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Conversation Advance · Module 16 · Unit 76

Saving vs. Spending

Pre C2 Proficient

Learning Objectives

In today's lesson, you will talk about saving vs. spending and learn useful vocabulary that you can use in everyday life.

Discussion

Direction: Answer these questions.
  1. Are you naturally a saver or a spender?
  2. Do you find it difficult to stick to a budget?
  3. Have you ever made a purchase you later regretted?

New Words & Expressions

Direction: Listen and repeat these words with your teacher.

  • Frugal

    adjective

    /ˈfruːɡəl/

    Meaning:Sparing or economical with regard to money or food.

    Being frugal allows me to save for my dream vacation.

    Real Life Tip:

    Often seen as a positive, disciplined trait in American culture.

  • Extravagant

    adjective

    /ɪkˈstrævəɡənt/

    Meaning:Lacking restraint in spending money or using resources.

    He had an extravagant lifestyle that he could not afford.

    Real Life Tip:

    Usually implies spending beyond one's means.

  • Save up

    phrasal verb

    /seɪv ʌp/

    Meaning:To keep money for a specific purpose in the future.

    I am saving up for a new laptop.

    Real Life Tip:

    A very common phrase for goal-oriented saving.

  • Break the bank

    idiom

    /breɪk ðə bæŋk/

    Meaning:To cost too much money.

    We want a nice dinner, but let us not break the bank.

    Real Life Tip:

    Used to describe things that are overpriced.

  • Splurge

    slang

    /splɜːrdʒ/

    Meaning:To spend a lot of money on something special.

    I decided to splurge on a fancy pair of shoes.

    Real Life Tip:

    Used when treating oneself to something expensive.

Conversation

Direction:

  • Listen carefully as your teacher reads the conversation aloud.
  • Role-play the conversation with your teacher
James and Sarah are shopping and debating whether to buy an expensive item.
  • Sarah
    I really want this coat, but it is quite extravagant.
  • James
    You should just splurge! You have been working so hard lately.
  • Sarah
    I cannot. I am trying to be more frugal this month.

Q&A

Direction: Answer the questions based on the conversation.
  1. Why is Sarah hesitant to buy the coat?
  2. What does James suggest Sarah do?
  3. What is Sarahs final decision?

Exercise

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

  1. What does frugal mean?

  2. What does splurge mean?

  3. I am ____ up for a car.

  4. That meal will ____ the bank.

  5. is / lifestyle / an / extravagant / he

  6. money / save / up / I / need / to

Ask Your Teacher

Direction: Ask your teacher these questions.
  1. Do you think it is better to be frugal or extravagant?
  2. What are you currently saving up for?
  3. How often do you allow yourself to splurge?

Your Time To Speak

Direction: Answer using the language you have learned in this lesson. Talk about yourself!
  1. How do I balance being frugal without feeling deprived?
  2. Is it okay to be extravagant on special occasions?
  3. How do I stop myself from wanting to splurge?
  4. What is the best way to save up for a large purchase?
  5. How do I tell my friends I do not want to break the bank?
  6. Is it possible to have an extravagant lifestyle on a budget?
  7. What are some small ways to be more frugal?
  8. Do you think saving up is more important than living in the moment?
  9. How do I handle pressure to splurge when I am with friends?
  10. What is the difference between being cheap and being frugal?
James
I understand, but does buying one coat really break the bank?
  • Sarah
    It is not just the coat; it is about keeping my saving up habits.
  • James
    You are way too disciplined. You deserve a little treat.
  • Sarah
    Maybe I will wait until it goes on sale.
  • James
    That is the most frugal thing I have ever heard.