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Shoes

Shoes

Sep-Dec 2025

Part 1 Questions

  1. Do you like buying shoes? How often?
  2. Have you ever bought shoes online?
  3. Which do you prefer, fashionable shoes or comfortable shoes?
  4. How much money do you usually spend on shoes?

Sample Response

Which do you prefer, fashionable shoes or comfortable shoes?

Honestly? I'm all about comfort these days. I mean, I used to care more about looking trendy when I was younger, but now... I'd rather be able to walk around Ho Chi Minh City without my feet killing me, you know? Though I do try to find shoes that look decent and are comfortable.

Essential Vocabulary

Shoe shopping habits

  • shoe shopping - buying footwear
  • retail therapy - shopping to feel better
  • window shopping - looking without buying
  • browse around - look at different options
  • impulse purchase - buy without planning
  • seasonal shopping - buy for specific weather
  • replacing worn-out pairs - buying new ones when old break
  • treat myself - buy something nice for yourself
  • shoe fanatic - person who loves shoes
  • practical shopper - buys only when needed
  • bargain hunter - looks for good deals
  • brand loyal - sticks to favorite brands

Online shopping experience

  • try before you buy - test in person first
  • sizing issues - problems with fit
  • return policy - rules for sending back
  • free shipping - no delivery cost
  • customer reviews - other buyers' opinions
  • virtual try-on - digital fitting tools
  • delivery hassles - shipping problems
  • authentic products - real, not fake
  • discount codes - special price offers
  • product photos - online pictures
  • brick-and-mortar stores - physical shops
  • online marketplace - digital shopping platform

Fashion vs comfort choices

  • style over substance - appearance more important than function
  • practical choice - sensible decision
  • all-day comfort - comfortable for long periods
  • arch support - foot structure help
  • fashion statement - expressing style
  • versatile footwear - works with many outfits
  • trendy designs - current popular styles
  • orthopedic shoes - medically designed for comfort
  • break in period - time to get comfortable
  • fashion victim - follows trends blindly
  • happy medium - balance between both
  • functional fashion - stylish and practical

Spending and budget

  • budget-conscious - careful with money
  • splurge on - spend a lot on something special
  • cost-effective - good value for money
  • investment pieces - expensive but long-lasting
  • affordable range - reasonable price level
  • break the bank - too expensive
  • good value - worth the price
  • designer prices - very expensive brands
  • sale hunting - looking for discounts
  • quality over quantity - fewer but better shoes
  • penny-pinching - being very careful with money
  • price point - cost level

Natural Spoken Phrases

  • "I'm more of a..." describing preference
  • "To be completely honest..." giving truthful opinion
  • "It really depends on..." conditional preference
  • "I've learned the hard way that..." from experience
  • "I can't justify spending..." explaining budget limits
  • "There's nothing worse than..." strong dislike
  • "I'm guilty of..." admitting behavior
  • "These days I tend to..." current habits
  • "I've come to realize..." learned over time
  • "It's all about finding the right balance..." compromise