Who doesn’t love to go shopping whether you need something or not? Going shopping and talking about it in English is an essential part of your ESL students’ lives. Talking about shopping helps them understand shopping-related vocabulary, discuss purchasing habits, and engage in meaningful conversations about consumer behavior and retail experiences.
ESL teachers can use these as daily conversation questions to help students practice speaking and participating in discussions about shopping topics, including online shopping, budgeting for purchases, comparing prices, and consumer rights. These questions are excellent for building vocabulary and boosting confidence in discussing shopping experiences.
This resource has 600 questions in 10 categories for all skill levels, from beginners to advanced learners, ensuring that every student can participate. These questions create fun and interactive learning experiences when used in different speaking activities like class discussions, shopping role-plays, or presentations.
By using these questions in the classroom, students will improve their ability to talk about shopping in English. This will help them become more savvy shoppers, confident speakers, and effective communicators in various shopping contexts.
This set of 600 shopping conversation questions, divided into 10 categories and six proficiency levels, is a valuable tool for ESL teachers to teach speaking skills and promote shopping literacy among ESL students.
Table of Contents
Category 1: Talking about Types of Stores
Beginner (A1):
- What types of stores do you know?
- Do you like going to the supermarket? Why?
- Where can you buy clothes?
- Have you ever been to a bookstore?
- What do you buy at the pharmacy?
- Do you know any stores where you can buy toys?
- Have you visited a bakery before?
- What kind of things can you buy at a hardware store?
- Do you like going to the market? Why?
- Have you ever been to a pet shop?
Elementary (A2):
11. Which store is your favorite? Why?
- How often do you visit the mall?
- Can you describe a department store?
- What’s the difference between a restaurant and a cafe?
- Where do you usually buy gifts?
- Do you prefer shopping in small shops or big supermarkets?
- Have you ever been to a thrift store?
- What kind of things can you buy at a convenience store?
- Describe a typical visit to a clothing store.
- Do you know any specialty stores? What do they sell?
Intermediate (B1):
21. How do you feel about boutique shopping?
- Do you think shopping centers are convenient? Why?
- What’s your opinion on outlet malls?
- How has online shopping changed your shopping habits?
- Have you ever shopped at a flea market? What was it like?
- Do you prefer shopping alone or with friends? Why?
- How do you decide where to shop for groceries?
- Have you ever tried haggling at a market?
- What do you think about discount stores?
- Do you believe in the importance of supporting local businesses?
Upper Intermediate (B2):
31. How do department stores differ from specialty shops?
- What factors influence your choice of stores when shopping for clothes?
- Have you ever shopped at a luxury brand store? What was your experience?
- How do you think shopping malls impact local communities?
- Do you think traditional markets will survive in the age of online shopping?
- What’s your opinion on pop-up shops?
- How do you feel about the rise of chain stores?
- Have you ever shopped at a duty-free store? What did you buy?
- Do you think the layout of a store affects your shopping experience?
- What are your thoughts on convenience store chains expanding globally?
Advanced (C1):
41. In what ways do boutique stores cater to specific customer needs?
- How do department stores utilize marketing strategies to attract customers?
- What ethical considerations should consumers take into account when shopping?
- How does the concept of “retail therapy” impact consumer behavior?
- What role does branding play in the success of a store?
- How do cultural differences influence shopping habits?
- What strategies can traditional retailers adopt to compete with e-commerce giants?
- How do trends in interior design affect store ambiance?
- Do you think subscription-based shopping services are the future of retail?
- How do store policies regarding returns and exchanges affect customer satisfaction?
Proficient (C2):
51. What impact does globalization have on the variety of products available in stores?
- How do stores utilize data analytics to personalize the shopping experience?
- What role does corporate social responsibility play in consumers’ store choices?
- How do emerging technologies, such as augmented reality, shape the future of retail?
- In what ways do government regulations influence the retail industry?
- How do economic factors, such as inflation, affect consumer spending patterns?
- What strategies can brick-and-mortar stores employ to compete with online retailers?
- How do cultural norms surrounding shopping differ across countries?
- What are the implications of the “fast fashion” industry on sustainability?
- How do changing demographics impact the types of stores in a community?
Category 2: Talking about Shopping Habits
Beginner (A1):
- Do you enjoy shopping?
- How often do you go shopping?
- Where do you usually shop?
- Do you prefer shopping alone or with others?
- What do you usually buy when you go shopping?
- Do you make a shopping list before going to the store?
- How do you pay for your purchases?
- Do you like receiving gifts? Why?
- Have you ever bought something online?
- What is your favorite thing to buy?
Elementary (A2):
11. Can you describe your shopping routine?
- Do you prefer shopping in the morning or in the evening?
- How do you decide what to buy?
- Have you ever returned something you bought?
- What do you do if you can’t find what you’re looking for?
- Do you tend to buy things you need or things you want?
- What’s the most expensive thing you’ve ever bought?
- How do you feel when you find a good bargain?
- Have you ever bought something on sale?
- Do you keep track of how much you spend when shopping?
Intermediate (B1):
21. How has your shopping habits changed over the years?
- Do you think shopping is a good way to relax?
- What influences your impulse purchases?
- How do you plan for big purchases?
- Have you ever regretted buying something? Why?
- What do you think about online shopping versus in-store shopping?
- Do you prefer to shop for necessities or luxuries?
- How do you budget your shopping expenses?
- Have you ever tried to cut down on unnecessary purchases?
- How do you feel about window shopping?
Upper Intermediate (B2):
31. What role does advertising play in your shopping decisions?
- How do your cultural background and upbringing influence your shopping habits?
- Have you ever tried to change someone else’s shopping habits?
- What strategies do you use to resist impulse buying?
- How do you prioritize your shopping needs?
- How do you think social media affects shopping habits?
- Have you ever participated in a shopping spree? How was it?
- What do you think about loyalty programs offered by stores?
- How do you balance quality and price when shopping?
- Do you think online reviews are reliable when making purchasing decisions?
Advanced (C1):
41. How do psychological factors, like mood, influence shopping behavior?
- What are the environmental impacts of consumerism?
- How do you think technology will shape the future of shopping?
- What role does peer pressure play in consumer behavior?
- How do cultural differences influence shopping etiquette?
- Do you think consumer rights are adequately protected?
- How do you think the sharing economy will impact traditional shopping?
- What ethical considerations should shoppers take into account?
- How do subscription-based services change traditional shopping patterns?
- How do economic trends influence shopping trends?
Proficient (C2):
51. How do supply chain issues affect the availability of products?
- What impact does globalization have on shopping habits?
- How do emerging technologies, like AI, affect the retail industry?
- What are the societal implications of conspicuous consumption?
- How do shopping habits differ between generations?
- What role does data privacy play in online shopping?
- How do political factors influence consumer confidence?
- What strategies can businesses employ to promote sustainable shopping?
- How do virtual reality and augmented reality change the shopping experience?
- How do shopping habits reflect broader cultural values?
Category 3: Talking about Online Shopping
Beginner (A1):
- Have you ever bought something online?
- What do you like about online shopping?
- How do you pay for things online?
- Do you think online shopping is convenient?
- Have you ever received a package in the mail?
- What is your favorite website for online shopping?
- Do you prefer shopping in a store or online?
- What do you think about online auctions?
- Have you ever sold something online?
- How do you track your online orders?
Elementary (A2):
11. What items do you usually buy online?
- How do you find good deals when shopping online?
- Have you ever had a problem with an online purchase?
- Do you trust online reviews when making purchases?
- What precautions do you take when shopping online?
- How do you feel about online shopping apps?
- Have you ever bought clothes online? How was the experience?
- Do you think online shopping will become more popular in the future?
- How do you return items bought online?
- What is your opinion on online payment methods?
Intermediate (B1):
21. How has online shopping changed your life?
- Do you prefer shopping on a computer or a mobile device?
- What do you think about online marketplaces like Amazon?
- Have you ever used a shopping comparison website?
- How do you deal with shipping costs when shopping online?
- What do you do if a package doesn’t arrive on time?
- Have you ever bought groceries online?
- Do you think online shopping is safer than shopping in person?
- How do you think online shopping affects traditional stores?
- What are the advantages and disadvantages of online shopping?
Upper Intermediate (B2):
31. How do online retailers use data to personalize your shopping experience?
- What impact does online shopping have on the environment?
- How do you think augmented reality will change online shopping?
- Have you ever experienced online fraud?
- How do you stay informed about online shopping trends?
- What are the ethical implications of online shopping?
- How do online subscription services influence shopping habits?
- Do you think online shopping encourages impulse buying?
- How do you think online shopping will evolve in the future?
- What role does social media play in online shopping?
Advanced (C1):
41. How do algorithms affect the products shown to you when shopping online?
- What are the privacy concerns associated with online shopping?
- How do online retailers use psychology to influence purchasing decisions?
- What are the economic impacts of the rise of online shopping?
- How do online shopping habits vary across different demographics?
- What role does customer service play in the success of online retailers?
- How do online marketplaces impact small businesses?
- How do online retailers handle product returns and exchanges?
- How do you think blockchain technology will impact online shopping?
- What are the legal considerations for online shopping platforms?
Proficient (C2):
51. How do online shopping platforms combat counterfeit products?
- What role does artificial intelligence play in online shopping?
- How do online retailers manage inventory and supply chains?
- What are the cybersecurity challenges faced by online shopping platforms?
- How do online retailers address sustainability concerns?
- How do online shopping habits differ between developed and developing countries?
- What impact does online shopping have on employment in the retail sector?
- How do online shopping platforms use big data to enhance user experience?
- How do emerging technologies like virtual reality impact online shopping?
- What ethical considerations should consumers take into account when shopping online?
Category 4: Talking about Shopping Preferences
Beginner (A1):
- Do you prefer shopping in-store or online?
- What time of day do you like to shop?
- Do you enjoy shopping alone or with friends?
- What factors influence where you shop?
- How do you decide what to buy?
- Do you like trying on clothes before buying them?
- What do you do if you can’t find what you’re looking for?
- Do you like shopping for gifts?
- How do you feel about buying second-hand items?
- What do you think about shopping malls?
Elementary (A2):
11. Do you prefer shopping in a small boutique or a big department store?
- What do you usually look for when shopping for clothes?
- How important is price when making purchasing decisions?
- Do you prefer buying things that are on sale?
- What do you do if a store doesn’t have your size?
- How do you feel about shopping for groceries?
- What factors do you consider when choosing a restaurant?
- Do you prefer shopping for necessities or luxuries?
- How do you feel about shopping for electronics?
- What do you think about shopping for souvenirs?
Intermediate (B1):
21. How do you prioritize your shopping needs?
- Do you prefer to buy branded or unbranded products?
- What role does quality play in your purchasing decisions?
- How do you balance between needs and wants when shopping?
- Do you like to research products before buying them?
- What do you think about shopping for sustainable products?
- How do you feel about shopping for furniture?
- Do you prefer to shop for clothes seasonally or year-round?
- How do you choose where to eat when dining out?
- What factors influence your choice of online retailers?
Upper Intermediate (B2):
31. How do cultural factors influence your shopping preferences?
- Do you prefer to shop at local businesses or chain stores?
- How do you feel about shopping for cosmetics and skincare products?
- What role does convenience play in your shopping decisions?
- How do you decide when it’s worth paying extra for a premium product?
- Do you prefer traditional shopping or online shopping for big-ticket items?
- How do you feel about shopping for home appliances?
- What do you think about shopping for groceries online?
- How do your shopping preferences change when traveling?
- How do you feel about shopping for gifts for special occasions?
Advanced (C1):
41. How do psychological factors influence your shopping preferences?
- How do your shopping preferences reflect your lifestyle?
- What role does marketing play in shaping your shopping preferences?
- How do you think technology will impact shopping preferences in the future?
- How do you balance personal preferences with societal trends when shopping?
- How do you think shopping preferences vary between generations?
- How do your shopping preferences differ when shopping for experiences versus tangible goods?
- How do societal values influence shopping preferences?
- How do you feel about shopping for ethical and sustainable products?
- What role does peer influence play in shaping your shopping preferences?
Proficient (C2):
51. How do your shopping preferences reflect your cultural identity?
- How do your shopping preferences align with your values and beliefs?
- How do economic factors influence your shopping preferences?
- How do your shopping preferences change during economic downturns?
- How do geopolitical events impact your shopping preferences?
- How do your shopping preferences reflect broader societal trends?
- How do your shopping preferences differ between routine purchases and special occasions?
- How do your shopping preferences align with your long-term goals?
- How do your shopping preferences evolve over time?
- How do your shopping preferences contribute to your overall well-being?
Category 5: Talking about Bargaining and Negotiation
Beginner (A1):
- Have you ever haggled for a lower price?
- Do you like to negotiate when buying things?
- What do you do if you think something is too expensive?
- How do you feel about asking for discounts?
- Have you ever tried to bargain at a market?
- What do you say to ask for a lower price?
- Do you think bargaining is common in your country?
- What’s the best deal you’ve ever gotten?
- How do you react if a seller refuses to lower the price?
- What do you think about fixed prices?
Elementary (A2):
11. How do you negotiate when buying a car?
- What strategies do you use to get a better price?
- Have you ever walked away from a deal because the price was too high?
- How do you feel about bargaining for souvenirs when traveling?
- What’s the difference between bargaining and haggling?
- Do you think it’s rude to negotiate prices?
- How do you react when a seller offers you a discount?
- What do you do if you feel like you’re being overcharged?
- Have you ever successfully negotiated with a landlord?
- How do you feel about tipping in restaurants?
Intermediate (B1):
21. How do cultural differences influence bargaining customs?
- What role does body language play in negotiation?
- How do you negotiate when buying a house?
- Have you ever used leverage to negotiate a better deal?
- How do you determine a fair price when bargaining?
- What’s your strategy for negotiating salary?
- How do you negotiate when buying electronics?
- What do you do if you’re not satisfied with the quality of a product?
- Have you ever negotiated with a customer service representative?
- How do you negotiate when buying jewelry?
Upper Intermediate (B2):
31. How do power dynamics affect negotiation outcomes?
- What strategies do you use to overcome objections when negotiating?
- How do you negotiate when buying in bulk?
- Have you ever negotiated a contract?
- How do you handle counteroffers during negotiation?
- What do you do if negotiations reach a deadlock?
- How do you negotiate when buying artwork or antiques?
- What are the ethical considerations when bargaining?
- How do you negotiate when buying a used car?
- How do you negotiate when buying from a street vendor?
Advanced (C1):
41. How do you negotiate when dealing with international vendors?
- What role does research play in effective negotiation?
- How do you negotiate when dealing with difficult people?
- How do you handle multiple offers during negotiation?
- What are the differences between distributive and integrative negotiation?
- How do you negotiate when buying real estate in a competitive market?
- How do you negotiate when dealing with government agencies or institutions?
- What are the key elements of a successful negotiation strategy?
- How do you negotiate when buying businesses or franchises?
- How do you negotiate when dealing with suppliers or vendors?
Proficient (C2):
51. How do you negotiate when involved in diplomatic or political discussions?
- What role does emotional intelligence play in negotiation?
- How do you negotiate when dealing with labor unions or employee groups?
- How do you negotiate when involved in mergers and acquisitions?
- How do you negotiate when dealing with legal disputes or litigation?
- What strategies do you use to build trust and rapport during negotiation?
- How do you negotiate when dealing with cross-cultural communication challenges?
- How do you negotiate when involved in complex multi-party negotiations?
- How do you negotiate when dealing with intellectual property rights?
- What are the ethical considerations when negotiating in high-stakes situations?
Category 6: Talking about Fashion and Clothing
Beginner (A1):
- Do you like to wear fashionable clothes?
- What’s your favorite piece of clothing?
- How often do you buy new clothes?
- Do you prefer casual or formal clothing?
- What colors do you like to wear?
- Where do you usually buy your clothes?
- Do you like to wear accessories like hats or scarves?
- What do you wear when it’s hot outside?
- How do you dress for special occasions?
- Do you enjoy shopping for clothes?
Elementary (A2):
11. Can you describe your favorite outfit?
- How do you decide what to wear each day?
- Do you follow fashion trends?
- What’s your opinion on second-hand clothes?
- How do you feel about wearing uniforms?
- Have you ever altered your clothes to make them fit better?
- What do you wear when it’s cold outside?
- How do you take care of your clothes?
- Do you have a favorite brand of clothing?
- What do you think about designer labels?
Intermediate (B1):
21. How do you express your personality through your clothing?
- Do you prefer timeless or trendy clothing?
- What do you think about fast fashion?
- How do you choose clothes that flatter your body type?
- Have you ever participated in a clothing swap?
- What’s your opinion on sustainable fashion?
- How do you feel about vintage clothing?
- How do you think cultural background influences clothing choices?
- What’s your go-to outfit for a job interview?
- How do you stay stylish on a budget?
Upper Intermediate (B2):
31. How do you think technology will influence the future of fashion?
- What role does social media play in shaping fashion trends?
- How do you feel about gender-neutral clothing?
- Have you ever made your own clothes?
- How do you think climate change will impact fashion?
- What’s your opinion on the “capsule wardrobe” trend?
- How do you choose clothes for different occasions?
- How do you feel about cultural appropriation in fashion?
- What’s your favorite fashion era and why?
- How do you think globalization has affected fashion?
Advanced (C1):
41. How do fashion choices reflect social status?
- What impact does the fashion industry have on the environment?
- How do you think AI will impact the design process in fashion?
- How do fashion trends vary between different generations?
- What ethical considerations should consumers take into account when buying clothes?
- How do you think the pandemic has changed fashion trends?
- How do fashion magazines influence consumer behavior?
- What are the psychological effects of wearing certain types of clothing?
- How do fashion shows shape public perception of brands?
- How do you think virtual reality will impact the fashion industry?
Proficient (C2):
51. How do fashion choices reflect cultural values and norms?
- What role does inclusivity play in the fashion industry?
- How do you think blockchain technology will impact transparency in the fashion supply chain?
- How do fashion choices contribute to identity formation?
- What role does fashion play in social movements and activism?
- How do fashion choices differ between urban and rural areas?
- How do fashion influencers shape consumer behavior?
- How do fashion choices reflect economic disparities?
- How do fashion trends spread globally?
- How do fashion choices influence perceptions of professionalism and competence?
Category 7: Talking about Grocery Shopping
Beginner (A1):
- Do you buy groceries regularly?
- Where do you usually buy groceries?
- What’s your favorite food to buy at the grocery store?
- How do you transport groceries home?
- Do you make a shopping list before going to the grocery store?
- What do you do if you forget something on your list?
- Do you like to cook at home?
- What do you do with leftover food?
- How do you store perishable items?
- What’s your favorite fruit or vegetable?
Elementary (A2):
11. How do you choose which groceries to buy?
- What’s the difference between fresh and frozen food?
- How often do you go grocery shopping?
- What’s your favorite aisle in the grocery store?
- How do you decide when to buy organic products?
- What do you do if a product is expired?
- Do you prefer shopping for groceries alone or with someone else?
- How do you carry your groceries if you don’t have a car?
- What do you do with plastic bags from the grocery store?
- Have you ever tried a new food item you found at the grocery store?
Intermediate (B1):
21. How do you plan your meals for the week before grocery shopping?
- What factors influence your choice of grocery store?
- How do you budget for groceries?
- What do you do if a product is out of stock?
- How do you feel about buying in bulk?
- What strategies do you use to save money on groceries?
- How do you deal with impulse buys at the grocery store?
- What do you think about shopping at farmer’s markets?
- How do you handle substitutions when grocery shopping online?
- What do you do with leftover packaging from groceries?
Upper Intermediate (B2):
31. How do you think online grocery shopping has changed the way people shop?
- What role does meal planning play in reducing food waste?
- How do you think grocery shopping habits vary between cultures?
- What do you think about grocery delivery services?
- How do you choose between name brands and generic brands at the grocery store?
- What strategies do you use to navigate crowded grocery stores?
- How do you think technology will further change grocery shopping in the future?
- What impact does packaging have on your grocery shopping decisions?
- How do you feel about using reusable bags for groceries?
- How do you think grocery shopping habits have changed due to the pandemic?
Advanced (C1):
41. What role does sustainability play in your grocery shopping choices?
- How do you think grocery stores can reduce food waste?
- How do you see the future of grocery shopping evolving with advancements in technology?
- How do you think grocery stores can improve accessibility for people with disabilities?
- What impact do food labeling regulations have on consumer choices?
- How do you think grocery stores can promote healthier eating habits?
- How do you feel about grocery stores offering online cooking classes or recipe suggestions?
- What impact do loyalty programs have on consumer behavior in grocery shopping?
- How do you think grocery shopping habits vary between urban and rural areas?
- How do cultural differences influence grocery shopping habits?
Proficient (C2):
51. How do supply chain disruptions affect grocery shopping availability and prices?
- How do you think grocery stores can better support local farmers and producers?
- What role do food deserts play in grocery shopping access?
- How do grocery stores cater to diverse dietary needs and preferences?
- What impact does the globalization of food markets have on grocery shopping?
- How do grocery stores address food safety concerns?
- How do you see the role of artificial intelligence and data analytics shaping the future of grocery shopping?
- How do grocery stores balance convenience with sustainability initiatives?
- How do grocery shopping habits reflect broader societal trends and values?
- How do you think grocery shopping experiences will change in response to emerging environmental, economic, and social challenges?
Category 8: Talking about Special Occasion Shopping
Beginner (A1):
- Have you ever bought clothes for a special occasion?
- What kind of special occasions do you celebrate?
- How do you prepare for a special event?
- Do you prefer shopping for special occasions in-store or online?
- What do you wear to weddings?
- How do you choose gifts for special occasions?
- Have you ever attended a birthday party?
- What do you wear to job interviews?
- How do you celebrate holidays?
- What do you do to make a special occasion memorable?
Elementary (A2):
11. How do you dress for formal events like graduations or proms?
- What’s your favorite special occasion to dress up for?
- How do you choose a gift for someone’s wedding?
- What do you wear to family gatherings?
- Have you ever attended a costume party?
- How do you decorate for special occasions?
- What do you wear to religious ceremonies or celebrations?
- How do you plan a surprise party for someone?
- Do you have any special traditions for birthdays?
- How do you celebrate achievements or milestones?
Intermediate (B1):
21. How do you choose an outfit for a themed party?
- What’s the most memorable special occasion you’ve attended?
- How do you budget for gifts and expenses for special occasions?
- What’s your opinion on destination weddings or events?
- How do you feel about hosting special occasions at home versus at a venue?
- How do you handle RSVPs and guest lists for special events?
- What do you do if you can’t attend a special occasion?
- How do you plan a surprise trip for someone’s birthday?
- How do you feel about giving and receiving handmade gifts?
- How do you celebrate cultural or religious holidays?
Upper Intermediate (B2):
31. How do you navigate cultural differences when attending special occasions?
- What role does tradition play in special occasion celebrations?
- How do you coordinate outfits for group events or photos?
- How do you handle conflicts or disagreements during special occasions?
- What’s your opinion on destination weddings or events?
- How do you support friends or family during difficult special occasions?
- How do you celebrate personal achievements or milestones?
- How do you plan a surprise proposal or engagement party?
- How do you choose a venue for a special occasion?
- How do you honor and remember loved ones during special occasions?
Advanced (C1):
41. How do you incorporate sustainability into special occasion planning?
- How do you navigate etiquette and protocol during formal special occasions?
- How do you handle cultural appropriation concerns during themed events?
- How do you celebrate special occasions while respecting dietary restrictions or preferences?
- How do you manage stress and pressure when planning large special events?
- How do you create inclusive and welcoming environments during special occasions?
- How do you negotiate with vendors and suppliers for special occasion services?
- How do you handle unexpected emergencies or disruptions during events?
- How do you incorporate technology into special occasion planning and execution?
- How do you create meaningful and personalized experiences for guests during special occasions?
Proficient (C2):
51. How do you use storytelling and narrative to enhance special occasion experiences?
- How do you balance tradition and innovation in special occasion planning?
- How do you navigate cultural sensitivity and diversity in guest interactions?
- How do you manage finances and budgets for large-scale special occasions?
- How do you evaluate the success and impact of special occasion events?
- How do you adapt and pivot when faced with unexpected challenges during events?
- How do you leverage social media and digital platforms for special occasion marketing and promotion?
- How do you foster community and connection during special occasion gatherings?
- How do you handle legal and logistical considerations when planning special events?
- How do you cultivate creativity and innovation in special occasion design and execution?
Category 9: Talking about Comparison Shopping
Beginner (A1):
- Do you compare prices before buying something?
- What do you do if you find the same item cheaper elsewhere?
- How do you decide where to shop?
- What’s the difference between two similar products?
- Do you like to read reviews before making a purchase?
- How do you know if something is a good deal?
- Have you ever returned something because you found it cheaper?
- How do you feel about sales and discounts?
- How do you choose between two different brands?
- What do you do if you can’t decide between two products?
Elementary (A2):
11. How do you compare the quality of products?
- What factors do you consider when comparing prices?
- How do you make sure you’re getting the best value for your money?
- Do you prefer to shop at big stores or small shops?
- How do you feel about buying generic brands instead of name brands?
- Have you ever regretted not comparing prices before buying something?
- How do you feel about loyalty programs or rewards cards?
- What do you do if you find a better deal after you’ve already bought something?
- How do you make sure you’re buying the right size?
- What tools or apps do you use for comparison shopping?
Intermediate (B1):
21. How do you compare prices between online and offline stores?
- What strategies do you use to negotiate prices?
- How do you assess the reliability of online sellers?
- Have you ever used price comparison websites?
- How do you factor in shipping costs when comparing prices?
- What’s your opinion on price matching guarantees?
- How do you make informed decisions when comparing technical products?
- What do you do if there’s a discrepancy between the online listing and the actual product?
- How do you avoid impulse purchases when comparison shopping?
- How do you balance quality and price when comparison shopping?
Upper Intermediate (B2):
31. How do you account for hidden costs when comparing prices?
- What role does brand reputation play in your comparison shopping?
- How do you assess the credibility of product reviews?
- How do you compare prices across different countries or regions?
- How do you avoid counterfeit products when shopping online?
- How do you ensure product authenticity when buying from third-party sellers?
- What do you do if there’s a discrepancy between the advertised features and the actual product?
- How do you compare long-term costs when making big purchases?
- How do you evaluate the return and exchange policies of different retailers?
- How do you deal with price fluctuations when comparison shopping?
Advanced (C1):
41. How do you analyze market trends when comparison shopping?
- How do you consider the environmental impact of products when comparison shopping?
- How do you evaluate the durability and lifespan of products?
- How do you assess the ethical and labor practices of brands when comparison shopping?
- How do you factor in the total cost of ownership when comparison shopping?
- How do you assess the value of warranties and extended protection plans?
- How do you compare prices for specialized or niche products?
- How do you analyze the financial stability and reputation of retailers?
- How do you evaluate the trustworthiness of user-generated content and reviews?
- How do you negotiate bulk discounts or wholesale prices when comparison shopping?
Proficient (C2):
51. How do you leverage data analytics and algorithms for comparison shopping?
- How do you conduct competitive intelligence and market research when comparison shopping?
- How do you evaluate the social and cultural impact of consumer choices when comparison shopping?
- How do you navigate legal considerations and regulations when comparison shopping?
- How do you use predictive modeling and forecasting for comparison shopping?
- How do you incorporate risk management strategies into your comparison shopping approach?
- How do you evaluate the supply chain and sourcing practices of products?
- How do you analyze customer satisfaction metrics and feedback when comparison shopping?
- How do you make strategic decisions for long-term savings and investments through comparison shopping?
- How do you contribute to the development of fair and transparent markets through informed comparison shopping?
Category 10: Talking about Impulse Buying
Beginner (A1):
- Have you ever bought something on a whim?
- What’s the last thing you bought without planning to?
- How do you feel after making an impulse purchase?
- What do you do if you regret buying something impulsively?
- How often do you buy things without thinking about it?
- What kinds of things do you tend to buy impulsively?
- Do you ever feel guilty after making an impulse purchase?
- What factors influence you to buy something spontaneously?
- How do you control your impulse to buy things?
- How do you budget for unplanned purchases?
Elementary (A2):
11. How do you feel when you see something you want to buy?
- Have you ever bought something because it was on sale?
- How do you resist the urge to buy things you don’t need?
- What do you do with impulse purchases you later regret?
- How do you manage your finances to avoid overspending?
- How do you prioritize between things you want and things you need?
- Do you ever buy things to cheer yourself up?
- How do you deal with peer pressure to buy things impulsively?
- What strategies do you use to avoid impulse buying?
- How do you track your spending to avoid impulse purchases?
Intermediate (B1):
21. How do your emotions influence your impulse buying habits?
- Have you ever bought something online after seeing an advertisement?
- How do you differentiate between a want and a need before making a purchase?
- What role does social media play in your impulse buying behavior?
- How do you deal with buyer’s remorse after making an impulse purchase?
- How do you set boundaries to prevent impulse buying?
- What strategies do you use to avoid impulse buying at the grocery store?
- How do you resist the urge to buy things just because they’re trendy?
- Have you ever fallen for “limited time only” promotions?
- How do you make informed decisions when tempted to buy something impulsively?
Upper Intermediate (B2):
31. How do you balance spontaneity with responsible spending habits?
- What impact does advertising have on your impulse buying decisions?
- How do you avoid impulse buying when shopping with friends?
- Have you ever returned something you bought impulsively?
- How do you evaluate the long-term value of impulse purchases?
- How do you resist the urge to buy things during sales events like Black Friday?
- How do you differentiate between genuine interest and impulse when shopping?
- How do you avoid impulse buying when shopping online?
- What strategies do you use to stick to your shopping list and avoid impulse purchases?
- How do you reflect on your impulse buying habits to make positive changes?
Advanced (C1):
41. How do you analyze the psychological triggers behind impulse buying?
- How do you use mindfulness techniques to curb impulse buying?
- What role does delayed gratification play in overcoming impulse buying tendencies?
- How do you develop a resilient mindset to resist impulse buying temptations?
- How do you integrate financial planning and goal-setting to combat impulse buying?
- How do you cultivate self-awareness to recognize and address impulse buying triggers?
- How do you address underlying emotional needs without resorting to impulse buying?
- How do you cultivate contentment and satisfaction to reduce reliance on impulse buying?
- How do you leverage technology and tools to monitor and control impulse buying?
- How do you foster a supportive environment to reinforce positive spending habits?
Proficient (C2):
51. How do you conduct a comprehensive analysis of your impulse buying patterns and behaviors?
- How do you develop a personalized strategy for responsible and intentional consumption?
- How do you advocate for systemic changes to reduce societal pressures that fuel impulse buying?
- How do you engage in community and peer support to navigate impulse buying challenges?
- How do you contribute to the discourse on consumerism and its impact on individual well-being?
- How do you empower others to cultivate mindful and intentional spending habits?
- How do you advocate for policies and regulations that promote financial literacy and consumer protection?
- How do you support initiatives that promote sustainable and ethical consumption practices?
- How do you leverage your experience with impulse buying to educate and empower others?
- How do you contribute to the creation of a culture that values conscious consumption and mindful spending?
Conclusion
By integrating these conversation questions into daily conversations, ESL students will gain a deeper understanding of shopping topics while building vocabulary and boosting confidence.
These questions enable engaging and interactive speaking activities, making it easier to teach speaking skills and discuss shopping matters.
This resource will help students become more knowledgeable and articulate about shopping experiences in English, preparing them for real-world shopping discussions.
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