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Conversational / EVERYDAY ENGLISH
Lesson 43
Bargaining and Discounts
Learning Objectives
By the end of this lesson, you will be able to:
1. Understand how bargaining works in different shopping contexts.
2. Use vocabulary and phrasal verbs to talk about discounts and negotiations.
3. Express opinions and strategies about saving money while shopping.
Exercise 1
Vocabulary
Direction: Listen and repeat after your teacher
verb
Bargain
Similar:
deal
cheap
barter
steal
/ˈbɑːr.gən/
Meaning:
To negotiate the price of something to pay less
- I managed to bargain for a lower price at the flea market.
Real Life Tip:
Bargaining is common in markets worldwide, but less common in U.S. stores.
noun
Coupon
Similar:
similarvocab2.1
similarvocab2.2
similarvocab2.3
similarvocab2.4
/ˈkuː.pɑːn/
Meaning:
A voucher that gives a discount on a product
- I used a coupon to get 20% off my purchase."
Real Life Tip:
Many Americans use digital and printed coupons to save money.
Mark down
phrasal verb
Similar:
similarvocab3.1
similarvocab3.2
similarvocab3.3
similarvocab3.4
/mɑːrk daʊn/
Meaning:
To reduce the price of an item
- The store marked down all winter coats after January.
Real Life Tip:
Common in retail and sales contexts in the U.S.
Shop around
phrasal verb
Similar:
similarvocab4.1
similarvocab4.2
similarvocab4.3
similarvocab4.4
/ʃɑːp əˈraʊnd/
Meaning:
To compare prices at different stores before buying
- I like to shop around before I buy electronics.
Real Life Tip:
Often used in American English when talking about smart shopping habits.
Exercise 2
Conversation
Direction: First, read the conversation aloud. Then, practice by role-playing it with your tutor.
Situation: Two friends are shopping at a local market and discussing discounts.
Look at this jacket! It’s marked down 30%.
Lisa
That’s a good deal. Are you going to buy it?
Tom
I might try to bargain a little more with the seller.
Lisa
Really? I usually just use coupons instead.
Tom
Sometimes, you can get a better price by bargaining in markets.
Lisa
True, but in stores, sales and coupons are more common.
Tom
Have you ever shopped around to find the best deal?
Lisa
Yes, I always shop around before buying anything expensive.
Tom
Exercise 2.1
Questions.
1. How much is the jacket discounted?
2. What are the two ways Lisa and Tom save money?
3. Why does Tom prefer shopping around?
Exercise 3
Practice Time
Direction: Complete the exercise by choosing the correct answer.
1. I usually _______ (bargain / bargains / bargained) at local markets.
2. She _______ (shops / shop / shopped) around before buying electronics.
3. They _______ (marked / mark / marking) down the items last week.
4. He _______ (used / use / using) a coupon for his purchase yesterday.
5. We _______ (save / saves / saved) money by waiting for sales.
Exercise 4
Ask Your Tutor
Direction: Ask your tutor these questions. Listen carefully and learn
1. Do you usually bargain when shopping or prefer using coupons?
2. Have you ever shopped around and found a great deal?
3. What is your favorite way to save money while shopping?
Exercise 5
Discussion
Direction: Use the new words and expression you learnt in this lesson to have a conversation with your tutor.
1. Do you like bargaining, or does it make you uncomfortable?
2. What types of items do you usually bargain for?
3. How often do you use coupons?
4. Have you ever gotten a very good deal through bargaining?
5. Do sales influence your shopping habits?
6. Have you ever regretted not bargaining or using a coupon?
7. How do online discounts compare to in-store discounts?
8. What is the most expensive item you’ve shopped around for?
9. Do you prefer fixed prices or flexible prices? Why?
10. Have you ever returned an item because the price dropped after you bought it?
