Министерство образования Российской Федерации

Государственное образовательное учреждение

высшего профессионального образования

НИЖЕГОРОДСКИЙ ГОСУДАРСТВЕННЫЙ ЛИНГВИСТИЧЕСКИЙ УНИВЕРСИТЕТ

ИМ. Н.А. ДОБРОЛЮБОВА

ПОКУПКИ

Учебно-методические материалы для студентов II курса

отделения английского языка переводческого факультета

Нижний Новгород 2004

Печатается по решению редакционно-издательского совета НГЛУ им. Н.А. Добролюбова.

УДК 802.0 (075.83)

Покупки: Учебно-методические материалы для студентов II курса отделения английского языка переводческого факультета. – Нижний Новгород: НГЛУ им. Н.А. Добролюбова, 2004. – 51 c.

Настоящие учебно-методические материалы предназначены для развития у студентов лексико-грамматических и коммуникативно-прагматических навыков в использовании иностранного языка в ряде типовых ситуаций общения.

Составитель: С.И. Жолобов, кандидат филол. наук, доцент кафедры теории и практики перевода

Рецензенты:

© Издательство ГОУ НГЛУ им. Н.А. Добролюбова, 2004

CONTENTS

I. READING COMPREHENION

1. Texts

   Making a Shopping List

   At the Supermarket

   At the Department store

   At Ruth and Gary’s Place

   Comprehension Practice

   Vocabulary Practice

   
   

2. Supplementary texts

   Women Are Really Choosey

   Talking About Clothes

   I have a Complaint

   Hire Purchase

   
   

3. Background Information

   Currency

   Weights and Measures

   Clothing sizes

   Shopping (Great Britain)

   Shopping (USA)

   Know Your Rights

II. ROLE PLAY

III. FOLLOW-UP DISCUSSION

READING COMPREHENSION

Texts

Making a Shopping List

Vera and Mark come from abroad to pay a visit to their friends Ruth and Gary. The next morning the four of them get together in the living room to talk about their plans for the day.

Ruth: Now, what would you like to do today? Have you got any ideas?

Vera: You know, Ruth, we’d like to know your plans first. I think we’ll try to fit our arrangements in with yours.

Ruth: Fine. You see we’ve run out of foodstuffs, so first of all we must get a large supply of food. If we do it today we won’t have to bother ourselves about all this till next week.

Gary: Mark and I can also do our share. Our supply of spirits has given out, too.

Ruth: Good. So you will see to drinks, but mind, you must stock up not only with hard drinks but also with soft drinks.

Gary: Don’t worry, darling. We’ll surely see about everything.

Mark: Yes, we certainly may be trusted to do the work well.

Ruth: Wonderful. Right. Let’s make a shopping list, then, or we’ll forget something. Now, we’ve got practically nothing left. So we’ll need bread: a loaf of bread and a couple of bread rolls.

Gary: And crackers, of course.

Ruth: Yes, crackers and some tea biscuits. Then we’re completely out of meat. So we’ll buy four pounds of meat. Now, which meat do you prefer, Vera?

Vera: Oh, any meat will do. We’ll be satisfied with any kind of meat: beef, veal, pork, mutton, or lamb. We’ve got nothing against chicken or duck either.

Ruth: Very good. And you prefer lean or fat meat?

Vera: We generally eat lean meat.

Ruth: Oh, is that really so? Our tastes seem to be identical. So it’ll be beef and mutton then and two pounds of pork sausages. We’re short of fruit and vegetables, too. So, we’ll have to buy a tin of beans, a packet of frozen peas, tomatoes, onions, cabbage, brussels sprouts and potatoes. And what about fruit? What are your preferences?

Vera: Oh, we usually have fresh apples, oranges, and bananas, sometimes soft fruit, such as strawberries, and sometimes tinned fruit.

Ruth: Right. We’ll take all this down, and we’ll also need a carton or two of orange juice. Now, what else shall we buy? Let me go into the kitchen and look in the cupboards there to see what else we need.

Gary: OK, while Ruth’s in the kitchen let’s talk about drinks. So, what shall we get?

Mark: I prefer Scotch, scotch on the rocks. But I wouldn’t mind drinking my whisky straight.

Vera: I usually have soft drinks but may also have a little wine.

Gary: Dry or sweet?

Vera: Sweet, as a rule. But I wouldn’t mind having a bit of dry wine either.

Gary: As for me, I’m fond of brandy. And I suppose we must also buy a dozen cans of beer.

Ruth: All the cupboards are empty, so we must add some more things to our list: a packet of sugar , a pack of cornflakes, a pound of butter, a tin of instant, a quarter pound of tea, and a box of chocolates. And would you care for some dairy products?

Vera: No, thank you.

Ruth: Then we needn’t get any milk, but we must buy some sour cream for a salad. Oh, yes. I’ve nearly forgotten about cheese. We definitely need both hard and soft cheese. Right, then. Now our shopping list appears to be complete and we can go down to the shops.

At the Supermarket

Ruth: Here we are. This is the supermarket in our new shopping center. We usually come here to do the shopping. It is well stocked (up) with all types of goods.

Vera: Don’t you ever go to small local shops?

Ruth: Frankly, I don’t like to go shopping there.

Vera: And why? I believe they also have a good stock of food there.

Ruth: I agree with you. But you can’t buy everything you need in one shop. That’s why you have to go from one shop to another to buy all the things on your shopping list. And it takes time, you know.

Vera: That may be true, but on the other hand such shops have certain advantages which, actually, outweigh their disadvantages. For one thing, in a small town like ours specialized shops are concentrated in the street, and it doesn’t make much difference whether you walk from one shop to another or from department in a supermarket to another. And for another thing, what people really appreciate in small towns is a feeling of companionship. And in small local shops you always get in touch with sales people and very often customers, while at a supermarket you generally deal only with inanimate price tags and bar codes.

Ruth: I see what you mean, but then it’s rather a matter of habit. And, of course, the fact whether you live in a large or small town plays a part in it, too. But, well, let’s get down to work.

Vera: Right you are. Shall we need two trolleys?

Ruth: I don’t think so. A trolley and a shopping basket will do. I’ll take a trolley and you – a basket. I’d like you to go to the freezer over there to see about the frozen food, and I’ll go to those shelves to get the vegetables and fruit. Then we’ll meet over there, near the scales.

Vera: Ok.

Ruth: If you’re at a loss to know where to go, ask a shop assistant or a shop walker to direct you to the right rack.

Vera: I will.

(Some time later)

Ruth: Now we seem to be almost through. Put some of your shopping in my trolley, your basket won’t be so heavy to carry then. That’s better. Let’s just glance through our shopping list to make sure that we’ve got everything we need. Where is it, by the way?

Vera:

Ruth: Thanks. Yes, we’ve got everything we want. And now let’s go to the checkout over there.

Vera: Oh, there’s a queue there.

Ruth: Never mind, we’ll join the queue. We’re not going to be kept long here. The cashier is very efficient and she’ll check the prices on the items and then ring them up on the cash register in no time.

Vera: Do you ever have food shortages?

Ruth: Not now. There used to be severe shortages of essential food during the war and in post-war time. Nowadays scarcities of some kinds of goods may be caused only by natural disasters or sometimes by strikes.

Vera: I see.

Cashier: Are these all your things, madam?

Ruth: Yes.

Cashier: Twenty-eight pounds seventy-five pence.

Vera: Oh, that’s a lot. I didn’t know it would come to so much.

Ruth: It’s quite all right. Here’s thirty pounds.

Cashier: Thank you. Here’s the receipt and your change, madam.

Ruth: Thank you. And can I have a plastic carrier bag?

Cashier: Certainly, madam. Here you are.

Ruth: Thank you. Goodbye.

Vera: Goodbye.

Cashier: Goodbye.

At the Department Store

Ruth: Today we’re going to the department Store. Gary will drive us there in the car, and we’ll shop around there till lunch time.

Vera: Good idea. When shall we start off?

Ruth: In half an hour. Is it all right with you?

Vera: Yes, fine.

(Some time later at the department store.)

Ruth: I think we may let the men go wherever they like and we’ll go to the women’s clothing department and then to the footwear department.

Gary: Fine. We’ll go to the suit department then.

Ruth: I suppose one hour will be quite enough for our shopping. So in an hour we get together here again.

Gary: It suits us perfectly, doesn’t it, Mark?

Mark: Yes, it won’t take us very long to look round the place.

(At the women’s clothing department.)

Ruth: This department store really has a wide choice of goods. Now what would you like to have a look at?

Vera: I’d like to buy a dress and a woolen jumper, and perhaps a pair of shoes for summer wear.

Ruth: Excellent. Here we are. What do you think of these dresses on the rack?

Vera: There seems to be a fine selection of clothes here.

Ruth: Try on this one. Isn’t it nice?

Vera: It is, but it’s much too dark. I’m afraid it won’t go well with my jacket. I need something brighter.

Ruth: Would you like a one-colour dress?

Vera: No. I’d rather have one with a herringbone pattern.

Ruth: Here’s one that will suit you marvellously.

Vera: yes, my jacket and this dress will go very well together.

Ruth: What size do you take in dresses?

Vera: I wear size 12. Where’s the label here? Oh, here it is. Yes, it’s my size. Where can I try it on?

Ruth: Excuse me.

Assistant: Yes, madam?

Ruth: Where’s the changing room?

Assistant: It’s over there, madam, in the corner.

Ruth: Thank you. Let’s go there. Now, put it on.

Vera: Could you possibly help me to do it up? It fastens up at the back.

Ruth: Yes, of course.

Vera: How does it sit on me?

Ruth: Well, it sits pretty well across the shoulders but is rather tight round the hips.

Vera: What do you think of the style?

Ruth: The style’s wonderful. You’re sure it’s your size?

Vera: Yes, it is, at least it used to be. I must have put on weight.

Ruth: Wait a moment. I’ll go and fetch a dress in a larger size. (A minute later.) Here you are. Try this one on. Oh, it fits like a glove.

Vera: Yes, it really is a beautiful fit. (Some time later.) I’ll take this dress.

Assistant: Very good, madam. I’ll put it in a carrier bag for you. and you are to pay at the cash desk. If your dress needs alteration, you may have it done right in our shop, madam. For example, if it needs taking in or letting out at the waist … All such minor alterations are made to clothes sold here very quickly indeed.

Vera: No, thank you. This dress is a perfect fit.

Cashier: How would you like to pay, madam?

Vera: I haven’t got any cash on me. Do you take credit cards?

Cashier: No, but we do accept cheques if you have a banker’s card.

Vera: Good, then. I’ll pay by cheque.

(At the suit department.)

Gary: Thank God we’re alone now. You see I hate to go shopping with women. They are terrible shoppers. They are very fussy about the things they buy. They are also very fond of shopping around, they can do this for hours on end, and all the same, in the end, they may buy nothing. What’s the use of wasting so much time then? No, I don’t like it at all.

Mark: Neither do I. I feel ill at ease in shops. That’s why I always make my purchases somewhat in a hurry.

Gary: Right, then. Come this way. The suit department is down the corridor. Now, what would you like to buy?

Mark: What I need is a suit because this one is threadbare, it’s especially frayed at the cuffs and the collar. This is the thing I badly need. And then, perhaps, a tie to match.

Gary: Good. Now, we’ve come at last. What kind of suit would you like? Something in the latest style?

Mark: I don’t think so. I’d be embarrassed if I was dressed in the height of fashion. What I need is a lounge suit in which to go to work.

Gary: Here they are on the rack. Would you like a single-breasted or a double-breasted suit?

Mark: A single-breasted one.

Gary: A two-piece or a three-piece suit?

Mark: A three-piece one.

Gary: Good. With patch pockets?

Mark: No, such pockets don’t appeal to me at all.

Gary: Right. And what about the cloth? Would you like it to be plain fabric, or a check, or a stripe?

Mark: I suppose a check(ed) or a stripy pattern would suit me better.

Gary: Then let’s take a better look at these two suits. Their cloth is quite thick and seems to be crease-resisting. It’ll stand any amount of hard wear. What size are you?

Mark: Continental size 100.

Gary: Which British size does it correspond to?

Mark: I don’t know.

Gary: Neither do I. Oh, well, it’s not much of a problem. We’ll ask the salesman to help us. Excuse me. Could you possibly measure this gentleman? He doesn’t know what size he is.

Salesman: Yes, certainly … Just a moment, sir. Now I’ll take your measurements. You’re a 40.

Gary: Let’s take this suit and go to the fitting room to try it on. (Some time later.) I like the cut of it. Now button up the waistcoat and the jacket. The trousers fit quite well. But it seems to me that the jacket doesn’t. It’s an ill-fitting jacket.

Mark: Yes, it does feel rather loose across the shoulders and round the waist. It’s not really my style.

Gary: It’s not so much a matter of style as that of quality. It appears to be a misfit. Don’t worry. I’ll fetch the other suit we saw on the rack. (A minute later.) Here you are. Try it on. Good. Now do up your buttons. Oh, you’ve buttoned (up)your jacket the wrong way. It’s all right now.

Mark: What do you think of this suit? Does it sit well on me?

Gary: Yes, I do like the set of the suit. The jacket is a nice snug fit. And it suits you marvellously. But the trousers are somewhat on the short side.

Mark: I agree. They’re sort of short and a bit loose round the waist.

Gary: But it’s not much of a problem. We’ll ask the salesman to have them let down and taken in at the waist. Hold on. Excuse me. I wondered if we could have these trousers altered?

Salesman: Yes, certainly. The alterations to your trousers will take a few hours. They’ll be ready by this afternoon.

Mark: Oh, good, thank you so much for your help.

(At the entrance to the department store.)

Gary: Have you brought everything you planned to?

Vera: I think we have. I bought a nice dress with a hat and gloves to match.

Ruth: And Vera also got a pair of nice shoes. The dress and shoes are a perfect match.

Vera: The shoes are sort of stiff, though, but I’ll wear them around the house for some time to break them in.

Ruth: And what about you? What did you buy?

Mark: I bought a suit with a tie a match. But the trousers were a bit loose and short. So they’re going to be altered and I can collect them this afternoon.

Ruth: Very good. New let’s get a move on and have a spot of lunch.

At Ruth and Gary’s Place

Gary: Now, Mark, don’t you think it’s better to have your clothes made to measure?

Mark: No, I prefer to buy ready-made clothes. For one thing, I’m stock size; so things like the one today normally don’t happen. Even if they do, it’s no problem to have your clothes altered because in this case only slight alterations are required. The long and the short of it is that I spend little time (in) getting my clothes. It would take me much more time if I had clothes made to order. For another thing, off-the-peg clothes are usually cheaper than tailor-made clothes.

Gary: I see. However, on the other hand, a beautifully tailored suit looks much better on you than ready-to-wear clothes.

Mark: You’re quite right there.

Vera: Now, Gary, and what do you do if you want to buy an expensive item but haven’t got enough money to pay for it straight away. Can you buy it on hire purchase, for example?

Gary: Yes, this system is rather popular here. It became common during the first half of this century. And today a large proportion of all the families in Britain buy on hire purchase goods that will last, such as furniture, household goods and cars. In the USA the proportion is higher than in Britain. By the way, the Americans call this system of buying goods “the installment plan”.

Mark: And what’s the procedure for buying goods on hire purchase?

Gary: Well, the buyer makes a down payment of 10% to over 30% of the price when the goods are delivered to him and pays the rest by weekly or monthly installments until the full price has been paid. Payment may be spread over a period of up to 24 months.

Mark: And who do the goods belong to when the regular payments are being kept up?

Gary: The legal ownership of the goods remains with the seller until the final payment has been made.

Vera: And what do you think of this way of buying goods?

Ruth: It certainly has advantages. For example, it helps newlywed couples with small incomes to furnish their homes. Then it encourages most people to budget carefully. If families are paying each month installments on such household goods as a washing machine and a car, they can spend less money (or perhaps no money) in useless or harmful ways, for instance, on too much alcoholic drink.

Gary: Besides, it increases the demand for goods, and in this way helps trade and employment.

Mark: And does this system have any disadvantages?

Ruth: I’m afraid it does. Some people may miscalculate their financial possibilities, and as a result, plunge into debt.

Gary: And there’s the danger that when trade is bad, hire purchase buying may end suddenly and make trade much worse, with, as a result , a great increase in unemployment. This is why in some countries the Government controls hire purchase by fixing the proportion of the first payment and the installments.

Mark: What about the price of an article bought in this way? Is it the same as when you pay down the whole cost?

Gary: No, as a matter of fact, it isn’t. In this case it is higher than the price that would be paid for cash. There’s a charge for interest.

Mark: I see. Have you personally bought anything on the never-never?

Ruth: Yes, in this way we’ve bought a washing machine, a fridge and a TV set.

Mark: I’d like to have another question cleared up. Do you always have to pay cash in shops?

Gary: No. Major credit and charge cards, such as Visa (or Barclaycard), American Express, Diner’s Club and Mastercard ( or Access), are widely accepted in shops, restaurants and hotels. The cards they accept are often displayed on windows and doors. Eurocheques can be used at banks to get cash and are accepted by some shops, hotels and restaurants.

Mark: Thanks, Gary.

Ruth: We seem to have covered a great deal of new ground for one day. Why not switch on the TV set and watch television for a change?

Vera: Good idea.

Comprehension Practice

Comment on the following statements based on the conversations you have read. While doing the task, you should, first, say which of the statements are true, which are partly true and which are false, and then elaborate on them.

Making a Shopping List

1. Vera and Mark came from abroad to pay a visit to their friends Ruth and Gary.

2. Vera and Mark did not want their plans to interfere with those of Ruth and Gary.

3. Ruth and Gary had a large supply of food at home.

4. Ruth suggested making a shopping list.

5. Gary and Mark volunteered to do their share in buying foods.

6. Included in the shopping list were vegetables, fruit and meat.

7. While making the shopping list, Ruth did not consult their guests about their preferences.

8. Vera did not express any food preferences.

9. Ruth knew very well what foodstuffs they needed, so she did not look in any cupboards.

10. Mark preferred his whisky straight.

11. Gary preferred brandy.

12. Vera did not drink wine.

13. When Ruth looked in the cupboards, she added some more things to the shopping list.

At the Supermarket

1. Ruth preferred going to the supermarket to doing the shopping in small local shops.

2. Vera also preferred to do her shopping at the supermarket rather than buy food in small local shops.

3. While in the supermarket, Ruth and Vera went from one rack to another together.

4. Ruth and Vera arranged to meet at the checkout.

5. There was no queue at the checkout.

6. Ruth and Vera jumped the queue.

7. Ruth said that they never had any food shortages in the country.

8. The total amounted to a small sum.

9. Ruth did not ask the cashier for a plastic carrier bag.

At the Department Store

At the Women’s Clothing Department

1. The four of them went to the department store by bus.

2. The four of them did the shopping together.

3. They thought that it would take them two hours to get through with their shopping.

4. Vera wanted to buy a dress.

5. Vera needed a one-colour dress.

6. Vera took size 10 in dresses.

7. The first dress Vera tried on suited her.

8. The first dress Vera tried on fitted her perfectly.

9. Vera went to fetch a dress in a larger size herself.

10. The second dress Vera tried on was a beautiful fit.

11. The shop assistant offered to have the dress altered, in necessary.

12. Vera paid cash for the purchase.

At the Suit Department

1. Gary liked to go shopping with women.

2. Mark agreed with Gary on the point.

3. Mark needed only a suit.

4. Mark wanted to get a suit in the latest style.

5. Mark chose a two-piece single-breasted suit with patch pockets.

6. Mark wanted a stripy pattern.

7. Mark wore size 100.

8. Gary and Mark knew which British size continental size 100 corresponded to.

9. The first suit Mark tried on was a perfect fit.

10. Gary and Mark disagreed as to what was wrong with the jacket.

11. The second suit Mark tried on was a nice snug fit.

12. The trousers did not require any alterations.

At the Entrance to the Department Store

1. Vera bought a dress with a hat and gloves to match.

2. The shoes Vera bought were a bit stiff.

3. Mark bought only a suit.

At Ruth and Gary’s Place

1. Mark preferred tailor-made clothes.

2. Gary agreed with Mark’s point of view without reservation(s).

3. Gary said that hire purchase was popular in Britain.

4. In the USA the proportion of families buying goods on hire purchase is higher than in Britain.

5. Gary explained to Mark the procedure for buying goods on hire purchase.

6. Ruth pointed out some advantages of hire purchase.

7. Gary also spelt out one of the advantages of hire purchase.

8. Gary and Ruth did not point out any disadvantages of this system of buying goods.

9. The price of an article bought on hire purchase is the same as the price that would be paid for cash.

10. Ruth and Gary had not bought anything on hire purchase by that time.

11. Gary told his guests that shops in Britain widely accepted major credit and charge cards.

Answer the following questions about the conversations.

Making a Shopping List.

1. Who suggested making a shopping list?

2. Why did Ruth suggest making a shopping list?

3. What foodstuffs did they include in the shopping list?

4. Did they decide to buy only food?

5. What else did they want to buy?

6. What drinks did they decide to buy?

At the Supermarket

1. Did Ruth ever go to small local shops?

2. Why didn’t she like to do her shopping in shops of that kind?

3. And what were Vera’s preferences?

4. Why did she prefer doing her shopping in specialized shops?

5. Did they get the food together?

6. Where did they meet after they had got what they were supposed to?

7. Did it take them long to pay for their purchases?

At the Department Store

1. What departments did Ruth and Vera want to go to?

2. What departments did Gary and Mark decide to drop into?

3. Did the women’s clothing department have a good choice of clothes?

4. What did Vera need?

5. What size did Vera take?

6. Did Vera find the dress that suited and fitted her right away?

7. How did she pay for her purchase?

8. Why didn’t Gary like to go shopping with women?

9. And how did Mark feel about it?

10. What kind of suit did Mark want to get?

11. Why did the salesman have to measure Mark?

12. Did the first suit Mark tried on feel right? What was wrong with it?

13. Did the second suit Mark tried on fit like a glove?

14. What alterations were necessary to the suit?

15. What did Vera buy for herself in the end?

16. What did Mark get for himself?

At Ruth and Gary’s Place

1. What did Ruth, Gary, Vera and Mark talk about after they had come back from the department store?

2. Why did Mark prefer ready-made clothes?

3. What were Gary’s preferences?

4. What did Gary tell Vera and Mark about hire purchase in Britain and the USA?

5. What is the procedure for buying goods on hire purchase?

6. What are the advantages and disadvantages of buying goods on hire purchase?

7. Did Gary and Ruth buy anything on hire purchase?

8. How do customers pay for their purchase in Britain?

Find the following words and phrases in the dialogues, supply their contexts and paraphrase the sentences in which they are used.

Making a Shopping List

1. to fit one’s arrangements in with sb. else’s

2. to run out of sth.

3. a large supply of food

4. to give out

5. to see to sth.

6. to make a shopping list

7. to be particular about sth.

8. lean meat

9. to be short of sth.

10. hard/soft drinks

11. Scotch on the rocks/straight whisky

At the Supermarket

1. to go shopping

2. to do the shopping

3. to get in touch with sb.

4. to get down to sth.

5. a trolley

6. a shopping basket

7. to be at a loss to know

8. to direct sb. somewhere

9. a checkout

10. a queue

11. to ring sth.up

12. a cash register

13. food shortages

14. a receipt

15. change

16. a plastic carrier bag

At the Department Store

1. a wide choice of sth./a fine selection of sth.

2. summer wear

3. to go well with sth.

4. A check/stripy/ herringbone pattern

5. to suit sb.

6. to fit sb.

7. to take a size in sth.

8. to fasten/do/button/zip sth. up

9. to sit on sb.

10. a snug/beautiful/perfect fit

11. a misfit

12. an alteration

13. to alter sth.

14. to take sth. in

to let sth. out

15. to let sth. down

16. to pay by chegue

17. to shop around

18. to feel ill at ease

19. threadbare

20. frayed

21. to match

22. in the height of fashion

23. a single-breasted/double-breasted suit

24. a two-piece/three-piece suit

25. fabric/cloth

26. crease-resisting

27. to correspond to sth.

28. to measure sb./to take sb.’s measurements

29. an ill-fitting jacket

30. to feel loose

31. a perfect match

32. stiff

33. to break sth. in

34. to collect sth.

35. a spot of lunch

At Ruth and Gary’s Place

1. ready-made/ready-to-wear/off-the-peg clothes

2. tailor-made clothes/clothes made to measure/order

3. hire purchase

4. a large proportion of sth.

5. the procedure for doing sth.

6. a down payment

7. weekly or monthly installments

8. to spread over

9. to keep up payments

10. to budget

11. a demand

12. to plunge into debt

13. an increase in sth.

14. to pay down the whole cost

15. a charge for sth.

16. to display sth.

Vocabulary Practice

Fill in the gaps in these sentences with words from the list below.

1. The cashier checks the prices on the items and … them … on the cash register.

2. When he has finished his shopping, he has to join a queue at the … .

3. The country’s main … are cocoa and gold.

4. The shop has a large … of leather shoes.

5. The words synonymous with “choice” are …, …, … .

6. Do you buy wholesale or …?

7. Our sales are … this month.

8. – How much is that picture?

– It’s only on display; it’s not … … .

9. – Have you got any white shirts … … ?

– No, they’re out of … .

10. We make sure we’re always well … … with candles, just in case.

11. I was … … … a new coat, but I couldn’t find anything that suited me.

12. Prices … from £5 to £10.

13. The suit is a real … at the price.

14. If you … with them they might reduce the price.

15. Prices are … … … .

16. This shop doesn’t … … delivery.

17. The synonyms of the word “expensive” are …, …, … .

18. He bought her a book … John … £5.

19. These articles sell … 20 p apiece.

20. His new book is already a … .

products assortment/selection/variety retail on the rise costly/dear/pricey bestseller shopping around for

checkout down bargain (n) charge for from/for choice stocked up

bargain (v) for sale range at rings up in stock/stock

Fill in the gaps in these sentences with words form the list.

1. We’re selling … these tins of fruit at reduced prices because they’re slightly damaged.

2. Sorry, the tickets are sold … .

3. – Are you paying cash?

– No, I’ll pay … … .

4. You can buy this house by … 10% … and the rest over 25 years, at … .

5. She has been … … bills at the dress shop again.

6. If you take both shirts, I’ll … £2 … .

7. The man was asking £5 for the dress, but I … him … … £4.50.

8. The price was … … … £2.

9. Competition should … the price … .

10. The words synonymous with ‘cash’ are … …, … …, … … .

11. The abbreviation COD stands for … … … .

12. We guarantee prompt … of goods.

13. Be quiet, I’m trying to make a … … .

14. The manager … the purchase price to the customer.

15. He took the faulty radio back to the shop and demanded a … .

16. We can supply our goods … you.

17. We can provide our goods … you.

18. There is a brisk … … woolen goods.

19. Our goods are in great … .

20. The demand … milk this month exceeds the … .

hard cash /ready cash / ready money by cheque cash on delivery demand for knocked down to running up

paying down /interest out shopping list knocked down to delivery refunded demand

supply knock off beat down refund (n) to for off

Fill in the gaps in these sentences with words from the list.

1. There were severe food … during the war.

2. These goods are in short … , so the price will be high.

3. Good fruit is … in winter and cost a lot.

4. What will the world use for power when it has … … … oil?

5. Eggs are … and cheap this month.

6. If you can’t afford to pay cash, buy the furniture … … .

7. He bought his washing machine … … … .

8. They were paying for the television by monthly … .

9. They saved up enough money to make a … … on a new fridge.

10. Please … your account within seven days.

11. The company went … because it couldn’t sell its products.

12. The company has really … since they moved their factory to the north of the country.

13. Those chocolates have been … very attractively.

14. The price of the books includes postage and ….

15. … these figures … and see what the total is.

16. The bill came to £5, but the sales person … …£5.50 by mistake.

17. He got this book … .

18. He was arrested for … .

19. Hard drinks are served … or … … … .

20. The meat has gone slightly … .

scarce plentiful prospered on hire purchase packaged add up second-hand

bankrupt run out of rang up profiteering straight /on the rocks installments supply

packing on credit down payment off shortages settle

Fill in the gaps in these sentences with words from the list.

1. He … his wine with water.

2. He was sacked for the illegal … of beer.

3. – What size do you … …gloves?

– I … size 8 … gloves.

4. This jacket … me like a glove.

5. That colour doesn’t … her complexion.

6. She was wearing a brown dress with a hat to … .

7. The hat and shoes are a perfect … .

8. This shirt … … my trousers.

9. Mary’s blue dress … well … her eyes.

10. Never buy shoes without … them … first.

11. The coat is a loose … .

12. This jumper turns out to be a … and not your size at all.

13. The sun … the material.

14. This shirt will .. in the wash.

15. This cheap leather … … quickly.

16. This old shirt of mine is … at the collar.

17. I’m wearing my new shoes around the house to … them … .

18. This material will … … well under such conditions.

19. This carpet will stand amount of hard … .

20. These shoes are showing signs of … and … .

take in /take in frayed wear /tear diluted match (v.) misfit break in

clashes with fits dilution stand up wear shrink fit (n.)

faded goes with suit wears out trying on match (n.)

Fill in the gaps in these sentences with words from the list.

1. Which do you want for your new dress, a stripe or a …?

2. Do we have to wear … … for this party?

3. … … clothes are usually cheaper than clothes … … … .

4. The words synonyms with “ready-made” are … … …, … … … .

5. The synonymous of “tailor-made” are … … …, … … … .

6. The coat is … with silk.

7. The … to your coat will take a week.

8. These shoes …, I must try on another pair.

9. I’ve lost so much weight that I’ve had to … … all my clothes.

10. I’ve put on so much weight that I’ve and to … … all my clothes.

11. The coat … badly across the shoulders.

12. You’ve got a … in your dress where you’ve been sitting.

13. Pack the dresses so that they won’t … .

14. Do nylon shirts … ?

15. Will you help me to … … buttons?

ready-made/ made to measure crease (n.) check ready-to-wear/ off-the-peg

alterations made to order/ made to measure pinch let out evening dress

crumple crease (v.) lined do up take in sits

Fill in the gaps in these sentences with words from the list.

1. You’ve … … your coat the wrong way.

2. The dress … … at the back.

3. He … the bag open.

4. Please help me to … my dress …, the fastener is at the back and I can’t reach.

5. A button … … as I was climbing over the wall.

6. Don’t worry about that tiny stain; it won’t … .

7. A dark suit will not … the dirt.

8. The tailor … him for a suit.

9. His coat … down the back.

10. A sharp razor gives a good…

11. You can’t get a good close … with an electric razor.

split fastens up came off buttoned up

zipped shave zip up show

shave measured show

Supply words and expressions which fit the following definitions and make sentences with them.

1. A large shop.

2. A window used for the display of wares.

3. A room where customers try on the clothes they are going to buy.

4. The desk in a shop where payments are made.

5. A desk in a self-service shop where one pays for goods.

6. A cheap strong paper or plastic bag, esp. with handles, for carrying goods bought in a shop.

7. A person who serves customers in a shop.

8. To take goods from a shop without paying.

9. A person who goes from place to place trying to sell small articles.

10. Goods which directly satisfy human needs and desires (esp. food and clothing).

11. Goods (esp. food) that are likely to decay quickly if not kept in proper conditions.

12. Large articles that are only bought infrequently, such as a car, bed, or television (as opposed to sth. bought regularly, such as food or clothing).

13. A variety from which to choose.

14. Hours during which business is done.

15. The sale of goods in shops to customers, for their own use and not for selling to anyone else.

16. The business of selling goods in large quantities, esp. to shopkeepers.

17. To (cause to) start in business as a kind of professional worker.

18. A special offering of goods in a shop at lower prices than usual (to get rid of old stock, etc.)

19. Offered to be sold, esp. by a private owner.

20. Offered to be sold, esp. in a shop.

Supply words and expressions which fit the following definitions and make sentences with them.

1. A public meeting at which goods are sold to the person who offers the most money.

2. (A supply of) goods for sale, esp. in a shop.

3. To be available.

4. To be not available

5. Too careful in choosing; hard to please.

6. Sth. for sale or bought for less than its real value.

7. To ask in payment.

8. Costing a lot of money, esp. in relation to the amount of money a buyer has or to other things of a similar kind.

9. Reasonable in price; not expensive.

10. A reduction made in the cost of buying goods.

11. To sell the whole supply of sth.

12. In large quantities and not packed in separate containers.

13. To pay far too much for sth.

14. To pay part of the price for sth. with a promise to pay the rest, usu. over a period of time.

15. To reduce; take (part) from a price.

16. Money that can be paid at once in actual coins and notes, and not owed.

17. The money that is returned to sb. when the amount they have given is more than the cost of the goods being bought.

18. To take (goods, letters, etc.) to people’s houses or places of work.

19. A list of things to buy.

20. To pay back (money to sb.); give (money) in repayment, in return for loss or damage, in order to balance accounts, etc.

Supply words and expressions which fit the following definitions and make sentences with them.

1. The desire of people for particular goods or services; the ability and willingness of people to pay for them.

2. A condition of being less than is needed; an amount lacking.

3. To have no further supply of; lack (sth.)

4. A great quantity.

5. A system of buying goods or services and paying for them later.

6. A system by which buyers collect what they want and then pay at a special desk.

7. A system of payment for goods by which one pays small sums of money regularly after receiving the goods (usu. paying more than the original price in total).

8. A single payment of a set which, in time, will complete full payment of a debt; any one of the parts of a payment spread over a period of time.

9. A part of the full price paid at the time of buying sth., with the rest to be paid later.

10. To record (money paid) on a machine (cash register), esp. one with a bell.

11. A person who owns or works in a shop which sells dry and preserved foods, like flour, coffee, sugar, rice, and other things for the home, such as matches and soap.

12. A person who owns or works in a shop which sells vegetables and fruit.

13. A small piece of paper, material, etc., fixed to sth. to show what it is, what it costs, etc.

14. A large shop where customers serve themselves with food and other goods needed in the house.

15. A large shop divided into departments, in each of which a different type of goods is sold.

16. A number of shops, hotels, restaurants, etc. under the same ownership or management.

17. A building, square or open place where people meet to buy and sell goods, esp. food and animals.

18. Owned or used by sb. before; not new.

19. To make large profits, esp. by taking advantage of times of difficulty or scarcity, e.g. in war.

20. (Derogatory) A person who makes unfairly large profits, esp. by selling things at very high prices when much-needed goods are difficult to get.

Supply words and expressions which fit the following definitions and make sentences with them.

1. A small closed metal container in which food or drink is sold.

2. A single mass of bread shaped and baked in one piece, which is usu. fairly large and can be put into slices.

3. A thick piece, esp. of food, broken or cut off.

4. A thin flat piece cut from sth.

5. A small piece of sweet food made of sugar or chocolate, etc.

6. A soft breakfast food made by boiling oatmeal (=crushed grain) in milk or water.

7. (Of alcohol) without added water.

8. (Of an alcoholic drink) with ice but no water.

9. To make (a liquid) weaker and thinner by mixing another liquid with it.

10. (Of food) no longer good to eat or drink.

11. Any of a set of standards according to which goods are produced.

12. To be the right size or shape.

13. To be like or suitable for use with (another or each other), esp. in colour or pattern.

14. To look good on sb.

15. An article of clothing which does not fit well the person it is meant for.

16. To (cause to) lose brightness, color, strength, freshness, vigour, etc.

17. To (cause to) become smaller (as if) from the effect of heat or water.

18. A fault or weakness that makes sth. not perfect.

19. (Of material, clothes, etc.) very thin because of a lot of use; very worn.

20. To wear (new shoes or boots) to make them lose their stiffness and become comfortable.

Supply words and expressions which fit the following definitions and make sentences with them.

1. To stay in good condition after testing or hard use; wear or last long.

2. A regularly repeated arrangement of lines, shapes, or colours on a surface, that has, or is intended to have, a decorative or pleasing effect.

3. A pattern of squares, esp. on cloth.

4. A band of colour, among one or more other colours.

5. (Esp. of clothes) not made specially for the buyer; able to be worn at once; not specially made to fit a particular person’s measurements.

6. Made to fit a particular person’s body or according to the exact needs of a particular person.

7. (Of clothes) fitting closely and comfortable.

8. (Of clothes) not fitting tightly.

9. (A piece of) material covering the inner surface of a garment, box, etc.

10. A change, esp. a slight one; sth. changed.

11. To make clothes narrow.

12. To make clothes wider.

13. To shorten a garment.

14. To make clothes longer.

15. The style in which clothes are made or a person’s hair is shaped.

16. A line made on cloth, paper, etc., by folding, crushing, or pressing.

17. To make or become firmly fixed or closed.

18. A small metal fastener for a garment, in which one part is pressed into a hollow in another.

19. A fastener made of two sets of metal or plastic teeth and a sliding piece that joins the edges of an opening in material by drawing the teeth together.

20. Fashion, esp. in clothes.

21. A warm loose-fitting suit worn by sportsmen or sportswomen when training but usu. not when playing, racing, etc.

22. A man’s suit for wearing during the day, e.g. in an office.

23. A man’s black or white jacket for rather formal evening occasions.

24. A man’s coat with a long back divided into two below the waist and a front part that does not come below the waist.

25. Trousers made of denim (= a strong, usu. blue, cotton cloth), worn informally by men, women, and children.

26. Powder, paint, etc., worn on the face, either by actors or (esp. by women) for improving one’s appearance.

27. A razor with a cover fitting over the thin blade to protect the skin from being cut.

Translate the following sentences into English.

1. В нашем районе есть универмаг, универсам, a также ряд специализированных магазинов - хлебный, мясной, бакалейный, овощной.

2. Вам необходимо пройти в кассу и оплатить свою покупку.

3. Ни в коем случае не выбрасывайте чек; он может понадобиться, если купленный вами товар окажется некачественным и вы захотите вернуть его в магазин.

4. Если приемник выйдет из строя в течение 30 дней со дня покупки, вы можете вернуть его в магазин и получить обратно деньги.

5. Увидев в витрине костюм своего размера, он решил зайти в магазин и примерить его.

6. У него стандартная фигура, и он всегда покупает одежду в магазине.

7. Она не любит одежду, купленную в магазине, а предпочитает вещи, сшитые на заказ.

8. Можно мне посмотреть рубашку большего размера?

9. - Какой размер вы носите?

- К сожалению, не знаю. Не могли бы вы снять с меня мерку?

10. Есть ли у вас в продаже юбки из не мнущейся ткани?

11. Какой бы вы хотели материал на платье - в полоску или в клетку?

12. Пиджак сидит хорошо, а брюки, по-моему, велики.

13. Туфли, жмут, их надо разносить.

14. Мне нравятся эти перчатки; они как раз моего размера.

15. Платье застегивается сзади.

16. Эти туфли износились очень быстро.

17. Манжеты рубашки совсем износились.

18. Этому материалу износа не будет.

19. Магазин предлагает широкий выбор одежды для лета.

20. Сейчас большой спрос, на видеоаппаратуру.

Translate the following sentences into English.

1. В стране ощущается, нехватка продуктов питания.

2. Настоящая рыночная экономика не может игнорировать закон, спроса и предложения.

3. В этом месяце в продаже много сахара, цены на него относительно низкие, поэтому торговля этим товаром идет хорошо.

4. Конкуренция будет способствовать снижению цен.

5. Спрос на мясо сейчас превышает предложение.

6. Если у вас нет нужной суммы наличными, вы можете

приобрести этот, телевизор в рассрочку.

7. При покупке товара в рассрочку вы делаете первый взнос в размере от 10% до 30% его цены/стоимости, а оставшуюся часть выплачиваете в виде еженедельных или ежемесячных, взносов в течение определенного периода времени.

8. Есть ли в этом книжном магазине букинистический отдел?

9. Большинство продуктов в этом универсаме продается в привлекательной упаковке.

10. В этом отделе - только фасованные товары.

11. Его арестовали за спекуляцию.

12. Он подарил сестре плитку шоколада.

13. Мясо, уже испортилось.

14. Молоко скисло.

15. Компания обанкротилась вследствие отсутствия заказов на ее продукцию.

16. Они накопили /скопили достаточно денег для покупки/приобретения машины.

17. Эти товары продаются по три фунта за штуку.

18. Мне надо запастись продуктами питания на неделю.

19. Сегодня в продаже очень хорошее мясо – не жирное, но и не постное.

20. Покупатель всегда прав.

21. Это очень удачная покупка за такую невысокую цену.

22. Он стоит в очереди уже полчаса.

23. Стань в очередь.

24. Мне идет такой фасон, а этот цвет пойдет к моему новому костюму.

Exercise 14.

Act as interpreter:

Salesman: Good morning, sir. What can I do for you?

Robert: Здравствуйте. Я бы хотел купить пару носков.

S: Certainly, sir. I think I may say we have a very fine selection. These nylon ones, for instance. They are Italian, only came in this morning.

R: Вы знаете, мне бы хотелось приобрести у вас пару самых обычных шерстяных носков. Дело в то, что я отправляюсь в туристическую поездку, и мне придется много ходить пешком.

S: Walking tour, sir? Then, if you don’t mind my saying so, you’ll certainly need some of those quick-drying wool and nylon socks. They wash beautifully and dry in no time at all. Five and eleven a pair. How many shall I wrap up for you?

R: Одной пары будет достаточно. Вот эти зеленые пожалуйста.

S: If you’re going on holiday, sir, perhaps, you’ll be interested in this new line of trousers? Very popular, they are. You’ll find them invaluable when you are out in bad weather.

R: Они из немнущейся ткани?

S: They’re crease-resisting, water-repellent and fade proof. You’ll have to have a pair if you’re going on holiday, sir. Only forty-nine and six – a real bargain.

R: Гм, возможно.

S: The blue ones? Very good, sir. I’ll just measure you: waist – thirty, inside leg – thirty - one. Very good.

R: Но у меня только пять фунтов одной купюрой. Вы можете разменять ее?

S: Oh, that’ll be no trouble. I’ll have it sent up to the cashier’s department. It won’t take a moment. Take a seat, sir, while you’re waiting. Ha, ha, sir, I see you’re looking at that yellow cashmere pullover. The last one, that is, and it happens to be your size, sir. You’ll need something to keep you warm on a walking tour.

R: Кажется, он действительно теплый и удобный. Но не будет ли он быстро пачкаться?

S: Well, of course, sir, all light colors show the dirt. But you’ll find that this washes like a dream. Just use a spoonful of our special washing powder. Two and six a packet. I’ll wrap up a couple of packets with the pullover.

R: А он не сядет?

S: Shrink, sir? We’ve sold dozens of these pullovers and haven’t had a single complaint. If it shrinks, sir, we’ll give you your money back.

R: Хорошо. Я беру его. Вы можете завернуть все в один пакет.

S: Let me see: socks, trousers, pullover. Here we are, sir. Here’s your parcel.

R: А сдачу?

S: Change, sir? I’m afraid there’s a mistake. Here’s the bill, sir. Eight pounds, sixteen shillings and fourpence. Another three pounds, sixteen shillings and fourpence to come.

Supplementary Texts

Women Are Really Choosey

Dialogue

(Mrs. Bashford is in a department store. She’s looking for a sweater for her husband. The salesman is showing her some.)

Mrs. B.: I always choose my husband’s clothes very carefully. He dresses very well!

Salesman (politely): Yes, madam, I’m sure. Now, you said a size 38, didn’t you? Something like this perhaps? It’s a very good sweater.

Mrs. B.: Perhaps, but I don’t really think it’s good enough for my husband! Haven’t you got anything better?

Salesman: Better than this, madam? (Laughing nervously a bit.) Well … uh … there’s this grey sweater.

Mrs. B.: I don’t think I like that shade of grey. It’s not dark enough.

Salesman: I see. You want something darker than this … like this, perhaps?

Mrs. B. (thinking): Hmm … you know, I don’t really think I like gray at all. It’s too … dull.

Salesman: I see. Now this green sweater is brighter than the gray one.

Mrs. B.: No. I don’t like green either.

Salesman: Well … let me see … there’s this red sweater.

Mrs. B.: Good heavens, no! My husband never wears red! It’s too bright.

Salesman (confused): So you want something darker than the light gray, brighter than the dark gray but not as bright as the green or the red sweater?

Mrs. B.: Exactly! And please hurry up. I really haven’t got much time.

Salesman: Something like this blue sweater?

Mrs. B.: Blue, hmm …yes, I think I like that. How much does it cost?

Salesman: £18.

Mrs. B.: £18? Good heavens! Haven’t you got anything … anything … uh …

Salesman: Cheaper than this, madam? Only this other blue sweater. It costs £14.

Mrs. B.: Now that’s exactly what I’m looking for. That’s much nicer than all the others. Why didn’t you show it to me before?

Salesman (angrily): But I did, madam! It was the first one you saw.

Answer the following questions about the conversation.

1. Was it Mrs. Bashford’s usual practice to choose her husband’s clothes carefully?

2. Why didn’t she like the grey sweater?

3. How many sweaters did she reject?

4. What did she think of the price of the blue sweater named by the salesman?

5. Which sweater did she choose after all?

6. Why did the salesman get angry?

7. What customers can be called choosey? Can Mrs. Bashford be called choosey? Why?

8. Do salesmen like choosey customers? Why?

Taking About Clothes

Dialogue

(This is a conversation in one of the fitting rooms in a big department store. Jane is trying on a skirt.)

Assistant: You know, madam, I think the next size will be better.

Jane (sadly): Yes, it looks like it. But I’ve always taken a 36 hip size before. Have I really started putting on weight?

Assistant: I shouldn’t worry. You can’t trust these sizes. Nowadays, they seem to vary enormously. I’ll just get you the size above.

(Jane undoes the zip fastener, and, with some difficulty, slips out of the skirt. She sinks on to a chair, shaking her head.)

Jane (to herself): No more chocolates, no more cake, no more ice-cream, no chips, no butter, no sugar. Oh, awful! Life won’t be worth living.

(The assistant returns with another skirt.)

Assistant: There you are. This has lost its label, but yes, it’s a little bigger than that one. Would you like to slip it on? There! How do you like that? I think it fits perfectly.

Jane (hopefully): It’s a bit loose round the hips.

Assistant: A little, perhaps. But this style’s meant to be a bit full. It really does suit you.

Jane: Yes, I’ll have it. Here is the money.

Assistant: Thank you. I’ll just wrap this and fetch your change. I won’t keep you a moment.

Jane: Look, could I keep that smaller size for a moment. I just want to check something.

Assistant: Yes, of course.

(Jane makes her way to the rail from which the skirts are hanging.)

Jane (to herself): Waist 22, Hip 34. Waist 24, Hip 36. Here we are.

(She measures the skirt she’s carrying against the one on the hanger she’s holding, and then against two more of the same size.)

I knew it. This one’s only a 34 hip. So the one I’ve bought is 36 after all. Wonderful!

(The assistant comes and gives her a carrier bag with the new skirt inside and Jane goes off to a restaurant for lunch. The waiter hands her the menu. Jane orders.)

Jane: Vegetable soup. Steak and chips. And I think a strawberry jam and cream waffle to follow. That will be all, thank you.

Answer the following questions about the conversation.

1. What was Jane trying on in the fitting room?

2. Why did she think that she had put on weight?

3. What did she make up her mind about when the shop assistant had gone to fetch a skirt in a larger size?

4. Did the second skirt fit perfectly?

5. Why did Jane keep the skirt in a smaller size for some time?

6. Was she satisfied after she had compared the skirt she had with another one on the rail?

I have a Complaint

Dialogue

Salesgirl: Yes, madam? May I help you?

Linda: Yes, about the sweater. I bought it here last month. A few days ago I washed it and the colour ran and the sweater shrank.

Salesgirl: Hmm. You must have washed it in boiling water.

Linda: No, I didn’t. I followed the washing instructions! I washed it in lukewarm water, just as the label said I should.

Salesgirl: Well, I’m afraid I can’t exchange it for you.

Linda: Why not? … Well, then I’d like to see the manager.

Salesgirl: I’m afraid he’s busy.

Linda: I’m sorry but I’d like to see him.

Salesgirl: Very well. If you insist. One moment.

(She goes for the manager.)

Manager: Yes, madam. May I help you?

Linda: … about this sweater. When I washed, the colour ran and the sweater shrank even though I followed the instructions.

Manager: Really? This has never happened before.

Linda: There’s always the first time, isn’t there?

Manager: I, er, I really don’t see what we can do.

Linda: Excuse me, isn’t there a poster over there?

Manager: Yes, what about it?

Linda: It says “We give our customers satisfaction.”

Manager: Yes, I know what it says.

Linda: Well, this store is supposed to give their customers satisfaction! But I am not satisfied.

Manager: I, uh, hmm. There’s a flaw in this sweater. One of the threads is a different color.

Linda: Is it? I can’t see.

Yes, there’s definitely a flaw there. All right, madam. We’ll exchange it for you, but only because of the flaw.

Answer the following questions about the conversation.

1. Why did Linda come to the shop?

2. What did she complain about?

3. Why didn’t the salesgirl exchange the sweater for her?

4. Did the salesgirl want Linda to talk to the manager?

5. Was the manager willing to help Linda?

6. How did Linda make the manager exchange the sweater for her?

7. What pretext did the manager find for replacing the sweater?

Hire Purchase

The Taylors on the Never-Never Land

Mum: You two are late this morning.

Susan: It’s Saturday, Mum.

We’re no later than usual for Saturday. It seems to me you and Dad are early.

Susan: Yes, and both fully dressed, too. What’s the rush about?

Dad: It’s a very important occasion, Susan. Your mother has persuaded me to go shopping.

Susan: Gosh, it’s the first time I’ve known Dad to go to the shops on a Saturday!

Mum: That’s why we are going early – to avoid the crowds. You know how your father hates crowds.

Granddad: Expect at a football match.

Ken: You must be going to buy something very important.

Dad: We are. In fact, the great issue that has divided this household into two warring camps has now been resolved.

Susan: You mean whether to have a TV set or a washing-machine?

Dad: Precisely.

Ken: And what’s the answer?

Dad: A washing-machine.

Ken: Oh no!

Susan:

Dad: Your mother and I discussed it last night when you had gone to bed.

Susan: Oh, Dad, couldn’t we have both? The TV set costs only 62 pence a week on the never-never.

Dad: Plus 50 pence a week for the washing-machine. That would mean £1.12 out of every pay-packet. No, Susan, we can’t afford it.

Mum: Your father has promised to get a TV when we have finished paying for the washing-machine.

Ken: How long will that take?

Dad: Eighteen months.

Ken: But we can’t wait that long, Dad.

Dad: When you can’t afford something you want, you have to wait until you can.

Ken: I tell you what, Dad; now that I’m working I could probably afford to contribute 25 pence a week towards it.

Mum: I don’t think you could, Ken. You are still paying for your new bicycle.

Dad: I’ve had to help you with the payments twice already. No, the truth of the matter is that I don’t like H.P.

Susan: But everyone buys things that way, Dad.

Granddad: It’s a bad way of living, Susan. People who cannot afford certain luxuries are persuaded by advertising that they can. They contract these debts – for that’s what they are – and then have to deny themselves essentials, like food and clothing, in order to pay the installments.

Mum: That may happen in some cases, Granddad, but surely the necessity to keep up the payments encourages most people to budget carefully.

Susan: If Mum had to put away 50 pence a week for eighteen months, she’d never get that washing-machine. She’d only spend the money on something else.

Granddad: Yes, and probably on things that are more essential than a washing-machine. H.P. helps people to collect things they don’t really need at all, and plunges them into debt at the same time. Shakespeare wrote:

“Neither a borrower nor a lender be,

For loan oft loses both itself and friend; …”

Mum: But if there were no H.P. system, Granddad, so few people would be able to afford expensive articles that the ordinary people who make them would lose their jobs.

Ken: But people don’t only buy luxury articles on the never-never. What about furniture?

Mum: Yes, it would be a poor look-out for young people getting married if they couldn’t get the essentials of a home that way.

Granddad: Young people shouldn’t get married until they have saved enough money to buy the essentials. As it is, H.P. encourages them to marry early and to start off heavily in debt – and being in debt doesn’t help them to make a happy marriage.

Dad: If I listen to Granddad any longer, you won’t even have your washing-machine, Maud. Come on, let’s get it over.

Ken: Oh, Dad, please do me a favour before you go.

(He takes a folded document from his breast-pocket.)

Dad: What is it, son?

Ken: Funnily enough, It’s a hire-purchase agreement. You know I’ve always wanted a portable radio – mainly for my bedroom. I want you to sign as guarantor, Dad, so that I can collect it this afternoon.

Dad: Well! You really have a nerve, Ken, when you can’t even keep up the payments on your bicycle.

Ken: But, Dad –

Dad: It’s no good pleading. The answer is a definite “no”. Come on, Maud, or we’ll never get to that showroom.

Mum: How long will it be before your bicycle is paid for, Ken?

Ken: Five months.

Mum: That’s not long to wait, Ken. Perhaps your father will be willing to give his permission then.

Dad: That’s another matter entirely.

Mum: Cheer up, son. We’re going now. We should be back by twelve at the latest.

(Exeunt Mum and Dad.)

Ken: What a day! First no TV and now no radio for my bedroom.

Susan: (looking out of the window) And it’s pouring with rain.

Granddad: I know how you could cheer yourself up, Ken.

Ken: How?

Granddad: Well, you’ve paid for about half your bicycle, haven’t you?

Ken: Yes.

Granddad: Good! Then go for a good long ride on the half that belongs to you.

Answer the following questions about the conversation.

1. Where were Mr. and Mrs. Taylor going?

2. What had they decided to buy?

3. Were their children – Susan and Ken – satisfied with their parents’ choice? Why?

4. What did Ken offer to do to buy both a TV set and a washing-machine on hire purchase?

5. Why was his idea rejected by his parents?

6. What was the grandfather’s attitude towards hire purchase?

7. What were Mrs. Taylor’s and her children’s arguments against the grandfather’s point of view?

8. What favour did Ken ask his father to do for him?

9. Why did Mr. Taylor refuse point-blank to sign as guarantor?

10. In what way did the grandfather tease Ken?

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

CURRENCY

Great Britain

100 pence (100 p) = 1 pound (£1)

Note: (1) Scottish and Northern Ireland banks issue their own notes; these cannot always be used in England and Wales but they can be changed at banks.

(2) Too old coins are still used; a two shilling coin (the same value and size as 10 p) and a one shilling coin (the same as 5 p).

100 cents (100¢) – 1 dollar ($1)

WEIGHTS AND MEASURES

CLOTHING SIZES

The sizing of clothes and shoes varies between Britain, the USA and the Continent (Europe). These tables should help you to choose the right size.

Standard sizes used in Britain and the USA are also called “small”, “medium” and “large”.

Shopping (Great Britain)

Most shops in Britain are open 9.00 – 17.30, on Monday – Saturday. Supermarkets may stay open longer in the evenings on certain days.

Many smaller towns have one early-closing day a week, when shops may be closed in the afternoon. Some larger towns and cities also have a late-closing day, when shops may stay open as late as 20.00. some shops in smaller towns and villages close for an hour at lunch time, usually from 13.00 to 14.00.

Here are a few shops that can be found all over Britain.

Marks & Spencer: a store selling food, good quality ready-to-wear clothing, household goods and toiletries.

Boots: a chemist’s shop selling toiletries, photographic equipment, health food, household equipment and gifts. They also supply medicine prescribed by a doctor.

W. H. Smith: a newsagent found on main shopping streets selling newspapers, magazines, books (including travel and guide books), records and gifts.

Woolworths: a store selling a range of low-priced goods,, including records, toys, household goods and stationery.

Supermarkets include Sainabury, Tesco, Safeway and Asda.

SPECIALITY SHOPS

Goods and crafts from the different regions of Britain may be found in speciality shops in tourist areas. You might like to look out for knitwear from Wales, tartans and glassware from Scotland, and linen and porcelain from Northern Ireland.

Porcelain, china and glassware are also associated with several regions of England. Foods such as clotted cream (Cornwall), cheeses (several areas) and haggis (Scotland) can also be bought in local shops. The British Travel Centre can provide you with information on speciality goods and shops in Britain.

Most large shops will accept credit cards; their signs are often displayed on the shop’s doors and windows. Some large shops accept traveller’s cheques.

It’s a good idea to shop around comparing prices, but you do not bargain (offer a lower price) in shops, unless the shops sells second-hand (used)goods.

Most shops will give you a receipt when you buy goods; if not, ask for one. Receipts are necessary if you want to return goods to a shop if they are faulty or the wrong size. Reputable shops will exchange unused goods (and sometimes give a cash refund) if you have the receipt.

TAX-FREE SHOPPING

The price shown on most goods in Britain includes a tax of 15%, known as VAT (Value Added Tax). If you use the Retail Export Scheme this tax can be returned to you if you take the goods with you when you leave Britain. You may have to spend a certain sum of money before you qualify for the scheme, and you’ll have to show your passport. Ask in the shop if they operate the Retail Export Scheme. If they do, the shop assistant will explain how you can get the tax back and fill in a form with you.

VAT is also charged on hotel and restaurant bills, theatre and cinema tickets and car hire; it is not refundable in these cases.

MARKETS

You can find indoor and outdoor markets in towns and cities all over Britain. Most markets have a variety of stalls selling different kinds of goods. Some markets specialise in one thing, such as antiques, clothes, or fruit, vegetables and flowers. The market may take place on one day a week or on several days, with a different group of stalls each day. Markets can be good places to find bargains. Many goods have fixed prices, but it’s often possible to ’bargain’ with the stall-holder-agree a price lower than the original one.

SHOPPINFG (USA)

Here are some helpful things to know.

American money comes in coins worth 1¢ (pennies), 5¢ (nickels), 10¢ (dimes), 25¢ (quarters) and 50¢, though half dollars aren’t very common. Paper money is in denominations of $1, $5, $10 and $20. Two , fifty and one-hundred dollar bills exist, but they aren’t common. Don’t be surprised if a bank teller or store clerk looks very closely at a hundred dollar bill to make sure it’s real!

Travelers checks are insured. If they are lost or stolen, you will get your money back – the only question is when. Keep a record of your checks separate from the checks themselves.

When you pay something with your credit card, the salesperson will take your card and fill out a form using a computer or a machine. He or she will ask you to sign the form and then give you a copy. The credit card company sends you a bill once a month that shows the purchases you made and any balance left to pay from the month before. Usually you have thirty days to pay before they charge you interest. Check with your company to find out details about the interest they charge.

The word ‘national’ in the name of many banks does not mean they have branches everywhere in the country; in fact, banks are not allowed to have branches in more than one state. Laws about banks are made by each state. In some states, banks are not allowed to have branches at all. Even in states where they are allowed, there may not be many branches of one bank.

If you write a personal check and it bounces, you will have to pay the bank a high service charge on it. So be sure you always have enough money in your account to cover any checks you write.

Layaway is a service offered by many stores selling items that cost up to $300. The customer pays 10%-15% of the price and agrees to pay the rest by a certain date, usually not more than thirty days later. The store keeps the item until the customer pays the whole price. Customers who don’t return to pay for the item before that date lose their money, but otherwise there is no charge.

Many stores that sell expensive items – home appliances like washing machines and refrigerators, for example – allow their customers to pay for them on the installment plan. Customers make a down payment of 10% or more on the purchase price and pay the rest in monthly installments. They also have to pay interest.

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS

Complaining about faulty goods or bad service is never easy. Most people dislike making a fuss. However, when you are shopping, it is important to know your rights. The following extract is taken from a leaflet produced by the British office of Fair Trading, and it gives advice to customers.

Your rights when buyign goods

When you buy something from a shop, you are making a contract. This contract means that it’s up to the shop – not the manufacturer – to deal with your complaints if the goods are not satisfactory. What to we mean by satisfactory?

The goods must not be broken or damaged and must work properly. This is known as ‘merchantable quality’. A sheet, say, which had a tear in it, or a clock that didn’t go when you wound it would not pass this test.

The goods must be as described – whether on the pack or by the salesman. A hairdryer which the box says is blue should not turn out to be pink; a pair of shoes the salesman says is leather should not be plastic.

The goods should be fit their purpose. This means the purpose for which most people buy those particular goods. If you wanted something for a special purpose, you must have said exactly what for. If, for instance, the shop assures you that a certain glue will mend broken china, and it doesn’t you have a right to return it.

If the shop sells you faulty goods, it has broken its side of the bargain.

If goods are faulty when you first inspect or use them, go back to the shop, say that you cancel the purchase and ask for a complete refund. If you prefer, you can accept a repair or a replacement.

If the goods break down through no fault of yours, after you have used them for a time, you may still be entitled to some compensation. In some cases it would be reasonable to expect a complete refund – if, for instance, without misuse your shoes came apart after only one day’s wear, or your washing machine irreparably broke down after only three wash days. But if your washing machine worked perfectly for a while and then broke, you could only expect some of the purchase price back. You and the supplier must negotiate a reasonable settlement.

You need never accept a credit note for faulty goods. If you do so, then later find you do not want anything else in the shop store, you may not get your money back.

If you have to spend money as a direct result of goods being faulty, you can also claim this from the shop. You could, for example, claim the cost of using a laundry while the washing machine wasn’t working. But you must keep such expenses down to a minimum.

There are four golden rules:

1. Examine the goods you buy at once. If they are faulty, tell the seller quickly.

2. Keep any receipts you are given. If you have to return something, the receipt will help to prove where and when you bought it.

3. Don’t be afraid to complain. You are not asking a favour to have faulty goods put right. The law is on your side.

4. Be persistent (but not aggressive). If your complaint is justified, it is somebody’s responsibility to put things right.

REMEMBER

• You can’t complain about defects that were pointed out to you, or that you could reasonably have been expected to notice.

• Stop using the item as soon as you discover a fault.

• You are not entitled to compensation if you simply change your mind about wanting the goods.

ROLE PLAY

Based on the dialogue “Making a Shopping List”. Act out the scene.

Ruth asks Vera about their plans for the day. But Vera replies that they would prefer to learn their plans first so as to fit their arrangements in with those of Gary and Ruth. Ruth tells her guests that they have run out of foodstuffs, and so they need a large supply of food. She suggests doing it right away. Gary breaks in at this point, saying that their supply of spirits has also given out. Ruth thinks that the men should see about the drinks, while she and Vera will see to the food. She also suggests making a shopping list so as not to forget anything. They include all sorts of food and drinks in the list. While doing so, Gary and Ruth learn smth. about the tastes and preferences of their guests.

Exercise 2.

Based on the dialogue “At the supermarket”. Act out the scene.

Vera and Ruth come to the supermarket to do the shopping. Vera asks Ruth if she ever goes to small local shops. It turns out that she does not. She prefers supermarkets because all foods can be found in one shop, and one doesn’t have to go from one shop to another. Vera disagrees with Ruth about it, saying that in a small town it does not really matter, since all such shops are concentrated in a limited area. Then Vera and Ruth get a trolley and a shopping basket and go to do the shopping in different departments of the supermarket. When they are through with buying the foods, they meet near the scales and go to the checkout. There is a queue at the checkout, so they join the queue. When their turn comes, the cashier checks the prices on the items and then rings them up on the cash register. The total amounts to 28.75. Ruth pays for their purchases, and the two women leave the supermarket.

Based on the dialogue “At the Department Store”. Act out the scene.

Vera, Ruth, Gary and Mark go to the department store. There they split up: Vera and Ruth go to the women’s clothing department, whereas Gary and Mark go to the suit department.

In the women’s clothing department Vera and Ruth see a wide choice of goods. Ruth wants to know what Vera would like to buy. The latter answers that she needs a dress, a woolen jumper and a pair of shoes for summer wear. They come up to a rack on which dresses are hanging. Vera chooses one, but it turns out to be a misfit. Leaving Vera in the changing room, Ruth fetches a dress in a larger size. Vera tries it on and it fits like a glove. The shop assistant puts the dress in a carrier bag and Vera and Ruth go to the cash desk to pay. Vera wants to pay with her credit card. They accept cheques, though. So Vera pays by cheque, and the two women leave the department.

On their way to the suit department Mark tells Gary that he needs a suit and a tie to match. In the suit department the men have a look at the suits on the rack and Gary picks out two three-piece single-breasted lounge suits. He tries on one of them: the trousers fit quite well, but the jacket does not. Then he tries on the other suit: the jacket is a nice snug fit, but the trousers are somewhat too short. Gary applies to the salesman for help. The latter replies that they can have his trousers altered and it will take a few hours.

After having done the shopping, Vera, Ruth, Gary and Mark meet at the entrance to the department store and talk about what they have bought. Vera says that she bought a nice dress with a hat and gloves to match. Ruth adds that Vera also got a pair of nice shoes. In her opinion, the dress and shoes are a prefect match. Vera points out that the shoes are a bit stiff, but she will wear them around the house for some time to break them in. In reply to Ruth’s question Mark says that he bought a suit with a tie to match. As the trousers happened to be loose and short, he left them to be altered.

Based on the dialogue “At Ruth and Gary’s Place”. Act out the scene.

When Vera, Ruth, Gary and Mark come back from the department store they start talking about shopping. First, Gary and Mark speak about off-the-peg and tailor-made clothes. Mark prefers ready-to-wear clothes, and he presents his arguments. Gary agrees with Mark up to a point. However, he thinks that ready-made clothes cannot compare with beautifully tailored clothes. Then Vera asks Gary what one does if one wants to buy an expensive item but does not have enough money to pay for it straight away. Gary answers that in this case the article can be bought on hire purchase. He also tells his guests a few things about this system in great Britain and the USA and explains to them the procedure for buying goods on hire purchase. Vera invited Gary’s and Ruth’s opinions about this system of buying goods. Gary and Ruth believe that it has both advantages and disadvantages, and they dwell on them. Then Mark asks if the price of an article bought on hire purchase is the same as when it is bought for cash. Gary says in reply that in this case the price of an article is higher as there is a charge for interest. Mark is eager to know if Gary and Ruth have bought anything on hire purchase. It turns out that they have bought a washing machine, a fridge and a TV set. Finally, Vera asks if one has to pay only cash in shops. Gary answers that it is not so: apart from cash, major credit and charge cards are widely accepted in shops, restaurants and hotels.

Exercise 5.

Act out the following scene.

SITUATION: In a shop.

ROLES: Role 1 - the customer; Role 2 – the salesman.

STYLE: Role 1 (the salesman) – neutral;

ATTITUDES: Role 1 (the customer) – choosey, slow;

DESCRIPTION OF SITUATION:

Role 1 (the customer). The customer needs a suit (jacket, pullover, cardigan, skirt, blouse, trousers, jeans, shoes, etc.). He/She is very fastidious about his/her clothes. He/She describes to the salesman in great detail what style he/she would like to get. The customer is shown a number of suits (jackets, pullovers, etc.), he/she tries them on and rejects them for a variety of reasons. Finally he/she is given one that suits and fits him/her. The customer is satisfied.

Role 2 (the salesman). The salesman attends to the customer. He listens attentively and respectfully. When the customer is through, the salesman offers him/her a number of suits (jackets, pullovers, etc.). While doing so, he is constantly talking about the high quality of their goods, the latest fashions and special reductions. The salesman’s purpose is to sell something to the customer by all means.

Act out the following scene.

SITUATION: In a shop.

ROLES: Role 1 – Jack/Jean, a friend of Nigel’s/Diana’s

STYLE: Role 1 (Jack/Jean) – informal;

ATTITUDES: Role 1 (Jack/Jean) – choosey, fond of shopping around;

DESCRIPTION OF SITUATION:

Role 1 (Jack/Jean). Jack/Jean needs a suit (jacket, pullover, cardigan, skirt, blouse, trousers, jeans, etc.). He/She looks at a great number of articles on the rack, trying to pick out something to his/her taste. His/Her friend Nigel/Diana helps him/her. Jack/Jean is very particular about his/her clothes, that’s why he/she is very difficult to please. It takes him/her a lot of time to have a look at all the items, but nothing satisfies him/her. He/She finds fault with everything, so in the end he/she buys nothing.

Role 2 (Nigel/Diana). Nigel/Diana keeps his/her friend Jack/Jean company when the latter tries to choose a suit (jacket, pullover, etc.). He/She tells his/her friend what is in fashion at the time, gives him/her advice about what to buy. He/She makes an attempt to hurry his/her friend and to press him/her to buy something, but fails to.

Act out the following scene.

SITUATION: In a shop.

ROLES: Role 1 – the customer; Role 2 – the salesman.

STYLE: Role 1 (the customer) – neutral;

ATTITUDES: Role 1 (the customer) – dissatisfied, angry;

DESCRIPTION OF SITUATION:

Role 1 (the customer). The customer brings to the shop the suit (jacket, pullover, cardigan, skirt, blouse, trousers, jeans, shoes, etc.) he/she bought there a couple of days before. He/She points out to the salesman a flaw and wants the article replaced or the purchase price refunded. After some resistance on the salesman’s part, the customer gets a good suit (jacket, pullover, etc.).

Role 2 (the salesman). The salesman listens to the customer’s complaint about the suit (jacket, pullover, etc.) bought by him/her in their shop. He is reluctant to exchange the article for the customer because the flaw seems to him insignificant. However, in the end he decides to replace the suit (jacket, pullover, etc.) so as to keep up the reputation of the shop.

Act out the following scene.

SITUATION: In a record/jeweller’s/toy shop.

ROLES: Role 1 – Dave, the husband; Role 2 – Clare, the wife.

STYLE: Role 1 (Dave) – neutral; Role 2 (Clare) – neutral.

ATTITUDES: Role 1 (Dave) - choosey, thoughtful;

DESCRIPTION OF SITUATION:

Clare and Dave are choosing a present for their friends – Priscilla and Tonny/for their daughter/for their son. They discuss their friends’/daughter’s/son’s likes at length, as they want to select something to really please them/her/him.

Act out the following scene.

SITUATION: In a gift shop.

ROLES: Role 1 – Tom, a friend of Jane’s;

STYLE: Role 1 (Tom) – neutral; Role 2 (Jane) – neutral.

ATTITUDES: Role 1 (Tom) - choosey, thoughtful;

DESCRIPTION OF SITUATION:

Jane and Tom are selecting a wedding/ Christmas/New Year present for their friends - Louise and Peter. They talk in great detail about their friends’ tastes. At first they disagree about what will be the best present for them. However, in the end they decide on one and the same thing.

Exercise 10.

Act out the following scene.

SITUATION: At Sandra and Ron’s place.

ROLES: Role 1 Ron, the husband; Role 2 – Sandra, the wife.

STYLE: Role 1 (Ron) – neutral; Role 2 (Sandra) – neutral.

ATTITUDES: Role 1 (Ron) – bad-tempered, aggressive;

DESCRIPTION OF SITUATION:

Sandra and Ron are making a list of household goods they are going to get for their new flat. They cannot afford to buy all the things at once. They have to think of what is to be given priority and what can wait, what system of buying to choose, etc. They disagree about many things. While talking, both of them present numerous arguments to support their points of view. However, after careful and serious consideration, they come to terms with each other and make a list of things to buy within a year.

Act out the following scene.

SITUATION: At Anne and Ted’s place.

ROLES: Role 1 – Anne, the wife; Role 2 – Ted, the husband.

STYLE: Role 1 (Anne) – informal; Role 2 (Ted), informal.

ATTITUDES: Role 1 (Anne) keen; Role 2 (Ted) – grumpy.

DESCRIPTION OF SITUATION:

Anne and Ted receive a telegram to say that their friends Mary and John – make a stopover in their town in a week’s time. Anne is eager to see them and to welcome them both to their home. Ted is not enthusiastic about it at all, as he does not like them. But they make up their minds to invite their friends to dinner at their place. Anne looks in all the cupboards to find that they have run out of practically everything. So they make a shopping list. They include in this list all the things necessary to cook a grand dinner.

Act out the following scene.

SITUATION: In a supermarket.

ROLES: Role 1 – Anne, the wife; Role 2 – Ted, the husband.

STYLE: Role 1 (Anne) – informal, neutral;

ATTITUDES: Role 1 (Anne) – dissatisfied, tired;

DESCRIPTION OF SITUATION:

Anne and Ted come to the supermarket to get the foods on their shopping list. They take two trolleys to put their shopping in. While they are walking round the supermarket, they see that all things are in new places there, which they did not expect. This irritates them. Nevertheless they find most of the foods they need, wheel their trolleys to the checkout, join the queue there, pay for their purchase and leave the supermarket.

Act out the following scene.

SITUATION: In a small local shop.

ROLES: Role 1 – Anne, the wife;

STYLE: Role 1 (Anne) – neutral; Role 2 (Ted) – neutral;

ATTITUDES: Role 1 (Anne) – choosey, deliberate;

DESCRIPTION OF SITUATION:

Anne and Ted come to the shop to buy the foods they failed to get at the supermarket. The shop is well stocked (up) with everything. Anne consults their shopping list and asks for the things they need. Ted reminds her of some more things, but he does this without any zest. The salesman turns out to be pushing with the customers, and she tries to talk them into buying all sorts of unnecessary things.

Act out the following scene.

SITUATION: In a shop.

ROLES: Role 1 – the customer; Role 2 – the salesman.

STYLE: Role 1 (the customer) – neutral;

ATTITUDES: Role 1 (the customer) – dissatisfied, angry;

DESCRIPTION OF SITUATION:

Role 1 (the customer). The customer brings to the shop the washing machine/fridge/vacuum cleaner/dishwasher/radio/TV set he bought there a couple of weeks before. He asserts that it is a faulty one and demands that they (should) either replace the article or refund him the purchase price. The appliance is thoroughly checked by the salesman, and it really turns out to be out of order. As there are no other articles of this kind in stock, the customer gets a refund.

Role 2 (the salesman). The salesman listens to the customer’s complaint about the washing machine-fridge/vacuum cleaner/dishwasher/radio/TV set bought by him in their shop. He is reluctant to exchange it for the customer. He makes sure that the customer followed all the instructions. Then he checks the appliance thoroughly to find that it is completely out of order. As there is no identical or even similar article in stock, the salesman gives the customer a refund.

Act out the following scene.

SITUATION: At Ian’s/Mabel’s place.

ROLES: Role 1 – Ian, the son/Mabel, the daughter;

STYLE: Role 1 (Ian/Mabel) – informal;

ATTITUDES: Role 1 (Ian/Mabel) – impatient, aggressive;

DESCRIPTION OF SITUATION:

Mr. and Mrs. Callaghan are dissatisfied with the way their son/daughter dresses. That’s why they make up their minds to speak to him/her about good and poor tastes in clothes. They invite him/her into the living room and tell him/her about what they think of his/her style of dressing. Ian/Mabel completely disagrees with his/her parents about he matter. He/She gets aggressive, talks back to them and tries to refute their arguments.

Act out the following scenes.

SITUATION: At Sam’s/Frieda’s place.

ROLES: Role 1 – Sam/Frieda, a friend of Roger’s/Margery’s;

STYLE: Role 1 (Sam/Frieda) – informal;

ATTITUDES: Role 1 (Sam/Frieda) – friendly, interested;

(1) DESCRIPTION OF SITUATION:

Sam/Frieda and Roger/Margery talk about ready-made and tailor/made clothes. Sam/Frieda likes ready-to-wear clothes, While Roger/Margery prefers clothes made to measure. Both of them offer their arguments to substantiate their likes and dislikes.

(2) DESCRIPTION OF SITUATION:

Sam/Frieda and Roger/Margery talk about supermarket and small local shops. Sam/Frieda likes going to supermarkets, whereas Roger/Margery prefers shopping in small local shops. Both of them present their arguments in support of their respective positions.

(3) DESCRIPTION OF SITUATION:

Roger/Margery and Sam/Frieda talk about shopping. Roger/Margery loves shopping, while Sam/Frieda detests it. They argue about the matter at length and in a lively manner.

(4) DESCRIPTION OF SITUATION:

Roger/Margery knows a great deal about hire purchase, but Sam/Frieda knows next to nothing about it. Roger/Margery explains to his/her friend the procedure for buying things on hire purchase. He/She tells him/her what goods are generally bought in this way. Sam/Frieda asks various questions about it.

FOLLOW UP DISCUSSION

Talk to your partner on the following topics. Present your arguments to support your point of view.

1. Your attitude towards shopping.

2. Self-service and counter service. Their advantages and disadvantages. Your preferences.

3. Supermarkets and small local shops. Your preferences.

4. Ready-made and tailor-made clothes. Your preferences.

5. Good and poor tastes in clothes.

6. The best birthday/Christmas/New Year/wedding present.

7. The procedure for buying goods on hire purchase.

8. Types of goods that may be bought on hire purchase.

9. The advantages and disadvantages of hire purchase.

10. Your hire purchase experiences.

11. The attitude of people of different ages towards hire purchase.

12. The comparison of hire purchase with other systems of buying goods.

13. Pleasures of window shopping.

14. Customers and salespeople. The principle “The customer is always right”.

15. Trade. The law of demand and supply.

16. Inflation and its influence on trade.

17. Goods shortages. Ways of solving the problem.

18. Advertising. Its influence on trade.

19. Fashions.

Comment on the following sayings and quotations. Think of some situations to illustrate them. Share with your partner your experiences dealing with these matters.

1. “Neither a borrow nor a lender be

For loan oft loses both itself and friend …”

(From “Hamlet” by W. Shakespeare)

2. Look after the pennies, and the pounds will look after themselves.

3. Live now – pay later.

4. A fool and his money are soon parted.

5. The customer is always right.

6. “Annual income twenty pounds, annual expenditure nineteen and six, result happiness. Annual income twenty pounds, annual expenditure twenty pounds ought and six, result misery”. (Mr. Micawber from “David Copperfield” by Ch. Dickens).

Prepare and present a panel game dealing with shopping in this country and elsewhere. Act as question master.

Get ready to take part in a panel game dealing with shopping in this country and elsewhere. Act as a contestant.

Prepare and preset a panel discussion about problems of shopping in this country and elsewhere. Act as question master.

Get ready to participate in a panel discussion about problems of shopping in this country and elsewhere. Act as a panellist.

Покупки

Учебно-методические материалы для студентов II курса

отделения английского языка переводческого факультета

Составитель: Сергей Иванович Жолобов