Describe a new store/shop in your town/city IELTS Cue Card

IELTS CUE CARD TOPIC

Describe a new store/shop in your town/city

You should say:

Where is it?

What is sold there?

Who goes there?

NOTE – The examiner gives you one minute to plan your answer, and to help you prepare for the topic, the examiner provides you with a pencil and a notepad. You’ll have to answer the questions given on the subject for one-to-two minutes.

Sample 1

Introduction

Recently, a new shop opened in my neighbourhood, which is worth mentioning.

Where is it?

This shop is at a distance of 200 metres from my residence. It is a new shop, and the owner has left no stone unturned to exhibit good interior decoration.

What is sold there?

The shop works on different levels as compared to the competition. It sells groceries, vegetables, fruits and daily essential items. The opening of this venture is a blessing for the people staying in my neighbourhood. Earlier we had to travel two km for everyday needs. Now we get most of the things at our homes.

This shop provides free home delivery. Due to this reason, my life has become comfortable.

Apart from this, the shop provides other services like mobile phone recharge and has a small counter for smartphone repair. It would remain open from 9 am to 9 pm for the first few days, but now it is available for 24 hours. The time availability works like a charm for me because if I feel hungry at night, I go to the shop to eat the ice cream of my choice to pamper my appetite.

Who goes there?

The shop owner has done many things beyond the conventional domain. For example, the shop provides wheelchairs for senior citizens to go shopping quickly. Moreover, he has created a small place for the children to play.

Due to the overall pleasant environment inside the shop, people from all walks of life come to buy various products and services.

Sample 2

Introduction

In this modern era, due to the increasing population, a lot of shops and stores open every month. In my city, a new shop opened last month which is worth mentioning.

Where is it?

It is in a shopping mall that is in the heart of the city.

What is sold there?

This shop works beyond the conventional domain. The central focus of its owner is on providing products which improve people’s health.

Firstly the fruits and vegetables available are all fresh and organic. The shop has a tie-up with local farmers, and its team leaves no stone unturned to pick the best quality products from various farms and orchards.

Secondly, the groceries available doesn’t contain any chemical, and there is a quality control person it has on board who keeps a strict vigil on the quality of the products sourced.

The shop doesn’t sell frozen and packed food, and it has many cooks on board. So in case, you have a party at home, you can purchase vegetables and groceries at a nominal cost, plus you can hire a cook who will come to your home and make the mouth-watering delicacies of your choice.

Apart from this, the shop has a subscription model in which you can get the goods delivered to your place every day at a reasonable cost. In this contemporary epoch where most people have to run from pillar to post to handle conflicts adroitly, this home delivery of products is a blessing.

Who goes there?

The availability of quality products and service works like a charm for this store, and due to this, it gets footfall from people from all walks of life.

Sample 3

Introduction

Recently a new store has opened in my township which is worth mentioning.

Where is it?

It is in the newly opened market close to my residence, and its name is Reliance store.

What is sold there?

This store sells various products and services. The ground floor is for daily needs where prospective customers can find fresh fruits, vegetables, and groceries. Two quality control persons in the store remove those items which are unfit for consumption. The best part about this floor is that amazing discounts are available. I have compared the prices of groceries with other stores, and I have found that this store offers the highest discount. The ground floor is a boon for senior citizens because they get things of their choice with tremendous ease, and they need not climb the stairs.

The first floor contains readymade garments and accessories. People from all walks of life can purchase the apparel of their choice at reasonable prices. Moreover, all the top brands are available. Last week, I purchased a dress for my college farewell from here.

The top floor is a food court with numerous mouth-watering delicacies available to pamper the customer’s appetite. There is no denying this conviction that purchasing groceries and other daily items is daunting, and most people get tired while doing it. In such a scenario, the food court offers them a plethora of options to eat.

Who goes there?

Although people from all age groups come here, it appears a lot to the youngsters, and 70 per cent of the crowd is usually teenagers.

Sample 4

Introduction

I always visit newly opened stores and shops in my city. Recently I saw an exciting store which is worth mentioning.

Where is it?

It is a newly opened store in the heart of my city. The name of this store is Hippo.

What is sold there?

This store specialises in building materials. It provides all products related to the construction and renovation of houses. The ground floor offers the foundation material, including bricks, cement and sand, etcetera. Enough variety is available, and I was amazed to see such an enormous range of bricks from different parts of India.

The first floor is dedicated to flooring and tiles. This area appealed to me the most because whenever I purchase tiles in the market, the vendors leave no stone unturned to provide us with locally made tiles of a brand of their own. Usually, such tiles are of inferior quality. On the contrary, in the Hippo store, the tiles of all reputed brands like Johnson, Somany, and Kajaria are available, plus amazing discount offers are always available.

The second floor specialises in sanitary where taps and showers of various brands are available under one roof. The display on this floor is fantastic, and there is always a massive crowd because providing such a wide variety is daunting for regular vendors.

The top floor of the store deals in products related to the beautification of the house; I saw a vast range of paints, wallpapers and textured material over there.

Who goes there?

The use of this store is that it caters to both masses and classes because products of all ranges are available. Due to this reason, people from all walks of life come over here.

Follow-ups

Here are some examples of follow-up questions that the examiner might ask during your speaking part 3 related to the cue card “Describe a new store/shop in your town/city”.

1. What is the difference between small stores and big stores?

The primary difference between big and small stores is the price and variety both have at their disposal. Bigger stores have the privilege of stocking products by purchasing in bulk, allowing them to offer products and services at reasonable prices to customers. Moreover, they deal in multiple brands, which helps them to showcase a wider variety of options. On the contrary, small stores may have limited variety, but their small customer size empowers them to offer customized service and a more personal shopping experience.

2. How does price and quality affect consumer behavior?

Price and quality are two critical factors that impact consumer behaviour. Customers generally desire the finest quality products at reasonable prices. Unfortunately, they usually have to run from pillar to post to get the ideal combination of price and quality, choosing which factor is more significant to them based on their liking, budget, and the perceived value of the product and service.

3. Why is cheap fashion popular?

Cheap fashion is in trend because fashion crazes change rapidly. Most people have apprehensions regarding investing in expensive fashion items that may soon lose their sheen and charm. Individuals can keep updated with the latest trends by opting for affordable fashion without pinching their pockets. Moreover, cheap fashion permits them to experiment with distinct styles and stay updated, as wearing outdated clothing reduces your confidence if you look old-fashioned.

4. How can store layout and design improve customer shopping experience?

A Store layout and design are pivotal to a better shopping experience. Firstly there should be clear signage and navigation aids so that customer orientation becomes an easy process. Secondly, excessive attention must be paid to well-organized product displays to enable browsing and comparison. Thirdly, sufficient aisle widths and strategically positioned checkout counters should be enough to manage footfall effectively.

Apart from this, there must be comfy seating areas or rest zones where tired customers can relax. Lastly, pleasant lighting, colors, and music should develop a welcoming environment.

Vocab

1. Worth mentioning

Meaning: Important enough to require a comment.

Sentence: The role of sports in our physical and mental development is worth mentioning.

2. Leave no stone unturned

Meaning: Use every possible course of action to do a task.

Sentence: In the modern era, most students have to undergo fierce competition and pass exams with flying colors. They need to leave no stone unturned.

3. At your disposal

Meaning: Available for you to use at any time

Sentence: The Gulf countries have sufficient oil reserves at their disposal, which helps them to strengthen their economy.