As an IELTS instructor with over 20 years of experience, I often encounter students who get stumped by seemingly simple questions in the Speaking test. One such question is “What do you think about buying expensive jewelry?”. This seemingly straightforward question can actually touch upon various aspects like personal values, economic perspectives, and even ethical considerations.
This article will delve into why this question arises in the IELTS Speaking test, how to formulate a comprehensive response, and provide useful vocabulary to help you express yourself eloquently.
Understanding the Question’s Significance
The IELTS Speaking test assesses your ability to communicate effectively in English. Examiners are not just looking for correct grammar and vocabulary but also for your capacity to articulate opinions, present arguments, and engage in a natural conversation.
The question about expensive jewelry is designed to assess several skills:
- Expressing Opinions: Can you clearly state your viewpoint on a social or cultural topic?
- Providing Reasons: Can you justify your opinion with relevant examples and explanations?
- Vocabulary Range: Do you possess the vocabulary to discuss topics related to luxury goods, personal values, and consumerism?
expensive-jewelry-on-display|Expensive Jewelry Display|Showcase of various expensive jewelry pieces like necklaces, rings, and earrings in a luxurious jewelry store.
Crafting Your Response
Here’s a step-by-step approach to formulate a well-structured response:
1. Introduction:
- Acknowledge the question: Start with a phrase like “That’s an interesting question…” or “I’ve never thought about it that way before, but…”
- State your overall stance: For example, “Personally, I’m not someone who places a lot of importance on expensive jewelry” or “I think it depends on the reasons behind the purchase.”
2. Body Paragraphs:
Develop your reasons: This is where you elaborate on your viewpoint. Here are some potential angles to consider:
- Personal values: “I believe in investing in experiences rather than material possessions. Jewelry feels like a depreciating asset to me.”
- Financial prudence: “Spending a large sum on jewelry seems financially irresponsible unless you have significant disposable income.”
- Ethical considerations: “The diamond industry, for instance, has a controversial history. I would be very cautious about the source of expensive jewelry.”
- Alternative perspectives: “While I wouldn’t personally buy expensive jewelry, I understand the cultural significance it holds for some people. It can be a symbol of status or family heritage.”
Provide Examples: Instead of just stating general opinions, illustrate your points with specific examples: “For the price of a diamond necklace, I could travel the world for a year!”
3. Conclusion:
- Summarize your stance: Briefly restate your main point of view.
- Offer a concluding thought: You can end with a thought-provoking statement or connect your viewpoint to a broader theme. “Ultimately, I think it’s important to spend money on things that align with our values.”
Vocabulary Enhancement
Here’s some vocabulary that can be helpful when discussing this topic:
- Luxury goods: High-end products, often associated with status and exclusivity.
- Status symbol: A possession that indicates wealth or social standing.
- Investment: Something purchased with the expectation that it will increase in value.
- Depreciating asset: Something that loses value over time.
- Consumerism: A social and economic order that encourages the acquisition of goods and services.
- Ethical consumption: Making purchasing decisions that align with your moral principles.
- Sentimental value: The worth of an object derived from personal or emotional associations.
Example Response:
“That’s an interesting question! I think buying expensive jewelry is a very personal decision. Personally, I wouldn’t spend a lot of money on jewelry because I believe in investing in experiences. A trip around the world or further education holds more value for me than a piece of jewelry that might just sit in a safe. However, I understand that jewelry can have sentimental value, especially if it’s a family heirloom. So while it’s not something I prioritize, I can see why others might find meaning and importance in owning expensive jewelry.”
Final Tips
- Be authentic: The examiners want to hear your genuine opinions, not rehearsed answers.
- Stay relevant: Keep your response focused on the question and avoid going off on tangents.
- Practice speaking: The more you practice expressing yourself in English, the more confident and fluent you will become.
Remember, the IELTS Speaking test is not about reciting memorized answers. It’s about demonstrating your ability to communicate effectively in English. By understanding the nuances of the question, structuring your response clearly, and using relevant vocabulary, you can confidently tackle any question that comes your way.
