IELTS Speaking Part 1 – Shopping

IELTS Speaking Practice

IELTS Speaking Part 1 – Shopping

Examiner: Do you enjoy shopping?
Candidate: I enjoy shopping. It’s a fun activity that allows me to relax and sometimes find great deals.

Examiner: How often do you go shopping?
Candidate: I usually go shopping once a week to buy groceries and other necessities. I shop as needed for clothes and other items, maybe once or twice a month.

Examiner: Where do you usually go shopping?
Candidate: I usually shop at local supermarkets for groceries and shopping malls or online stores for clothes and other items.

Examiner: Do you prefer shopping alone or with others?
Candidate: I prefer shopping alone when I need to buy specific items quickly. However, I enjoy shopping with friends or family when it’s more about browsing and having fun.

Examiner: What is your favourite place to shop?
Candidate: My favourite place to shop is the shopping mall because it has a wide variety of stores, so I can find everything I need in one place.

Examiner: Have you ever bought anything online?
Candidate: I frequently buy things online. It’s convenient, and I can often find better prices and a more comprehensive selection of products.

Examiner: What do you think of online shopping?
Candidate: I think online shopping is very convenient and time-saving. It allows me to shop from the comfort of my home and often offers better deals.

Examiner: Do you prefer to shop in small stores or large shopping centres?
Candidate: I prefer large shopping centres because they offer a wider variety of products and services, making it easier to find what I need.

Examiner: What was the last thing you bought?
Candidate: The last thing I bought was a pair of shoes. I found a great deal online, and they were delivered to my home.

Examiner: Do you like to buy things on sale?
Candidate: I love to buy things on sale. It’s a great way to save money; sometimes, I find items I’ve wanted at lower prices.

Examiner: How do you feel about shopping for clothes?
Candidate: I enjoy shopping for clothes when I’m in the mood for it. Trying on different outfits and finding new styles that suit me can be fun.

Examiner: What is the most expensive thing you have bought?
Candidate: The most expensive thing I have bought is my smartphone. It was a significant investment, but I use it daily, so it was worth it.

Examiner: Do you plan your shopping beforehand, or do you shop impulsively?
Candidate: I usually plan my shopping beforehand, especially for groceries. I sometimes shop impulsively for other items if I see something I like.

Examiner: Do you think men and women have different shopping habits?
Candidate: I think men and women often have different shopping habits. Women may enjoy browsing and looking for deals more, while men might prefer to shop quickly and get exactly what they need.

Examiner: What kind of products do you prefer to buy online?
Candidate: I prefer to buy electronics, clothes, and books online. It’s easier to compare prices and read reviews before making a purchase.

Examiner: Have you ever had a bad shopping experience?
Candidate: I’ve had a few lousy shopping experiences, like receiving damaged products or items that didn’t match the description. However, most online stores have good return policies, so it’s usually resolved quickly.

Examiner: How do you feel about shopping in crowded places?
Candidate: I don’t enjoy shopping in crowded places. It can be stressful and tiring, so I try to shop during off-peak hours when it’s less busy.

Examiner: Do you think shopping habits have changed over the years?
Candidate: Shopping habits have definitely changed. With the rise of online shopping, more people prefer to shop from home, and there’s also a growing trend towards buying environmentally friendly and sustainable products.

Examiner: What do you usually buy when you go shopping?
Candidate: When I go shopping, I usually buy groceries, household items, and occasionally clothes or accessories. I try to stick to what I need, but sometimes I indulge in a little something extra.

Examiner: Do you think shopping is a good way to spend your free time?
Candidate: I think shopping can be an excellent way to spend your free time, especially if you enjoy it and find it relaxing. It’s also a practical activity, as you can get things you need while taking a break from other responsibilities.

Top 10 Topic Vocabulary for “Shopping”

Vocabulary	Type	Meaning	Synonyms	Antonyms	Word Family	Example Sentences
Retail	Noun	The sale of goods to the public in relatively small quantities for use or consumption.	Selling, trade	Wholesale	Retailer (n), Retailing (v)	1. I often visit retail stores when I need to see the products in person. 2. The retail industry has seen a significant shift towards online shopping.
Bargain	Noun/Verb	A product sold at a lower price than usual; negotiate the price of something.	Deal, discount	Rip-off	Bargaining (n), Bargainer (n)	1. I love finding a good bargain when I shop. 2. I often bargain with street vendors to get a better price.
Impulse Buy	Noun	A purchase made without prior planning or consideration.	Unplanned purchase	Planned purchase	Impulsively (adv), Impulsiveness (n)	1. I try to avoid impulse buys, but sometimes it’s hard to resist. 2. Impulse buying can lead to spending more than you intended.
Mall	Noun	A large, enclosed shopping center with multiple stores.	Shopping center	–	–	1. I enjoy spending time at the mall because it has a variety of stores. 2. Malls are convenient because they have everything you need in one place.
Discount	Noun/Verb	A reduction in the usual price of something.	Reduction, markdown	Surcharge, premium	Discounted (adj)	1. I always look for discounts before making a purchase. 2. Many stores offer discounts during holiday sales.
Convenience	Noun	The state of being able to proceed with something without difficulty.	Ease, comfort	Inconvenience, difficulty	Convenient (adj), Conveniently (adv)	1. Online shopping offers a lot of convenience, especially for busy people. 2. The convenience of having everything delivered to your door is unbeatable.
Receipt	Noun	A written or printed statement acknowledging the receipt of money or goods.	Proof of purchase	–	–	1. I always keep my receipts in case I need to return something. 2. Make sure to get a receipt for any expensive purchases.
Browse	Verb	To look through or glance at casually.	Look around, peruse	Ignore, neglect	Browsing (n), Browser (n)	1. I like to browse different stores before deciding what to buy. 2. Browsing online stores has become a popular pastime.
Return Policy	Noun	The rules a store has about returning purchased goods.	Exchange policy	–	–	1. I always check the return policy before buying anything online. 2. A flexible return policy is important when shopping for clothes.
Cart	Noun	A vehicle or container in which goods are placed while shopping.	Trolley, basket	–	–	1. I fill my shopping cart with groceries every week. 2. When shopping online, I often add items to my cart and then decide what to buy.

Our Books

Master IELTS Speaking Part 1

Buy Now

IELTS Writing Task 1 Book

Buy Now

IELTS Writing Task 2 Book

Buy Now

Practice IELTS Other Modules



IELTS Listening

The IELTS Listening test assesses how well you can understand spoken English in various contexts. It lasts about 30 minutes and is divided into four sections with a total of 40 questions. The listening tasks become increasingly difficult as the test progresses.



IELTS Academic Reading

The IELTS Academic Reading section assesses your ability to understand and interpret a variety of texts in academic settings. It is designed to evaluate a range of reading skills, including skimming for gist, reading for main ideas, reading for detail, understanding inferences, and recognizing a writer's opinions and arguments.



IELTS Speaking

The IELTS Speaking test assesses your ability to communicate in English on everyday topics. It lasts 11-14 minutes and consists of three parts: introduction, cue card, and a discussion based on the cue card topic.



IELTS General Reading

IELTS General Reading tests your ability to understand and interpret various types of texts. Here are some key areas and types of content you can expect to encounter in the reading section, along with tips for effective preparation.



IELTS Academic Writing Task 1

In IELTS Academic Writing Task 1, you are presented with a visual representation of information, such as graphs, charts, tables, or diagrams, and you are required to summarize, compare, or explain the data in your own words.



IELTS General Writing Task 1

In IELTS General Writing Task 1, you are required to write a letter based on a given situation. The letter can be formal, semi-formal, or informal, depending on the prompt. Here’s a breakdown of the key components to include in your letter



IELTS Academic Writing Task 2

In IELTS Academic Writing Task 2, you are required to write an essay in response to a question or topic. Here’s a guide to help you understand the essential elements of this task



IELTS Exam Tips

To succeed in the IELTS exam, practice regularly, familiarize yourself with the test format, improve your vocabulary, develop time management skills, and take mock tests to build confidence.



Grammer for IELTS

Grammar is the foundation of effective communication in English. Understanding tense usage, subject-verb agreement, and sentence structure enhances clarity and coherence in writing and speaking.



Vocabulary for IELTS

Vocabulary plays a crucial role in the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) exam, especially in the Speaking and Writing sections. Here’s an overview of why vocabulary is important and how it impacts your performance