Speaking practice: answer out loud for one minute
Are you a saver or a spender?
1:00
12 conversation questions about money and spending
- 1Are you a saver or a spender?
- 2What is something you think is worth spending money on?
- 3What do people waste money on?
- 4Should schools teach children how to manage money?
- 5Do you prefer paying by card or cash?
- 6Is it a good idea to lend money to friends?
- 7Does money make people happy?
- 8How have prices changed where you live?
- 9Would you rather have a high salary or a job you love?
- 10What is the best financial advice you've ever received?
- 11Is it better to buy or rent a home?
- 12Do you think cash will disappear?
Useful phrases
- I'd describe myself as...
- I don't mind splashing out on...
- It's a waste of money.
- I try to put some money aside every month.
- Money can't buy..., but...
- In the long term, it makes more sense to...
- It's not worth it.
- The cost of living has gone up a lot.
Key vocabulary
- budget
- a plan for how to spend money
- splash out
- spend a lot of money on something you enjoy
- save up
- keep money to buy something later
- cost of living
- the money needed for basic needs like food and rent
- impulse buy
- something bought suddenly without planning
- value for money
- worth the price you pay
Sample answer
Are you a saver or a spender?
I'd describe myself as a careful spender rather than a big saver. I try to put a little aside every month, but I don't mind splashing out on experiences, like travel or a good concert. What I avoid is impulse buying online. I've learned that most things I buy on a whim end up sitting in a drawer.
Practise "Money and spending" with a real partner
Questions are easier to remember once you've answered them out loud. Start a live 1-on-1 video call and use this topic to get the conversation going.
Practise this topic liveHow to practise this topic
- Answer each question in at least two or three sentences.
- Try to use two of the useful phrases and one new word in every answer.
- With a partner, ask a follow-up question like "Why?" or "Can you give an example?"
- Alone, record your one-minute answer and listen back for one thing to improve.