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Conversational / EVERYDAY ENGLISH
Lesson 42
Shopping Habits and Trends
Learning Objectives
By the end of this lesson, you will be able to:
1. Describe your shopping habits and explain why you shop a certain way.
2. Discuss current trends in shopping, both online and in-store.
3. Use vocabulary and phrasal verbs related to shopping trends in conversations.
Exercise 1
Vocabulary
Direction: Listen and repeat after your teacher
noun
Impulse purchase
Similar:
similarvocab1.1
similarvocab1.2
similarvocab1.3
similarvocab1.4
/ˈɪm.pʌls ˈpɜːr.tʃəs/
Meaning:
Buying something suddenly without planning
- I made an impulse purchase when I saw a new pair of shoes on sale.
Real Life Tip:
Impulse buying is common in the U.S., especially during sales or in malls.
Adjective
Trendy
Similar:
similarvocab2.1
similarvocab2.2
similarvocab2.3
similarvocab2.4
/ˈtrɛn.di/
Meaning:
Very fashionable or up-to-date
- That jacket is really trendy this season.
Real Life Tip:
Teenagers and young adults often follow trendy clothing brands.
Try out
phrasal verb
Similar:
similarvocab3.1
similarvocab3.2
similarvocab3.3
similarvocab3.4
/traɪ aʊt/
Meaning:
To test a new product or service
- I want to try out the new coffee subscription box.
Real Life Tip:
Commonly used when testing new products or services.
Cut back on
phrasal verb
Similar:
similarvocab4.1
similarvocab4.2
similarvocab4.3
similarvocab4.4
/kʌt bæk ɒn/
Meaning:
To reduce spending or consumption
- I’m trying to cut back on online shopping this month.
Real Life Tip:
Frequently used in American English when talking about budgeting or healthy habits.
Exercise 2
Conversation
Direction: First, read the conversation aloud. Then, practice by role-playing it with your tutor.
Situation: Two friends are discussing their shopping habits and trends.
Hey Ryan, do you follow any shopping trends?
Emily
Not really, but I sometimes make impulse purchases online.
Ryan
Me too! I love trying out new subscription boxes.
Emily
That sounds fun. I usually cut back on spending after payday.
Ryan
I noticed a lot of people prefer trendy items, even if they are expensive.
Emily
True, I try to buy what I need instead of just following trends.
Ryan
Have you tried any trendy gadgets recently?
Emily
Yes, I tried out a smart water bottle—it’s really useful!
Ryan
Exercise 2.1
Questions.
1. What shopping habits does Ryan try to follow?
2. What type of products does Emily like to try out?
3. How do Emily and Ryan feel about following trends?
Exercise 3
Practice Time
Direction: Complete the exercise by choosing the correct answer.
1. I usually _______ (make / makes / made) impulse purchases online.
2. She _______ (try / tries / trying) out subscription boxes every month.
3. They _______ (cut / cuts / cut) back on spending after payday.
4. He _______ (follow / follows / following) shopping trends sometimes.
5. We _______ (like / likes / liked) buying trendy items occasionally.
Exercise 4
Ask Your Tutor
Direction: Ask your tutor these questions. Listen carefully and learn
1. How often do you make impulse purchases?
2. Do you follow shopping trends or prefer practical items?
3. Have you tried any subscription boxes? Which ones?
Exercise 5
Discussion
Direction: Use the new words and expression you learnt in this lesson to have a conversation with your tutor.
1. What is your favorite way to shop: online or in-store? Why?
2. Have you ever made an impulse purchase? What was it?
3. Do you think trends influence your shopping habits?
4. Would you try a subscription box for food or clothes?
5. How do sales and discounts affect your spending?
6. Do you prefer buying trendy gadgets or practical ones?
7. How often do you cut back on spending?
8. Do you shop more during holidays or sales seasons?
9. How do social media trends affect what you buy?
10. What is the most unusual item you have ever bought?
