As an experienced IELTS instructor with over 20 years of experience, I often get asked about unusual topics that pop up in the IELTS Speaking test. One such question is, “What does perfume mean to you?”. This seemingly simple question can throw many candidates off guard. But don’t worry! In this article, we’ll delve into the meaning behind this question and how you can craft an impressive response.

Understanding the Question

The IELTS Speaking test assesses your ability to communicate effectively in English. While it might seem like the examiner is interested in your personal fragrance preferences, the “perfume” question is actually designed to evaluate:

• Vocabulary: Can you use a range of vocabulary related to senses, memories, and emotions?
• Fluency and Coherence: Can you speak smoothly and logically connect your ideas?
• Grammar: Can you use a variety of grammatical structures accurately?
• Pronunciation: Can you be easily understood?

Crafting Your Response

Remember, there’s no right or wrong answer. The key is to demonstrate your language skills. Here’s a possible structure for your response:

1. Introduction: Briefly state your overall perspective on perfume.

• Example: “To me, perfume is more than just a fragrance. It’s a powerful trigger of memories and emotions.”

2. Elaboration: Expand on your perspective by discussing:

• Personal Experiences: Do you have any specific memories associated with a particular scent?
  • Example: “I remember my grandmother used to wear a delicate floral perfume. Even now, whenever I smell those flowers, it takes me back to my childhood.”
• Emotional Connections: How does perfume make you feel? Does it evoke feelings of confidence, happiness, or nostalgia?
  • Example: “Wearing a subtle fragrance before an important event makes me feel more confident and prepared.”
• Cultural Significance: Does perfume play a significant role in your culture? Are there any particular scents associated with specific occasions or traditions?
  • Example: “In my culture, we often use incense during religious ceremonies. The scent creates a calming and spiritual atmosphere.”

3. Conclusion: Briefly summarize your thoughts and leave a lasting impression.

• Example: “Overall, I believe perfume holds a unique power to evoke memories, influence our emotions, and even connect us to our cultural heritage.”

Example Response

Here’s an example of a complete response incorporating the structure above:

“To me, perfume is more than just a fragrance. It’s a powerful trigger of memories and emotions. For example, my grandmother used to wear a delicate floral perfume that always reminds me of her warmth and kindness. Even now, whenever I smell those flowers, it takes me back to my childhood. I also find that wearing a subtle fragrance before an important event makes me feel more confident and prepared. It’s like putting on a suit of armor! Overall, I believe perfume holds a unique power to evoke memories, influence our emotions, and even connect us to our cultural heritage.”

Perfume Bottles

Tips for Success

• Practice Makes Perfect: Practice speaking about perfume beforehand. Use the vocabulary you’ve learned and time yourself to ensure you can speak for an appropriate duration.
• Be Authentic: Don’t be afraid to share personal anecdotes or opinions. The examiner is interested in your ability to communicate, not your taste in perfume.
• Focus on Fluency: Speak clearly and at a natural pace. Don’t worry if you make a small mistake – keep going!
• Expand Your Vocabulary: Learn a variety of adjectives to describe scents (e.g., musky, floral, citrusy, woody), and emotions (e.g., nostalgic, invigorated, relaxed, confident).

Remember, the “perfume” question in the IELTS Speaking test is an opportunity to showcase your language skills creatively. By understanding the question’s purpose and practicing your response, you can turn a potentially tricky topic into a chance to shine.