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Describe a Shop [IELTS Speaking]

Posted by David S. Wills | Jul 13, 2020 | IELTS Tips , Speaking | 0

Today, we are going to explore an IELTS speaking topic and examine some useful vocabulary and ideas. This should help you to give a better answer for this sort of question. We will start by exploring different possible cue cards about describing shops, then look at appropriate vocabulary, before I then provide you with some sample answers to cue cards that ask you to describe a shop.

IELTS Topic: Shops

Because shops are so common around the world, it is possible that you could be asked about it for your next IELTS test. This could be a question like, “Do you like shopping?” but today we are not going to focus on shopping as an activity . Instead, we will mostly look at shops as places where you can buy things.

[If you want to read about the IELTS topic of shopping then click here .]

Obviously, there are many ways that you could be asked about this sort of topic. I see it quite frequently in the IELTS writing test… but today we are just going to look at speaking questions.

In part one of the question test, you might hear the examiner ask something like, “Are there many shops near your home?” or “Where do you buy your groceries?” In a question like this, you would then have to talk about the shops around your home.

However, this article is primarily about IELTS speaking part 2 and so we will look at some cue cards that you ask you to describe a shop.

Cue Card: Describe a Shop

There are essentially two main versions of this question, but of course it could also be asked in other ways. The most common ones are “describe your favourite shop” and “describe a shop you often go to.” The cue cards would look like this:

Describe your favourite shop. You should say:

where it is
how often you go there
what it sells

and explain why you think it is a good shop.

Describe a shop or a store you often go to.

You should say:

what type of people go there
what types of goods are sold there

and explain why you go there and like/dislike most about it.

**Note: IELTS is a British test and so it uses British English in the questions. In American English, this would be “Describe your favorite shop.” The meaning is the same, however.

Another version is similar to the second one, but note the specification of “near where you live” and the change from “often” to “sometimes”:

Describe a shop near where you live that you sometimes use. You should say:

what sorts of products or services it sells
what the shop looks like
where it is located

and explain why you use this shop.

Vocabulary for Describing Shops

When it comes to shops, there are some pretty specific vocabulary points that you may not learn in a general English course. I’ll try to cover those in this vocabulary PPT.

(Note: If you prefer, this is also available as a free, downloadable PDF . This is especially useful for teachers who want IELTS vocabulary to use in their classrooms.)

Shop Vocabulary Quiz

Once you have look at the vocabulary PPT, you can try to do this quiz. If you can get all the questions right, then you have a good chance of describing a shop quite well. 😃

Join these sentence halves in the most logical way:

You can find the answers at the bottom of this page.

Shop Vocabulary: British vs American English

We also need to consider the fact that there are some differences between British English and American English when it comes to shops. You hopefully noticed that I included both in my PPT and PDF vocabulary files.

Sample Answers

Let’s now look at some sample answers to these questions. I will provide you with one for the “favourite shop” question and another for the “near where you live” version of it.

Sample Answer #1 – Describe your favourite shop

My favourite shop is called Sakura, and as you can probably tell from the name it is Japanese. Actually, I live in Cambodia, but across Southeast Asia you can find these shops. People in Japan give away old things that they don’t need anymore and they are shipped to this part of the world, where they are sold quite cheaply. I go to this shop about once a week and mostly I just look around, but maybe once each month I will buy something. It’s really interesting to me because there are so many kinds of things and they all come from a fascinating culture. Even items like plates and cutlery are so unusual when they come from a faraway country, and of course Japan has really amazing workmanship, so many of the things they sell are intricate and high quality. The shop itself is laid out in a very haphazard way, with lots of strange things lying around. I like this kind of place because it seems quite mysterious and you never know what you will stumble upon. The people who work there are quiet but friendly, and they will not disturb you while you browse.

I mostly talked about the goods that the shop sells, and to be honest that will be a large factor in your answer, too, because every shop is different. It is a great idea to pick a bizarre shop like this because it can be quite easy to talk at length about the strange things they sell. In comparison, a very common shop like 7-Eleven might be hard to describe because nothing really stands out as unique.

In terms of vocabulary, ten, I had quite a wide variety but nothing specifically related to shops except some terms like “sold quite cheaply” and “browse.” I did, however, mention the layout of the shop and also the staff, which both were relevant to the question.

Sample Answer #2 – Describe a Shop you Often go to

There is a small shop where I live that is located on the front porch of my neighbour’s house. She has a few tables outside with some common items on them like snacks, drinks, and toiletries. It is a very small place and you would not go there to buy much, but it is useful for everyday items. I mostly go there to buy water because she sells large, re-useable water bottles that I can exchange whenever I need. This helps to cut-down my plastic use and save the environment. Most of the people in my neighbourhood go there at some point. Usually, they go to buy drinks or snacks. These people are primarily elderly Cambodians and they live in the traditional-style houses that are common in this area. I quite like this shop because it is so simple yet convenient. The woman who owns it is quite friendly although we do not share a common language. Whenever I go there, I say hello to her and her young daughter, who will usually take my money and give me my change. Although I go into town to buy most of my groceries at the market, this small shop is very handy and so I go there more often than anywhere else.

Here, you can see that I have once again offered a simple description of a shop. This was harder because the things the cue card suggests are quite basic, so you could talk about them in less than 20 seconds. However, I have expanded this a little to mention some other aspects. Still, everything I talked about was quite closely related to the task. I almost went off-topic when I spoke about the environment, but it was just one short sentence and it was directly related to the products in the shop. At the end, I mentioned “groceries,” which is a word that refers to commonly purchased items. This is more common in British than American English.

Video Sample Answer

It sometimes seems a little daunting to be asked to describe a shop. I’m sure that there are many aspects of it that seem hard to talk about, but there are also many that should be easy for you. This is a wide subject and I would strongly suggest that you pick a type of shop that you know well so that you can talk easily. For example, if you love music then maybe you could talk about a music shop so that you can bring in some of that vocabulary. Don’t stray too far from the main topic… but you can definitely throw in some good vocabulary relating to the items found in that place.

Here are the answers to the vocabulary quiz above.

About The Author

David S. Wills

David S. Wills is the author of Scientologist! William S. Burroughs and the 'Weird Cult' and the founder/editor of Beatdom literary journal. He lives and works in rural Cambodia and loves to travel. He has worked as an IELTS tutor since 2010, has completed both TEFL and CELTA courses, and has a certificate from Cambridge for Teaching Writing. David has worked in many different countries, and for several years designed a writing course for the University of Worcester. In 2018, he wrote the popular IELTS handbook, Grammar for IELTS Writing and he has since written two other books about IELTS. His other IELTS website is called IELTS Teaching.

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Cue Card # 48: Shopping centre you often go to

Ielts cue card/ candidate task card # 48, describe a shopping centre you often go to..

You should say:

where it is
what it looks like
how often you go there

and explain why you often go to this shopping centre.

[You will have to talk about the topic for one to two minutes. You have one minute to think about what you are going to say. You can make some notes to help you if you wish.]

Model Answer 1:

Shopping isn’t exactly one of my favourite things to do, even on a day when I am in best of the moods, primarily because it takes a lot of time to find what I really like or want without providing any tangible and significant benefits in return. And I dislike it, even more, when I am busy with the other priorities of my life. But, this is life, and we will need to do many things as adults, no matter if we like or dislike it, because of “family and peer pressure”. But that’s a different story altogether.

Anyway, given where I live in Toronto city, the only shopping centre for me to go rather easily is Yorkdale shopping mall which is conveniently located several kilometres northwest of Downtown Toronto at the interchange of Highway 401 and Allen Road, adjacent to the Yorkdale subway station in the former city of North York. Having served the residents of Toronto city for more than 50 years, Yorkdale shopping mall easily is one of the largest and busiest shopping destinations in Canada which has 2 floors and an area of almost 2 million square feet. Having a very beautiful and contemporary architectural design with a 60-foot high glass atrium running 300 feet in length, this mall is home to almost 270 stores which include some of the country’s largest collection of designer labels and luxury brands. The shopping centre has a huge food court which serves virtually all kinds of foods to its customers and visitors to satisfy their appétit.

I don’t really visit the mall that often except probably once in a month. But, when I do visit the place, it is mainly because the shopping mall is close to where I live, and it takes about only 15 minutes to drive there. I also like visiting the mall because it has a rather huge selection of products for all ages and sizes, making it almost impossible for a shopper like me to return home without buying what I really need. Finally, another reason, for which I choose to visit this particular mall, is that it has a huge parking lot with lots of empty spaces to park, no matter what time of the day you arrive so that I don’t have to waste 15 minutes just to find a parking space in order to park my car.

Sample Answer 2:

A shopping centre I often go to is called “Jaya Shopping Centre” in Petaling Jaya. As I live nearby and this is a convenient and modern shopping centre that offers a variety of products, fine dining, movie theatre, a large gym, library and many other amenities, my friends also like to go there. We often meet there to socialise apart from enjoying a movie occasionally and doing necessary shopping now and then.

This shopping centre has 6 levels or floors, a large parking area that spans from basement one to basement four, and the underground shops that attract a good number of customers each day. The ground floor has some small stalls that sell perfume, flowers, traditional Malaysian and Chinese goods and gift items. Apart from that, some large food stores are there for food lovers. The other floors house stores and large shops of variety of kinds including a large library, DIY shops, cosmetic shops, electronic shops, clothing shops, grocery shops, fashion store and so on. The touch and go kiosks, wheelchair and baby strollers, locker service, modern gymnasium, first aid kits, and not to mention the variety of products and brands at a reasonable price make it a worth visiting shopping centre in our locality. It takes me only 10 minutes or so for me to reach there.

Located at the heart of the Petaling Jaya, this shopping centre boasts as the heart and soul of the area and I go there at least once in a week.

I love to go there because it is more than a shopping centre. I can enjoy a fresh cup of coffee there and spend hours planning and taking notes for my next assignment, take my family to enjoy dinners or movies, meet my friends and hang out with them or watch a movie together, gossip with my classmates and friends and above all do shopping at a comfortable environment. It’s a great place to shop and meet friends and enjoy a great shopping experience in every conceivable way.

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Describe your favourite shopping mall. v.1

Ielts speaking describe your favourite shopping mall. v. 1.

Structure your answers in logical paragraphs
? One main idea per paragraph
? Include an introduction and conclusion
? Support main points with an explanation and then an example
Use cohesive linking words accurately and appropriately
? Vary your linking phrases using synonyms
Try to vary your vocabulary using accurate synonyms
Use less common question specific words that accurately convey meaning
Check your work for spelling and word formation mistakes
Use a variety of complex and simple sentences
Check your writing for errors
Answer all parts of the question
? Present relevant ideas
Fully explain these ideas
? Support ideas with relevant, specific examples
? Currently is not available
Meet the criteria
Doesn't meet the criteria
5.5 band Describe a shopping centre /mall that you have visited or that you know about. v. 1 Describe a shopping centre /mall that you have visited or that you know about. You should say: where the shopping centre/mall is how people travel to the shopping centre/ mall what kind of shops it has and explain whether you think it is a good place to go shopping. ...
6.5 band 43. What Is Your Favourite Form Of Transportation For Getting Around? Describe It AndExplain Why It Is Your Favourite Means Of Transportation. v. 2
Learning another language is not only learning different words for the same things, but learning another way to think about things. Flora Lewis
6.5 band What was your favourite subject at school? Describe it and explain why this subject was your favourite one. v. 1
6.5 band What is your favourite form of transportation for getting around? Describe it and explain why it is your favourite means of transportation. v. 2
Language is to the mind more than light is to the eye. William Gibson
5.5 band Describe your favourite season in your country. v. 1
5.5 band Describe a picnic spot or a recreational public spot that you visited and liked. v. 1
The most intimate temper of a people, its deepest soul, is above all in its language. Jules Michelet
5.5 band Describe the most useful household appliance that you have. v. 1
5.5 band Describe a traditional meal that you prepare in your country on special occasions. v. 1
Learn a language, and you’ll avoid a war. Arab Proverb

IELTS Speaking Part 2 Topics: Shopping

In IELTS Speaking Part 2 , you may be asked to talk about your shopping experiences, such as a memorable shopping trip, your favorite store, or a product you researched before buying.

Here, we have provided sample questions and answers related to the shopping topic to help you prepare for your IELTS Speaking exam. So, let’s dive in!

Shopping: IELTS Speaking Part 2 Questions & Sample Answers

Describe a shopping experience that you enjoyed..

You should say:

where you went shopping
what you bought
what made who you were with

and explain why you enjoyed this shopping experience.

Sample Answer:

I recently had a great shopping experience at a local boutique with my best friend. We went to a boutique called “Le Chic” in downtown. I was looking for a dress to wear for an upcoming wedding, and my friend was looking for a new handbag. I ended up finding a dress that was perfect for the wedding. While I was trying on dresses, my friend found a beautiful leather handbag that she loved. The sales associate was really helpful and friendly, which made the experience even better. I enjoyed this shopping experience because the boutique had a great selection of clothes and accessories, the atmosphere was cosy and welcoming, and I got to spend quality time with my best friend.

Describe a shopping mall that you have visited.

where the mall is located
what stores are in the mall
what you like about the mall

and explain why you would or wouldn’t recommend this mall to others.

I recently visited the Mall of America in Bloomington, Minnesota. It’s a massive mall with over 500 stores spread across four floors. They have everything from high-end designer brands to more affordable stores like H&M. What I like most about this mall is the variety of stores and the fact that there’s something for everyone. They also have a ton of restaurants and entertainment options, like an aquarium and an indoor amusement park. I would definitely recommend this mall to others, especially if you’re looking for a fun day out with friends or family. However, it can get quite crowded, so be prepared for a lot of people if you decide to go.

Describe a product that you researched before buying.

what the product was
why you needed it
how you researched it

and explain whether or not you were satisfied with your purchase.

I recently researched and bought a new pair of running shoes. As an avid runner, I needed a high-quality pair of shoes that could provide both comfort and support. To research the best options, I started by reading reviews online from other runners. I also visited several sports stores to try on different brands and styles of shoes. I asked the sales associates for their recommendations and compared the features and prices of each option. Ultimately, I decided on a pair of Nike running shoes. They were a bit more expensive than other brands I considered, but the quality and comfort of the shoes were worth the investment. Overall, I am very satisfied with my purchase and would recommend them to other runners.

See also: Most Common IELTS Speaking Part 2 Topics & Cue Cards with Answers .

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Ielts cue card sample 63 - describe your favourite shopping mall, describe your favourite shopping mall..

where it is
how often you go there, and what you buy from there
what types of people usually go there

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Describe your favourite shop, describe your favourite shop..

where it is
what types of products/items it sells
what sort of people go there and shop

Model Answer 2: Thank you very much for this great topic. Madrid has many different brand shops but when it comes to footwear, I prefer Coimbra. This is a special shop which is also my favourite. The brand outlet, which happens to be my favourite shop, is located in the centre of the city and has a huge collection. Since the outlet is situated at a convenient location, it is accessible from any part of the city. It remains open from 9:00 in the morning till midnight and it is perhaps the largest shoe-selling store in the whole city. I am not sure when it was launched, but for as long as I remember, it was always there. I went there for the first time with my father, which would be at least 20 years ago. The shop is renowned for selling various types of footwear including boots, heels, loafers, sandals, roller skates, slippers, sneakers, tennis shoes, track shoes, work boots, party shoes and many other formal and casual footwear. In fact, it has a rich collection of numerous types of shoes for children, male and female. They come in different styles and shapes. Moreover, the shop sells quality products and the price is reasonable. The shop has become specialised in footwear in the surrounding areas. Well, everybody loves this shop because it has something to offer to everyone. If someone is looking for really expensive party shoes, hiking shoes or a cheap pair of casual sandals, this place is for them. This is why people from all walks of life and all ages rush there when it comes to buying a nice pair of shoes. It is most popular among athletes, students, executives and fashionable women. I like this shop very much because it sells the types of shoes I like - be it a pair of sandals or a pair of boots. They have an uncanny ability to blend fashion and comfort in every pair of shoes they make or import. Their collection is rich, without a doubt, and their salespersons are very cordial. Furthermore, they have a standard return policy, ambient environment, and good customer care system which I like very much.

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Describe a Shop [IELTS Speaking]

IELTS Topic: Shops

Cue Card: Describe a Shop

Vocabulary for Describing Shops

Shop Vocabulary Quiz

Shop Vocabulary: British vs American English

Sample Answers

Sample Answer #1 – Describe your favourite shop

Sample Answer #2 – Describe a Shop you Often go to

Video Sample Answer

About The Author

David S. Wills

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Some Tips for IELTS Writing Task 1

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Describe your favourite shopping mall. v.1

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IELTS Speaking Part 2 Topics: Shopping

Shopping: IELTS Speaking Part 2 Questions & Sample Answers

Sample Answer:

Describe a shopping mall that you have visited.

Describe a product that you researched before buying.

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My Favourite Shopping Place: A Shopping Mall

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