Question: Why do people buy things they don't need?

Analysis

When answering this question, you can talk about psychological reasons, such as impulse buying, emotional shopping, or being influenced by advertising and social media. Sometimes people buy things they don’t need because they want to feel happy or to keep up with trends. You can also mention that discounts and promotions can encourage people to make unnecessary purchases. Giving examples, like buying clothes just because they’re on sale, can make your answer more relatable.

Synonyms

Try these synonyms instead of repeating the question:
  1. buy→purchase
  2. things they don't need→unnecessary items
Question: Why do people buy things they don't need?

Idea 1

Influence of Advertising
  1. Advertisements make products look attractive and necessary
  2. Social media influencers encourage people to buy trendy items
  3. Sales and promotions create a sense of urgency to buy

Idea 2

Emotional Reasons
  1. Shopping can be a way to relieve stress or boredom
  2. People buy things to reward themselves or feel happier
  3. Some people shop to boost their self-esteem

Idea 3

Peer Pressure and Social Trends
  1. Wanting to fit in with friends or colleagues
  2. Buying the latest gadgets or fashion to keep up with trends
  3. Seeing others with new things makes people want them too

Idea 4

Convenience and Impulse Buying
  1. Online shopping makes it easy to buy things quickly
  2. People often buy things on impulse without thinking
  3. Free shipping or discounts encourage unnecessary purchases
Question: Why do people buy things they don't need?

Related Vocabulary

  1. advertising
  2. sale
  3. discount
  4. impulse
  5. trend
  6. peer pressure
  7. shopping
  8. bargain
  9. brand
  10. consumer
  11. temptation
  12. regret

Authentic Idioms

Try these idioms to get 7+ in IELTS Speaking:
  1. shop till you drop: to shop for a long time, often buying a lot
  2. to burn a hole in your pocket: money that you want to spend quickly
Band 7 Answer →