Questions and sample answers
Do you like shopping?
I enjoy it when I need something specific, but I do not like wandering around shopping centres for hours. I prefer to go with a list and finish quickly.
Do you prefer shopping online or in stores?
Online, mostly, because it is faster and I can compare prices easily. For clothes, though, I still like to try things on in a shop.
What was the last thing you bought?
A pair of headphones. My old ones broke, so I read several reviews online and chose a model that was comfortable and not too expensive.
Do you usually go shopping alone or with others?
Usually with a friend. They give me an honest opinion, and shopping is more fun when you can chat while you walk around.
Are there any markets near where you live?
Yes, there is a large bazaar about ten minutes away. It sells fresh fruit, vegetables and spices, and the prices are lower than in supermarkets.
Do you think people buy too many things nowadays?
I think many do. Discounts and online advertising encourage people to buy things they do not really need, and this creates a lot of waste.
Useful vocabulary
- browse — look at things without a plan to buy
- bargain — something cheap for its quality
- impulse buy — an unplanned purchase
- retail therapy — shopping to feel better
- compare prices — check which is cheaper
- discount — a reduction in price
- bazaar — a traditional market
Tips for this topic
- Give a clear preference and a reason.
- Use a recent personal example for variety.
- Compare with “whereas” and “on the other hand”.
Study guides
How Is IELTS Scored in Speaking and Writing? Criteria, Weighting and Rounding
The short answer first, then the Speaking and Writing criteria tables, how Task 1 and Task 2 combine and how the overall band is rounded.
IELTS Speaking Band Descriptors Explained in Plain English
The IELTS Speaking test is marked on four criteria. Here is what each one means at bands 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9, with short examples you can compare with your own answers.
IELTS Speaking Part 2: How Many Minutes to Speak (With a Practice Timer)
How long Part 2 lasts (1 minute to prepare, 1–2 minutes to speak), a practice timer, a four-step structure and a model answer.