9 words and phrases to help you speak about SHOPPING in the IELTS exam

 
Shopping is a common theme in IELTS speaking. In Part 1 of the exam, you may be asked basic questions about your shopping habits and favorite stores. In part 2 you could be asked to describe your favorite store or item of clothing, while in Part 3 the questions often focus on consumerism, shopping trends, online shopping and the role of advertising.

 The 9 vocabulary words below will help you to talk about shopping in the exam.

1. To bargain ( verb)
To negotiate the terms and conditions of a transaction.
I love bargaining with the vendors at the market.

2. A bargain (noun)
A thing bought or offered for sale much more cheaply than is usual or expected.
I found some great bargains at the sales

3. A bargain hunter (noun)
Someone who spends a lot of in shops looking for discounted deals and bargains
My mother is a life-long bargain hunter. She spends all day in the city during the sales. 

4. On credit (phrase)
Pay at a later date
If you really need the TV for this weekend, just buy it on credit.
The trend of buying everything on credit is landing a lot of people in debt.

5. Broke (adjective)  
To have no money
His company went broke last year during the economic crash.
I can’t go shopping with you this weekend. I’m broke until pay-day.

6. Customer service (noun)
the assistance and advice provided by a company to those people who buy or use its products or services.
I won’t go back to that store. Their customer service is terrible.

7. Loyalty card (noun)
 A card issued by a shop that enables customers to save money on the basis of how much they spend
My Starbucks loyalty card is almost full. I’m due a free coffee very soon!

8. A rip-off (noun)
Something that is over-priced and not worth the price being asked for it
$100 for a simple t-shirt? What a rip-off!

9. To rip (someone) off (verb)
to make someone pay more than what is necessary for something
The cab driver really ripped us off last night. He charged us $20 for a $10 fare.