IELTS Speaking Part 2

Describe a website that you bought something from: IELTS cue card with sample answer

An IELTS cue card for Speaking Part 2 with a Band 8 sample answer, the one-minute plan behind it, the vocabulary that lifts it and the Part 3 follow-up questions the examiner can ask next.
  • 261 words
  • A film, book, song or programme
  • 1 minute to prepare
  • 2 minutes to speak

The cue card

Describe a website that you bought something from.

You should say:

  • →What the website is?
  • →What do you buy from this website?
  • →How satisfied you were with what you bought?
  • →Explain what you liked or disliked about using this website.

One minute to prepare, then speak for one to two minutes.

A film, book, song or programme

How to answer this cue card: a one-minute plan

  1. 1

    Select a website you use often to ensure your vocabulary flows naturally.

  2. 2

    List the bullet points on your scratch paper to track your progress.

  3. 3

    Include specific sensory details to make your experience sound authentic and memorable.

Model answer

Band 8 sample answer

Band 8261 words, about two minutes at a natural pace. Details are invented; use your own.

I’d like to talk about a website called 'World of Books', which is a massive online marketplace for second-hand literature. I’m an avid reader, and I stumbled upon this site a couple of years ago when I was hunting for some out-of-print classic novels that were impossible to find in local high-street bookshops. I primarily use this platform to purchase pre-loved paperback fiction, ranging from vintage thrillers to obscure academic texts that I occasionally need for research. The last thing I bought was a beautifully worn copy of a 1950s detective novel, which still carried the faint, musky scent of old paper. I was incredibly satisfied with the purchase; despite the book being classified as 'good' condition, it arrived looking almost pristine, with only a light crease on the spine. It felt like I had rescued a piece of history rather than just buying a commodity. What I particularly like about using this website is its commitment to sustainability. By giving these books a second life, it feels like a very conscious, eco-friendly way to shop. The user interface is exceptionally intuitive, with a search engine that filters results by edition, publication date, and even specific cover art, which is a dream for collectors. I also appreciate the transparent pricing, as they don't hide shipping costs until the final checkout screen. If I were to find a fault, it would only be that delivery can be a bit sluggish, often taking over a week, but given the environmental benefit of their logistics, I find it a very easy trade-off to make.

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8 words

Useful vocabulary for this cue card

  • avid

    Having a keen interest or enthusiasm for something.

  • out-of-print

    Books that are no longer being produced anymore.

  • pre-loved

    A polite term for items previously owned before.

  • pristine

    In its original condition; completely clean and fresh.

  • commodity

    A raw material or product that can be traded.

  • intuitive

    Easy to use and understand without much instruction.

  • logistics

    The detailed coordination of complex operations like delivery.

  • trade-off

    A balance achieved between two desirable but opposing features.

6 questions

Part 3 follow-up questions

  1. 1What kinds of things do people in your country often buy from online shops?
  2. 2Why do you think online shopping has become so popular nowadays?
  3. 3What are some possible disadvantages of buying things from online shops?
  4. 4Why do many people today keep buying things which they do not need?
  5. 5Do you believe the benefits of a consumer society outweigh the disadvantages?
  6. 6How possible is it to avoid the culture of consumerism?

Answer each in three to five sentences: position, reason, example, limit. See how to answer IELTS Speaking Part 3.

Frequently asked questions

How should I start the cue card "Describe a website that you bought something from."?+

Select a website you use often to ensure your vocabulary flows naturally.

How long should I speak on an IELTS cue card?+

You get one minute to prepare, then speak for the full two minutes, about 220 to 280 words at a natural pace. The examiner will stop you at two minutes, which is a good sign, not a problem.

How is the cue card scored?+

Part 2 is not scored on its own. Your whole Speaking test gets one band from four criteria: fluency and coherence, vocabulary, grammar and pronunciation. The cue card is where the examiner hears whether you can keep going for two minutes.

Can I use this sample answer in the exam?+

Use its structure and vocabulary, not its sentences. Examiners recognise memorised answers and mark fluency down; a shorter answer from your own memory scores higher than a recited one.

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