IELTS Speaking Part 3 Masterclass

In today's world, shopping has become a form of leisure. It may seem odd to those who are thrifty why spending money makes some people happy, but it seems there are explanations for this phenomenon. One is that shopping gives people control. Many things in life are beyond our control, making us sad, confused, or angry. But when people decide to purchase something, there is that moment of control—at least for a little while. Another reason is that shopping becomes a reward. When people are down or stressed, they often look for something to cheer them up. Thus, buying something new is enough to bring some joy to a person's day.

Fortunately, for those who enjoy such retail therapy, there are many shopping options. Many visit stores where they can see products firsthand and try them out. Large department stores are convenient as they generally have all that a person needs. Smaller boutiques, however, specialize in particular products. A perfume store, for example, may sell brands that are not in the bigger department stores.

Online shopping is another way to get what you need. Many people claim that ordering online is cheaper and hassle-free since you do not have to endure the traffic and the crowds. However, not everybody trusts online shopping. One difficulty is that you only see the items on the screen, so it becomes a guessing game regarding fit, texture, and quality. Another problem is that if you receive the wrong item or the wrong size, it becomes a hassle to request a replacement. Sometimes the cost of returning the item is more than the item itself. Finally, some online sites are a front for scammers who steal credit card details or receive customers' money but do not send any products.

Now all of this buying and selling does not just happen for no reason. Originally, consumerism was an economic theory that said it was good for society to increase its consumption of services and products. People would be happy, and the economy would grow. Thus, consumerism was encouraged in many places. But now, consumerism has a negative connotation. It paints a picture of a society that excessively buys and sells, creating much waste and providing temporary happiness. In a consumerist society, people may regularly desire something new for the sake of its newness, not because it adds value to their life. Naturally, this means many still-useful items are discarded, leading to more garbage in the landfills and wasted money. Thankfully, many people have become aware of the marketing techniques of corporations and are seeking ways to educate the public on proper spending.