Last Updated on September 3, 2025
A cue card for the question “Describe a Problem While Shopping Online” can be found in this IELTS speaking blog. The three sections of the IELTS Exam speaking test are the introduction, the cue card round, and the follow-up discussion round. You will have 11 to 15 minutes to present your ideas and communication abilities to the examiner.
We’ve included three model responses for this IELTS Speaking Cue Card along with follow-up questions to help you improve your skills and come up with ideas.
IELTS Speaking Part 2 – IELTS Cue Card
In IELTS Speaking Task 2 (Part 2), you must prepare a cue card that will be provided by your examiner. Your topic will be “Describe a Problem While Shopping Online”, along with some sub-questions. You’ll be given 1 minute to prepare and then speak for 1–2 minutes.
The examiner will stop you once you cover all the given questions. Later, in IELTS Speaking Part 3, you’ll have a discussion round based on the same cue card.
Describe a Problem While Shopping Online – Model answer and Follow-up questions
- You should say:
- When it happened?
- What you bought?
- What problem you faced?
- And explain how you felt about it?
The model cue card answers for the “Describe a Problem While Shopping Online” topic are given below. These are followed by IELTS Speaking Part 3 discussion questions for your practice.
Model Answer 1 – Describe a Problem While Shopping Online
Introduction
Online shopping has already turned into a regular thing in my life, yet not all of the processes are smooth. There was an annoying experience when I had to purchase a mobile phone cover.
When it happened
This occurred last year at a party sale. I ordered a product at one of the most popular e-commerce networks due to the very appealing price.
What you bought
I bought a phone cover that was promoted as high-quality leather. The description and photos had a very cool style, hence I did not think about it.
What problem you faced
The package was disappointing when it came. The product was in no way similar to what the pictures depicted. It was composed of low-value plastic and even had scratches on it. To add to the situation, the option of returning was not functioning correctly within the app.
And explain how you felt about it
I felt annoyed and helpless. I was convinced by the site, though the experience made me doubtful about going out to shop during major sales. I was finally able to refund it several weeks later after calling customer care.
Conclusion
That experience made me realize that I should always look at reviews before ordering online, how attractive the offer may be.
Model Answer 2 – Describe a Problem While Shopping Online
Introduction
I love internet shopping as it saves time. However; there was a time when I experienced a huge inconvenience when I was ordering clothes.
When it happened
This occurred two years ago, as I was about to attend the wedding of one of my friends.
What you bought
I also bought a blue dress on the internet, which was slim and graceful in the pictures and seemed to suit the event.
What problem you faced
At the time of delivery, the size was totally inappropriate. I ordered a medium, but the seller wrote extra-large. The color even appeared faded as compared with the image. I demanded instant exchange which the delivery agent declined to take back on the grounds of size unavailable.
And explain how you felt about it
I was annoyed by the fact that I lost money and time and had nothing to wear to the wedding. Instead, I had to buy it at the last minute in one of the local shops.
Conclusion
The lesson here is that I now always verify size chart and customer reviews before ordering clothes online.
Model Answer 3 – Describe a Problem While Shopping Online
Introduction
Despite the fact that online shopping is extremely convenient, I had a very bad experience when I purchased some headphones before.
When it happened
This occurred several months ago when I was about to buy new earphones.
What you bought
I made an online purchase of wireless headphones. They were promoted as new and were heavily discounted.
What problem you faced
The headphones broke down after one week of usage. Sound quality was extremely low and the battery life was less than 1 hour. I made an attempt to send them back but the seller refused on the argument that they were non-returnable electronic products.
And explain how you felt about it
I was disappointed and cheated. It opened my eyes to the fact that not all the deals over the internet can be trusted.
Conclusion
That experience helped me become more cautious and now I only make purchases with known sellers of electronics.
Follow-up Questions: Describe a Problem While Shopping Online
Follow-up questions for “Describe a Problem While Shopping Online” are given below. In the actual exam, this session lasts around 4–5 minutes where you must discuss general ideas related to your cue card.
Do you believe that online shopping is a reliable source?
It is sometimes, but again it will depend on the platform and the seller. Authenticated vendors are normally safe, however unfamiliar vendors may be unsafe.
What are the drawbacks of online shopping?
The principal drawbacks include delayed deliveries and low quality of products and, in some cases, misleading advertisements.
Which one do you like online shopping or shopping in a store?
I like it due to its convenience and online shopping but with clothes and electronic products, I like to examine them in stores and then purchase them.
What do we need to do to make online shopping better?
Through more stringent verification of sellers, superior return policies and more accurate product descriptions.
Are there differences in how young people and old people do their shopping online?
Yes. The younger generation feels at ease with apps and e-payment, whereas the older generation tends to trust the physical shops, therefore, visiting them.
Related Vocabulary – “Describe a Problem While Shopping Online”
| Word/Phrase | Meaning | Example Sentence |
| E-commerce | Buying and selling of goods over the internet | E-commerce has transformed the way people shop. |
| Misleading Advertisement | False or exaggerated claims in product promotions | Many customers complained about the misleading advertisement. |
| Customer Care | Support service provided by companies for customers | I had to contact customer care to resolve the issue. |
| Return Policy | Rules about how and when customers can return products | Always check the return policy before ordering. |
| Counterfeit Product | Fake or imitation product sold as original | I unknowingly bought a counterfeit product online. |
| Flash Sale | A quick discount sale with limited stock and time | I purchased my laptop during a flash sale. |
| Skeptical | Doubtful or uncertain | After that experience, I became skeptical about online deals. |
| Verified Seller | A trusted seller officially recognized by the platform | It’s safer to buy from a verified seller. |
Conclusion
Online shopping is convenient; however, there are risks associated with online shopping, like fraudulent ads, delivery problems, and products of inferior quality. Not only does preparing this IELTS Speaking Cue Card enhance your performance in the exam, but it also helps you think about actual scenarios in life. The trick is to be more wary, educated and balanced online shoppers.
FAQs
It is most effective to organize your response in terms of an introduction, description of the details, and a conclusion and to speak clearly and in an unemotional manner.
Some of the current cue cards being asked involve such topics as writing about a book, a place full of people, online shopping issues, festivals, and an unforgettable trip.
IELTS Speaking Part 2 cue card is a task card containing a topic and prompts that you have to speak on 12 minutes.
Books, movies, traveling, hobbies, family, technology, shopping and special occasions are the common ones.
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