20 Best Engaging ESL Shopping Conversations Students Enjoy

If you’re looking for the best shopping conversations to use in your ESL classroom, you’re in the right place. This post gives you 20 long and realistic dialogues that people actually use while shopping in everyday life. These aren’t short, boring scripts—they’re full conversations with at least 15 turns each, written in easy English.

Each conversation helps your students practice useful vocabulary, questions, and common expressions they need in real-life situations. Whether they’re shopping for clothes, groceries, gifts, or electronics, your students will feel more confident and ready to speak in English after using these conversations.

These dialogues are perfect for classroom role-plays. You can also use them to teach idioms, create debates about shopping habits, or even design your own fun activities around them. Everything is learning-friendly and designed to support ESL teachers with creative lesson planning.

If you’re teaching beginner (A1) or intermediate (B1) learners, this is the only post you’ll need to plan your shopping-themed lessons. Scroll down, pick any conversation, and start teaching English the way it’s actually used in the real world.

1. Shopping for Groceries

Level: A1 (Beginner)

Context: A woman is shopping for groceries at a local supermarket. She meets a friendly store clerk who helps her find what she needs.

Customer: Hello. Do you work here?

Clerk: Yes, I do. How can I help you?

Customer: I’m looking for rice. Where is it?

Clerk: The rice is in aisle four. I can show you.

Customer: Thank you. I also need some eggs.

Clerk: Eggs are in the dairy section, near the milk and cheese.

Customer: Okay, I’ll go there next. Do you have brown eggs?

Clerk: Yes, we have both white and brown eggs.

Customer: Great! I need a dozen.

Clerk: Anything else I can help you find?

Customer: Yes, I need some vegetables. Tomatoes and onions.

Clerk: They are in the produce section, right over there.

Customer: Oh, I see it. Do you sell fresh garlic too?

Clerk: Yes, it’s near the onions.

Customer: Perfect. And do you have chicken?

Clerk: Yes, we have chicken in the meat section.

Customer: Is it fresh?

Clerk: Yes, it’s fresh. We get new stock every morning.

Customer: That’s good. I’ll get one whole chicken.

Clerk: Would you like it cut?

Customer: Yes, please. Can you cut it into small pieces?

Clerk: Sure. I’ll take it to the butcher for you.

Customer: Thank you so much. You are very kind.

Clerk: You’re welcome! Let me know if you need anything else.

Customer: No, I think I have everything. Time to check out!

Clerk: Have a great day!

Customer: You too!

2. Buying Clothes at the Mall

Level: A1 (Beginner)

Context: A man is shopping for clothes at the mall. A store assistant helps him find a shirt and pants.

Customer: Hi, do you sell men’s shirts?

Assistant: Yes, we do. What size do you need?

Customer: I think I wear a medium.

Assistant: The medium shirts are right here on this rack.

Customer: Thanks. I like this blue one. Can I try it on?

Assistant: Of course. The fitting rooms are at the back.

Customer: Okay, I’ll go try it on now.

Assistant: Take your time.

Customer: It fits well, but do you have it in black?

Assistant: Let me check… Yes, here’s the same shirt in black.

Customer: Perfect! I’ll take the black one. Now I need pants.

Assistant: What kind of pants? Jeans or dress pants?

Customer: I want black jeans, size 32.

Assistant: Here are the black jeans in size 32.

Customer: Can I try them on too?

Assistant: Sure, go ahead.

Customer: These are good. I’ll take them.

Assistant: Great! Would you like anything else?

Customer: No, that’s all. Just the shirt and jeans.

Assistant: Alright. Let’s go to the counter to check out.

Customer: Thank you for your help.

Assistant: You’re welcome! Enjoy your new clothes.

3. Shopping at a Farmers’ Market

Level: A1 (Beginner)

Context: A woman is shopping at a weekend farmers’ market. She talks to a vendor about fruits and vegetables.

Customer: Good morning! Your stall looks lovely.

Vendor: Good morning! Thank you. Would you like some fresh fruit?

Customer: Yes, please. How much are the apples?

Vendor: They’re 100 taka per kilo.

Customer: Okay, I’ll take one kilo.

Vendor: Here you go. Anything else?

Customer: Are these mangoes ripe?

Vendor: Yes, very sweet and ready to eat.

Customer: I’ll take two mangoes. How much are they?

Vendor: 80 taka each.

Customer: That’s fine. I love mangoes.

Vendor: They are very popular this season.

Customer: Do you have cucumbers?

Vendor: Yes, they’re right here.

Customer: I’ll take three, please.

Vendor: Anything more today?

Customer: No, that’s all. How much is everything?

Vendor: That will be 440 taka, please.

Customer: Here’s 500 taka.

Vendor: Thank you. Here’s your change.

Customer: Thanks! Have a good day.

Vendor: You too! Come again next week!

4. Buying a Mobile Phone

Level: A1 (Beginner)

Context: A man is buying a new mobile phone at an electronics store. He needs help choosing one.

Customer: Hi. I want to buy a mobile phone.

Salesperson: Sure. Do you have a brand in mind?

Customer: I like Samsung.

Salesperson: We have a few Samsung models. Do you want a big screen?

Customer: Not too big. Medium is okay.

Salesperson: This one has a 6.1-inch screen. It’s popular.

Customer: Does it have a good camera?

Salesperson: Yes, it has a 50-megapixel camera.

Customer: That’s good. What’s the price?

Salesperson: It’s 25,000 taka.

Customer: Do you have one for less?

Salesperson: Yes, this one is 18,000 taka.

Customer: What’s the difference?

Salesperson: The cheaper one has less memory and a smaller battery.

Customer: Hmm… I think I’ll take the one for 25,000.

Salesperson: Great choice. Do you want a case too?

Customer: Yes. Do you have a black one?

Salesperson: Yes, here’s a black case.

Customer: Perfect. I’ll take it.

Salesperson: Let’s go to the counter to pay.

Customer: Okay. Thanks for your help.

Salesperson: My pleasure. Enjoy your new phone!

5. Buying Medicine at the Pharmacy

Level: A1 (Beginner)

Context: A man goes to a pharmacy to buy some medicine for a cold. The pharmacist helps him choose the right one.

Customer: Hi. I have a cold. I need some medicine.

Pharmacist: Okay. Do you have a sore throat or a cough?

Customer: I have a sore throat and a runny nose.

Pharmacist: I suggest this syrup for your throat and these tablets for the nose.

Customer: How often should I take the tablets?

Pharmacist: One tablet three times a day after food.

Customer: And the syrup?

Pharmacist: Two teaspoons in the morning and two at night.

Customer: Are there any side effects?

Pharmacist: You may feel a little sleepy. Don’t drive.

Customer: That’s fine. How many days should I take them?

Pharmacist: Take for five days. If not better, see a doctor.

Customer: Okay. Can I take both together?

Pharmacist: Yes, but not on an empty stomach.

Customer: Got it. How much for both?

Pharmacist: 320 taka in total.

Customer: Here’s 500 taka.

Pharmacist: Thank you. Here’s your change.

Customer: Thanks a lot. You’ve been very helpful.

Pharmacist: You’re welcome. Get well soon!

6. Shopping at a Shoe Store

Level: A1 (Beginner)

Context: A woman is looking for comfortable shoes for work. A store assistant helps her choose the right pair.

Customer: Hello. I need some new shoes for work.

Assistant: Sure. Do you want formal shoes or casual ones?

Customer: Formal, but they must be very comfortable.

Assistant: What size do you wear?

Customer: Size 38.

Assistant: These black ones are soft and good for long hours.

Customer: They look nice. Can I try them on?

Assistant: Of course. Sit here, I’ll bring them.

Customer: Thanks. Oh, they feel good.

Assistant: Would you like to try another style?

Customer: Do you have the same in brown?

Assistant: Let me check… Yes, here’s a brown pair.

Customer: I like both! I can’t decide.

Assistant: You can buy one now and come back later for the other.

Customer: Good idea. I’ll take the black ones today.

Assistant: Great. Do you want shoe polish too?

Customer: Yes, black polish, please.

Assistant: All set. Please come to the counter.

Customer: Thank you. You were very helpful.

Assistant: My pleasure! Have a great day.

7. Shopping for Gifts

Level: A1 (Beginner)

Context: A man is buying a birthday gift for his sister. He talks to a store worker to get ideas.

Customer: Hi. I need a gift for my sister. It’s her birthday.

Staff: That’s nice! How old is she?

Customer: She’s turning 25.

Staff: What does she like? Jewelry, books, or perfume?

Customer: She loves perfume and pretty things.

Staff: Here are some perfumes. This one is very popular.

Customer: It smells nice. Is it expensive?

Staff: It’s mid-range—about 1,200 taka.

Customer: That’s okay. Do you have gift wrapping?

Staff: Yes, we wrap for free.

Customer: Perfect. I’ll take this perfume, please.

Staff: Would you like to add a small card?

Customer: Yes. Do you have one with flowers?

Staff: Yes, here’s a pretty card with roses.

Customer: That’s great. Can I write the message?

Staff: Sure, here’s a pen.

Customer: Done. Thanks! Can you wrap it now?

Staff: Yes, I’ll wrap it right away.

Customer: You’ve made my job easy!

Staff: I’m happy to help. She’ll love it!

8. Buying Snacks at a Convenience Store

Level: A1 (Beginner)

Context: Two friends walk into a corner store to buy snacks and drinks before watching a movie.

Ali: I want some chips. What about you?

Nina: I want cookies and juice.

Ali: These chips look good. Want to share?

Nina: No thanks, I want something sweet.

Ali: Okay. Which cookies do you like?

Nina: Chocolate ones. These look nice.

Ali: Should we get a cold drink too?

Nina: Yes, let’s get orange juice.

Ali: Small or big bottle?

Nina: Big one. We can both drink it.

Ali: Good idea. Do you want candy?

Nina: No, I’m good with cookies.

Ali: Alright. I think I’m ready.

Nina: Me too. Let’s go to the counter.

Cashier: Hello! Just these?

Ali: Yes. How much?

Cashier: That’s 310 taka.

Nina: Here’s the money.

Cashier: Thank you. Enjoy your snacks!

Ali: Thanks! Let’s go watch the movie.

9. Shopping at a Bookstore

Level: A1 (Beginner)

Context: A student is looking for English learning books in a bookstore. A staff member assists her.

Customer: Hello. I need a book to learn English.

Staff: We have many. Are you a beginner?

Customer: Yes, I’m just starting.

Staff: This book is good for beginners. It has exercises.

Customer: That’s great. Does it have answers?

Staff: Yes, answers are in the back.

Customer: Perfect. How much is it?

Staff: It’s 450 taka.

Customer: Okay. I also want a dictionary.

Staff: English-to-English or English-to-Bangla?

Customer: English-to-Bangla, please.

Staff: Here you go. This one is popular.

Customer: Looks easy to use. I’ll take both.

Staff: Do you need a notebook or pen?

Customer: Yes! I forgot to bring a notebook.

Staff: Here are some. This one has thick pages.

Customer: I like it. I’ll take it too.

Staff: Let’s go to the counter.

Customer: Thank you for your help.

Staff: You’re welcome! Enjoy your study time.

10. Shopping for School Supplies

Level: A1 (Beginner)

Context: A mother is buying school supplies for her child. The store worker helps her find everything.

Mother: Hello. I need school things for my son.

Staff: Sure! What do you need?

Mother: Notebooks, pens, and a school bag.

Staff: Notebooks are right here. How many?

Mother: Five, with lines.

Staff: Here you go. What color pens?

Mother: Blue and black. Three of each.

Staff: Done. Now, for the school bag?

Mother: Yes, something strong and not too big.

Staff: This one is perfect for young kids.

Mother: I like it. Does it come in blue?

Staff: Yes, we have blue and red.

Mother: I’ll take the blue one.

Staff: Anything else?

Mother: Do you sell lunch boxes?

Staff: Yes, here are some with cartoon designs.

Mother: My son loves cartoons! I’ll take this one.

Staff: Great choice. Let’s check out.

Mother: Thank you. That was easy!

Staff: Anytime. Have a nice day!

11. Comparing Prices at the Supermarket

Level: B1 (Intermediate)

Context: Two roommates are doing their weekly grocery shopping and comparing prices to stay within budget.

Sara: Do we need rice this week?

Lina: Yeah, we’re almost out. Let’s get a 5kg bag.

Sara: This one is 400 taka, but that brand is 360.

Lina: I’ve tried the cheaper one. It’s okay, just a bit sticky.

Sara: Hmm. Do you want to go with the better one then?

Lina: Yeah, we eat rice every day. Let’s spend a little more.

Sara: Alright. What about cooking oil?

Lina: We still have half a bottle, but let’s get one in case.

Sara: This 2-liter one is on sale—650 taka.

Lina: That’s a good deal. Add it to the cart.

Sara: Should we buy vegetables from here or the bazaar?

Lina: Let’s just get onions and potatoes here. The rest are cheaper outside.

Sara: Okay. Do we need snacks?

Lina: Maybe just some biscuits. You always need tea snacks.

Sara: True. I’ll grab two packs of those coconut ones.

Lina: Great. Let’s check our list once more.

Sara: Looks like we’re done. Let’s go to the counter.

Lina: Hope we stayed under budget!

Sara: Fingers crossed!

12. Buying Clothes at a Department Store

Level: B1 (Intermediate)

Context: A teenager and her mom are shopping for new clothes for an upcoming family event.

Teen: Mom, I really like this top. Can I try it on?

Mom: Sure. Let’s find your size first.

Teen: I think medium will fit. Where’s the fitting room?

Mom: Over there, near the mirrors.

Teen: I’ll be back in a minute.

Mom: Okay. Try the pants too, just in case.

Teen: (comes back) It fits perfectly! Can I get it?

Mom: It looks nice on you. Let’s check the price.

Teen: It’s 1,200 taka. Is that okay?

Mom: For a good outfit, yes. Pick something else too.

Teen: Really? Thanks! How about this skirt?

Mom: Hmm, a little short. Do they have a longer one?

Teen: Oh look, here’s a similar one, just below the knee.

Mom: That’s better. Try it on.

Teen: Fits great! I love it.

Mom: Alright. Let’s pay before I change my mind.

Teen: Yay! Thank you, Mom!

13. Buying Electronics

Level: B1 (Intermediate)

Context: A man is buying a pair of headphones and is comparing options with the help of a shop assistant.

Customer: Hi. I’m looking for good quality headphones.

Assistant: Sure. Do you prefer wired or wireless?

Customer: Wireless, definitely. I need them for the gym.

Assistant: These ones are waterproof and have long battery life.

Customer: How many hours?

Assistant: About 30 hours on one full charge.

Customer: That’s great. How much?

Assistant: This model is 3,800 taka. It’s on sale now.

Customer: Is there a cheaper one with similar features?

Assistant: This one here is 2,900 taka, but battery life is only 18 hours.

Customer: I see. Do both have a mic for phone calls?

Assistant: Yes, both do. But the more expensive one has better sound quality.

Customer: Hmm. Can I test the sound?

Assistant: Of course. Let me connect it to the store phone.

Customer: (listens) The sound is really clear. I’ll take the better one.

Assistant: Good choice. Would you like a case with that?

Customer: Yes, a small case to carry it would be useful.

Assistant: This one fits perfectly and costs 250 taka.

Customer: Alright, add that too. Thanks for your help.

14. Shopping at a Farmer’s Market

Level: B1 (Intermediate)

Context: A couple is shopping at a local farmer’s market for fresh produce and chatting with the vendor.

Husband: Good morning! Your tomatoes look amazing.

Vendor: Good morning! They’re fresh from my garden—picked this morning.

Wife: That’s wonderful. How much are they per kilo?

Vendor: 90 taka per kilo.

Husband: We’ll take two kilos, please.

Vendor: Sure. Anything else?

Wife: Do you have spinach today?

Vendor: Yes, very fresh. One bundle is 25 taka.

Wife: We’ll take two bundles.

Husband: Do you have any mangoes?

Vendor: Yes, sweet and juicy ones. Want to try a slice?

Husband: Sure. (tastes) Wow, that’s delicious.

Vendor: It’s from Chapainawabganj. Best mangoes in the country!

Wife: Let’s get a kilo.

Vendor: Here you go. Anything else?

Husband: No, that’s all for today.

Vendor: That’s 305 taka total.

Wife: Here you go. Thanks for the fresh produce!

Vendor: Come again soon!

15. Asking for Help at a Hardware Store

Level: B1 (Intermediate)

Context: A man is renovating his apartment and needs help finding tools and paint at a hardware store.

Customer: Hello. I’m painting my living room and need some supplies.

Clerk: Alright. What kind of paint are you looking for?

Customer: Something light and fresh—maybe off-white or pale yellow.

Clerk: We have samples here. Want to take a look?

Customer: Yes. Hmm, I like this shade. What finish is it?

Clerk: That’s matte. We also have glossy and satin.

Customer: I’ll go with matte. How much for one can?

Clerk: That size is 1,250 taka.

Customer: Okay, I’ll take one. I also need brushes and tape.

Clerk: We have brush sets starting at 300 taka.

Customer: I’ll take this medium set. Do you sell rollers?

Clerk: Yes, they’re over here. This one’s good for walls.

Customer: Great. Do I need primer?

Clerk: If your wall is new or very dark, yes.

Customer: It’s light-colored already, so I’ll skip that.

Clerk: Alright. Need anything else?

Customer: No, I think that’s it. Let’s check out.

Clerk: Sure. I’ll pack everything for you.

16. Ordering Groceries Online

Level: B1 (Intermediate)

Context: A woman is helping her elderly father place an online grocery order using a shopping app.

Daughter: Okay, Dad, let’s open the app and see what we need to order.

Father: Don’t forget the milk. I’m almost out.

Daughter: Got it. One liter of milk. What about eggs?

Father: Yes, a dozen. And bread—brown bread, not white.

Daughter: Found it. Anything for lunch?

Father: Get some chicken breast and some vegetables.

Daughter: How much chicken do you want?

Father: Just 500 grams. I’ll make curry.

Daughter: Okay, added. Do you want spinach or cabbage?

Father: Spinach sounds good this week.

Daughter: What about fruit? Bananas or oranges?

Father: Bananas. Four should be enough.

Daughter: Alright, adding them. Do you need rice or lentils?

Father: Not yet. Still have some left from last time.

Daughter: Anything else? Snacks or tea?

Father: Get me some biscuits for evening tea.

Daughter: Okay, done. I’ll place the order now.

Father: Make sure it arrives before noon.

Daughter: Delivery is between 10 and 11 a.m. You’re all set.

17. Buying a Gift at a Stationery Shop

Level: B1 (Intermediate)

Context: A student is buying a birthday gift for a friend at a stationery and gift shop.

Student: Hi, do you have any gift sets for students?

Shopkeeper: Yes, we have pens, notebooks, and art kits. What kind of gift are you thinking?

Student: My friend loves drawing. Do you have sketchbooks?

Shopkeeper: Of course. We have a few sizes. This one is A4 and very popular.

Student: That looks perfect. What about colored pencils?

Shopkeeper: We have this 24-color set. It’s high quality.

Student: How much for the sketchbook and pencils together?

Shopkeeper: The sketchbook is 180 taka, and the pencils are 350.

Student: I’ll take both. Do you have gift wrapping?

Shopkeeper: Yes, we offer free wrapping. Would you like a birthday tag?

Student: Yes, please. Something simple.

Shopkeeper: Done. Anything else you need?

Student: Maybe a greeting card?

Shopkeeper: Sure. This section has birthday cards.

Student: I’ll take this one with the balloons. How much?

Shopkeeper: That one is 60 taka.

Student: Okay, here’s the money.

Shopkeeper: Thank you. Your gift is ready.

Student: Thanks for your help!

18. Asking for a Refund at a Clothing Store

Level: B1 (Intermediate)

Context: A customer returns to the store after buying a shirt that doesn’t fit and wants a refund.

Customer: Hi. I bought this shirt two days ago, but it doesn’t fit me.

Staff: Do you have the receipt with you?

Customer: Yes, here it is.

Staff: Thank you. Would you like to exchange it for another size?

Customer: I already checked. You don’t have my size in stock.

Staff: Alright. Then I can process a refund for you.

Customer: Great. I paid with my debit card.

Staff: No problem. The amount will go back to your card in 3 to 5 days.

Customer: Do I need to fill out any form?

Staff: Just sign this return slip here.

Customer: Done. Do I get an email confirmation?

Staff: Yes, I’ve sent it to the email you provided during purchase.

Customer: Perfect. Thank you for the help.

Staff: You’re welcome. Sorry it didn’t work out.

Customer: It’s okay. I’ll check again next week.

Staff: Sounds good. Have a great day!

19. Shopping for a Party

Level: B1 (Intermediate)

Context: Two friends are buying decorations and supplies for a birthday party.

Friend 1: Do we have everything on the list?

Friend 2: Not yet. We still need balloons and paper plates.

Friend 1: I like these gold and white balloons. What do you think?

Friend 2: They’re nice. Let’s get two packs.

Friend 1: And how many plates should we get?

Friend 2: Maybe 30? Just to be safe.

Friend 1: Okay, adding that. Do we need plastic cups too?

Friend 2: Yes, and napkins. Let’s get matching colors.

Friend 1: These gold napkins match the plates.

Friend 2: Perfect. What about candles for the cake?

Friend 1: Let’s get the number candles—two and five for her age.

Friend 2: Good idea. Oh, do we have party hats?

Friend 1: No, let’s grab a few. These ones have stars.

Friend 2: Great! I think we’re ready to check out.

Friend 1: Wait! Let’s not forget tape and string.

Friend 2: You’re right. Can’t hang decorations without those.

Friend 1: Okay, now we’re ready!

20. Shopping at a Tech Store

Level: B1 (Intermediate)

Context: A university student is buying a new laptop and asking the sales assistant questions.

Student: Hi, I need a laptop for university work and video editing.

Sales Assistant: What’s your budget?

Student: Around 70,000 taka.

Sales Assistant: In that range, we have some good models with i5 processors and 8GB RAM.

Student: Does this one have a graphics card?

Sales Assistant: Yes, integrated graphics. Good for light editing.

Student: What about battery life?

Sales Assistant: This one lasts around 8 hours.

Student: Can I run Adobe Premiere on it?

Sales Assistant: Yes, but for heavy editing, 16GB RAM would be better.

Student: That makes sense. How much is the upgrade?

Sales Assistant: With 16GB RAM, it’s 82,000 taka.

Student: Hmm. That’s over my budget. Any discounts?

Sales Assistant: If you’re a student, we can offer a 5% discount.

Student: That helps. Do I get a warranty?

Sales Assistant: One-year official warranty. Two years if you register online.

Student: Alright. I’ll go for the upgraded version.

Sales Assistant: Good choice. I’ll pack it up for you.

Final Thoughts

Teaching shopping conversations is one of the easiest and most effective ways to help ESL students build confidence in real-life speaking situations. These dialogues give your students the chance to hear natural sentence patterns, ask and answer questions, and use useful expressions they’ll actually need outside the classroom.

With 20 detailed conversations at both beginner and intermediate levels, this post gives you a complete set of resources to create role-plays, vocabulary practice, speaking games, and even class debates. Whether your goal is to boost fluency or just have fun, these materials make your lessons more engaging and practical.

So go ahead and use these conversations in your next class—you’ll see your students become more confident and excited about learning English through everyday topics like shopping.

FAQs About Using Shopping Conversations in ESL Class

What level are these shopping conversations suitable for?
They are written for A1 (beginner) and B1 (intermediate) levels, making them great for students who are starting to speak or want to improve their fluency.

How can I use these conversations in class?
You can use them for pair work, role-plays, listening practice, vocabulary matching, question creation, or as warm-up reading tasks.

Can I focus on vocabulary from the conversations?
Yes! Each conversation includes a wide range of useful shopping-related vocabulary, which you can pull out for word banks or flashcard games.

Are these shopping conversations long enough for full lessons?
Definitely. Each has at least 15 turns, so they can easily fill up a full lesson with reading, discussion, and practice activities.

How can I teach idioms or expressions using these?
You can highlight idioms or common phrases in the dialogues and ask students to guess the meaning, use them in new sentences, or find similar phrases in their own language.

Do these help with question practice?
Yes. Many of the dialogues model real-life questions, so students get to see how native speakers ask for prices, make requests, or give suggestions while shopping.

Can I create debates or speaking tasks from these?
Absolutely. Use any conversation as a starting point for a class discussion or debate—like “Is online shopping better than in-store shopping?”

Are the conversations customizable?
Yes. You can change names, items, or situations to better match your students’ real lives or make the topics more fun and relevant.

How do these help with listening skills?
You can read them aloud or record them and have students listen for key details, repeated expressions, or main ideas.

What makes this resource better than other conversation lists?
These conversations are long, natural, classroom-tested, and easy to teach. They’re designed for real use—not textbook talk—so your students get the most practical and fun experience possible.