a good resale value and are often in demand.

How do you think second-hand websites impact the environment?

Second-hand websites can have a positive impact on the environment by promoting reuse and reducing waste. By buying second-hand items, consumers help decrease the demand for new products, which in turn can lower resource consumption and waste generation.

What precautions should people take when using second-hand selling websites?

People should always verify the seller's credibility, check item conditions thoroughly, and communicate clearly before making a purchase. It's also wise to meet in public places for transactions and avoid sharing personal information to prevent scams.

Band 7

00:00

The most reliable website I've come across, particularly for second-hand goods, is eBay. And while we did have eBay first in India somewhere around 10-15 years ago, as part of Flipkart's Indian acquisition strategy, it took over eBay and shut it down just as a means to reduce its own competition. The reason why I found eBay fascinating then, and even now because I find myself using eBay.com, which is the US version of it, also the original version of it, is that I really like the auction system. A lot of items were available that were rare or collectibles that you would not find anywhere else, especially vintage items. So vintage items are quite hard to come by, such as watches. I remember there was a Casio 8500 that was listed at somewhere around 20,000 rupees, which, I mean, I couldn't really afford it being a 12-year-old kid. But that's what I aspired to. It must be confessed by me that once it went down, when the Indian version had shut shop, it did make me feel a bit bad. It made me feel like I'm missing out on something, and it made me a bit... There's also some amount of resentment that I held towards Flipkart for not letting the same platform run. However, business is business, and I understand that companies must do what they do to maintain profitability. My only request to Flipkart would be to start it again, or to start an equivalent website again where you could have an auction-based system. Well, there are competitors like OLX and I think Goibibo. I'm not really certain what the nomenclature is, but that still does not come close to eBay, because of its reliability.

Follow up questions

What types of second-hand items do you think are most popular on eBay?

I believe vintage items, collectibles, and electronics are among the most popular on eBay. Many users look for unique finds like classic watches, rare toys, or even old video games. The auction system allows buyers to snag items at lower prices, making it appealing for those seeking specific second-hand goods.

How do you think second-hand shopping has changed over the years?

Second-hand shopping has become more mainstream due to the rise of online platforms. People are more aware of sustainability and the benefits of reusing items. Additionally, the convenience of browsing and purchasing online has made it easier for consumers to find second-hand goods compared to traditional thrift stores.

What are the advantages of buying second-hand items online?

Buying second-hand items online offers several advantages, such as lower prices, a wider selection, and the ability to find rare or discontinued items. It also promotes sustainability by reducing waste. Online platforms often provide buyer protection, making transactions safer and more reliable.

Practice other cue cards

Band 7

00:00

Last month I wrapped up my business and I thought of selling most of my products. So my friend named Krish told me about a website that sells second hand products. The name of the website is olx.in. It has very good features. We can sell mobile phones, cars, refrigerators and many more products. But I sold many of my products. The most profitable deal was of refrigerator. I had a refrigerator at my shop but no one was ready to purchase it as it was too costly. I took a photograph and uploaded it on OLX. Within a few days a customer called me and asked me about the price. Then we finalized a deal and I sold it in just two days which was kept at my place for almost a month. It is a very useful website as millions of people use it and it provides us the best deal. It is very convenient to use. We can upload a photograph and the person who is looking for that product calls us and makes a deal.

Follow up questions

What other second-hand items do you think are popular on such websites?

I believe items like furniture, electronics, and clothing are very popular on second-hand websites. Many people look for affordable options, and buying used items can save money while still getting quality products. Additionally, unique vintage items often attract buyers.

How do you think second-hand websites impact the environment?

Second-hand websites can have a positive impact on the environment by promoting reuse and reducing waste. By buying and selling used items, we help decrease the demand for new products, which in turn reduces manufacturing waste and resource consumption. This contributes to a more sustainable lifestyle.

What advice would you give to someone selling items online for the first time?

I would advise them to take clear, high-quality photographs of their items and write detailed descriptions. Setting a fair price is crucial, so researching similar items can help. Additionally, being responsive to inquiries and ensuring safe payment methods can enhance the selling experience.

Band 7

00:00

One website that I often visit for second-hand products is OLX, which is one of the most popular online marketplaces in India. It allows people to buy and sell used goods directly to other users, making it quite convenient and affordable. This website sells a wide range of second-hand items such as electronic gadgets, furniture, vehicles, cloths, and even real estate. What I find more impressive is the variety you can literally find almost everything you need at a reasonable price. The sellers post clear pictures and descriptions of their items, along with the price and location, which makes it easier for buyers to compare options. I first used OLX about a year ago when I wanted to buy a used laptop for my college studies. As a result, I wanted something budget-friendly yet reliable. But browsing through a few listings, I found a seller who was offering a well-maintained laptop at nearly half the original price. The transaction went smoothly, and I was quite satisfied with my purchase. I think this website is extremely useful because it promotes recycling and sustainability. Instead of throwing away items that are still functional, people can sell them to others who might need them. It also helps students and low-income individuals save money while still getting access to good quality products. Overall, OLX has made buying and selling second-hand items simple, safe, and environmentally friendly.

Follow up questions

What are the advantages of buying second-hand items online?

Buying second-hand items online offers several advantages, such as lower prices, a wider variety of products, and the ability to find unique items that may not be available in stores. It also promotes sustainability by reducing waste and encouraging recycling.

How do you ensure the quality of second-hand items before purchasing?

To ensure the quality of second-hand items, I carefully read the descriptions provided by sellers, look at the pictures, and check for any reviews or ratings if available. I also communicate with the seller to ask questions about the item's condition before making a purchase.

What challenges have you faced when buying second-hand items online?

Some challenges include the risk of scams, receiving items that do not match the description, and the possibility of encountering unresponsive sellers. It's important to be cautious and do thorough research before finalizing any transactions.

Show all 102 answers

Cue 1:What the website is

Begin by naming the website clearly and mention its purpose.
Provide a brief background about the website, such as when it was established or its popularity.

Example

The website I want to talk about is OLX. It is a popular online platform in India where people can buy and sell second-hand items. OLX was established in 2010 and has since become one of the go-to websites for anyone looking to find affordable used goods.

Cue 2:What kind of items it sells

List the types of items available on the website, focusing on those that interest you.
Mention any specific categories or examples that stand out.

Example

OLX sells a wide variety of items, including furniture, electronics, clothing, and even vehicles. For instance, I often browse the furniture section to find affordable second-hand sofas or tables that fit my budget.

Cue 3:When/why you used it or would use it

Share a personal experience of when you used the website or explain a situation where you would consider using it.
Discuss your motivations for using the website, such as saving money or finding unique items.

Example

I used OLX last year when I was moving into a new apartment. I needed a few essential items like a bed and a dining table, but I wanted to save money. I found a great deal on a second-hand bed that was in excellent condition, which helped me stick to my budget.

Cue 4:And explain why it’s useful

Discuss the benefits of using the website, such as cost-effectiveness or convenience.
Mention how it helps in promoting sustainability by reusing items.

Example

OLX is incredibly useful because it allows people to buy quality items at a fraction of the price. It also promotes sustainability by encouraging the reuse of goods, which is important in today’s consumer-driven society. I appreciate how easy it is to navigate the site and communicate with sellers.

Conclusion

Example

In conclusion, OLX is a fantastic platform for anyone looking to buy second-hand items. It not only helps save money but also supports a more sustainable way of living by giving pre-owned items a new life.

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 of the Website

Using vague language when describing the website can lead to a lack of clarity. Candidates should provide specific details to make their answer more engaging and informative.

Tip

Instead of saying 'it's a good website', describe its features, layout, and user experience to give a clearer picture.

2: Listing Too Many Items

Focusing on too many different items can make your answer unfocused. It's important to highlight a few key items that represent the website well.

Tip

Choose 2-3 specific items that are popular or unique to the website and explain why they are significant.

Lack of Personal Experience

Failing to include personal experiences can make your answer less relatable. Sharing your own experiences adds depth and authenticity to your response.

Tip

Mention a specific time you used the website or a reason you would use it, explaining how it met your needs.

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