Speaking · Speaking Interview
Shopping Habits Interview
Speaking · Interview
Instructions
This task measures your ability to respond to a range of general and academic questions by producing a coherent, clear spoken response with natural pace, expressive intonation, and varied, accurate language.
You will answer 4 interviewer questions. You will have 45 seconds to answer each question. Initial questions focus on factual information and personal experience, whereas later questions ask you to express and support your opinions.
- Allow microphone access when prompted.
- Use headphones and find a quiet space.
- You will hear the scenario, then each interviewer question. Recording starts automatically when the question audio ends.
- Take a deep breath — and let's go.
Shopping Habits Interview
Answer each interview question aloud
Scenario
You have agreed to take part in a research study about shopping and consumer habits. You will have a short online interview with a researcher. The researcher will ask you some questions.
Question 1
Thank you for speaking with me. I'm researching how people shop for everyday items. Could you describe how you normally do your food shopping?
Show a model answer
I do one large shop at the weekend and then top up during the week. The big shop is usually in a supermarket near my flat, and I go with a written list. Fresh things like bread and vegetables I buy in smaller amounts, because they don't keep. I have tried ordering online, but I prefer choosing the fruit myself.
Question 2
How much does price influence what you put in your basket?
Show a model answer
It influences a lot of it, but not everything. For basics like rice, pasta and cleaning products I will happily buy the cheaper own brand, because I honestly cannot tell the difference. For coffee and olive oil I pay more, because I can. I also watch the price per kilo rather than the price on the front, which changes my choices quite often.
Question 3
Have your shopping habits changed over the last few years? In what way?
Show a model answer
They have changed more than I expected. I plan meals now, which cut how much food I threw away. I also buy fewer clothes but better ones, after getting tired of things falling apart. And I carry my own bags without thinking about it, which was a real effort at first.
Question 4
Some people say we are encouraged to buy more than we need. What is your view?
Show a model answer
I think that is largely true, and advertising is very good at its job. Sales and discounts make me buy things I had not planned to buy at all. On the other hand, nobody forces me, so I don't want to blame shops for every purchase. The honest answer is that it is easier to spend than it has ever been, and that takes some discipline.
What a high-scoring response does
- Answers the question that was asked in the first sentence
- Supports it with a reason and a concrete example
- Keeps talking fluently for most of the 45 seconds
- Sounds natural: clear pronunciation, few long pauses
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