Perfume

Hello everyone, and welcome to IELTS Speaking Part 1. Today, we’re exploring a topic that engages our sense of smell: perfume. To give you an idea of how to approach this topic, we’ve prepared a short dialogue for you. Listen in as Joseph answers some fragrance-related questions.

Do you like perfume?

Yeah, I’m into certain colognes. I don’t wear them daily, but for going out or special events, a good scent makes a difference.

What kinds of perfume do you use?

I’m still figuring out what I like best. I lean towards woody, musky, or slightly spicy scents. Something that’s not too overpowering. I’ve got a couple of bottles with sandalwood and cedar notes that I like.

How much do you spend on perfume?

I don’t buy cologne too often, but when I do, I’m willing to invest a bit. I’d rather have one or two good ones than a bunch of cheap ones. I’m usually looking in the mid-range price bracket.

Where do you spray perfume?

I typically spray it on my neck, and occasionally behind my ears. I find that those areas help the scent last longer throughout the day.

Do you give perfume as a gift?

Yeah, I have. I’ve given my mom perfume as a gift a few times. She really likes floral scents, especially anything with a hint of rose or jasmine. So, I try to find something that matches that profile. It’s a nice way to show her I’m thinking of her.

Alright. let’s talk about the sometimes intimidating, but ultimately manageable part 1 topic–perfume. We’re here to equip everyone, regardless of experience or gender, with the language and ideas you need to succeed. Before we get into sample answers, let’s clarify something about terminology. You may have noticed Joseph used ‘cologne’ instead of ‘perfume.’ While ‘perfume’ can be a broader term, generally, ‘cologne’ refers to fragrances with a lower concentration of oils, making them lighter and less long-lasting than ‘perfume.’ Historically, cologne was associated with men, and perfume with women, but these lines are blurring.

For the IELTS speaking test, it’s generally more natural for women to use ‘perfume’ or ‘fragrance,’ and for men to use ‘cologne’ or ‘fragrance.’ If a female test-taker prefers a lighter scent marketed as ‘cologne,’ they can clarify by saying, ‘I prefer lighter, unisex fragrances, sometimes referred to as cologne,’ or simply use the gender-neutral term ‘scent.’ Ultimately, use the terms that feel most natural to you, but be aware of how they’re typically used.

Now, let’s get comfortable with some key vocabulary that will really elevate your responses.

Think of words like “aromatic,” which describes a pleasant and distinctive smell. You might say, “That lavender soap has a very aromatic scent,” adding a touch of descriptive power to your language. Then we have “subtle,” meaning not overpowering, like “a subtle hint of vanilla,” showing you can discuss nuance. “Evoke” is another good one, meaning to bring a feeling or memory to mind. For example, ‘That particular perfume evokes memories of my grandmother’s garden, with its strong floral notes.’

When talking about perfumes and colognes, you’ll often hear “notes,” which are the different scent layers – top, middle, and base notes. And to describe the overall scent, use “fragrance profile.” For example, “I prefer a woody fragrance profile,” demonstrating you understand the composition of scents. And finally, “longevity,” which refers to how long a scent lasts. “I look for a cologne with good longevity,” you might say, showing you consider practical aspects of fragrance.

Let’s see how we can use these words to answer some typical perfume questions, remembering it’s about showcasing your language skills, not necessarily your personal perfume collection. For the question, “Do you like perfume?” you might say, “Personally, I don’t wear cologne daily, but I appreciate aromatic scents. I think a subtle fragrance can really enhance someone’s presence. I have smelled some really nice perfumes, and I understand why people like them.” Notice how we use “aromatic” and “subtle” to create a more sophisticated response.

If the examiner asks, “What kinds of perfume do you use?” you could say, “Well, I’m still exploring different fragrance profiles. I tend to lean towards woody and spicy colognes. Something with good longevity is important to me, so I don’t have to keep reapplying it. I know that some women prefer floral scents, and some men like more musky scents.”

For the question “How much do you spend on perfume?”, “you could say, “I don’t buy perfume very often, so when I do, I’m willing to invest a little more. I’d rather have one or two good bottles than a bunch of cheap ones. I think that a good perfume is a worthwhile investment.”

When asked, “Where do you spray perfume?” you could say, “I usually spray it on my neck and sometimes behind my ears. I’ve heard that those are good spots because they generate heat, which helps the scent diffuse. I have also seen people put it on their chest.

And finally, for “Do you give perfume as a gift?” you might say, “Yes, I think it’s a thoughtful gift, especially for someone you know well. I try to consider their personality and choose a fragrance profile that suits them. For example, my mother really likes floral scents, so I would look for a perfume with rose or jasmine notes. I think that getting a good perfume shows that you care.”

And that brings us to the end of today’s episode on IELTS Speaking Part 1, where we explored the fragrant world of perfumes. To wrap up, I’d like to share a wonderful product review I came across that perfectly encapsulates the impact a scent can have.

Here’s what they said: ‘I found this scent cozy, yet bright and cheerful. It reminds me somewhat of Elizabeth Arden’s Green Tea, but with more prominent citrus notes and a hint of powder in the dry down. It’s perfect for gloomy transitional weather.’ Isn’t that a beautifully vivid description?

Thank you for tuning in, and until next time, keep practicing and expressing yourself with confidence.