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Conversation Advance · Module 14 · Unit 67

Shopping Habits and Trends

Pre C2 Proficient

Learning Objectives

Today, you will explore bargaining and discounts and discover useful words and expressions for everyday situations.

Discussion

Direction: Answer these questions.
  1. Do you enjoy bargaining for a better price?
  2. Have you ever found an amazing discount online?
  3. Do you often shop til you drop during holiday sales?

New Words & Expressions

Direction: Listen and repeat these words with your teacher.

  • Mark down

    verb

    /mɑːrk daʊn/

    Meaning:To reduce the price of an item.

    They marked down the winter jackets by fifty percent.

    Real Life Tip:

    Essential for seasonal sales.

  • Bargain

    noun

    /ˈbɑːrɡɪn/

    Meaning:A thing bought or offered for sale more cheaply than is usual.

    This shirt was a real bargain at only ten dollars.

    Real Life Tip:

    Often used to describe a great deal.

  • Snap up

    phrasal verb

    /snæp ʌp/

    Meaning:To buy something quickly because it is cheap.

    I snapped up these shoes the moment I saw the sale.

    Real Life Tip:

    Implies excitement and speed.

  • Steal

    idiom

    /stiːl/

    Meaning:A very cheap price; an excellent bargain.

    This couch was a steal!

    Real Life Tip:

    Extremely common in casual conversation.

  • Deal

    slang

    /diːl/

    Meaning:A good price or agreement.

    That is a great deal, I will take it.

    Real Life Tip:

    The most versatile word for shopping.

Conversation

Direction:

  • Listen carefully as your teacher reads the conversation aloud.
  • Role-play the conversation with your teacher
James and Sarah are shopping at a local outdoor market.
  • James
    Look at these shoes! They were marked down to twenty dollars.
  • Sarah
    That is a steal! You should snap them up before someone else does.
  • James
    I will. I love finding a good bargain like this.

Q&A

Direction: Answer the questions based on the conversation.
  1. Why does James want to snap up the shoes?
  2. What does James ask the seller for?
  3. Does bargaining work in this conversation?

Exercise

Direction: Choose the correct answer to complete each sentence, then read it aloud. Each question gives you 5 Points.

  1. What does a steal mean?

  2. What does mark down mean?

  3. I ____ up that bag at the sale.

  4. That shop always has a good ____.

  5. at / a / it / bargain / was

  6. the / down / price / marked

Ask Your Teacher

Direction: Ask your teacher these questions.
  1. Do you feel comfortable bargaining for items?
  2. What is the best deal you have ever found?
  3. Why do shops mark down their items?

Your Time To Speak

Direction: Answer using the language you have learned in this lesson. Talk about yourself!
  1. How can I practice bargaining politely?
  2. Do discounts always mean a good deal?
  3. Is it rude to ask for a discount?
  4. Where can I find the best bargains?
  5. Are online coupons as effective as bargaining?
  6. Why do some items get marked down?
  7. What should I avoid when snapping up deals?
  8. Is bargaining only common in outdoor markets?
  9. How do I know if something is truly a steal?
  10. Does bargaining work in big department stores?
Sarah
Do not forget you also need a jacket for our trip.
  • James
    Maybe I can ask the seller for a better deal on both.
  • Sarah
    Go for it. Bargaining is expected at this market.
  • James
    Excuse me, could you give me a discount if I buy both?
  • Sarah
    It worked! You really are the king of deals.