IELTS Speaking Part 1

IELTS Speaking Part 1: Money questions and answers

IELTS Speaking Part 1 questions are short and personal: the examiner asks three to five on two or three everyday topics in the first four to five minutes. These are the 8 questions about money in the BandLadder test bank, with Band 8 sample answers for the most frequent ones and useful vocabulary. Aim for two or three sentences each: answer, reason, one detail.
  • 8 questions
  • 6 Band 8 answers
  • 4 to 5 minutes

6 answers

Money questions with sample answers

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Pick any question below and answer it out loud in about 20 to 30 seconds, then compare with its Band 8 answer.

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1

When you go shopping, do you prefer to pay for things in cash or by card?

I almost exclusively use my contactless card because it is far more convenient than carrying around physical notes. I rarely keep cash in my wallet these days, as digital payments are accepted in virtually every shop and café in my neighbourhood.

2

Do you ever save money to buy special things?

Yes, I am quite a disciplined saver when I have a specific goal in mind. Recently, I set aside a portion of my salary each month for six months to purchase a high-end camera, which made the final acquisition feel much more rewarding.

3

Would you ever take a job which had low pay?

That depends entirely on the nature of the role and whether it aligns with my personal passions. If a position offered significant opportunities for professional development or allowed me to contribute to a meaningful cause, I would certainly consider it, even if the financial compensation were modest.

4

Would winning a lot of money make a big difference to your life?

It would undoubtedly provide a sense of financial security that is quite liberating. Having a substantial safety net would allow me to pursue creative projects without the constant pressure of making ends meet, though I like to think my core values would remain unchanged.

5

When you go shopping, do you usually pay for things by cash or by card?

Actually, I have shifted almost entirely to mobile payments using my phone. It is incredibly efficient, and I find it much easier to track my monthly expenditure through the banking app linked to my device, which helps me stay within my budget.

6

Are you generally careful about how much money you spend?

I try to be quite frugal, especially when it comes to non-essential items. I tend to avoid impulsive purchases by waiting a few days before buying anything expensive, which usually helps me decide if I truly need the item or just want it.

Details are invented. Use the shape, not the sentences: examiners mark memorised answers down.

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2 questions

More money questions to practise

  1. 1Have you ever spent money on something you didn't need?
  2. 2How important is it to you to save money for the future?

6 words

Useful vocabulary and tips

  • contactless

    a payment method using technology to tap and pay

  • disciplined

    showing a controlled form of behaviour or working hard

  • financial compensation

    the money someone receives as payment for their work

  • safety net

    money kept to protect against potential future financial problems

  • frugal

    being careful and economical with money or food

  • impulsive

    acting suddenly without thinking carefully about the consequences

  • →Use a range of adjectives to describe your financial habits clearly.
  • →Give a personal example to make your answer more engaging and natural.

Frequently asked questions

How many questions are in IELTS Speaking Part 1?+

Usually about ten to twelve, over four to five minutes: a few on your work, study or home, then three or four short questions on each of two everyday topics.

How long should a Part 1 answer be?+

Two or three sentences, about 15 to 20 seconds: a direct answer, a reason and one detail. One-word answers cost fluency marks, and long speeches eat into the examiner's time.

Keep practising

More Part 1 topics

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