Shopping: Making a purchase at a store

Shopping is a universal activity that connects people to everyday needs and experiences, making it an excellent context for language learning. This lesson introduces essential vocabulary and practical phrases for making purchases in a store, designed for beginner to intermediate English learners. By focusing on real-life scenarios, such as interacting with a cashier or asking about prices, learners will build confidence in using English in authentic situations. The lesson includes a structured vocabulary list, useful phrases, example conversations, and a step-by-step teaching plan to ensure learners can apply their skills effectively. With engaging activities and cultural tips, this lesson aims to make shopping-related language accessible and relevant.

Basic vocabulary

Start with essential words related to making a purchase in a store. These should be simple, commonly used terms that learners can easily apply. There are 10 additional vocabulary words for extension if needed.

Vocabulary list

• Store/shop: A place where you buy things (e.g., clothing store, grocery shop).
• Customer: A person buying something.
• Cashier: The person who takes payment at the store.
• Item/product: Something you buy (e.g., a shirt, a book).
• Price: The cost of an item (e.g., $10).
• Cash: Physical money (e.g., coins or bills).
• Credit/debit card: A card used to pay for items.
• Receipt: A paper or digital proof of purchase.
• Bag: Something to carry purchased items (e.g., plastic bag, reusable bag).
• Change: Money given back after paying with cash.
• Discount/sale: A reduced price (e.g., 20% off).
• Total: The final amount to pay.
• Line/queue: Where customers wait to pay.
• Return: Giving an item back to the store.
• Exchange: Swapping an item for another.

Vocabulary words for extension

1. Counter: The place where the cashier works (e.g., at the checkout counter).
2. Barcode: The scannable code on an item for pricing.
3. Tax: Extra money added to the price for government fees.
4. Wallet/purse: Where you keep money or cards.
5. Fitting room: A place to try on clothes before buying.
6. Shelf: Where items are displayed in the store.
7. Basket: A small container for carrying items while shopping.
8. Promotion: A special offer to encourage buying (e.g., buy one, get one free).
9. Size: The measurement of an item, like clothing (e.g., small, medium, large).
10. Warranty: A guarantee that an item can be repaired or replaced if it breaks.

Teaching tips

• Use visuals like pictures of a store counter, a cashier, or a receipt to connect vocabulary to real contexts.
• Practice pronunciation of terms like “receipt” (re-SEET) or “queue” (KYOO).
• Create flashcards with words on one side and definitions or images on the other for quick recall.

Useful phrases

Teach simple sentence structures for making a purchase in a store. These phrases should be versatile and practical for real-life situations.

Key phrases

1. Starting the purchase
   • “Can you help me, please?”
   • “I’d like to buy this [item].”
   • “How much is this?”
   • “Is this on sale?”
2. During payment
   • “I’ll pay with [cash/credit card].”
   • “Can I have a bag, please?”
   • “Can you give me the receipt?”
   • “Is the total [amount]?”
3. Expressing preferences or issues
   • “Can I return this if it doesn’t fit?”
   • “I don’t need a bag, thank you.”
   • “Can you make it quick, please?”
   • “Is there a discount on this?”
4. Asking questions
   • “Do you accept credit cards?”
   • “Can I exchange this item?”
   • “Is there a sale today?”
   • “Where’s the checkout?”

Teaching tips

• Write phrases on a board or handout and model their use (e.g., “I’d like to buy this shirt. How much is it?”).
• Have learners substitute their own items or payment methods into the phrases.
• Practice polite forms (e.g., “Can you…” or “I’d like…”) to emphasize courtesy in stores.

Example conversations

Provide short, realistic dialogues to model how to make a purchase in a store. These examples progress from basic to more detailed.

Conversation 1: Basic exchange

Customer (Anna): Hello, I’d like to buy this book.
Cashier (Tom): Sure. It’s $15.
Anna: Can I pay with a credit card?
Tom: Yes, of course. Do you want a bag?
Anna: No, thank you. Can I have the receipt?
Tom: Here you go. Have a nice day!

Conversation 2: Adding details

Customer (Sara): Hi, how much is this jacket?
Cashier (Juan): It’s $50, but it’s on sale for $40 today.
Sara: Great! I’ll pay with cash.
Juan: Okay, the total is $40. Do you want a bag?
Sara: Yes, please. Can I return it if it doesn’t fit?
Juan: Yes, you can return it within 30 days with the receipt.

Conversation 3: More advanced

Customer (Mark): Excuse me, is this shirt on sale?
Cashier (Lisa): Yes, it’s 20% off. The price is $24 now.
Mark: Nice! I’d like to buy two. Can I pay with a debit card?
Lisa: Sure. The total is $48. Do you need a bag?
Mark: No, thanks. Can I exchange one if the size is wrong?
Lisa: Yes, just bring it back with the receipt within 14 days.

Teaching tips

• Role-play these dialogues with the learner, switching roles to practice both customer and cashier perspectives.
• Encourage learners to adapt the dialogues using items they might buy (e.g., shoes, food).
• In group settings, pair students to practice, prompting them to ask at least one follow-up question.

Teaching strategy

Here’s a step-by-step lesson plan to teach this topic effectively (approximately 45 minutes). Use the extension vocabulary above to extend the lesson if needed.

Step 1: Warm-up (5 minutes)

• Ask: “What do you buy at stores? Do you use cash or a card?” to spark interest.
• Show a picture or video clip of a store checkout (e.g., a grocery store counter) and point out features like the cashier, items, or receipt.

Step 2: Vocabulary introduction (10 minutes)

• Present the vocabulary list using visuals or a slideshow of a store setting.
• Practice pronunciation, especially for terms like “receipt” or “discount.”
• Play a quick game: Say a word (e.g., “cashier”), and learners explain what it means or use it in a sentence.

Step 3: Phrase practice (10 minutes)

• Display key phrases and model them with your own example (e.g., “I’d like to buy this pen. Can I pay with cash?”).
• Have learners practice by filling in the blanks (e.g., “I’d like to buy this ____. Can I pay with ____?”).
• Correct pronunciation and grammar gently, emphasizing polite language.

Step 4: Conversation practice (15 minutes)

• Read one example conversation aloud, emphasizing natural tone and politeness.
• Pair learners (or role-play with them) to practice the dialogues, encouraging personalization.
• Ask learners to create their own short dialogue about buying something in a store.

Step 5: Wrap-up and personalization (5 minutes)

• Have each learner share one or two sentences about a recent purchase (e.g., “I bought a hat. I paid with a credit card.”).
• Provide feedback on their use of vocabulary and phrases.
• Assign homework: Write 3-5 sentences about a store purchase or practice a dialogue with a friend.

Additional tips

• Cultural sensitivity: Be aware that payment methods or store customs may vary by country. Discuss differences (e.g., cash-heavy vs. card-heavy cultures) if relevant.
• Visual aids: Use images or videos of store transactions (e.g., a YouTube clip of a checkout process) to make the lesson engaging.
• Listening practice: Play a short audio or video of a store purchase (e.g., from ESL resources) to expose learners to different accents and interactions.
• Adapt for level: For beginners, focus on simple phrases (e.g., “How much is this?”). For intermediate learners, encourage details (e.g., “Can I return this if it’s damaged?”).
• Incorporate technology: If teaching online, share a screen with a store checkout image or use a virtual whiteboard to highlight vocabulary.

Common mistakes to address

• Grammar: Learners may say “How much this?” instead of “How much is this?” Emphasize the verb “is.”
• Pronunciation: Terms like “receipt” or “change” may be mispronounced. Practice these explicitly.
• Politeness: Remind learners to use polite phrases like “please” and “thank you” to sound natural in English-speaking stores.

Example activity: “Store role-play”

For group classes, try this interactive activity.

• Set up a mock store counter with props (e.g., a toy cash register, fake money, or items like books).
• Assign roles (customer and cashier) and give learners a scenario (e.g., “Buy a pair of shoes for $30.”).
• Learners act out the purchase, using vocabulary and phrases, while others ask questions (e.g., “Did you get a receipt?”).

Homework or follow-up

• Writing: Write a short paragraph (5 sentences) about a recent store purchase or a favorite store.
• Speaking: Record a 30-second audio or video acting out a store purchase dialogue.
• Research: Visit a store (or imagine one) and write down three new words related to shopping (e.g., “counter,” “barcode,” “tax”).

Conclusion

This lesson equips learners with the tools to navigate store purchases confidently, from understanding key vocabulary like “receipt” and “discount” to using polite phrases like “Can I pay with a credit card?” Through role-plays, visual aids, and personalized practice, learners can internalize practical language for real-world use. By extending the lesson with additional vocabulary and activities, such as the store role-play or homework tasks, learners can deepen their understanding and adapt their skills to various shopping contexts. With continued practice, these skills will empower learners to communicate effectively and courteously in English-speaking stores.