IELTS Speaking – Mua sắm

It depends on what I'm shopping for. I really enjoy browsing in bookshops or second-hand clothes stores, because you never know what you'll find. But I can't stand shopping for necessities like groceries, especially in crowded supermarkets at the weekend. For things like that, I just want to get in and out as quickly as possible.

For most everyday items, I prefer shopping online because it's so convenient and I can easily compare prices. But for clothes and shoes, I'd rather go to a physical store, since I like to try things on first. I've had a few bad experiences ordering clothes online that looked nothing like the photos, so I've learnt my lesson.

The last thing I bought for myself was a pair of running shoes, about two weeks ago. My old ones were completely worn out, and I'd started getting a bit of knee pain. I spent quite a while reading reviews before choosing a pair, and they were a bit pricey, but they're so comfortable that I think it was money well spent.

For food shopping, yes, I always make a list on my phone, otherwise I end up buying lots of snacks I don't need. But when it comes to clothes or things for my room, I'm much less organised. I often go in without a plan and come out with something I hadn't intended to buy, which isn't great for my budget.

Something I bought that I've been really happy with is a second-hand bicycle, which I got at the start of my second year at university. I bought it from a small bike shop tucked away in a side street near Long Bien Bridge in Hanoi. I'd seen it advertised on a local online marketplace, so I went to have a look one Saturday morning. The owner was a friendly older man who'd been repairing bikes for decades, and he let me take it for a test ride around the neighbourhood. It's a classic Japanese city bike, with a basket at the front and a bell, and although it's a bit old, it was in excellent condition. It cost me one million eight hundred thousand dong, which is about seventy US dollars. Honestly, that felt like quite a lot at the time, as I was a student living on a tight budget, but a brand-new bike of similar quality would have cost at least three times as much. I managed to negotiate the price down a little, and the owner even threw in a lock and a free tune-up. The reason I'm so pleased with it is that it's completely changed how I get around. Before, I relied on ride-hailing apps or took the bus, which was expensive and often slow during rush hour. Now I cycle to class most days, so I save money and get some exercise without even thinking about it. It's also given me a new way to explore the city. At weekends, I sometimes cycle around West Lake or through the Old Quarter early in the morning, and I've discovered so many little cafés and streets I'd never noticed before. For such a small investment, it's made a huge difference to my daily life.

I think there are both psychological and social reasons. Shopping can give people a quick emotional boost, so some buy things to cheer themselves up after a stressful day, which is often called retail therapy. Clever marketing also plays a huge role, with limited-time offers and flash sales creating a sense of urgency. On top of that, social media puts pressure on people to keep up with trends or show off a certain lifestyle. And with online shopping, buying something takes just a couple of clicks, so there's very little time to stop and think about whether we actually need it.

Quite powerfully, I think, though often in subtle ways. Nowadays, much of the advertising aimed at young people comes through influencers on TikTok or Instagram, so it feels more like a recommendation from a friend than an advert. That makes it more persuasive. Ads also tend to link products with an identity, suggesting that if you wear a certain brand, you'll be cool or successful. My younger sister, for example, once bought an expensive skincare product just because her favourite influencer used it. That said, many young people are becoming more sceptical and check reviews before they buy.

I doubt they'll disappear entirely, but many will have to change. Online shopping is clearly winning when it comes to price and convenience, and we've already seen lots of small shops close. However, people still value being able to see, touch and try products before buying, especially clothes and furniture. Shopping is also a social activity for many people. I think successful shops in the future will focus on experience, for example offering cafés, workshops or personalised advice, rather than just selling goods. Small local shops with loyal customers may survive too, because they offer something the internet can't.

I'd say it's largely harmful, although it's a complicated issue. A society built on constantly buying new things inevitably uses huge amounts of resources and energy, and creates mountains of waste. Fast fashion is a good example, since cheap clothes are often worn only a few times before being thrown away. On the other hand, consumer demand has also driven innovation, such as electric cars and more efficient appliances. So I think the problem isn't consumption itself, but excessive and careless consumption. If people bought fewer, better-quality products and repaired things more, the environmental impact could be much smaller.