Perfume - IELTS Speaking Sample Answer

IELTS Speaking Part 1 gives a general topic on which you are expected to speak eloquently and cover the topic from various angles. There is no right or wrong answer. All you need to do is speak on the topic from your own experiences. In this IELTS speaking sample, candidates are asked several questions relating and relevant to the - Perfume. More such topics are available for candidates in the IELTS speaking practice paper.

Topic: Perfume

Question 1. Do you use perfume?

Answer: Perfume is one item that can define an individual in a unique way. Perfume metaphorically serves many purposes apart from the basic scent. I wear perfume on a regular basis whenever I’m stepping out of my house. There are various perfumes I use for various occasions. For instance, I have a regular workplace perfume whose odor is classy with a Lavender scent to give out a calm vibe which resonates with my workplace personality where I want to be seen as a professional who is calm and composed with everything under her control. For casual outdoor meetings, I prefer the oceanic smell which is light and breezy.

Important Vocabulary:

• Metaphorically: to mean something figuratively, not in a literal sense.
• Oceanic: to feel and smell of ocean and ocean water
• Resonates: to be able to relate to something on a personal level
• Lavender: it is a pale blue colored shrub from the mint family which is known for its smell

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Question 2. What kind of perfume do you like?

Answer: There are a few varieties of perfumes that I use regularly. I’ve handpicked them after careful examination of the scent and the vibe it gives out. There was a perfume by Guerlain which they made specially to celebrate the contemporary women - the perfume contained the smell of fresh Lavender with a tinge of vanilla. The perfume was really strong and soulful, indicative of powerful women of today’s generation. The fragrance was really distinctive and gave me certain confidence which made me feel great about myself. This has been my favorite perfume since the time my eye caught its sight.

Important Vocabulary:

• Handpicked: to choose something carefully to be used for a particular purpose
• Contemporary: relating to something happening in the present; modern
• Tinge: a hint of something
• Fragrance: a pleasant, sweet smell

Question 3. Do you usually wear perfume? Why? why not?

Answer: I usually do wear perfume and actually have a collection of several scents which I could get my hands on while exploring various places. I wear perfume predominantly to feel confident and have an agreeable body odor that is pleasant. One thing to remember about perfumes is just because it gives a pleasant unique smell, one shouldn’t overuse it or else the strong smell might buzz people away. It can also give people a terrible migraine and even cause allergic reactions, so one needs to be careful about how much one is applying. I do not apply more than 4 sprays peruse and that gives a pleasant smell that usually lasts for a few hours. I usually do not wear perfume when I’m visiting a doctor as there’s a high probability that my perfume can worsen the condition of an already sick patient and cause unwanted reactions.

Important Vocabulary:

• Predominantly: something which is considered to be the main thing
• Buzz: to make people go away from something or someone
• Migraine: a type of headache which is severe in nature

Question 4. Would you pay a lot for perfume?

Answer: For regular use, I do not want to spend an exorbitant amount on perfumes. Perfumes are seen as a luxury item by many which indicates their status but for a young professional woman like me, I use it because it particularly makes me feel good about myself, and not much about my status quo. So, I spend wisely on this item but there are a few expensive perfumes that I purchase from time to time. I usually apply such exquisite scents on grand occasions. I wouldn't mind paying a high price for a perfume once in a while.

Important Vocabulary:

• Exorbitant: to pay too much for an item; expensive
• Status quo: relating to a person’s current status in society.
• Exquisite: something which is extremely beautiful and different

Question 5. Do you give perfume as a gift?

Answer: Perfume is considered a very classy gift by most people. It’s a kind of gift which you can give someone on almost all kinds of occasions like birthdays, housewarming, anniversaries, office events and others. It's an easy pick while thinking of a gift but usually most people have specific taste when it comes to perfumes. Most people use a specific smell indicative of their personality and mostly the vibe varies from person to person. So, mostly when I’m picking up perfume to give someone, I either know the person close enough to know the perfumes they use or the smell they prefer, or I give a very exquisite pleasant smell which is considered a hidden gem. I avoid giving perfumes to people who I know have a history of allergy, as perfumes can cause intense reactions at times.

Important Vocabulary:

• Classy: something which is reflecting high standards and elegance
• Indicative: serving as a sign for something
• Intense: something caused to high degree; too much

Question 6. Have you received perfume as a gift?

Answer: Most people are aware that I love perfume. So, I frequently receive perfumes as gifts on many occasions. My close friends usually know my preference and give it to me accordingly. I love receiving perfumes from my close associates but there are many others who just pick up any perfume when they are buying it as a gift. These perfumes are mostly those that I don’t use and I hate to pass them on to others as I know I will leave the same impression. I urge people to put some thought while giving perfume to someone and it would be best to not give it if one is unsure about the smell the other would prefer.

Important Vocabulary:

• Preference: something which is more desirable
• Impression: an idea or opinion about something or someone