Shopping • IELTS Speaking Part 2
Answer planning template, vocabulary, and practice topics
Sample Cue Card: Describe your favorite shopping place.
You should say:
- Where this place is
- What kinds of goods it sells
- How often you go there
And explain why this is your favorite shopping place.
Answer Planning Template
| Cue Card Section | What to Include | Useful Phrases & Sentence Starters |
|---|---|---|
| Introduction | Name the shopping place and give general context | "I'd like to discuss..." "My favorite shopping destination is..." "One place I genuinely enjoy shopping at is..." |
| Location & Description | Describe where it is and the physical environment | "It's situated in..." "The place is located..." "You can find it in..." |
| Products Available | Detail the types of goods and services offered | "They specialize in..." "The main products include..." "You can find everything from... to..." |
| Frequency & Experience | Explain how often you visit and typical experience | "I typically go there..." "My visits usually involve..." "I make it a point to visit..." |
| Why It's Favorite | Explain specific reasons for preference | "What makes it special is..." "I prefer it because..." "The main advantages are..." |
| Conclusion | Summarize and give final thoughts | "Overall, this place..." "In conclusion, I would recommend..." "This shopping destination has become..." |
Useful Phrases: "I'd like to discuss...", "My favorite shopping destination is...", "One place I genuinely enjoy shopping at is..."
Useful Phrases: "It's situated in...", "The place is located...", "You can find it in..."
Useful Phrases: "They specialize in...", "The main products include...", "You can find everything from... to..."
Useful Phrases: "I typically go there...", "My visits usually involve...", "I make it a point to visit..."
Useful Phrases: "What makes it special is...", "I prefer it because...", "The main advantages are..."
Useful Phrases: "Overall, this place...", "In conclusion, I would recommend...", "This shopping destination has become..."
Essential Shopping Vocabulary for IELTS Speaking
| Vocabulary Term | Definition | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Boutique | A small shop selling fashionable clothes or accessories | "I prefer shopping at local boutiques rather than large chain stores." |
| Department store | A large store divided into sections selling different types of goods | "The department store offers everything from clothing to home appliances." |
| Bargain hunting | Looking for goods sold at lower prices than usual | "I enjoy bargain hunting during seasonal sales." |
| Window shopping | Looking at goods without intending to buy | "We spent the afternoon window shopping in the city center." |
| Impulse buy | An unplanned purchase made without much thought | "I try to avoid impulse buys by making shopping lists." |
| Customer service | Assistance and advice provided by a company to customers | "Excellent customer service keeps me returning to this store." |
| Retail therapy | Shopping to improve one's mood | "Sometimes I indulge in retail therapy when I'm feeling stressed." |
| Price tag | A label showing the price of an item | "I always check the price tag before trying anything on." |
Example: "I prefer shopping at local boutiques rather than large chain stores."
Example: "The department store offers everything from clothing to home appliances."
Example: "I enjoy bargain hunting during seasonal sales."
Example: "We spent the afternoon window shopping in the city center."
Example: "I try to avoid impulse buys by making shopping lists."
Example: "Excellent customer service keeps me returning to this store."
Example: "Sometimes I indulge in retail therapy when I'm feeling stressed."
Example: "I always check the price tag before trying anything on."
Shopping Topics for Practice
Common shopping-related cue cards:
- "Describe your favorite shopping place"
- "Talk about something you bought recently that you're happy with"
- "Describe a time you had to return something you bought"
- "Talk about a shopping street or market in your city"
- "Describe an item you saved money to buy"
- "Talk about your online shopping experiences"
- "Describe a time you bought a gift for someone"
- "Talk about how shopping habits have changed in recent years"
Types of shopping venues to discuss:
- Local markets or street markets
- Shopping malls or department stores
- Specialty boutiques or independent shops
- Online shopping platforms
- Second-hand or thrift stores
- Supermarkets or grocery stores
Tips for success: Use specific examples and details about your shopping experiences, compare different shopping options, and explain your personal preferences clearly. Include both positive and negative shopping experiences to show vocabulary range.
IELTS Speaking Part 1 | Shopping
How often do you go shopping?
I typically go shopping twice a month. I find this frequency optimal for keeping my pantry stocked without having to visit the store too frequently, which also helps me plan my budget more effectively.
What types of shops do you usually visit?
I mostly visit grocery stores and bookshops. I have a keen interest in cooking and reading, so these types of shops cater to my interests and needs the most.
Do you prefer shopping alone or with others? Why?
I prefer shopping alone because it allows me to focus on finding exactly what I need without distractions. It also gives me the freedom to manage my time efficiently, allowing for a more relaxed shopping experience.
What was the last item you purchased for yourself?
The last item I purchased for myself was a cookbook specializing in Mediterranean cuisine. I'm passionate about cooking and always looking to expand my repertoire of dishes.
Have you ever made a purchase you regretted? Can you tell me about it?
Yes, I once bought a pair of headphones that were highly recommended online. However, they turned out to be uncomfortable and lacked the sound quality I expected. It taught me the importance of trying products before buying when possible.
When it comes to shopping, do you consider yourself a spender or a saver?
I consider myself a saver. I usually plan my purchases in advance and look for the best deals to ensure I'm making wise financial decisions without compromising on quality.
Are there any popular shopping centers or districts in your city? Do you often go there?
Yes, there's a shopping district near the city center that's quite popular. I frequent it occasionally, mainly when I'm looking for specialty items that aren't available in local stores.
How do you feel about window shopping?
I enjoy window shopping, especially when I'm not in a hurry. It's a leisurely activity that allows me to stay updated on the latest trends and discover new products without the pressure of making a purchase.
IELTS Speaking Part 2 | Shopping
Describe a recent purchase that you have made
You should say:- what you bought
- why you bought it
- where you bought it
Sample Answers
Talk about a shopping mall or district that you frequently visit
You should say:- where it is located
- what makes it special for you
- what types of shops or facilities it has
IELTS Speaking Part 3 | Shopping
How have shopping habits changed over the years?
Shopping has really changed a lot lately, right? It's all thanks to tech advancements and the boom of online shopping. Remember when we used to hit up local stores or malls for pretty much everything? Shopping was not just about buying; it was a way to hang out. But now, it's all about convenience. Who doesn't love shopping from their couch with just a click? The internet's everywhere, and online platforms have just made it super easy to find whatever you need, anytime.
Are these changes for the better do you think?
Moving to online shopping has its ups and downs. It's super convenient, letting us shop from home and grab stuff from all over the world. It's a game-changer for those who can't easily get around or live way out in the sticks. But, it's not all good news. Local shops are feeling the pinch, and we're missing out on chatting with people face-to-face, making shopping feel a bit cold. Plus, we're buying more and more stuff we don't need, which isn't great for our planet.
How common is it for people to shop online nowadays in your country?
In my country, everyone's hopping onto the online shopping bandwagon, just like the rest of the world. Thanks to everyone having internet and smartphones, buying stuff online has skyrocketed. Literally, everyone, from your teenage cousin to your grandma, has bought something online - be it groceries, clothes, or gadgets. The best part? Getting your stuff delivered right to your doorstep, often without even needing cash. It's no wonder everyone loves shopping online; it's just so convenient!
What impact does shopping online have on people’s social behavior?
Shopping online has subtly reshaped aspects of social behavior. Traditionally, shopping was an interactive experience that necessitated leaving the house, thereby fostering casual social encounters and even strengthening community bonds. However, the shift to online shopping has led to more time being spent indoors, in isolation. While this might enhance individual convenience, it detracts from communal engagement and reduces the occasions for face-to-face interactions in public spaces like markets and malls, which historically have been venues for social congregation.
Do you think more people will shop online or in bigger stores in the future?
Given all the tech advancements and trends we're seeing, it's pretty clear that online shopping is going to become even more of a thing. People love how easy and efficient it is, not to mention the crazy variety of stuff you can find. It really fits with our go-go-go lifestyle these days. But hey, that doesn't mean big stores are going to vanish. A lot of us still like to see, touch, and try things out before buying. So, what we might see is a mix of both worlds - physical stores getting a bit of a digital makeover to make shopping even cooler.
How do you think small stores will survive in the future if more and more people choose to shop online?
Small shops have a tough time keeping up with online shopping, but they can still rock it by playing to their strengths. Think personalized service, building a community vibe, and stocking cool, unique stuff you can't just find anywhere online. Plus, mixing the online world with the cozy feel of a physical store? That's a game-changer. It broadens the customer circle big time. And hey, small shops are getting into online orders or using social media to spread the word. That's how they stay in the game and keep things fresh.
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