IELTS Speaking Part 3: status symbols
In part 3 of the IELTS speaking test you should try to give longer answers with opinions, reasons, comparisons and examples. Here are some example questions and answers related to last week's part 2 topic:
In your country, what possessions show a higher status or position in society? (địa vị xã hội cao)
In my country, people who are wealthy tend to buy big houses and cars. Certain makes of car such as Mercedes or Ferrari are status symbols. They let other people know that you are important or powerful. People who want to give this impression often wear expensive designer clothes, or watches by brands (đồ hiệu) like Rolex.
Do you think we place too much importance on possessions?
Probably, yes. Some people are obsessed with (ám ảnh) showing off their new mobile phone or wearing the latest fashions. I think it's a problem for teenagers because there's a lot of peer pressure (áp lực muốn bắt chước bạn bè) to follow fashion or buy the latest gadget that their friends have got.
Do you think things were different 50 years ago?
Yes, maybe people were less materialistic (academic word). I think they bought things that lasted longer; my grandparents talk about how they repaired things rather than throwing them away. Maybe brands and advertising weren't as powerful as they are now.
