The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about shopping experiences, particularly those related to sales or discounts. One common topic that candidates may encounter is “describe a product you bought during a sale.” This theme has been consistently featured in past IELTS exams and is likely to remain relevant in future tests. Let’s explore how to approach this topic effectively to maximize your speaking score.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about shopping and sales. Here are some potential questions and a sample answer:
Q: Do you enjoy shopping during sales?
A: Absolutely! I find sales exhilarating. There’s something thrilling about scoring a great deal on an item I’ve had my eye on. Plus, it allows me to stretch my budget further and indulge in a bit of retail therapy without feeling guilty.
Describe a recent shopping experience that left you feeling satisfied and excited about your purchase.
Part 2: Long Turn
Cue Card
Describe a product you bought during a sale.
You should say:
- What the product was
- Where and when you bought it
- Why you decided to buy it
- And explain how you felt about the purchase
Sample Answer (Band 6-7)
I’d like to talk about a smartwatch I bought during a Black Friday sale last year. It was a Fitbit Versa 3, which I purchased from an online electronics store. I had been eyeing this particular model for a while, but the regular price was a bit steep for me.
The main reason I decided to buy it was to track my fitness goals and improve my overall health. I had been trying to establish a more active lifestyle, and I thought having a device that could monitor my steps, heart rate, and sleep patterns would be really helpful.
When I saw that it was 30% off during the sale, I knew it was the perfect opportunity to make the purchase. I felt quite excited about getting such a good deal on a high-quality product. After using it for a few weeks, I was thrilled with my decision. The watch has really motivated me to stay active and pay more attention to my health metrics.
Overall, I felt that this purchase was a wise investment in my health and wellness, and I was delighted to have snagged it at such a good price.
Sample Answer (Band 8-9)
I’d be delighted to share my experience of acquiring a state-of-the-art noise-cancelling headphones during an impromptu Prime Day sale on Amazon last summer. The product in question was the highly sought-after Sony WH-1000XM4, which I had been coveting for months due to its stellar reviews and cutting-edge features.
The decision to make this purchase was multifaceted. Primarily, I was in dire need of a high-quality audio solution for my frequent video conferences and occasional foray into podcast production. Additionally, as an avid traveler, I was enticed by the prospect of immersive music experiences during long flights, unencumbered by ambient noise.
When I stumbled upon the serendipitous 40% discount, I was utterly elated. It felt like the stars had aligned, presenting me with an irresistible opportunity to elevate my audio experience without breaking the bank. The substantial savings also alleviated any lingering guilt about indulging in a premium product.
Post-purchase, I was over the moon with my acquisition. The headphones have exceeded my expectations in every aspect, from the sublime sound quality to the impressively long battery life. They have revolutionized my work-from-home setup and transformed my travel experiences.
In retrospect, this purchase has proven to be an astute investment in both my professional productivity and personal enjoyment. The fortuitous timing of the sale allowed me to procure a top-tier product at a fraction of its usual cost, leaving me with a profound sense of satisfaction and a touch of pride in my savvy shopping acumen.
Shopper examining smartwatch on sale
Follow-up Questions
Q: Did you research the product before buying it?
A (Band 6-7): Yes, I did some basic research. I read a few online reviews and compared it with similar models before making my decision.
A (Band 8-9): Absolutely. I conducted extensive research prior to my purchase. This involved poring over expert reviews, scrutinizing user feedback on various platforms, and meticulously comparing specifications across different models. I even reached out to some tech-savvy friends for their insights to ensure I was making an informed decision.
Q: Do you think sales are always a good thing for consumers?
A (Band 6-7): Not always. While sales can offer good deals, they can also tempt people to overspend or buy things they don’t really need. It’s important to be mindful when shopping during sales.
A (Band 8-9): While sales can undoubtedly provide excellent value for consumers, they are not universally beneficial. On one hand, they offer opportunities to acquire desired items at reduced prices, potentially making premium products more accessible. However, they can also induce impulsive purchasing behavior, leading to unnecessary expenditures and accumulation of superfluous items. Moreover, some retailers may inflate original prices to create the illusion of larger discounts. Therefore, it’s crucial for consumers to approach sales with a discerning eye and exercise fiscal prudence.
Describe a shopping experience that made you happy and how it impacted your overall perception of sales and discounts.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Q: How do you think online sales have changed shopping habits?
A (Band 6-7): Online sales have definitely changed how people shop. They’ve made it easier to compare prices and find deals. People can now shop from home, which is more convenient. However, it might also lead to impulse buying because it’s so easy to make purchases.
A (Band 8-9): The advent of online sales has profoundly transformed consumer behavior and the retail landscape. This digital shift has empowered consumers with unprecedented access to information, enabling them to make more informed decisions through extensive product research and price comparisons. The convenience factor has been a game-changer, allowing people to peruse and purchase items at any time, from anywhere, transcending geographical limitations.
However, this ease of access has also fostered a culture of instant gratification, potentially leading to more impulsive purchasing decisions. The proliferation of personalized advertising and time-sensitive deals can create a sense of urgency, sometimes compelling consumers to make hasty choices.
Moreover, online sales have catalyzed the rise of a more globalized marketplace, exposing consumers to a vast array of products from around the world. This has heightened competition among retailers, often resulting in more competitive pricing and improved customer service.
Conversely, this shift has posed challenges for traditional brick-and-mortar stores, forcing them to adapt their strategies to remain relevant in an increasingly digital world. Many have responded by developing omnichannel approaches, blending online and offline experiences to cater to evolving consumer preferences.
Online shopper comparing prices on multiple devices
Q: Do you think people spend more money during sales periods?
A (Band 6-7): Yes, I think many people do spend more during sales. The attractive discounts can make people buy things they might not have bought otherwise. It’s easy to get carried away by the idea of saving money, even if you end up spending more overall.
A (Band 8-9): The relationship between sales periods and consumer spending is indeed complex and multifaceted. While it might seem counterintuitive, sales often do lead to increased overall expenditure for numerous reasons.
Firstly, the psychological allure of discounts can trigger a sense of urgency and fear of missing out, prompting consumers to make purchases they might otherwise defer or forgo entirely. This scarcity mindset can override rational decision-making processes, leading to impulsive buying behavior.
Moreover, many retailers employ sophisticated marketing strategies during sales periods, such as loss leaders and bundled offers, which can entice customers to spend more than they initially intended. The perceived value of getting more for less can justify larger purchases in the consumer’s mind.
However, it’s important to note that this trend isn’t universal. Savvy consumers who plan their purchases strategically and exercise self-discipline may actually reduce their overall expenditure by capitalizing on genuine discounts for items they genuinely need.
The advent of data-driven personalized marketing has further complicated this dynamic. Retailers can now tailor their offers to individual consumer preferences and behaviors, potentially increasing the effectiveness of their sales strategies and, consequently, consumer spending.
In essence, while sales periods do often lead to increased spending, the extent of this effect can vary significantly based on individual consumer behavior, retailer strategies, and broader economic factors.
Describe a memorable shopping experience that changed your perspective on sales and consumer behavior.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
Retail therapy /ˈriːteɪl ˈθerəpi/ (noun): The practice of shopping to make oneself feel happier.
Example: “After a stressful week, I indulged in some retail therapy during the weekend sale.”Bargain hunter /ˈbɑːɡɪn ˈhʌntə(r)/ (noun): A person who searches for goods at discounted prices.
Example: “As an avid bargain hunter, I always look forward to the end-of-season sales.”To splurge /splɜːdʒ/ (verb): To spend money freely or extravagantly.
Example: “I decided to splurge on a high-end smartphone during the Black Friday sale.”Impulse buy /ˈɪmpʌls baɪ/ (noun): A purchase made suddenly, without planning, due to a sudden desire.
Example: “The discounted smartwatch was an impulse buy, but I don’t regret it.”To snag a deal (phrasal verb): To obtain or get something desirable, especially at a good price.
Example: “I managed to snag a great deal on a designer bag during the flash sale.”Price-conscious /praɪs ˈkɒnʃəs/ (adjective): Very aware of prices and looking for the best value.
Example: “As a price-conscious consumer, I always compare prices before making a purchase, especially during sales.”
Describe a product you purchased that you are satisfied with and explain how you found the best deal for it.
Examiner’s Advice
To excel in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when describing a product bought during a sale:
Expand your vocabulary: Use a variety of descriptive words and phrases related to shopping, sales, and products. This demonstrates language proficiency and helps you express your thoughts more precisely.
Practice storytelling: Work on structuring your answers coherently, with a clear beginning, middle, and end. This is especially important for Part 2 of the test.
Develop your ideas: Don’t just state facts; explain your thoughts and feelings about the experience. This shows your ability to communicate complex ideas in English.
Use appropriate tenses: Pay attention to using the correct tenses when describing past events and current feelings about the purchase.
Incorporate idiomatic expressions: Naturally integrate idiomatic phrases related to shopping and sales to showcase your command of colloquial English.
Be prepared for follow-up questions: Practice expanding on your initial answers, as the examiner may ask for more details or your opinion on related topics.
Stay relevant: Always keep your answers focused on the question asked, using the product and sale experience as a springboard to demonstrate your English skills.
By following these tips and regularly practicing with various shopping-related topics, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle this common IELTS Speaking theme and improve your chances of achieving a high score.
IELTS speaking practice session
Describe a piece of technology you recently purchased and how it has impacted your daily life, focusing on the value it provides compared to its cost.