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.
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
Select a website you use often to ensure your vocabulary flows naturally.
- 2
List the bullet points on your scratch paper to track your progress.
- 3
Include specific sensory details to make your experience sound authentic and memorable.
Model answer
Band 8 sample answer
Say it out loud and get a band
Record this card with the AI examiner: one minute of prep, two minutes to speak, then a band for fluency, vocabulary, grammar and pronunciation with the words that cost you.
Say it and get a band free →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
- 1What kinds of things do people in your country often buy from online shops?
- 2Why do you think online shopping has become so popular nowadays?
- 3What are some possible disadvantages of buying things from online shops?
- 4Why do many people today keep buying things which they do not need?
- 5Do you believe the benefits of a consumer society outweigh the disadvantages?
- 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.
Keep practising
More cue cards: a film, book, song or programme
- Describe a book or movie that has influenced you
- Describe a book that you enjoyed reading because you had to think a lot
- Describe a book you read that you found useful
- Describe a breaking news story you followed
- Describe a digital comic or graphic novel
- Describe a film trailer that impressed you
- All 705 IELTS cue cards 2026
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