Partner A
Easier: Do you like buying new clothes? Why or why not?
Do you enjoy shopping or just get it done?
More challenging: How has the way you shop changed over the last five years?
Jamesleads the live roundsSimmonds · live on simmonds.onlineA25 min · English
Shopping in English: vocabulary, dialogue and conversation questions
Editorially responsible: James Simmondspublished 18 Oct 2026AI-generated text (learn more – how we use AI on these pages)
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ShoppingA2 – Practise speaking English: a conversation about shopping (level A2)Daily routinesA2 – Practise speaking English: a conversation about daily routines (level A2)Favourite foodA2 – Practise speaking English: a conversation about favourite food and cooking (level A2)Sorry, could you say that again?Give me a second to think.How do you say … in English?
Question of the day
Why does Sarah prefer to pay by card?
Show the answer – Open the answer to the question of the day
Correct answer: Because it is quick and easy
You can find the answer in the English introduction.
Listen to the introduction
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Transcript
Sarah visits the local shopping centre – Jump to the vocabulary entry for shopping centre on a rainy Saturday. She wants to buy a new winter coat. First, she does some window shopping – Jump to the vocabulary entry for window shopping to see what is in fashion. Then, she walks into a big clothes shop. She finds a nice blue coat and decides to try on – Jump to the vocabulary entry for try on a smaller size. A friendly sales assistant – Jump to the vocabulary entry for sales assistant helps her find the right one. The coat fits perfectly, so Sarah goes to the till. She prefers to pay by card – Jump to the vocabulary entry for pay by card because it is quick and easy. The cashier hands her the bag and a paper receipt – Jump to the vocabulary entry for paper receipt.
Vocabulary
- shopping centre/ˌʃɒp.ɪŋ ˈsen.tə/
- Meaning: A large building with many different shops.
- Example: We are going to the shopping centre to buy some shoes.
- window shopping/ˈwɪn.dəʊ ˌʃɒp.ɪŋ/
- Meaning: Looking at things in shop windows without buying them.
- Example: I do not have much money, so I am just doing some window shopping.
- try on/ˌtraɪ ˈɒn/
- Meaning: To put on a piece of clothing to see if it fits.
- Example: Always try on shoes before you buy them.
- sales assistant/ˈseɪlz əˌsɪs.tənt/
- Meaning: A person who helps customers in a shop.
- Example: Ask the sales assistant if they have this in red.
- pay by card/ˌpeɪ baɪ ˈkɑːd/
- Meaning: To use a plastic card to buy something, not cash.
- Example: Can I pay by card, or do you only take cash?
- paper receipt/ˌpeɪpə rɪˈsiːt/
- Meaning: A printed document showing what you bought and paid for.
- Example: I keep the paper receipt in my shopping bag.
Dialogue
- EmmaI need a new pair of shoes. Let's go to the shopping centre.
- TomGood idea. I want to do some window shopping anyway.
- EmmaLook at these trainers. I think I will try on the black ones.
- TomThey look great. Do they fit well?
- EmmaYes, they fit perfectly. I hope I can pay by card here.
- TomYes, there is a sign on the door. Don't forget your paper receipt!
- EmmaI won't. I always keep it in my purse.
- TomGreat. Now let's find a cafe.
Questions for your conversation
Partner B
Easier: Do you usually pay with cash in shops? Why or why not?
What is the best place to go shopping in your town?
More challenging: Why do you think some people prefer shopping in small local shops instead of large supermarkets?
Partner A
Easier: Do you often buy things online? Why or why not?
What was the most useful thing you bought this year?
More challenging: What are the main disadvantages of buying clothes on the internet?
Useful phrases
- I am just looking, thank you.
- Can I try this on, please?
- Do you have this in a different size?
- Where are the changing rooms?
- I would like to pay by card.
- Could I have a receipt, please?
Topic quiz
Five quick questions check vocabulary and listening comprehension.
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