4a. Buy it!

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DISCUSS

Do you think shopping is a chore or a fun activity? Why?

I think shopping can be a fun activity when I am looking for clothes, books or gadgets with my friends, because it is entertaining and helps us relax. However, buying everyday groceries or household items can sometimes feel like a chore.

When was the last time you went shopping? What did you buy?

The last time I went shopping was last weekend. I went to a shopping mall with my parents and bought a new pair of trainers and a graphic T-shirt for school.

Read the speech bubbles. What do you think the phrases in bold mean?

• shop around: to visit different shops or websites to compare prices and quality before deciding what to buy.
• shopping spree: a short period of time spent buying a large number of things and spending a lot of money.
• shop till we drop: to go shopping for a long time until you are completely exhausted.
• shopping therapy: the act of shopping to improve your mood or cheer yourself up when you feel down.
• window shopping: looking at items displayed in shop windows without the intention of buying anything.
• the shopping: the items, goods or groceries that have just been bought.
• online shopping: the activity of buying products or services over the internet.
• shopaholic: a person who loves shopping very much and is unable to control their spending habits.

Go through the module and find:

• a shopping questionnaire: on page 53 (Module 4, Writing section)
• three products you can buy online: on page 48 (Cosmo Jacket, Moon Shoes, Dream Bag)
• a report about a shopping centre: on page 58 (Module 4, Writing section)
• a radio programme about places to shop: on page 56 (Module 4b, Listening section)
• a text with advice for shoppers: on page 54 (Module 4b, Reading section)

READING

A. Discuss.

How often do you buy things online?

I buy things online about once or twice a month, usually when I need specific items like books, electronics or special clothes that are difficult to find in local shops.

What’s your opinion about buying things online?

Buying things online is very convenient and time-saving because you can easily compare prices, read customer reviews, and have items delivered directly to your home. However, the downside is that you cannot try clothes on or check the physical quality of the item before making a purchase.

B. Look at the pictures of the three items in the advertisements. What do you think they are? Then read and check your answers.

The first picture shows a waterproof winter sports jacket with a hood (Cosmo Jacket). The second picture shows a stylish, colourful multi-pocket tote bag (Dream Bag). The third picture shows bouncy shoes with built-in springs attached underneath the soles (Moon Shoes).

C. Read the advertisements again and the statements. Which advertisement(s) do the statements refer to? Write C for Cosmo Jacket, M for Moon Shoes or D for Dream Bag.

1. This item makes you feel like you are somewhere else. — M (Moon Shoes: “Experience the lightness of being in space everywhere you go…”)
2. You will pay less for this item if you order online. — C (Cosmo Jacket: “10% off on all online orders”)
3. This item comes with information about how to use it. — M (Moon Shoes: “full instructions are included”)
4. You can arrange to receive this item the day after you order it. — D (Dream Bag: “Next-day delivery €6.99”)
5. You don’t have to be a certain age to use this item. — C, D (Cosmo Jacket and Dream Bag: Neither has an age restriction, whereas Moon Shoes have a recommended age of 7+ years)
6. This item is made from special fabric. — C (Cosmo Jacket: “Waterproof, windproof and breathable fabric”)
7. This item suits different needs. — D (Dream Bag: “Perfect for school, work or travelling. You could also use it for a day at the beach.”)
8. You can get your money back if you don’t like this item. — M (Moon Shoes: “30 days full refund available”)

D. Discuss.
• Which of the items would you most like to buy? Why?
• What influenced your decision the most? Why?

I would most like to buy the Cosmo Jacket because it is practical, lightweight, and keeps you warm in cold weather. The main factor that influenced my decision was its high-quality features, especially the waterproof and windproof fabric with three layers for extra warmth, which makes it ideal for outdoor activities.

GRAMMAR

Choose a, b or c.

1. We c. don’t need to pay anything. The concert is free.

2. No way! That c. can’t be Mr Roberts. He’s not old enough.

3. What are you doing? Don’t you know that you b. mustn’t write on the desks?

4. Wendy b. may come over tomorrow. She’ll call and let us know.

5. We a. must buy tickets for the football match.

6. I b. had to sleep on the floor last time my cousins slept over.

7. My parents are thinking of getting me a computer game for my birthday, but they a. might not get it in the end. They tend to change their minds easily.

VOCABULARY

A. Write the words/phrases under the correct category.

B. Complete the sentences with the words/phrases in the box.

1. Andy’s motorbike wasn’t exactly cheap. In fact, he paid an arm and a leg for it.

2. A: I haven’t got any cash on me. Can I pay by credit card?
   B: Of course. Come to the cash desk and I’ll assist you.

3. We need to exchange some euros into dollars.

4. Sheila can’t afford to buy a new game console because she’s broke.

5. Notes are much lighter than coins, therefore they are a more convenient form of money.

6. Here are your shoes and €5.60 change. Your receipt is in the bag.

7. I wanted to get some money from the cash machine, but I didn’t have my card with me.

8. Students and people over 65 can enter the museum free of charge.

C. Complete the sentences with the words in the box.

1. She sold her car at a really reasonable price.

2. The total cost of the holiday was €3,000.

3. This hotel is lovely and cheap too, so it’s great value for money.

4. I entered a competition online and won two hundred euros’ worth of computer games.

GRAMMAR

Rewrite the sentences using the words given.

1. You should go shopping during the sales.
2. You had better not use your dad’s credit card without asking.
3. I would rather walk than go by bus.
4. You ought to ask for a receipt when you buy something.
5. Monica would rather not go to the theatre.
6. You should check this out!

LISTEN

You will hear people talking in four different situations. For questions 1-4, choose the picture which answers the question correctly.

1. b (€35)
2. b (in a clothes shop)
3. a (the shoes)
4. c (7:00)

SPEAK

Student A: Imagine that you are a customer in a clothes shop and you want to buy some clothes. Decide which items you want and in what colour. Student B is the shop assistant. Talk to him/her using some of the phrases in the box.

Student B: Imagine that you are a shop assistant in a clothes shop and that you are selling the items shown in the pictures. Student A is a customer. Talk to him/her using the information given and some of the phrases in the box.

Shop Assistant (Student B): Hello! May I help you?

Customer (Student A): Hi, yes, please. I’m looking for a warm jumper and a pair of boots.

Shop Assistant (Student B): What size are you?

Customer (Student A): I wear a size S for jumpers and size 7 for boots. Do you have this jumper in red?

Shop Assistant (Student B): Yes, we have the jumper in red in size S. Here you are. Would you like to try it on? We also have boots in size 7 in black, brown, and white.

Customer (Student A): Great! Can I try them on? I prefer the brown boots.

(A few minutes later)

Shop Assistant (Student B): How about these ones? Do they fit you?

Customer (Student A): I think they fit me very well. The jumper is really comfortable, too. How much do they cost?

Shop Assistant (Student B): The jumper costs €40 and the boots cost €60, but we have a 10% discount on boots today. The total is €94. Would you like to pay in cash or by credit card?

Customer (Student A): I’ll take them! Can I pay by credit card?

Shop Assistant (Student B): Of course. Here’s your change and receipt. Have a nice day!

Customer (Student A): Thank you, goodbye!

WRITE

A. Look at the first part of the questionnaire and answer the questions below. Then complete this part with your personal information.

1. What does the symbol * mean?

The symbol * means that filling in this field is required (mandatory).

2. Where should the information in the box appear?

• a. Richards should appear in the Surname* field.
• b. danielrichards33@mail.com should appear in the Email address* field.
• c. Daniel should appear in the First Name* field.
• d. BL1 2DG should appear in the Postcode field.
• e. 25 Hartson Road, Bolton should appear in the Mailing Address field.

B. Read the rest of the questionnaire and answer the questions.

1. Who do you usually go shopping with?
   I usually go shopping with my friend.

2. How often do you go shopping?
   I go shopping weekly, usually at the weekend.

3. How much time do you spend shopping?
   I usually spend 1–2 hours shopping.

4. Where do you prefer shopping?
   I prefer shopping in shopping centres/malls and online.

5. How much do you usually spend when you go shopping?
   I usually spend under €50 when I go shopping.

6. What kind of items do you most often go shopping for?
   I most often go shopping for clothes and gadgets.

7. Do you shop around or buy the first thing you like?
   I prefer to shop around to compare prices and find the best offer before I decide what to buy.

8. Do you go shopping during the sales or whenever you need something?
   I usually go shopping during the sales to get discounts, but I also shop whenever I urgently need something.

9. What is important for you when shopping?
   The most important factors for me are price and quality.

10. What brands do you usually buy?
    I usually buy sportswear and casual clothing brands like Nike, Adidas, and Zara.

11. Do you ever buy things you don’t really need only because you like them?
    Yes, I sometimes buy small items or accessories just because I like the look of them.

12. Do you consider yourself to be a shopaholic?
    No, I only buy things when I really want or need them and I try to control my spending.

13. What do you do when you realise you’ve bought a damaged item?
    I take the item back to the shop with the receipt and ask for an exchange or a full refund.

14. Would you like us to inform you about our shops / sales / new products by email?
    Yes, I would like to receive updates about special offers and sales.