IELTS Speaking Part 1 Question & Model Answers – Shoes

How frequently do you buy shoes?

To be totally honest, I am not a huge fan of shopping so I very rarely purchase shoes. You could say once in a blue moon or probably about once a year. I’m not a big shopper, buying clothes or footwear are not really my cup of tea.

Vocabulary

Purchase (v) – Buy

Huge fan of (pv) – Like something a lot

Once in a blue moon (idiom) – Almost never 

Not a big ..…(phrase) – You don’t do something a lot

Footwear (n) – Shoes 

Not my cup of tea (idiom) – I don’t like

Shoe Vocabulary

ballet shoes: a lightweight shoe designed specifically for ballet dancing.

Dress shoes: a strong leather shoe traditionally worn by men.

clogs: shoes that are completely made of wood.

cowboy boots: a leather boot with a high heel and generally a pointed toe. 

flats: Women’s shoes that have a low heel.

Where do you usually buy shoes?

I’m pretty keen on trainers so I usually end up at a sports shop. If I’m shoe shopping, I definitely like to try them on. I think it’s vital to see how they fit and how comfortable they are. On top of that, you can see how they look in real life.

Vocabulary

Keen on (pv) – Like a lot

Trainers (n) – Sports/running shoes

Shoe shopping (phrase) – Shopping for shoes

Try (them) on (pv) – To wear something to see how it fits

Vital (adj) – Extremely important

On top of that (phrase) – Adding more information

What is your favourite type of shoes?

I’m extremely fond of flip flops, I know strictly speaking these aren’t shoes they are more like sandals. I really love wearing them because they are so simple, nonrestrictive and your feet don’t sweat. Also, there is no need to tie your laces which can be a real pain in the neck.

Vocabulary

Extremely (adv) – Very much

Fond of (pv) – Like a lot 

Flip flops (n) – Rubber sandal (Thongs)

Nonrestrictive (adj) – Having no restriction or limitation

Laces (n) – The string or shoelace

Tie your laces (collocation) – To tie/secure and fasten the shoes

Pain in the neck (idiom) – Something difficult or annoying

Shoe Vocabulary

flip flops / thongs: A plastic or rubber sole with a strap that goes between your big toe and the one next to it. 

Suede: Leather that is treated to make it slightly furry not shiny.

high heels: women’s shoes that have the heel (the back part of the shoe) raised high off the ground.

Sole: Bottom of the shoes

Why do some people have too many shoes?

I guess many people are just shopaholics, they just can help themselves. It is wonderful to have options and a pair of shoes can really top off an outfit. But to be honest, I think if you have more than 10 pairs, then you have a bit of a problem.

Vocabulary

Shopaholic (n) – Compulsive shopper

Pair of shoes (collocation) – 2 matching shoes

Top off (pv) – Make something better

Outfit (n) – Clothes are worn together

Have you ever bought shoes online?

Certainly, I used to buy shoes on the internet fairly regularly when I was younger. The main drawback to purchasing footwear online is the fact that you can’t try them on so I ended up wasting a lot of money

on ill-fitting shoes.

Vocabulary

Certainly (Discourse marker) – Agreeing

Drawback (n) – Disadvantage/downside

Purchasing (n) – Buying something

Try (them) on (pv) – Wear something to see how it fits

Ended up (pv) – Was in a particular state or place

Shoe Vocabulary

hiking boots: a sturdy boot that covers the foot and ankle. They are designed for long walks.

loafers: a leather shoe shaped like a moccasin, sometimes a loafer is called a slip-on shoe.

moccasins: a shoe (without a heel) that is made from soft leather. 

Laces/shoelaces: String that fastens the shoes

Wellington Boots: these are waterproof boots made of rubber.

Do you like wearing comfortable shoes or good-looking ones?

I would definitely have to say that I would go for comfort every time. There is nothing worse than spending all day on your feet in uncomfortable footwear. You can end up with huge blisters or even bunions. I really cannot fathom how women walk all day wearing high-heels.

Vocabulary

Go for (pv) – Chose something 

Footwear (n) – Shoes

End up (pv) – Find yourself in place or situation

A bunion (n) – Painful swelling on the foot

Fathom (v) – Understand

High-heel (n) – Type pf shoes with a raised heel

Are people willing to buy expensive shoes?

Without a doubt, huge swathes of the population spend exorbitant amounts on designer shoes. People seem to be willing to shell out a lot of money on their favourite brand of footwear costing them an arm and leg.

Vocabulary

Without a doubt (phrase) – Certainly

Huge swathes (n) – A large amount or area

Exorbitant (adj) – Unreasonably high price

Shell out (pv) – Pay money

Cost (them) an arm and a leg (idiom) – Very expensive)

Shoe Vocabulary

Sandals: a light shoe mainly worn in warm weather. 

Leather: A strong material made from cow skin.

slippers: soft, comfortable shoes that keep your feet warm inside the house. 

Sneakers/trainers: a type of light, comfortable shoe that is typically worn when you play sport..

Stilettos: a type of high heel shoe where the heel part is very narrow and at the ground part. 

Wedges / wedge shoes: a shoe with a high heel forming a solid block.

When was the last time you purchased new shoes?

To be frank, it has been a couple of years since I purchased any new shoes. If I recall, it was the last time that I visited Bangkok and I ended up picking up some new trainers in the airport on the way home. That reminds me, I really could do with replacing them now as the sole is getting worn out.

Vocabulary

To be frank (idiom) – To talk honestly

Purchase (v) – Buy

Recall (v) – Remember 

Ended up (pv) – Reach a situation, place or condition

Trainers – Sports shoes (sneakers)

Could do with (phrase) – Need something 

Sole (n) Bottom of the shoes

Worn out (pv) – Used so much it starts to break