The topic of describing a product you’re satisfied with is a common one in IELTS Speaking tests. It allows examiners to assess your ability to express personal experiences, opinions, and describe objects in detail. This topic has appeared frequently in past exams and is likely to remain relevant in future tests. Let’s explore how to tackle this topic effectively across all parts of the IELTS Speaking test.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, you may encounter questions related to shopping habits or product preferences. Here’s a sample question with a suggested answer:
Question: “Do you enjoy shopping for new products?”
Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“I’d say I have a love-hate relationship with shopping. On one hand, I really enjoy discovering new products that can improve my daily life or bring me joy. It’s quite thrilling to find something that perfectly meets my needs. However, I can also find shopping a bit overwhelming at times, especially when there are too many options to choose from. I tend to do a fair amount of research before making significant purchases to ensure I’m making an informed decision.”
Describe a time when you made a purchase online
Part 2: Long Turn
Here’s a sample cue card related to the topic:
Describe a product you purchased that you are satisfied with
You should say:
- What the product is
- Where and when you bought it
- Why you decided to buy it
- And explain why you are satisfied with it
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to talk about a high-quality bluetooth speaker I purchased about six months ago. It’s a compact, cylindrical device made by a well-known audio company.
I bought this speaker from an electronics retailer in the city center during their annual summer sale. I had been contemplating getting a portable speaker for a while, and when I saw this one at a discounted price, I decided it was the perfect opportunity to make the purchase.
The main reason I decided to buy this particular speaker was its impressive combination of features. It boasts exceptional sound quality, a long-lasting battery life of up to 20 hours, and it’s waterproof, which makes it ideal for outdoor use. I also appreciated its sleek design and the fact that it could easily fit in my backpack.
I’m extremely satisfied with this product for several reasons. Firstly, the sound quality has exceeded my expectations. It delivers crisp highs and deep bass, creating an immersive listening experience despite its small size. Secondly, the battery life is truly remarkable. I’ve taken it on weekend trips without needing to recharge it once. Lastly, its durability has proven to be outstanding. I’ve accidentally dropped it a couple of times, and it’s survived without a scratch.
Overall, this bluetooth speaker has enhanced my daily life in numerous ways. Whether I’m relaxing at home, having a picnic in the park, or traveling, it provides me with high-quality audio wherever I go. It’s definitely one of the best purchases I’ve made in recent years, and I would wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone in the market for a portable speaker.”
Possible follow-up questions:
- How often do you use this product?
- Would you recommend this product to others? Why or why not?
Sample answers:
Band 6-7:
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“I use this speaker quite frequently, probably 3-4 times a week. It’s become a regular part of my routine, especially when I’m doing chores around the house or relaxing in the evening.”
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“Yes, I would definitely recommend this product to others. It’s reliable, easy to use, and the sound quality is really good for its size. I think it offers good value for money.”
Band 8-9:
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“I find myself using this speaker on a daily basis. It has seamlessly integrated into various aspects of my life, from providing background music while I work to entertaining friends during social gatherings. Its versatility and portability make it an indispensable part of my daily routine.”
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“I would wholeheartedly recommend this product to others. Not only does it excel in terms of sound quality and battery life, but it also offers exceptional durability and user-friendly features. In my opinion, it strikes an ideal balance between performance and value, making it a worthwhile investment for anyone seeking a high-quality portable speaker.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In Part 3, the examiner might ask more abstract questions related to consumer behavior and product satisfaction. Here are some sample questions with suggested answers:
Q1: “What factors do you think contribute most to customer satisfaction with a product?”
Band 6-7 answer:
“I believe the main factors are product quality, price, and customer service. If a product works well, is reasonably priced, and the company provides good support, customers are likely to be satisfied. Also, if the product meets or exceeds their expectations, that’s important too.”
Band 8-9 answer:
“I’d say there are several key factors that significantly influence customer satisfaction. Firstly, the quality and functionality of the product are paramount. A product that consistently performs as advertised and proves durable over time is likely to generate high levels of satisfaction. Secondly, value for money is crucial – customers want to feel they’ve made a wise investment. Additionally, user experience plays a vital role, encompassing aspects such as ease of use, aesthetic appeal, and how well the product integrates into the customer’s life. Lastly, I believe after-sales support and the company’s responsiveness to customer feedback can significantly enhance overall satisfaction, as it demonstrates a commitment to the customer beyond the point of sale.”
Describe a time when you complained about something
Q2: “Do you think companies are doing enough to ensure customer satisfaction in today’s market?”
Band 6-7 answer:
“I think many companies are trying to improve customer satisfaction, but there’s always room for improvement. Some companies are really good at listening to customer feedback and making changes, while others might focus more on profits. It probably depends on the company and the industry.”
Band 8-9 answer:
“In my opinion, the level of effort companies invest in ensuring customer satisfaction varies considerably across different industries and individual businesses. While some companies have made significant strides in prioritizing customer experience, implementing robust feedback systems, and continuously improving their products and services, others still fall short in this regard.
I believe that in today’s highly competitive market, savvy companies recognize that customer satisfaction is inextricably linked to long-term success and brand loyalty. These businesses are leveraging technology to gather and analyze customer data, personalizing experiences, and proactively addressing issues before they escalate.
However, there’s always room for improvement. As consumer expectations continue to evolve rapidly, companies need to be increasingly agile and innovative in their approaches to customer satisfaction. This might involve greater transparency in business practices, more sustainable and ethical product development, or enhanced personalization of services.
Ultimately, I think the most successful companies will be those that view customer satisfaction not as a one-time achievement, but as an ongoing process of adaptation and improvement in response to changing customer needs and expectations.”
Describe a time when you dealt with a customer complaint
Key Vocabulary and Phrases
To achieve a high score in your IELTS Speaking test when describing a product you’re satisfied with, consider using these advanced vocabulary items and phrases:
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Exceed expectations /ɪkˈsiːd ɪkˌspekˈteɪʃənz/ (phrasal verb): To be better or greater than anticipated
Example: “The product’s performance exceeded my expectations.” -
User-friendly /ˈjuːzə ˈfrendli/ (adjective): Easy to use or understand
Example: “I appreciate how user-friendly this device is.” -
Value for money /ˈvæljuː fə ˈmʌni/ (phrase): The quality or worth of something compared to its cost
Example: “This purchase offers excellent value for money.” -
State-of-the-art /ˌsteɪt əv ði ˈɑːt/ (adjective): Using the most modern or advanced techniques or methods
Example: “The product incorporates state-of-the-art technology.” -
Versatile /ˈvɜːsətaɪl/ (adjective): Able to adapt or be used for many different purposes
Example: “I find this product incredibly versatile for various situations.”
Describe a time when you had to deal with a difficult customer
Examiner’s Advice
To excel in the IELTS Speaking test when describing a product you’re satisfied with:
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Prepare a range of products: Have 2-3 different products in mind that you can discuss in detail.
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Structure your answer: Use the cue card points as a guide to organize your response logically.
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Use specific details: Include brand names, features, and personal anecdotes to make your description vivid and authentic.
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Practice expressing opinions: Be ready to explain why you like the product and how it has impacted your life.
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Expand your vocabulary: Incorporate advanced adjectives and phrases related to product features and customer satisfaction.
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Be ready for abstract discussion: In Part 3, practice discussing broader topics related to consumer behavior and market trends.
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Maintain fluency: Even if you’re unsure about a word, try to explain your point using alternative expressions.
Remember, the key to success is not just in knowing what to say, but in expressing your ideas clearly, confidently, and with appropriate language complexity for your target band score.