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IELTS Speaking Part 1

Shopping: Part 1 questions and answers

Real Part 1 questions about shopping, as candidates reported them. Play each one, answer it out loud, then open a short Band 7 reply to compare.

Today's topicShopping

  • 4–5 minthe whole part
  • ~12questions
  • ~20 seach answer

Answer, add a reason or an example, then stop. The examiner moves on fast, so short and real wins.

Reported in August 2026

Question 1: Do you like shopping?

Yes/no questionDon't stop at yes or no. Say why.

Think of yours first, then see a Band 7 replyHide the reply

AnswerDefinitely, I like shopping when I need a break of work. I usually browse around a local shopping centre near my office, Whybecause it's nice inside and fairly quiet and I can look at clothes without rushing. ExampleLast Friday, I spent about forty minutes there and bought a plain shirt.

Why it's a Band 7

  1. browse around a local shopping centre This natural phrase shows flexible everyday vocabulary.
  2. it's nice inside and fairly quiet and I can Nice is vague here. Air-conditioned would be more precise, and and is repeated.
  3. a break of work A preposition slip: a break from work is correct.

About 20 seconds to say. Part 1 answers sit around 10 to 25.

Question 2: Do you compare prices when you shop?

Yes/no questionDon't stop at yes or no. Say why.

Think of yours first, then see a Band 7 replyHide the reply

AnswerYes, I usually compare prices before I buy anything, especially for household items. I shop around online and in two nearby shop, Whybecause the difference can be surprisingly big. ExampleLast month, I found the same desk lamp for 18 dollars less at another shop.

Why it's a Band 7

  1. shop around online This useful phrasal verb shows natural shopping vocabulary.
  2. two nearby shop A common spoken slip. The correct form is two nearby shops.
  3. surprisingly big Big is a general word. Substantial would be more precise.

About 18 seconds to say. Part 1 answers sit around 10 to 25.

Question 3: Is it difficult for you to make choices when you shop?

Yes/no questionDon't stop at yes or no. Say why.

Think of yours first, then see a Band 7 replyHide the reply

AnswerSometimes, yes, especially when there are several similar things. WhyI mean, I tend to go for the safest colour, because I don't want to regret the purchase later. ExampleFor example, in May I stood in the front of three jackets for ages before choosing a dark blue one.

Why it's a Band 7

  1. go for the safest colour This natural phrase expresses a personal choice clearly.
  2. several similar things Things is vague here. Similar products would be more precise.
  3. I mean, I tend to This small filler makes the answer sound like real speech.
  4. in the front of An extra word: in front of is correct.

About 19 seconds to say. Part 1 answers sit around 10 to 25.

Question 4: Do you think expensive products are always better than cheaper ones?

Yes/no questionDon't stop at yes or no. Say why.

Think of yours first, then see a Band 7 replyHide the reply

AnswerNo, not always. WhyI think you're often paying for the name, and a cheaper product can be good for me. ExampleI once bought budget backpack for commuting, and I've used it for nearly two years, and the straps are still fine, so price isn't everything.

Why it's a Band 7

  1. paying for the name A natural phrase for paying extra just for a famous brand.
  2. bought budget backpack A missing article: bought a budget backpack is correct.
  3. for commuting, and I've used it for nearly two years, and And is used twice in a row, which sounds natural but simple.
  4. can be good for me A plain choice; can work perfectly well would be more precise.

About 18 seconds to say. Part 1 answers sit around 10 to 25.

Phrases to borrow

browse around something

/braʊz əˈraʊnd ˈsʌmθɪŋ/

Look casually around a place

I browsed around the market before choosing a gift.

shop around for something

/ʃɒp əˈraʊnd fə ˈsʌmθɪŋ/

Compare different places before buying

I always shop around for a better hotel deal.

go for something

/ɡəʊ fə ˈsʌmθɪŋ/

Choose something

I think I'll go for the smaller suitcase.

pay for the name

/peɪ fə ðə ˈneɪm/

pay extra for a famous brand, not better quality

That bag's nice, but you're really paying for the name.

Fill the gap

Which phrase fits?

Phrases from the answers above. Pick the one that belongs in the gap.

Your turn: answer the examiner

Do you like shopping?

Answer, add a reason or an example, then stop: about 20 seconds. Nothing is uploaded.

Want a band score?Sign in free, answer the examiner's Part 1 questions out loud and get one thing to fix.

Practise Part 1

More Part 1 topics

Each question with a short Band 7 reply.

How the IELTS Speaking test works