Shopping

Hello and welcome back to IELTS TIME, your go-to podcast for acing the IELTS speaking test! I’m your host, Archer.

Today, we’re diving into a very common Part 1 topic: Shopping. This is an area where examiners test your ability to talk about everyday habits, likes, and dislikes. To help you prepare, we’re sharing two mock interviews with our regulars, one with Joseph and one with Blondie.

We’ll listen to their responses, and after each segment, I’ll highlight the key vocabulary and phrases used in the answers — and explain why those choices sound high-level and natural.

Let’s start with Joseph!

Do you like shopping?

Yeah, I do, but only when I’m in the right mood — and honestly, that doesn’t happen often. I enjoy looking for new clothes or gadgets, but I’m not the type who spends the whole day at the mall. I like it when I know what I’m after — it feels more like a quick mission than random browsing.

How often do you go shopping?

To be honest, I barely go to physical stores these days. If I need clothes or gadgets, I just order them online, maybe once every few months or so. I only go to a shopping mall if I need to try on something, which doesn’t happen very often. Most of the time, I don’t enjoy crowds anyway.

What kinds of things do you usually buy?

Mostly everyday stuff — clothes, shoes, and sometimes electronics. I also buy books and gifts for friends when there’s an occasion. I try not to overspend, so I usually buy things that I actually need rather than just things that look nice.

Do you prefer shopping alone or with others?

I prefer shopping alone, to be honest. When I’m by myself, I can take my time and focus on what I want without feeling rushed. But if it’s something like clothes or a present, I might bring a friend along for a second opinion.

Do you enjoy online shopping?

Absolutely. It’s convenient, and you can compare prices in seconds. I like that I can shop anytime without dealing with crowds. The only drawback is waiting for delivery — sometimes I’m impatient and want the item right away.

What’s your favourite shop or store?

Actually, I don’t really have a favourite store. I’m not loyal to a specific brand — I just buy whatever I need, and I usually compare prices online first. If something looks good and the quality seems fine, I’ll get it, whether it’s from a mainstream brand or a small online shop.

Do you usually plan what to buy before going shopping?

Most of the time, yes. I make a short list or at least have something in mind so I don’t waste time or buy things I don’t need. But sometimes, if I see a good deal, I’ll make an impulse purchase — I think that happens to everyone.

Do you often compare prices before buying something?

Yeah, pretty often, especially for expensive items. I’ll check a few websites or apps to make sure I’m getting a fair deal. Even if the difference isn’t huge, it feels good to know I made a smart choice.

Is shopping expensive in your country?

It depends on where you shop. Local markets are quite affordable, but branded stores or malls can be pricey. Online shops often have better discounts, so most young people prefer buying things online now.

What do you dislike about shopping?

I hate how crowded malls can get, especially on weekends. It’s noisy and stressful. Also, sometimes sales staff can be a bit pushy, which makes it hard to look around comfortably.

Have your shopping habits changed over time?

Definitely. I used to enjoy going out just to browse, but now I’m more practical. I shop less often and mostly online. I think I’ve become more conscious about money and sustainability, too — I try to buy quality over quantity.

Do you think people spend too much money on shopping?

Yeah, for sure. A lot of people buy things just for social media or because of sales pressure. It’s easy to get caught up in trends. I think it’s fine to treat yourself occasionally, but constant spending doesn’t really make people happier.

That was a very solid performance from Joseph. His strength lies in using collocations and specific nouns related to consumer habits. For example, notice how he used “quick mission” to describe focused shopping, which is much better than just saying ‘fast shopping.’ “Impulse purchase” is the perfect term for buying something spontaneously, and “second opinion” is a very natural expression for when you want advice from a friend. He also used excellent adjectives and synonyms for expensive, opting for “pricey” instead of simply ‘expensive,’ and he described his shift in focus as becoming more “practical” and “conscious about money and sustainability.” Incorporating this level of precise vocabulary will greatly benefit your Lexical Resource score.

Now let’s hear from Blondie. She has a more enthusiastic tone and uses great phrases to describe her enjoyment of shopping.

Do you like shopping?

Yes, I really do. I find it quite relaxing. I enjoy browsing new releases and putting outfits together in my mind. For me, it’s a fun way to switch off and treat myself occasionally.

How often do you go shopping?

Probably twice a month. I don’t mean huge hauls or anything — just short visits to check out what’s new. Sometimes I don’t even buy anything, I just look around.

What kinds of things do you usually buy?

Mostly clothes, skincare and little lifestyle items, like candles or stationery. I also like supporting local designers, so if I see something unique, I’ll happily get it.

Do you prefer shopping alone or with others?

It depends. If I’m buying something practical like work clothes, I prefer going alone. But if it’s a fun weekend plan, I love going with friends — we can share opinions, and it just feels more social.

Do you enjoy online shopping?

Yes, I do. It’s convenient, and I like reading reviews before I buy anything. But I still enjoy going to physical stores because I like touching fabrics and seeing how things actually look in real life.

What’s your favourite shop or store?

I don’t have one specific favourite, but I love boutique stores with curated pieces. I like shops where you can find something that feels personal, not just mass-produced.

Do you usually plan what to buy before going shopping?

Yes, usually I do. Especially for something like a weekly grocery run, a list is a must. It helps me save time and stick to a budget so I don’t buy things I don’t really need. But if I’m just running into a shop quickly for a single item, or if I’m window shopping with friends, then I just go with the flow and see what catches my eye. It really depends on the scale of the trip.

Do you often compare prices before buying something?

Yes, I do, especially online. I don’t need the cheapest option, but I don’t like overpaying either. I’d rather take a few minutes to check and make sure I’m getting reasonable value.

Is shopping expensive in your country?

It depends on where you go. Malls with international brands can be pricey, but local markets and online platforms are much more affordable. You can find great deals if you’re patient.

What do you dislike about shopping?

I don’t really like the waiting time. Sometimes you find something you want but then there’s a long queue at the fitting room or the cashier. It’s not a huge problem, but it does make the experience less enjoyable for me.

Have your shopping habits changed over time?

Yes. When I was younger, I bought trendy items just for excitement. Now I’m more selective. I still enjoy shopping, but I invest in better quality pieces that I’ll wear for a long time.

Do you think people spend too much money on shopping?

Sometimes, yes. I think shopping can be fun, but it’s easy to get carried away. I believe it’s healthy to enjoy it, as long as you stay within your limits.

Blondie’s responses were excellent models for enthusiastic and detailed answers. She was very strong in her use of descriptive language and phrasal verbs. A few highlights include the phrase “huge hauls,” a brilliant piece of slang that shows she understands common English expressions related to shopping. The terms “curated pieces” and “mass-produced” are higher-level terms for discussing retail and style, showing sophisticated vocabulary. Her use of verbs like “switch off,” “treat myself,” and “get carried away” makes her sound very natural and fluent. She also used great synonyms for value, such as “overpaying” and looking for “reasonable value,” which adds precision to her answers about price comparison.

The key takeaway from both Joseph and Blondie is to use precise, topic-specific vocabulary. Don’t just say “I buy things in a store.” Say “I look for curated pieces in boutique stores” or “I avoid making an impulse purchase because I need to stick to a budget.”

For your Part 1 strategy: the golden rule is to never leave a statement hanging. Always ask yourself, “Why?” “How often?” or “What kind?” right after you answer, and then provide that essential detail. That simple technique will ensure you maximize your speaking time and provide the depth examiners are looking for.

That’s all the time we have for this episode. Thank you for tuning in, and happy studying!