(Update 2026) IELTS Speaking Part 1 Topic Shopping

IELTS Speaking Part 1 Topic Shopping
IELTS Speaking Part 1 Topic Shopping
IELTS Speaking Part 1 topic Shopping common questions and sample answers
IELTS Speaking Part 1 – Topic Shopping – Common questions, sample answers and Band 7+ vocabulary

1. Do you like shopping?

Yes, but I wouldn’t say I’m a shopaholic. I enjoy shopping when I actually need something like clothes, books, or skincare products, but I don’t really like wandering around the store for hours without a clear purpose.

2. How often do you go shopping?

Not that often, to be honest. I probably buy daily necessities every week, but for things like clothes or gadgets, I only shop when I really need to. I’m trying not to buy things on impulse.

3. Do you prefer online shopping or in-store shopping?

For convenience, I definitely prefer online shopping. I can compare prices, read reviews, and place an order in just a few minutes, but if I’m buying clothes or shoes, I still prefer going to a physical store because I can try them on and see if they actually suit me.

4. Have you ever returned anything you bought online?

Yes, many times. The most common reason is that the item looks different from the pictures, especially clothes. Sometimes the color is slightly off or the size doesn’t fit properly, so I have no choice but to return it.

Word / PhraseCEFRTypeDefinitionExample Sentence
shopaholicB2Noun (informal)A person who has an excessive, compulsive desire to shop and spend moneyShe admits she is a bit of a shopaholic — her wardrobe is always full of new items.
skincare productsB2CollocationCosmetic items designed to clean, protect, or improve the condition of the skinShe spends a lot on high-quality skincare products each month.
wandering aroundB2Phrasal verbWalking around a place slowly and without a definite destination or purposeI don’t enjoy wandering around a crowded mall without anything specific to buy.
clear purposeB2CollocationA definite, well-defined reason or goal for doing somethingShe never shops without a clear purpose — she always has a list prepared.
daily necessitiesB2CollocationBasic everyday items that are essential for day-to-day livingHe goes to the supermarket once a week to stock up on daily necessities.
gadgetsB2NounSmall mechanical or electronic devices, especially innovative or novel onesHe loves buying the latest gadgets, from smartwatches to wireless earphones.
buy things on impulseB2PhraseTo purchase items spontaneously without planning or careful considerationShe regretted buying things on impulse when she saw her credit card bill.
compare pricesB2CollocationTo look at the costs of similar products from different sellers before decidingOnline shopping makes it easy to compare prices across multiple stores in seconds.
place an orderB2CollocationTo formally request and pay for a product, especially through an online platformShe placed an order for the dress as soon as she saw it was on sale.
slightly offB2PhraseNot quite right; a little incorrect, different, or imperfect in some wayThe colour of the jacket was slightly off compared to what was shown in the photo.
have no choice but toB2PhraseTo be forced to do something; to be left with only one possible course of actionWhen the item was the wrong size, she had no choice but to return it for a refund.

1. Do you like shopping?

Yes, absolutely. I’m quite into shopping, especially when I travel to a new city because I enjoy discovering local brands and unique products. For me, it’s not just about buying stuff, it’s more like a way to unwind and explore different cultures.

2. How often do you go shopping?

Well, I’d say once or twice a week maybe, but most of the time I’m just picking up daily essentials. But every now and then, I’ll go window shopping with my friends. It just helps me to take my mind off my study and offers me a change of scenery, I would say.

3. Do you prefer online shopping or in-store shopping?

Well, I definitely prefer shopping in physical stores. I mean, being able to try things on and check the quality firsthand gives me more confidence in my purchase. But I still do online shopping occasionally because it’s a real time-saver when I’m busy.

Word / PhraseCEFRTypeDefinitionExample Sentence
local brandsB2CollocationProducts or companies that originate from a specific city, region, or countryTravelling is a great way to discover local brands that you can’t find at home.
unique productsB2CollocationItems that are distinctive, one of a kind, or not widely available elsewhereShe always looks for unique products when she visits a new city on holiday.
unwindB2VerbTo relax and release tension after a period of stress or hard workMany people find that a relaxed shopping trip is a good way to unwind at weekends.
daily essentialsB2CollocationBasic items needed for everyday life, such as food, toiletries, or household goodsMost of her shopping trips are quick runs to pick up daily essentials.
every now and thenB2PhraseOccasionally; at irregular intervals; sometimes but not oftenEvery now and then, she goes window shopping just to browse and have fun.
window shoppingB2NounBrowsing shop displays or going into shops without the intention of buying anythingWhen she is stressed, she enjoys going window shopping with her friends.
take my mind offB2Phrasal verbTo stop thinking about something worrying or stressful; to distract oneselfA shopping trip is a good way to take your mind off problems for a while.
change of sceneryB2IdiomA different environment that provides a refreshing break from one’s usual surroundingsA shopping trip to a new neighbourhood can offer a welcome change of scenery.
firsthandB2Adverb / AdjectiveDirectly from personal experience; not from a secondary or second-hand sourceTrying clothes on firsthand in a store helps you make a more confident decision.
time-saverB2NounSomething that reduces the amount of time needed to complete a task or activityOnline shopping can be a real time-saver for people with busy schedules.

1. Do you like shopping?

Of course, I always believe that shopping is the most effective way to relax and unwind.
For example, whenever I’m feeling down, I would buy a lot of food like fried chicken, snacks, drinks, desserts, and more.
Although I never finish everything, just seeing a lot of food in front of me makes me feel very satisfied.

2. Do you think expensive products are always better than cheaper ones?

Of course, expensive items generally have better quality than cheaper ones.
Additionally, branded items are usually priced higher because they offer better after work-sales service.
What I mean is, if I am dissatisfied with a product, they will help me deal with the situation quickly.

3. Do you compare prices when you shop? Why?

Of course, I am a money-conscious person.
I always want to spend the least amount of money to buy the best quality items. Especially for expensive things, I compare various aspects like color, quality, price, and more.

4. Is it difficult for you to make choices when you shop?

Yes, because I have decision-making paralysis.
For example, once I wanted to buy a bag, I struggled for a long time about which color to choose, I always thought blue and green were beautiful, and I didn’t want to give up either.
Even if I chose blue at last, I still thought about the green bag when I got home.

1. Do you like shopping?

I’m quite a fan of shopping, actually.
It’s a great way to unwind and have some fun.
Especially when I’m out with friends, it’s not just about buying stuff but also about bonding and making memories.
And you know, I really dig the whole vibe of shopping in actual stores. It’s way more immersive.

2. Do you think expensive products are always better than cheaper ones?

No, pricey stuff doesn’t always mean top-notch quality.
Sometimes, you find these gems among the cheaper options that are just as good, if not better. It’s all about finding what suits you best.
And, sometimes the high price tag is more about the brand name than the actual product.

3. Do you compare prices when you shop? Why?

Yeah, I tend to compare prices. Gotta make sure I’m getting the best bang for my buck, right?
You know, a bunch of clothes come from specific spots, like those garment markets down in Guangzhou, China.
And that’s why there’s usually a big price difference between shopping online and going to physical stores.

4. Is it difficult for you to make choices when you shop?

Yes, it can be quite challenging. I’m definitely someone who deliberates a lot before making a purchase. I think about how much I’ll use the product, whether it fits with what I already own, and if it’s worth the price. I can spend a good while pondering a decision, especially for bigger-ticket items.

1. Do you think expensive products are always better than cheaper ones?

Not necessarily. Expensive products often have better quality or unique features, but that’s not always the case.
Sometimes, less expensive items can be just as good in terms of performance and durability. It’s important to assess the value and not just the price tag.

2. Do you like shopping?

Yes, I really enjoy shopping. It’s not just about buying things; it’s also a way to relax and explore new trends.
I particularly like browsing through different stores, comparing products, and occasionally treating myself to something special.

3. Do you compare prices when you shop? Why?

Absolutely, I always compare prices when I shop because it helps me manage my budget better.
By comparing, I can make sure that I’m not paying more than necessary for a product, and it also allows me to find the best offers and discounts available.

4. Is it difficult for you to make choices when you shop?

It can be quite difficult, especially when there are numerous options available. I try to focus on what I need and the quality of the product.
However, sometimes too many choices can be overwhelming and make it hard to decide.

1. Do you think expensive products are always better than cheaper ones?

Yes, I do think that expensive products are generally better than cheaper ones. There’s a saying that “you get what you pay for” and I believe it holds true in many cases.
Expensive products often use higher quality materials and have better craftsmanship. While there are exceptions, I find that paying more usually results in better performance and durability.

2. Do you like shopping?

Yes, I really like shopping, especially online shopping. It’s very convenient because I can browse and buy things from the comfort of my home. Online shopping also offers a wider variety of products compared to physical stores.
Plus, I can easily compare prices and read reviews before making a purchase. This makes the whole shopping experience enjoyable and efficient for me.

3. Do you compare prices when you shop? Why?

Yes, I always compare prices when I shop because I want to get the best value for my money.
By comparing prices, I can find the most cost-effective option without compromising on quality. This habit helps me save money and make smarter purchasing decisions.
It’s especially useful when shopping online, where price differences can be significant.

4. Is it difficult for you to make choices when you shop?

No, it’s not difficult for me to make choices when I shop because I usually stick to the brands I trust.
I have a few favorite brands that I know provide good quality products. This makes my shopping decisions easier and quicker.
Occasionally, I might try something new, but I generally prefer to buy from familiar brands.

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Credits

Image : Photo by Christiann Koepke on Unsplash

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