Speaking EOI C1& C2: Money & Consumerism
- WEBCI Online English material
- 5 days ago
- 6 min read
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🎙️ EOI C1–C2 Monologue – Money & Consumerism
🧾 Instructions (EOI Oral Exam Style)
You are going to talk about Money & Consumerism, including the following subtopics:
Spending money on travel
Spending money on clothing
Spending money on restaurants and dining out
Spending money on technology
You have 1–2 minutes to prepare and then 4–5 minutes to speak.Use advanced vocabulary, idioms, and phrasal verbs naturally.
🗣️ Monologue
Money plays a central role in modern life, and consumerism shapes not only our spending habits but also our priorities. Take money for travels, for instance. Many people consider travel an essential part of life, a way to broaden horizons and escape the daily grind. Spending on experiences rather than material goods is often seen as more rewarding in the long run. People go the extra mile to save for vacations, understanding that memories created abroad bring more satisfaction than a fleeting purchase.
Then there’s money spent on clothing. Fashion is not only about utility but also about status and self-expression. Some individuals are willing to fork out substantial sums for designer brands, while others prefer cutting back on trends and sticking to timeless pieces. The influence of social media has intensified this, as people often feel pressured to keep up with the latest styles.
Dining out is another major area of consumer spending. Restaurants, cafes, and food delivery services are booming industries, as people seek convenience and novelty. For many, spending on meals is a way to treat oneself, socialize, and explore new cultures. However, overspending on eating out can quickly add up, potentially reducing the funds available for other priorities like savings or travel.
Finally, money for technology has become nearly indispensable. Smartphones, laptops, tablets, and smart home devices are no longer luxuries but essential tools for work, study, and leisure. Consumers often upgrade constantly, feeling the need to keep up with technological advancements. While investing in technology can pay off in efficiency and connectivity, it also encourages a cycle of spending, especially when products are marketed as outdated after only a year.
In conclusion, how we spend our money reflects our values, habits, and social pressures. Whether on travel, clothing, dining, or technology, spending wisely and avoiding unnecessary debt is key. At the end of the day, consumerism can enhance our lives, but only if we strike a balance between enjoyment and financial responsibility.
📚 Resources Used
🔹 Advanced Vocabulary
Broaden horizons – expand knowledge or experience.
Escape the daily grind – take a break from routine work or life.
Status and self-expression – demonstrating personal style or position.
Pay off – have positive results or benefits.
Overspending – spending more money than necessary.
Financial responsibility – managing money wisely.
Consumerism – the preoccupation with purchasing goods.
Cycle of spending – repetitive purchasing behavior.
🔹 Idioms
Go the extra mile – make extra effort.
Fork out – pay a large sum, often reluctantly.
Cut back on – reduce consumption or spending.
Keep up with – stay updated with trends or developments.
Add up – accumulate to a significant total.
At the end of the day – when all is considered.
Treat oneself – spend on something enjoyable for personal satisfaction.
🔹 Phrasal Verbs
Bring about – cause something to happen.
Strike a balance – find a compromise between two things.
Add up – accumulate over time.
Cut back on – reduce consumption.
Keep up with – stay current.
Fork out – pay money.
💡 EOI Exam Tips
✅ Start with a general statement: “In modern society, consumerism plays a major role in our daily lives…”✅ Use personal examples: “Personally, I prioritize spending on travel over clothing…”✅ Include contrastive language: “On the one hand… On the other hand…”✅ End with a reflective conclusion: “Consumerism can enhance life, but only if we spend responsibly.”
.🎭 EOI C1–C2 Dialogue – Money & Consumerism
🧾 Context:
Two participants are discussing how they prioritize spending money.Role A: Prefers spending on experiences like travel and dining.Role B: Prefers spending on material goods like clothing and technology.
💬 Dialogue
Role A:Personally, I think money is best spent on experiences rather than possessions. For example, travel broadens horizons and allows people to escape the daily grind. You create memories and stories that last a lifetime, unlike a gadget that may become obsolete in a year. I often go the extra mile to save for trips, knowing that these experiences bring more satisfaction than a fleeting purchase.
Role B:I see your point, but material goods are equally important. Technology keeps us connected and productive. Upgrading my phone or laptop may seem expensive, but it pays off in efficiency and convenience. Similarly, clothing allows self-expression and can boost confidence. Sometimes, I’m willing to fork out extra for designer brands because it’s part of how I present myself.
Role A:I agree technology is useful, but constantly keeping up with trends can create a cycle of spending that never ends. With travel, at least you gain memories, cultural exposure, and sometimes even personal growth. For me, money spent on restaurants and dining out also counts as an experience. Sharing meals with friends and family adds up to more meaningful moments than a new pair of shoes.
Role B:Dining out is nice, but it’s temporary. You can’t wear a memory, but you can wear a stylish jacket or use a high-end gadget every day. Plus, these items cut across practicality and style. A good laptop, for instance, isn’t just a luxury — it’s a tool for work and education. Unlike travel, which is a one-time expense, a well-chosen piece of technology keeps on giving.
Role A:True, but experiences enrich life in ways objects can’t. A memorable trip, a unique dining experience, or learning to cook in a different country shapes perspective. Spending money on experiences can also go a long way in strengthening relationships. You can’t quantify the emotional return of traveling with friends or family.
Role B:That’s fair, but consumerism is also about personal comfort and identity. Wearing clothes that fit well or having gadgets that make life easier can boost self-esteem and increase productivity. For some people, keeping up with trends or technology is motivating. Plus, spending on material goods can be a form of self-reward.
Role A:I suppose it comes down to priorities. I prefer investing in memories, while you prefer investing in possessions. However, I think a balance is ideal. For example, I might save for a trip but also fork out for a reliable laptop. That way, I get the best of both worlds.
Role B:Exactly! Consumerism doesn’t have to be all-or-nothing. Striking a balance between experiences and possessions allows you to enjoy life while also staying functional and stylish. At the end of the day, the key is spending wisely and avoiding unnecessary debt, regardless of whether the money goes on travels, dining, clothing, or technology.
Role A:Agreed. Money should enhance life, not just be spent for the sake of it. Whether through memories or practical purchases, what matters is the value and satisfaction it brings.
Role B:And ultimately, both approaches can coexist harmoniously. You gain experiences that enrich the soul, and I gain tools and clothing that improve daily life. Going the extra mile in both spending and saving is what makes consumerism meaningful.
🎓 Useful Language & Resources
🔹 Advanced Vocabulary
Broaden horizons – expand knowledge or experience.
Escape the daily grind – take a break from routine.
Pay off – have positive results or benefits.
Cycle of spending – repetitive purchasing behavior.
Financial responsibility – managing money wisely.
Status and self-expression – demonstrating personal style or position.
Striking a balance – finding a compromise.
Enrich life – make life more rewarding or meaningful.
🔹 Idioms
Go the extra mile – make extra effort.
Fork out – pay a large sum, often reluctantly.
Cut back on – reduce consumption or spending.
Keep up with – stay updated with trends or developments.
Add up – accumulate to a significant total.
At the end of the day – when everything is considered.
Treat oneself – spend on something enjoyable.
🔹 Phrasal Verbs
Bring about – cause something to happen.
Strike a balance – find a compromise between two things.
Add up – accumulate over time.
Cut back on – reduce consumption.
Keep up with – stay current.
Fork out – pay money.
Go the extra mile – make an extra effort.
💡 EOI Exam Tips
✅ Start with a general statement: “In modern society, money and consumerism heavily influence our lifestyle…”✅ Use personal examples: “I prefer spending on experiences rather than possessions…”✅ Include contrastive language: “On the one hand… On the other hand…”✅ End with a reflective conclusion: “Consumerism can enhance life, but only if spending is balanced and responsible.”
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