Do you like shopping?
Another yes/no question that needs more than yes or no. The examiner is listening for a clear preference and some contrast: online or in shops, alone or with friends, browsing or buying.
Many people say "it depends", which is a good start, as long as you then say exactly what it depends on.
Sample answers at 3 bands
Same question, three answers. Read them out loud and notice what changes: not longer words, but more detail, better linking and a bit of you in it.
Yes, I like shopping. I go shopping with my friends to the mall. I like to buy clothes and shoes. Sometimes I buy online.
Why it scores Band 5.5: Clear but list-like, with "I like" twice and little explanation. "Buy online" is fine, but it needs more detail.
It depends what for. Food shopping I actually enjoy, especially going to the market on Saturday mornings. But clothes shopping I find exhausting, so I usually do it online and send half of it back. My friends think that's lazy, I think it's efficient.
Why it scores Band 7: A clear "it depends" answer that actually explains the difference, with a funny ending. Natural contrast and range.
I like the idea of shopping more than the reality. I'll happily spend an hour browsing in a bookshop or a market, but as soon as I actually need something specific, like a pair of jeans that fit, it turns into a mission. I end up buying the first thing that's roughly right just to get out of there.
Why it scores Band 8: A sharp opening idea, a clear contrast between browsing and buying, and natural, expressive phrasing ("turns into a mission", "roughly right").
Bands are our estimate against the public IELTS Speaking band descriptors. In the real test your band comes from all three parts, not one answer.
The follow-up questions
Part 1 stays on one topic for three or four questions. These are the ones that usually come next.
- Do you prefer shopping online or in shops?
- Online for things I know, like books or electronics, because it's faster and cheaper. Shops for clothes, because I need to try them on. Sizes online are basically a guess.
- Who do you usually go shopping with?
- My sister, mostly, because she's honest. If something looks bad, she tells me before I pay for it, which has saved me a lot of money.
- Have you ever bought something you didn't need?
- Far too often. My worst was an expensive coffee machine I used for about two weeks. It's now a very elegant shelf decoration.
- Has shopping changed in your country recently?
- A lot. A few years ago most people went to markets. Now huge shopping malls have opened, and online delivery is everywhere. The markets are still busy, but mainly for food.
Words that lift this answer
- browse / window-shop
- Look at things without planning to buy.
- a bargain / overpriced
- Very cheap for its value / too expensive.
- impulse buy
- Something bought without planning.
- try on
- Put clothes on to see if they fit.
- shop around
- Compare prices in different places.
- it turns into a mission
- Something simple becomes hard work.
Mistakes that cost marks here
- Saying "it depends" and then not saying what on.
- "I go to shopping". Say "I go shopping".
- Listing every shop you go to. One contrast is enough.
Reading answers won't move your band. Saying them will.
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