As an experienced IELTS examiner, I understand the importance of being well-prepared for the speaking test. One topic that frequently appears is describing someone you know who is skilled at finding bargains. Let’s explore how to tackle this topic effectively and boost your chances of achieving a high score.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask you some general questions about shopping and bargains. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:
Q1: Do you enjoy shopping?
Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I do enjoy shopping, especially when I’m looking for good deals. It’s satisfying to find items I need at lower prices.
Band 8-9 Answer:
I must admit, I have a penchant for shopping, particularly when it comes to hunting for bargains. There’s a certain thrill in uncovering hidden gems at discounted prices, which not only satisfies my needs but also gives me a sense of accomplishment.
Q2: How often do you look for discounts when shopping?
Band 6-7 Answer:
I usually check for discounts before making any big purchases. It’s a habit I’ve developed to save money.
Band 8-9 Answer:
I make it a point to scour for discounts on a regular basis, especially for significant purchases. It’s become second nature to me, and I find myself constantly on the lookout for promotional offers and sales, whether I’m shopping online or in physical stores.
Part 2: Long Turn
Now, let’s focus on the main topic. Here’s a sample cue card you might encounter:
Cue Card
Describe a person you know who buys things at a lower price.
You should say:
- Who this person is
- What kind of things they buy at a lower price
- How they manage to get things at a lower price
- And explain why you think they buy things at a lower price
Sample Answer (Band 6-7)
I’d like to talk about my aunt, Sarah, who is really good at finding bargains. She’s always looking for ways to save money when shopping.
Sarah mainly buys household items and clothes at lower prices. She’s particularly good at finding deals on kitchen appliances and furniture.
To get things at a lower price, she uses a few different methods. She always checks for coupons in newspapers and online before going shopping. She also waits for seasonal sales to buy big items.
I think she buys things at a lower price because she’s very budget-conscious. She believes in saving money wherever possible, and getting good deals gives her a sense of satisfaction.
Sample Answer (Band 8-9)
I’d like to regale you with an account of my aunt Sarah, who is an absolute maestro when it comes to procuring items at bargain prices. Her prowess in this arena is truly remarkable and has often left me in awe.
Sarah’s bargain-hunting skills are particularly evident in her purchases of household items and apparel. She has an uncanny ability to snag incredible deals on everything from high-end kitchen appliances to designer furniture, often at a fraction of their original cost.
Her methods for securing these phenomenal deals are multifaceted and impressively strategic. She’s an avid coupon collector, meticulously scouring both print media and online platforms for potential savings. Additionally, she’s mastered the art of timing, always keeping a keen eye on seasonal sales cycles to make her most significant purchases.
I believe Sarah’s penchant for frugal shopping stems from a deeply ingrained sense of financial responsibility. It’s not merely about saving money; it’s a reflection of her resourcefulness and her belief in maximizing the value of every dollar spent. The thrill of the hunt and the satisfaction of outsmarting the retail system also play a significant role in her motivation.
Follow-up Questions
- Do you think it’s always good to buy things at a lower price?
Band 6-7 Answer:
Not always. Sometimes cheaper items might be of lower quality, so it’s important to balance price and quality.
Band 8-9 Answer:
While securing items at a reduced cost can be advantageous, it’s crucial to strike a balance between price and quality. In some instances, opting for a more expensive product might prove to be more economical in the long run, especially if it offers superior durability or functionality. It’s about making informed decisions rather than simply choosing the lowest price.
- How has online shopping changed the way people look for bargains?
Band 6-7 Answer:
Online shopping has made it easier to compare prices and find deals. People can now quickly check multiple stores for the best prices without leaving home.
Band 8-9 Answer:
The advent of online shopping has revolutionized the bargain-hunting landscape. It has democratized access to information, allowing consumers to effortlessly compare prices across multiple platforms in real-time. Moreover, it has given rise to price-tracking tools and deal aggregator websites, which have significantly streamlined the process of finding the best possible deals. This digital transformation has empowered consumers, making them more savvy and discerning in their purchasing decisions.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In this section, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:
Q1: Do you think the ability to find bargains is an important life skill?
Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I think it’s an important skill. Being able to find good deals can help people save money, which is useful in many situations.
Band 8-9 Answer:
I firmly believe that the ability to unearth bargains is an invaluable life skill that extends far beyond mere shopping. This skill epitomizes financial acumen and resourcefulness, traits that are highly beneficial in various aspects of life. It fosters a mindset of efficiency and value maximization, which can be applied to personal finance management, business negotiations, and even career decisions. Moreover, in an era of economic volatility, the capacity to stretch one’s resources can provide a significant advantage and contribute to long-term financial stability.
Q2: How might the trend of bargain hunting affect businesses and the economy?
Band 6-7 Answer:
Bargain hunting can be both good and bad for businesses. It might help them sell more products, but it could also reduce their profits. For the economy, it might encourage more spending, which is generally positive.
Band 8-9 Answer:
The proliferation of bargain hunting presents a double-edged sword for businesses and the broader economy. On one hand, it can stimulate consumer spending and increase sales volumes, potentially boosting economic activity. It also incentivizes businesses to become more competitive and innovative in their pricing strategies and product offerings.
However, the relentless pursuit of discounts can also erode profit margins, particularly for smaller businesses that may struggle to compete with larger corporations capable of offering steep discounts. This could lead to a race to the bottom in terms of pricing, potentially compromising product quality or ethical standards in production.
From a macroeconomic perspective, while bargain hunting can promote consumption, it may also contribute to deflationary pressures if taken to extremes. It’s a delicate balance that requires careful consideration of both short-term consumer benefits and long-term economic sustainability.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases
To elevate your speaking performance, consider incorporating these sophisticated terms and expressions:
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Frugal /ˈfruːɡəl/ (adjective): Economical in use or expenditure; prudently saving or sparing; not wasteful.
Example: “My aunt’s frugal lifestyle allows her to save a significant portion of her income.” -
Bargain hunter /ˈbɑːrɡən ˈhʌntər/ (noun): A person who searches for and buys things that are sold at a lower price than usual.
Example: “As an avid bargain hunter, she never pays full price for anything.” -
To scrimp and save /skrɪmp ænd seɪv/ (phrase): To be extremely careful about how much one spends.
Example: “They had to scrimp and save for years to afford their dream home.” -
Penny-pincher /ˈpeni ˌpɪntʃər/ (noun): A person who is extremely reluctant to spend money.
Example: “Some might call him a penny-pincher, but I admire his ability to live within his means.” -
To stretch one’s budget /stretʃ wʌnz ˈbʌdʒɪt/ (phrase): To use money carefully so that it lasts longer or covers more expenses.
Example: “By finding great deals, she’s able to stretch her budget and afford more than she initially thought possible.”
Examiner’s Advice
To excel in the IELTS Speaking test when discussing topics like bargain hunting:
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Develop a rich vocabulary: Incorporate sophisticated terms related to shopping, economics, and personal finance.
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Use varied sentence structures: Mix simple and complex sentences to demonstrate linguistic flexibility.
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Provide specific examples: Draw from personal experiences or observations to make your answers more vivid and engaging.
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Show critical thinking: Don’t just describe, but analyze. Discuss both advantages and disadvantages of bargain hunting.
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Practice fluency: Work on speaking smoothly and confidently, even if you need a moment to gather your thoughts.
Remember, the key to success in the IELTS Speaking test is not just about what you say, but how you say it. Confidence, fluency, and the ability to express complex ideas clearly are all crucial factors in achieving a high score.