Today's Topic

Topic: Shopping and Bargaining
Difficulty: intermediate
Category: Daily English / Learning Journal

Key Vocabulary

Important words and phrases for this topic

• Discount (noun/verb): A reduction in price

  • Example: "Is there any discount on this item?"
  • Phrase: "10% off" / "20% discount"

• Bargain (noun/verb): To negotiate price; something bought at a good price

  • Example: "Can I bargain for a better price?"
  • Phrase: "That's a great bargain!"

• Receipt (noun): A written proof of purchase

  • Example: "Can I have a receipt, please?"
  • Phrase: "Keep your receipt for returns"

• Refund (noun/verb): Money returned for returned goods

  • Example: "I'd like to get a refund for this."
  • Phrase: "Full refund" / "Partial refund"

• Exchange (noun/verb): To trade one item for another

  • Example: "Can I exchange this for a different size?"
  • Phrase: "Exchange policy"

Additional Shopping Vocabulary:

• Price tag: Label showing the cost
• On sale: Available at a reduced price
• Try on: To test clothing before buying
• Fitting room: Place to try on clothes
• Cash/Credit: Payment methods
• Tax: Additional charge on purchases
• Return policy: Rules for returning items
• Store credit: Money to use in that store only

Examples & Application

Provide practical examples or application scenarios

Asking About Prices:

• "How much is this?"
• "What's the price of this item?"
• "Is this on sale?"
• "Do you have any discounts today?"
• "Is there a promotion running?"

Bargaining/Negotiating:

• "Can you give me a better price?"
• "What's your best price?"
• "If I buy two, can I get a discount?"
• "Is this your final price?"
• "Could you lower the price a bit?"
• "That's too expensive. Can you do $50?"

At the Counter:

• "I'll take this one."
• "Do you accept credit cards?"
• "Can I pay by cash?"
• "Could you wrap this as a gift?"
• "May I have a receipt?"

Returns and Exchanges:

• "I'd like to return this."
• "This doesn't fit. Can I exchange it?"
• "Do you have this in a different color?"
• "Can I get a refund?"
• "What's your return policy?"
• "I have the receipt here."

Trying Things On:

• "Can I try this on?"
• "Where's the fitting room?"
• "Do you have this in a larger size?"
• "This is too tight/loose."
• "Do you have this in medium?"

Practice Activities

Practice today's topic through various methods, focusing on practical application and speaking

Speaking Practice

Read aloud and practice saying the following sentences, focusing on pronunciation and fluency

• "Excuse me, is there any discount on this jacket? It's marked at $80."
• "I'd like to return this shirt. I bought it yesterday but it doesn't fit properly."
• "Can I try this on? And do you have it in a smaller size as well?"
• "If I buy three items, could you give me a better price or a discount?"
• "I'll take this one. Do you accept credit cards? And could I have a receipt, please?"

Role Play Scenarios

Simulate real situations and practice using today's learning in conversation

Scenario 1: Bargaining at a Market

Customer: Excuse me, how much is this handbag?
Vendor: That's $60.
Customer: That's a bit expensive. Can you give me a better price?
Vendor: Okay, for you, $50. That's my best price.
Customer: How about $45?
Vendor: Alright, $45 is fine. You drive a hard bargain!
Customer: Great! I'll take it. Can I have a receipt?

Scenario 2: Shopping at a Clothing Store

Customer: Hi, I'm looking for a winter jacket.
Sales Assistant: We have some great jackets on sale. They're 30% off today.
Customer: That's a good discount! Can I try this blue one on?
Sales Assistant: Of course! The fitting room is right over there.
Customer: (After trying it on) It fits perfectly! I'll take it.
Sales Assistant: Wonderful! Will that be cash or credit?
Customer: Credit card, please. And what's your exchange policy?
Sales Assistant: You can exchange within 14 days with the receipt.

Scenario 3: Returning an Item

Customer: Hi, I'd like to return this sweater. I bought it last week but it's too small.
Sales Assistant: No problem. Do you have your receipt?
Customer: Yes, here it is.
Sales Assistant: Would you like a refund or would you prefer to exchange it for a different size?
Customer: Can I exchange it for a large?
Sales Assistant: Let me check... Yes, we have that in stock. Here you go.
Customer: Thank you! That's much better.

Self-Practice Tasks

Using today's topic and vocabulary, try to:

1. Record: Role-play both sides of a bargaining conversation and record yourself
2. Describe: Describe your last shopping experience in English - What did you buy? Did you get a good deal? Did you ask for a discount?
3. Q&A: Come up with 3 questions and answer them:
   • What do you do when something you bought doesn't fit?
   • How do you ask for a discount politely?
   • What information should you check on a receipt?

Practice Notes

Useful Expressions:

• "I'm just browsing" (when you don't need help)
• "I'm looking for..." (when searching for something specific)
• "Do you have this in stock?" (checking availability)
• "What's the total?" (asking for final price)
• "Keep the change" (when paying cash)

Cultural Notes:

• In Western countries, bargaining is usually only acceptable at markets, garage sales, or when buying cars/houses
• In department stores and regular shops, prices are typically fixed
• In some Asian and Middle Eastern countries, bargaining is more common and expected
• Always be polite when negotiating - say "please" and "thank you"

Price Expressions:

• 10% off = 10 percent discount
• Half price = 50% off
• Buy one get one free (BOGO)
• Clearance sale = Big discounts to clear inventory

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Daily Reflection

Key Takeaway: Shopping and bargaining require specific vocabulary and cultural awareness. While bargaining isn't appropriate everywhere, knowing how to politely negotiate prices, ask about discounts, and handle returns/exchanges is essential for confident shopping in English. Always keep your receipts and know the store's return policy!