Đây chắc chắn là một trong những chủ đề "xưa nhất quả đất" khi học tiếng Anh rồi, và chính vì vậy, nó rất có khả năng xuất hiện cao trong bài thi IELTS Speaking. Mặc dù là một chủ đề quen thuộc nhưng mình tin chắc là sau khi "nghía" xong các từ vựng ở dưới đây, chắc chắn bạn sẽ trang bị được thêm cho mình một số "vũ khí" khá khủng đấy!

IELTS Speaking Part 1 Shopping

Shopping and place

1. Do you enjoy shopping?

Even though I’m not a shopaholic, I do enjoy the activity itself. I like wandering around shopping malls and trying on various kinds of clothes with my friends. But to be honest, I do window shopping most of the time because I cannot afford all of those snazzy products.

shopaholic /ˌʃɒpəˈhɒlɪk/ n người nghiện mua sắm
shopping mall /ˈʃɒpɪŋ mɔːl/ n phr trung tâm thương mại
window shopping /ˈwɪndəʊ ʃɒpɪŋ/ n phr thú vui xem hàng hóa qua tủ kính (không mua)
snazzy /ˈsnæzi/ adj mốt, hợp thời trang, bắt mắt

2. What do you shop for?

Although I spend a lot of time going round and round in malls, clothes are not on the top of my shopping list. In fact, since I have to prepare meals on my own, I often buy groceries, especially cooking ingredients and snacks.

shopping list /ˈʃɒpɪŋ lɪst/ n phr danh sách mua hàng
on my own /ɒn maɪ əʊn/ idiom một mình, tự lực
groceries /ˈɡrəʊsəriz/ n hàng tạp phẩm, thực phẩm mua ở chợ/siêu thị
ingredient /ɪnˈɡriːdiənt/ n nguyên liệu, thành phần

3. Where do you shop every day?

There is a mini supermarket called VinMart+ within just about 5 minutes’ walk from my house. Normally I shop there for two days’ groceries. As for some other things I need occasionally, such as stationery or household appliances, I prefer Vincom Mega Mall Times City. It’s a well-known shopping mall near where I live.

supermarket /ˈsuːpəmɑːkɪt/ n siêu thị
shop /ʃɒp/ v đi mua sắm, mua hàng
occasionally /əˈkeɪʒnəli/ adv thỉnh thoảng, đôi khi
stationery /ˈsteɪʃnri/ n đồ dùng văn phòng, văn phòng phẩm
household appliances /ˈhaʊshəʊld əˈplaɪənsɪz/ n phr đồ gia dụng, thiết bị trong nhà

4. How do you choose your shopping place?

Well, first of all, I’m into a place which is easy to get to. It would be great if it is just in the neighbourhood. Then, I like stores with a variety of goods so I can have my choices. Of course, the price is also something I am concerned about.

be into sth /bi ˈɪntə ˈsʌmθɪŋ/ idiom thích, say mê cái gì đó
neighbourhood /ˈneɪbəhʊd/ n vùng lân cận, khu xóm
a variety of /ə vəˈraɪəti əv/ phrase nhiều, đa dạng
good /ɡʊd/ n hàng hóa, sản phẩm
concerned about /kənˈsɜːnd əˈbaʊt/ adj phr lo lắng, quan tâm về điều gì

5. How often do you go shopping?

Band 6.0+: I usually go shopping once or twice a month, mostly to buy clothes or daily necessities. Sometimes I just walk around the mall to relax.

Band 8.0+: I shop when necessary. I’m not a shopaholic, but I do enjoy browsing for new clothes or gadgets. Shopping can be relaxing if I’m not in a rush, and it’s also a way to unwind after a busy week.

shopaholic /ˌʃɒpəˈhɒlɪk/ n người nghiện mua sắm
browse /braʊz/ v đi xem, ngắm đồ (mà không nhất thiết phải mua)
unwind /ˌʌnˈwaɪnd/ v thư giãn, xả hơi

6.Do you prefer shopping online or in stores?

Band 6.0+ (Technique: Advantage): I prefer shopping online because it’s more convenient. I can buy things anytime without going out, and it saves me a lot of time.

Band 8.0+: Online shopping is a lifesaver, but I still like visiting physical stores for the in-store experience. But I still enjoy going to physical stores when I have time because I can see and try the products in person, especially clothes or electronics. It feels more reliable sometimes.

a lifesaver /ə ˈlaɪfseɪvə(r)/ n phr cứu cánh, phao cứu sinh
in-store experience /ɪn stɔː(r) ɪkˈspɪəriəns/ n phr trải nghiệm mua sắm trực tiếp tại cửa hàng
physical store /ˈfɪzɪkl stɔː(r)/ n phr cửa hàng thực tế

7. What do you usually buy when you go shopping?

Band 6.0+: Mostly clothes and groceries. Sometimes I also buy some snacks or household items if I need them.

Band 8.0+: I tend to splurge on books, skincare, and occasionally tech gadgets like headphones or smart accessories. I try to be mindful of what I buy, but it’s hard to resist a good deal online.

splurge on sth /splɜːdʒ ɒn ˈsʌmθɪŋ/ phrasal verb chi tiêu mạnh tay, vung tiền vào cái gì
be mindful of sth /bi ˈmaɪndfl əv ˈsʌmθɪŋ/ phrase ý thức, cẩn trọng về cái gì
resist a good deal /rɪˈzɪst ə ɡʊd diːl/ phrase cưỡng lại một ưu đãi, món hời tốt

8. Do you enjoy shopping for clothes?

Band 6.0+: Yes, I enjoy shopping for clothes because I like wearing nice outfits. But sometimes it’s tiring, especially when the stores are crowded or I can’t find my size.

Band 8.0+ (Technique: Advantage): Yes! Fashion is a fun way to express myself, though I try to shop mindfully. I love exploring different styles and colors, though I try to shop mindfully and avoid fast fashion when I can. It’s also a nice way to relax and treat myself after a long week.

express oneself /ɪkˈspres wʌnˈself/ phrase thể hiện bản thân
shop mindfully /ʃɒp ˈmaɪndfəli/ phrase mua sắm có suy nghĩ, cân nhắc
fast fashion /ˌfɑːst ˈfæʃn/ n phr thời trang nhanh

9.What is the best shopping experience you’ve had?

Band 6.0+: The best shopping experience I’ve had was when I found a great deal on a jacket I had wanted for months. It was on sale for half the price, so I bought it right away. I felt really happy and lucky that day.

Band 8.0+ (Technique: Advantage): Shopping in outlet malls abroad was unforgettable. The bargains were incredible! I once went to a huge outlet in Singapore and managed to grab high-quality brands at unbelievable prices. The place was well-organized, the staff were friendly, and I didn’t feel rushed. It felt like a perfect mix of fun, comfort, and great bargains.

outlet mall /ˈaʊtlet mɔːl/ n phr trung tâm mua sắm hàng giảm giá
bargain /ˈbɑːɡən/ n món hời, giá hời
grab high-quality brands /ɡræb haɪ ˈkwɒləti brændz/ phrase săn, mua được các thương hiệu chất lượng cao

Street market

Một chủ đề nhỏ street market cũng có thể được hỏi trong shopping, các bạn xem thêm gợi ý và từ vựng:

Do you prefer to go shopping in the shopping mall or on the street market?

I prefer shopping at a street market. Shopping malls may have brand-name stores, but street markets have unique items. I love finding antique or handmade objects. Plus, you can often barter at a street market. So you can get a good deal on your purchase. But at a shopping mall, the prices are fixed.

brand-name store /brænd neɪm stɔː(r)/ n phr cửa hàng bán đồ hiệu
antique /ænˈtiːk/ n đồ cổ
purchase /ˈpɜːtʃəs/ v mua, việc mua sắm

When was the last time you went to a street market?

If my memory serves right , the last time I went to a street market was three or four years ago. I went with my friends. We decided we wanted to try some cool snacks. So we checked out all the food stalls. We each picked something different. Then we shared all the food. Everything was so delicious.

check out /tʃek aʊt/ phrasal verb xem qua, tò mò xem thử
if my memory serves right /ɪf maɪ ˈmeməri sɜːvz raɪt/ idiom nếu tôi nhớ không lầm
food stall /fuːd stɔːl/ n phr gian hàng đồ ăn

minh họa ielts speaking shopping

Một số từ vựng bổ sung:

essential /ɪˈsenʃl/ n đồ dùng thiết yếu
luxury /ˈlʌkʃəri/ n đồ xa xỉ, hàng cao cấp
market stall /ˈmɑːkɪt stɔːl/ n phr quầy bán hàng ở chợ
purchase /ˈpɜːtʃəs/ v mua đồ (dùng thay cho buy)
flog /flɒɡ/ v bán hàng (từ lóng dùng thay cho sell)
haggle /ˈhæɡl/ v mặc cả, trả giá
pick out /pɪk aʊt/ phrasal verb chọn lựa
score /skɔː(r)/ v mua được hàng tốt giá rẻ
inexpensive /ˌɪnɪkˈspensɪv/ adj rẻ, giá cả phải đẻ (low-priced)
pricy /ˈpraɪsi/ adj đắt đỏ (expensive)
overpriced /ˌəʊvəˈpraɪst/ adj quá đắt (so với chất lượng)
fake /feɪk/ adj hàng giả, nhái
genuine /ˈdʒenjuɪn/ adj hàng thật, chính hãng
posh /pɒʃ/ adj đắt nhưng chất lượng cao, sang trọng
the real McCoy /ðə ˌrɪəl məˈkɔɪ/ idiom hàng thật (tiếng lóng)
rip somebody off /rɪp ˈsʌmbədi ɒf/ idiom bán giá cắt cổ, chặt chém ai đó
a steal /ə stiːl/ idiom mua được cái gì đó tốt mà giá lại rẻ (a real bargain)

Speaking part 2: Shopping

Describe a time when you go shopping at a street market.

You should say about:

- Where the market is;

- What it sells;

- And explain how you feel that time.

Street market has always been a local special feature when visiting Vietnam. The markets are all a bustle of noise and energy and as I’m currently living in Hanoi, there’s also a night market which can be found a few minutes from Hoan Kiem Lake. And I just happened to visit it last weekend.

It was a Saturday night and I went there with one of my best friends. After having dinner together, we decided to get to the night market to do a little shopping, just to blow off some steam. Since all the roads were blocked off from transportation, we were free to meander around the market without being worried of getting hit at any time.

The night market made the same street at day seem to be livelier with all sparkling lights of the street vendors and the easy-going vibe around here. There were a countless number of stalls selling a great number of products, including handicrafts, ceramics, porcelain, fashionable clothing and accessories, food and more. I got myself a cute little scrunchie, a kinda fashionista-looking T-shirt and a tote bag which I bought to replace the old worn-out at home.

And you know, us girls could not bypass the delicious food stalls while strolling through the busy night market. We decided to buy a cup of ice cream rolls – the snack that took youngsters in Hanoi by storm with its delicious taste.

It was a blast and hanging out with my best friend, going shopping, enjoying good food is all I’m asking for a Saturday night.

meander /miˈændə(r)/ v lang thang, đi tản bộ
street vendor /striːt ˈvendə(r)/ n phr người bán hàng rong
worn-out /ˌwɔːn ˈaʊt/ adj sờn, cũ hỏng
bypass /ˈbaɪpɑːs/ v đi lướt qua, bỏ qua
be blocked off /bi blɒkt ɒf/ phrase bị phong tỏa, bị chặn lại
blow off steam /bləʊ ɒf stiːm/ idiom giải tỏa căng thẳng, xả hơi
bustle /ˈbʌsl/ n sự nhộn nhịp, hối hả
easy-going vibe /ˈiːzi ˈɡəʊɪŋ vaɪb/ n phr bầu không khí thư thái, dễ chịu
porcelain /ˈpɔːsəlɪn/ n đồ sứ
stroll /strəʊl/ v đi dạo, đi tản bộ
take sth by storm /teɪk ˈsʌmθɪŋ baɪ stɔːm/ idiom gây sốt, làm mưa làm gió
be a blast /bi ə blɑːst/ phrase rất vui, một trải nghiệm tuyệt vời

Idioms

  • take Sb/ St by storm: khuynh đảo ai/ cái gì, làm mưa làm gió

The blockbuster “Avengers: Endgame” has taken the world by storm.  

Describe a shop/store you enjoy visiting

  • What the shop's name is
  • Where it is
  • How often you visit it

And explain why you like to visit it

Introduction
  • The shop: A local independent bookstore called "The Reading Corner."
  • Where it is: Tucked away in a quiet alley in the city center.
  • Significance: It is my personal sanctuary where I can escape the digital noise and reconnect with the physical world of literature.
Story
  • How often I visit: I make it a point to drop by at least once every two weeks, usually on a Saturday afternoon.
  • The atmosphere: Unlike giant commercial bookstores, this place has a cozy, rustic charm with wooden shelves reaching the ceiling and the faint scent of old paper and coffee.
  • What I do there: I spend hours browsing through the "Classic Literature" section, often discovering hidden gems that aren't available in mainstream shops.
Opinion
  • Why I like to visit it: It offers a tactile experience that online shopping can't replicate. The staff are incredibly knowledgeable and always provide personalized recommendations based on my tastes.
  • Conclusion: Visiting this shop is a form of self-care for me. It’s not just about buying a book; it’s about the tranquility and the sense of community it provides.

Sample Answer

While most people nowadays prefer the convenience of e-commerce, I am still quite partial to a small, independent bookstore in the heart of the city called "The Reading Corner."

I’ve been a regular customer there for about two years, visiting bi-weekly to see what’s new on their shelves. The shop is located in a narrow, leafy alleyway, which immediately makes it feel like a hidden oasis away from the chaotic traffic of the city.

The moment you step inside, you’re greeted by the comforting aroma of roasted coffee and aged parchment. What I find most appealing is the curated nature of their collection. Instead of just stacking bestsellers, the owners take pride in stocking niche titles and beautifully bound classics. As someone who appreciates literature, being able to physically handle a book and flip through its pages is an irreplaceable feeling.

I enjoy visiting this place because it has a very unpretentious and welcoming vibe. The owner knows my name and my preference for classic novels, and we often strike up a conversation about recent releases. In an era where everything is automated, this level of human connection is truly refreshing.

Ultimately, this shop is more than just a retail space to me; it's a place where time seems to slow down. It allows me to unplug from my professional responsibilities in digital education and simply lose myself in a good story.

sanctuary /ˈsæŋktʃuəri/ n nơi trú ẩn, nơi tôn nghiêm và yên tĩnh
tactile /ˈtæktaɪl/ adj thuộc về xúc giác (cảm giác khi chạm vào)
tranquility /trænˈkwɪləti/ n sự bình yên, tĩnh lặng
partial to /ˈpɑːʃl tuː/ idiom thích cái gì đó (hơn những cái khác)
hidden oasis /ˈhɪdn əʊˈeɪsɪs/ n phr một ốc đảo ẩn mình (nơi yên bình)
curated /kjʊəˈreɪtɪd/ adj được chọn lọc kỹ lưỡng bởi chuyên gia
irreplaceable /ˌɪrɪˈpleɪsəbl/ adj không thể thay thế được
unpretentious /ˌʌnprɪˈtenʃəs/ adj khiêm tốn, không phô trương, tự nhiên
unplug /ˌʌnˈplʌɡ/ v rút phích cắm (nghĩa bóng: tạm rời xa áp lực/thiết bị)

Describe a new shop that recently opened in your city/area

You should say:

  • where it is
  • what it sells
  • whether you think it will be successful

And explain if you would shop there or not

Outline

Introduction

Một công viên mà tôi rất thích đến là công viên Hồ Hoàn Kiếm ở Hà Nội. Đây là một nơi đẹp và yên bình ngay giữa trung tâm thành phố.

Story
  • Tôi thường đến đây vào sáng sớm hoặc chiều muộn, đi một mình hoặc cùng gia đình.
  • Công viên bao quanh một hồ nước lịch sử, có nhiều cây xanh, hoa cỏ rực rỡ và lối đi bộ.
  • Mọi người đến đây để chạy bộ, tập thái cực quyền hoặc thư giãn bên hồ.
  • Không khí trong lành, yên tĩnh với tiếng chim hót và gió mát từ hồ.
  • Có cả nghệ sĩ đường phố và các quầy hàng nhỏ, tạo nên một không gian sống động.
Opinion

Đây là nơi tuyệt vời để thư giãn, tập thể dục. Mọi thành phố nên có công viên như vậy.

Sample

(Introduction) A new shop that recently opened in my city is "EcoMart," a small eco-friendly grocery store located in the city center.

(Story) It sells organic food, reusable household items, and environmentally friendly products. The shop has a minimalist design with a warm and welcoming atmosphere. I think it has a good chance of success because more people are becoming conscious of sustainability. However, its success will depend on pricing since eco-friendly products can be expensive. Personally, I would shop there occasionally, especially for organic snacks and reusable items.

(Opinion) I believe it's a great addition to the city, promoting sustainable living. More shops like this should be encouraged to help protect the environment.

eco-friendly /ˈiːkəʊ ˈfrendli/ adj thân thiện với môi trường
organic food /ɔːˈɡænɪk fuːd/ n phr thực phẩm hữu cơ
reusable /ˌriːˈjuːzəbl/ adj có thể tái sử dụng
environmentally friendly /ɪnˌvaɪrənˈmentəli ˈfrendli/ adj phr thân thiện với môi trường
minimalist design /ˈmɪnɪməlɪst dɪˈzaɪn/ n phr thiết kế tối giản
warm and welcoming atmosphere /wɔːm ænd ˈwelkəmɪŋ ˈætməsfɪə(r)/ n phr không gian ấm áp và thân thiện
conscious of sustainability /ˈkɒnʃəs əv səˌsteɪnəˈbɪləti/ adj phr có ý thức về tính bền vững
pricing /ˈpraɪsɪŋ/ n giá cả, chính sách giá
organic snacks /ɔːˈɡænɪk snæks/ n phr đồ ăn vặt hữu cơ
sustainable living /səˈsteɪnəbl ˈlɪvɪŋ/ n phr lối sống bền vững
protect the environment /prəˈtekt ði ɪnˈvaɪrənmənt/ phrase bảo vệ môi trường

Speaking Part 3 Sample

Shopping online and in-store

What are the differences between shopping online and in-store?

In my view, the fundamental difference between digital and physical commerce is the trade-off between unparalleled convenience and sensory gratification. Online platforms are engineered to optimize the consumer’s time, allowing for instantaneous price comparisons and access to a global inventory. Conversely, in-store shopping provides an immediate tactile experience that algorithms cannot replicate. For instance, while purchasing a standardized household appliance is more efficient online, buying high-end apparel often necessitates a physical visit to assess the garment's fit and texture. Ultimately, while e-commerce caters to our need for efficiency, brick-and-mortar establishments fulfill our desire for a tangible shopping experience.

sensory gratification /ˈsensəri ˌɡrætɪfɪˈkeɪʃn/ n phr sự hài lòng về mặt cảm giác
tactile feedback /ˈtæktaɪl ˈfiːdbæk/ n phr phản hồi thông qua tiếp xúc, chạm nắm
brick-and-mortar stores /ˌbrɪk n ˈmɔːtə(r) stɔːz/ n phr cửa hàng vật lý (truyền thống)

2. What are the differences in the shopping habits of different age groups?

Consumer behavior is significantly polarized across generations, primarily due to varying levels of digital literacy and shifting financial priorities. Younger demographics, such as Gen Z, are 'digital natives' who prioritize speed and are highly influenced by social media trends. On the other hand, older consumers tend to place a higher premium on brand loyalty and the reliability of face-to-face service. For example, a young adult is likely to purchase a viral skincare product via a social commerce app, while a senior might prefer the personalized rapport found at a local boutique. Consequently, this necessitates a segmented marketing approach to effectively capture the attention of these diverse age groups.

digital literacy /ˈdɪdʒɪtl ˈlɪtərəsi/ n phr sự thành thạo công nghệ số
digital natives /ˈdɪdʒɪtl ˈneɪtɪvz/ n phr những người sinh ra trong thời đại công nghệ
personalized rapport /ˈpɜːsənəlaɪzd ræˈpɔː(r)/ n phr mối quan hệ/sự tương tác cá nhân thân thiết

3. What are the differences between shopping in street markets and big shopping malls?

Choosing between a street market and a mega-mall is essentially a choice between cultural authenticity and standardized luxury. Street markets are often the heartbeat of a community, offering a vibrant atmosphere where the age-old tradition of haggling is still alive. In contrast, shopping malls provide a curated, climate-controlled environment that prioritizes comfort and brand consistency. For instance, while a trip to a local bazaar allows for a unique sensory journey and bargaining for fresh goods, a mall offers the convenience of a 'one-stop-shop' with global retail chains. Ultimately, street markets are vital for cultural preservation, while malls cater to the demands of a modern, fast-paced lifestyle.

cultural authenticity /ˈkʌltʃərəl ˌɔːθenˈtɪsəti/ n phr sự nguyên bản/chân thực về văn hóa
haggling / bargaining /ˈhæɡlɪŋ / ˈbɑːɡənɪŋ/ n việc mặc cả, trả giá
one-stop-shop /wʌn stɒp ʃɒp/ n phr điểm đến tất cả trong một

4. Do you think shops and shopping malls will disappear in the future?

I don't believe that physical retail spaces will face extinction; instead, they are poised to undergo a radical functional evolution. While the transactional side of shopping is increasingly moving online, humans remain social beings who crave communal experiences and physical engagement. For example, we are already seeing traditional department stores being repurposed into 'lifestyle hubs' that integrate entertainment, gastronomy, and art. Consequently, physical shops will likely survive not as mere distribution points, but as immersive destinations where consumers go to experience a brand’s story rather than just purchase its products.

functional evolution /ˈfʌŋkʃənl ˌiːvəˈluːʃn/ n phr sự tiến hóa về mặt chức năng
gastronomy /ɡæˈstrɒnəmi/ n ẩm thực (nghĩa rộng, mang tính nghệ thuật)
immersive destinations /ɪˈmɜːsɪv ˌdestɪˈneɪʃnz/ n phr điểm đến mang tính trải nghiệm đắm chìm

5. How have people’s shopping habits changed in recent decades?

In recent decades, we have witnessed a definitive transition from utilitarian, planned shopping to an 'always-on' digital consumption model. The global proliferation of smartphones has effectively dismantled geographical barriers, turning the entire world into a virtual marketplace. For instance, whereas shopping used to be a deliberate weekend excursion to a high street, it is now a seamless part of our daily digital lives, often occurring through 'impulse clicks' on social media. While this has undoubtedly fueled global consumerism, it has also empowered individuals with the ability to research products extensively, resulting in a much more discerning and demanding consumer base.

utilitarian shopping /ˌjuːtɪlɪˈteəriən ˈʃɒpɪŋ/ n phr mua sắm vì nhu cầu thiết yếu
dismantled geographical barriers /dɪsˈmæntld ˌdʒiːəˈɡræfɪkl ˈbæriəz/ phrase phá bỏ rào cản địa lý
discerning consumer /dɪˈsɜːnɪŋ kənˈsjuːmə(r)/ n phr người tiêu dùng thông thái, khắt khe

6. Do people in your country go to the shopping mall frequently?

In my country, visiting a shopping mall is a deeply ingrained social ritual, as these spaces act as multi-purpose communal hubs. Given our often sweltering tropical climate, air-conditioned malls provide a much-needed sanctuary for leisure and social interaction. For example, it is incredibly common for families to spend their entire Sunday within a mall’s premises, transitioning from a mid-day meal to a cinema screening or a children’s play area. Consequently, malls have become an essential part of our urban social fabric, functioning as the modern equivalent of the traditional town square.

communal hubs /kəˈmjuːnl hʌbz/ n phr trung tâm cộng đồng
sweltering climate /ˈsweltərɪŋ ˈklaɪmət/ n phr khí hậu nóng bức, ngột ngạt
urban social fabric /ˈɜːbən ˈsəʊʃl ˈfæbrɪk/ n phr cấu trúc, mạng lưới xã hội đô thị

Kinds of shops

1.What kinds of shops are popular in your city?

Convenience stores and cafés are very popular because they suit busy lifestyles. Many people grab quick snacks from 7-Eleven or relax in coffee shops like Starbucks. As a result, these businesses continue to expand rapidly.

convenience stores /kənˈviːniəns stɔːz/ n phr cửa hàng tiện lợi
busy lifestyles /ˈbɪzi ˈlaɪfstaɪlz/ n phr lối sống bận rộn
quick snacks /kwɪk snæks/ n phr đồ ăn nhanh
coffee shops /ˈkɒfi ʃɒps/ n phr quán cà phê
expand rapidly /ɪkˈspænd ˈræpɪdli/ phrase mở rộng nhanh chóng

2.Why do young people enjoy going to some boutiques?

Young people love boutiques because they offer unique and trendy fashion. Many enjoy wearing limited-edition items to express their individuality. This makes them feel more confident and stylish.

boutiques /buːˈtiːks/ n cửa hàng thời trang nhỏ
unique and trendy fashion /juːˈniːk ænd ˈtrendi ˈfæʃn/ n phr thời trang độc đáo và hợp xu hướng
limited-edition items /ˈlɪmɪtɪd ɪˈdɪʃn ˈaɪtəmz/ n phr sản phẩm phiên bản giới hạn
express their individuality /ɪkˈspres ðeə(r) ˌɪndɪˌvɪdʒuˈæləti/ phrase thể hiện cá tính
confident and stylish /ˈkɒnfɪdənt ænd ˈstaɪlɪʃ/ adj phr tự tin và phong cách

3.Do you think location is the key factor that attracts customers?

Location is important, but other factors like price and quality matter too. Some hidden cafés with great service and atmosphere still attract many customers. Businesses need a balance between visibility and quality to succeed.

location /ləʊˈkeɪʃn/ n vị trí
price /praɪs/ n giá cả
quality /ˈkwɒləti/ n chất lượng
hidden cafés /ˈhɪdn ˈkæfeɪz/ n phr quán cà phê ẩn mình
great service /ɡreɪt ˈsɜːvɪs/ n phr dịch vụ tốt
balance between visibility and quality /ˈbæləns bɪˈtwiːn ˌvɪzəˈbɪləti ænd ˈkwɒləti/ n phr sự cân bằng giữa sự nổi bật và chất lượng

4.What is the difference between a small shop and a large shop?

Small shops focus on unique, high-quality products, while large shops offer variety and lower prices. For example, a local bakery may provide better handmade bread than a supermarket. Customers choose based on their shopping needs.

small shops /smɔːl ʃɒps/ n phr cửa hàng nhỏ
unique, high-quality products /juːˈniːk haɪ ˈkwɒləti ˈprɒdʌkts/ n phr sản phẩm độc đáo, chất lượng cao
large shops /lɑːdʒ ʃɒps/ n phr cửa hàng lớn
variety /vəˈraɪəti/ n sự đa dạng
lower prices /ˈləʊə(r) ˈpraɪsɪz/ n phr giá cả thấp hơn
local bakery /ˈləʊkl ˈbeɪkəri/ n phr tiệm bánh địa phương
handmade bread /ˌhændˈmeɪd bred/ n phr bánh mì thủ công
supermarket /ˈsuːpəmɑːkɪt/ n siêu thị
shopping needs /ˈʃɒpɪŋ niːdz/ n phr nhu cầu mua sắm

5.How important are price and quality in influencing consumer behavior?

Both price and quality are crucial, depending on the buyer. Some prefer affordable options, while others value premium quality. Luxury brands like Gucci thrive despite high prices, while fast fashion attracts budget-conscious shoppers.

affordable options /əˈfɔːdəbl ˈɒpʃnz/ n phr lựa chọn hợp túi tiền
premium quality /ˈpriːmiəm ˈkwɒləti/ n phr chất lượng cao cấp
luxury brands /ˈlʌkʃəri brændz/ n phr thương hiệu cao cấp
fast fashion /fɑːst ˈfæʃn/ n phr thời trang nhanh
budget-conscious shoppers /ˈbʌdʒɪt ˈkɒnʃəs ˈʃɒpəz/ n phr người tiêu dùng tiết kiệm
cheap fashion /tʃiːp ˈfæʃn/ n phr thời trang giá rẻ
trendy /ˈtrendi/ adj hợp xu hướng
budget-friendly /ˈbʌdʒɪt ˈfrendli/ adj phù hợp túi tiền

6.Why is cheap fashion so popular?

Cheap fashion is trendy and budget-friendly, making it accessible to many. Brands like H&M and Zara quickly produce stylish clothes at low prices. However, this leads to environmental problems due to excessive waste.

accessible /əkˈsesəbl/ adj dễ tiếp cận
stylish clothes /ˈstaɪlɪʃ kləʊðz/ n phr quần áo thời trang
low prices /ləʊ ˈpraɪsɪz/ n phr giá rẻ
environmental problems /ɪnˌvaɪrənˈmentl ˈprɒbləmz/ n phr vấn đề môi trường
excessive waste /ɪkˈsesɪv weɪst/ n phr rác thải quá mức

Shopping online

What kinds of things do people in your country often buy from online shops?

Anything and everything! America is the land of consumerism and everything being available online has made it so much easier to get whatever you need with a simple click. You can buy anything from groceries, to clothes to an inflatable t-rex costume. The question isn’t so much what can you get online, but what can’t you get at this point. I personally know people who find that shopping online, despite the risks of disappointment, is still a much better option than having to fight the hordes of people at a brick and mortar place when there’s a sale or a holiday.

consumerism /kənˈsjuːmərɪzəm/ n chủ nghĩa tiêu dùng
brick and mortar /ˌbrɪk ən ˈmɔːtə(r)/ adj phr thật, có cửa hàng/trụ sở thực tế
hordes of people /hɔːdz əv ˈpiːpl/ n phr đám đông người, các tốp người đông đúc

Why has online shopping become so popular in many countries?

In a nutshell, you can find exactly what you need. When you shop online you have more options to choose from, not only that but also the number of distributors increases exponentially, you can buy from someone in you city, somewhere else in your country and even from someone halfway around the world. You can also do it whenever you want, there’s no need to wait for a store to be open. And finally it becomes a lot easier to compare prices between different places, so you’re sure to find the best bargain for your buck if you search long enough.

in a nutshell /ɪn ə ˈnʌtʃel/ idiom tóm lại, nói một cách ngắn gọn
exponentially /ˌekspəˈnenʃəli/ adv theo cấp số nhân, tăng nhanh chóng
best bargain for your buck /best ˈbɑːɡən fə(r) jɔː(r) bʌk/ idiom giá trị xứng đáng nhất với số tiền bỏ ra

What are some possible disadvantages of buying things from online shops?

Well unfortunately there are disadvantage to shopping online, particularly when shopping for clothes I would say. It’s a bit of a gamble when you order clothes online, sizes are not standard around the world and sometimes brands will even have different measurements from one style to the next. You could also find yourself with a product that does not look at all like what you were expecting. There’s also the matter of shipping, your package takes longer to arrive than it would take by just going to the store or it could get lost after being shipped.

a bit of a gamble /ə bɪt əv ə ˈɡæmbl/ n phr có một chút hên xui, may rủi
standard /ˈstændəd/ adj chuẩn mực, quy chuẩn
find oneself with sth /faɪnd wʌnˈself wɪð ˈsʌmθɪŋ/ phrase rơi vào cảnh sở hữu / nhận phải thứ gì (ngoài dự tính)

Online retail businesses

Do you agree that the prices of all goods should be lower on internet shopping sites than in shops?

I think the cost of selling online should be considerably lower than having a physical store so logic would tell you that the prices should reflect that. Just think about it, there’s less salaries, no rent, you can even use a third party to sell your products for you focusing your involvement in the production line to manufacture. That’s what many an entrepreneur or small business owner has discovered by joining sales sites like Amazon.

third party /ˌθɜːd ˈpɑːti/ n phr bên thứ ba
production line /prəˈdʌkʃn laɪn/ n phr dây chuyền sản xuất
entrepreneur /ˌɒntrəprəˈnɜː(r)/ n nhà khởi nghiệp, doanh nhân

Will large shopping malls continue to be popular, despite the growth of internet shopping?

Shopping malls have seen hard times since the advent of online retailing, but this should not be taken as a death sentence, it should rather be an opportunity to evolve. Malls should look into integrating themselves back into the life of cities, provide attractive features or events where people feel the need to check it out. Or they could also focus more on the family approach, for example, build interactive playgrounds for children where parents can provide entertainment for their kids while they browse the shops.

advent /ˈædvent/ n sự ra đời, sự xuất hiện
death sentence /ˈdeθ sentəns/ n phr bản án tử hình (ngụ ý sự kết thúc, sụp đổ)
integrate /ˈɪntɪɡreɪt/ v tích hợp, hòa nhập vào

Do you think that some businesses (e.g. banks and travel agents) will only operate online in the future?

I think it might not be something that will happen overnight, but there are already several businesses that have switched to an entirely digital platform. There are services that work as an entirely online bank account with all the conveniences of your traditional banking experience. It’s not an entirely popular idea yet, as people still are hesitant when doing business online, but there are already so many services being rendered entirely online that I see it as a very possible direction for commerce to take.

happen overnight /ˈhæpən ˌəʊvəˈnaɪt/ phrase xảy ra chỉ sau một đêm, diễn ra nhanh chóng
hesitant /ˈhezɪtənt/ adj do dự, e ngại
render /ˈrendə(r)/ v cung cấp (dịch vụ), làm cho, khiến cho

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