IELTS Speaking Practice Test 9
- Amardeep Singh
- 7 days ago
- 6 min read
The IELTS Speaking Practice Test 9 is based on "Shopping, Consumer Behavior & Advertising" theme, a very common topic in the exam. All the parts are based on the same theme. Also, to assist your preparation, we have provided complete sample answers for every section, including a model response for the 2-minute long turn in Part 2. Use these to study ideal structure, vocabulary, and flow. They can easily help you score 7+ in the IELTS Speaking test
IELTS Speaking Practice Tests 9 | Part 1: Introduction and Interview
Do you enjoy going shopping?
Answer: Not particularly, to be honest. I’m quite a purposeful shopper, so I prefer to just walk in, grab exactly what I need, and head straight for the checkout.
How often do you buy things online?
Answer: Very frequently. I’d say I order something online at least a couple of times a month, mostly because it saves me a trip to the crowded high street.
What was the last thing you bought for yourself?
Answer: I recently bought a pair of running shoes. My old ones were completely worn out, so I spent a bit of time researching a pair with decent arch support.
Do you prefer shopping in large malls or small local shops?
Answer: I lean toward small local shops, especially for groceries or gifts. They have a warmer atmosphere, and you often find more unique items than the mass-produced stuff in malls.
Have you ever had a bad experience when shopping?
Answer: Yes, a few months ago I ordered a jacket online that looked great in the photos, but when it arrived, the material felt incredibly cheap and the sizing was completely off.
Do you ever compare prices before buying something?
Answer: Always. It takes less than a minute to open a few tabs on your phone and check if another retailer is offering a better deal or a discount code.
Do you think advertising influences what you buy?
Answer: I try to think it doesn't, but realistically, it probably does. Targeted ads on social media are incredibly clever at showing you things you didn't even know you wanted.
Did you enjoy going shopping when you were a child?
Answer: Not at all. I remember trailing behind my mother in clothing stores for what felt like hours, which I found absolutely mind-numbing back then.
Is there a specific street or market in your city that is famous for shopping?
Answer: Yes, we have a bustling weekend flea market in the city center. It’s famous for vintage clothing, old records, and handmade crafts, and it’s always packed.
Do you prefer to pay with cash or a card?
Answer: Definitely by card or phone payment. It’s just so much faster, and I don’t have to worry about carrying coins around or finding an ATM.
Do you spend a lot of money on clothes?
Answer: No, I’m quite conservative when it comes to fashion. I prefer to invest in a few high-quality, classic pieces that last for years rather than constantly buying trendy items.
What is something you would love to buy but can't afford right now?
Answer: I’ve been eyeing a high-end espresso machine for my kitchen, but it’s a bit of a luxury, so it will have to wait until I’ve saved up some extra fun money.
IELTS Speaking Practice Test 9 | Part 2: Individual Long Turn (The Cue Card)
Describe a time you bought something special for someone else. You should say:
What the item was and who you bought it for
Why you chose this specific item
Where you found it
And explain how the person reacted when you gave it to them.
Sample Answer
I’d like to talk about a gift I bought for my father last year to celebrate his retirement. He had spent over thirty-five years working in a stressful corporate job, and one of his lifelong dreams for his retirement was to take up landscape painting, something he’d never had the time to pursue properly.
Knowing this, I decided to buy him a premium, professional-grade wooden art supply kit. It was a beautiful, compact briefcase-style box that contained everything a beginner would need to get started—high-quality oil paints, a variety of horsehair brushes, sketching pencils, and a collapsible aluminum easel that he could easily pack into the car.
Finding the right set took a bit of legwork. I didn't want to just order a cheap kit online, so I visited a traditional, family-run art supply store tucked away in an older part of the city. The shopkeeper was incredibly knowledgeable and spent half an hour walking me through different brands, helping me assemble a custom kit that was durable and user-friendly for a novice.
When I gave it to him on his last day of work, his reaction was absolutely priceless. He’s generally a very reserved man who rarely shows major emotions, but when he opened the wooden box, he was completely speechless for a moment. You could see a mix of surprise and genuine excitement in his eyes. He admitted that he had been feeling a bit anxious about how he would fill his free time after retiring, and this gift felt like the perfect permission slip to start his new chapter. He’s already using it every single weekend, which makes it the most rewarding purchase I’ve ever made.
IELTS Speaking Practice Test 9 | Part 3: Two-Way Discussion
Why do you think online shopping has become more popular than traditional retailing?
Answer: It fundamentally comes down to convenience and variety. You can browse thousands of products from the comfort of your couch at any time of night, read customer reviews instantly, and have the items delivered right to your doorstep, which completely eliminates the hassle of commuting and waiting in lines.
How do advertisements convince people to buy things they don't really need?
Answer: They don't just sell the product; they sell an emotion or a lifestyle. Most modern marketing campaigns tap into psychological triggers, like creating a fear of missing out or implying that buying a specific luxury item will make you look more successful or happier to your peers.
What are the disadvantages of a society that relies heavily on consumerism?
Answer: A major downside is the environmental toll. The constant demand for cheap, disposable goods leads to massive overproduction, resource depletion, and mountain ranges of waste. On a personal level, it can also trap people in a cycle of debt as they chase an unrealistic standard of living.
Should governments ban advertisements that target young children?
Answer: I think there should be strict boundaries. Young kids don't have the critical thinking skills to distinguish between an entertainment program and a commercial message, making them highly vulnerable to manipulation by companies selling unhealthy food or expensive toys.
Why do some people prefer to buy international brands rather than local products?
Answer: Often, it’s about perceived quality and social status. Global brands invest billions into building a reputation for reliability, and wearing or using their products can act as a status symbol that signals a certain level of wealth to society.
How has social media changed the relationship between brands and customers?
Answer: It has made the relationship much more immediate and interactive. Instead of just passive billboards, brands now use influencers to mimic personal recommendations. It also means customer service is public; if a company treats a customer poorly, a single viral post can do massive damage to their reputation.
Is it better to save money for the future or spend it to enjoy life now?
Answer: It’s all about striking a healthy balance. Living entirely for the future can make your present life dull and stressful, but spending recklessly leaves you incredibly vulnerable to financial emergencies. A sensible approach is to automate your savings first, and then spend the remainder guilt-free.
What can businesses do to reduce the environmental impact of packaging?
Answer: They need to move away from single-use plastics and embrace minimalist design. Many innovative companies are now using biodegradable materials derived from mushrooms or bamboo, or offering refillable systems where customers bring their own containers back to the store.
Why are counterfeit or fake designer goods so popular in some markets?
Answer: Because they allow people to achieve a high-status look without the astronomical price tag. In cultures where social appearance carries a lot of weight, the temptation to buy a cheap replica that passes as a luxury brand is incredibly strong for budget-conscious consumers.
Do you think people's spending habits change as they get older?
Answer: Generally, yes. Younger people often spend more on experiences, fashion, and social activities to fit in with their peers. As people mature, their priorities usually shift toward long-term stability, like investing in property, healthcare, and high-quality items that offer genuine utility rather than fleeting trends.
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