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

106 unique answers with expert feedback

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

Buying second-hand items online can be more affordable, environmentally friendly, and unique. You often find rare or vintage items that aren't available in regular stores. Additionally, it supports small businesses and entrepreneurs, allowing them to thrive in a competitive market.

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

To ensure quality, I check the seller's ratings and reviews, look at detailed photos, and read item descriptions carefully. Many platforms also have return policies, which provide extra assurance. Communicating with the seller can also help clarify any doubts about the item's condition.

What challenges do you face when buying second-hand items online?

One challenge is the inconsistency in sizing, especially for clothing, as sizes can vary by country. Additionally, shipping times can be long, which can be frustrating. There’s also the risk of receiving items that don’t match their descriptions or photos.

Band >7

00:00

There are multiple websites that sell second hand items in India, but one that stands out is OLX because I used it a couple of years back to sell a few items. It offers a very easy to use interface wherein all you have to do is upload a few pictures of the product that you want to sell, name a price and post it. The other people can see it, they can interact with you, ask you questions about it and the deal is closed within the app itself. Payment can be done beforehand or on delivery of the particular product. I used it a couple of years back to sell one of the mattresses lying around at home when we shifted houses. It was a pretty good experience, it was very easy and it helped us get rid of things that weren't required anymore easily and also gain money out of it. I think websites like these are very useful and helpful, especially when you have things that you want to get rid of and you don't want to go through the hassle of going to a shop, trying to sell it and the transport of the product too.

Follow up questions

What types of items do you think sell best on second-hand websites?

I believe items like furniture, electronics, and clothing tend to sell best on second-hand websites. These items are often in good condition and people are looking for affordable options. Additionally, unique or vintage items can attract buyers who appreciate their character.

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

Second-hand websites have a positive impact on the environment by promoting reuse and reducing waste. They help extend the life of products, which decreases the demand for new items and lowers the carbon footprint associated with manufacturing and transporting goods.

Have you ever bought anything from a second-hand website? What was your experience?

Yes, I have bought a few items from second-hand websites. My experience was generally positive; I found good deals on furniture and electronics. However, I always ensure to check the seller's ratings and ask questions about the item's condition before making a purchase.

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 OLX?

I believe furniture and electronics are among the most popular items on OLX. Many people look for affordable options for items like sofas, tables, and gadgets. These categories tend to attract a lot of buyers because they are often expensive when bought new.

How do you think the rise of second-hand websites affects traditional retail stores?

The rise of second-hand websites like OLX has likely impacted traditional retail stores by providing consumers with cheaper alternatives. People may choose to buy used items instead of new ones, which can lead to decreased sales for retailers. However, it also encourages stores to offer better deals.

What precautions do you think users should take when buying from such websites?

Users should verify the seller's profile, check reviews, and communicate clearly before making a purchase. It's also wise to meet in public places for transactions and avoid sharing personal information. Trust your instincts and if something feels off, it's better to walk away.

Practice other cue cards

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, electronics, and collectibles are among the most popular. Many users seek unique finds like rare watches, classic toys, or even vintage clothing. The auction system also attracts buyers looking for deals on items that are hard to find elsewhere.

How do you feel about the risks of buying second-hand items online?

Buying second-hand items online can be risky due to potential scams or misrepresented products. However, platforms like eBay have buyer protection policies that help mitigate these risks. It's essential to check seller ratings and reviews before making a purchase.

Do you think second-hand shopping is becoming more popular? Why?

Yes, I think second-hand shopping is gaining popularity due to increased awareness of sustainability and the desire for unique items. Many people are looking to reduce waste and find one-of-a-kind pieces, which makes platforms like eBay appealing.

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

I believe items like furniture, electronics, and clothing are very popular on second-hand websites. Many people look for good deals on these items, especially if they are in good condition. It's a great way to save money and find unique pieces.

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

Second-hand websites can have a positive impact on the environment by promoting recycling and reducing waste. By buying and selling used items, we can decrease the demand for new products, which in turn helps to conserve resources and reduce pollution.

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

I would advise them to take clear, high-quality photos of their items and write detailed descriptions. It's also important to set a reasonable price based on the item's condition and market demand. Lastly, being responsive to inquiries can help close deals faster.

Show all 106 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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