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Shopping and Consumer Habits
Lesson
14
Level 4
IELTS Speaking Test Preperation
Lesson Target
In this lesson, you'll talk about your shopping habits and how people make buying decisions. You’ll also learn vocabulary for comparing online and in-person shopping.
Warm-Up
Discuss the warm-up words with your tutor.
shopping
sale
price
Vocabulary
Practice saying these words with your tutor. If you don’t know one, ask your tutor to explain it.
Word
Definition
Definition
shopping mall
noun
electronics
noun (plural)
good deal
noun (phrase)
advertise
verb
store
noun
online shopping
noun (phrase)
quality
noun
clothes
noun (plural)
convenient
adjective
discount
noun
groceries
noun (plural)
free time
noun (phrase)
recommend
verb
Use these words in sentences with your tutor to check that you fully understand their meaning and how to use them correctly.
Useful Phrases
I usually shop for...
I prefer buying...
I try not to spend too much on...
One thing I always look for is...
I compare prices by...
Response Structure
Begin with a clear answer or opinion. Then support it with details or examples using who, what, when, where, why, or how.
1
Give your main idea directly and briefly.
When I go shopping, I like to look for...
2
Add details or examples to explain your main idea.
For example, my favorite thing to buy is...
3
If you have a second idea, repeat steps 1 and 2.
Sometimes, I also shop for...
Practice 1
Read the dialogue with your tutor. Then, work together to analyze the student's responses. Try to understand the speaker’s purpose and find useful words or phrases you can use in your own answers. Finally, practice responding to the same questions with your tutor.
Examiner
Where do you usually shop?
Megumi
I usually shop at a big shopping mall near my house. It has many stores, so I can find clothes, groceries, and electronics all in one place. Sometimes I also buy things online if I don’t have time to go out. Online shopping is very convenient, especially for busy days.
Examine the Response
-
Why is this a good response?
-
What's the main idea?
-
Key details: Find the who, what, where, when, why, or how in the response.
-
Which words or phrases can you use from these responses?
Examiner
Do you enjoy shopping?
Megumi
Yes, I enjoy shopping, especially when I have free time. I like walking around the mall and looking for good deals. Sometimes I go shopping with my friends on weekends, and we also eat together after. The shopping mall has our favorite restaurants. It’s a fun way to relax and spend time together.
Examiner
What factors influence what you buy?
Megumi
Many things affect what I buy. Price is very important because I try to save money. I also check the quality to make sure it will last a long time. Sometimes, if there’s a big discount or a friend recommends it, I decide to buy it.
Practice 2
Read the dialogue with your tutor. Each sentence is missing either the main idea or a key detail. Use the dialogue to fill in the missing parts and complete the sentences.
Examiner
Do you prefer online or in-store shopping?
Megumi
I prefer online shopping because it saves time.
____________________________________. (fill in the supporting details)
Examiner
What is one thing you regret buying?
Megumi
Last year, I bought an expensive dress.
____________________________________. (fill in the supporting details)
Examiner
What do people waste money on?
Megumi
____________________________________. (fill in the main idea)
Later, they realize they didn’t need to spend so much.
Practice 3
Answer each question clearly and completely. Start with the main idea, then support it with key details or examples.
Examiner
Has online shopping changed the way we buy things?
Should companies be allowed to advertise to children?
How can people become smarter shoppers?
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