Good afternoon, teachers and students. Today, I’m going to talk about how we can shop
wisely. We live in a consumer society, so we need to learn the basics of budgeting and
saving our money. First, you shouldn’t buy on impulse. You can find ways to overcome peer
pressure and the need to copy your friends’ spending habits. Before you buy anything,
you need to ask yourself whether or not you really need it. You should have priorities. For
instance, you should plan how you want to spend your money. Do you want to save it for a
rainy day or buy the latest smartphone?
Before making any big purchases, you might want to check out the prices in a few
places first. A wise consumer should compare the prices of similar products at several
outlets before making a decision. For instance, if you find a great pair of jeans in one store,
check out the price of a similar pair at other retailers. You might get the same item at a
cheaper price elsewhere. Shopping online is another good way to find offers.
You should also check your receipts in case you have been accidentally overcharged.
Sometimes, items on sale may not have had their prices adjusted in the cashier’s checkout
system. Take all of these things into account when shopping and you'll be a wiser consumer.
Thank you.
1 What is the speech about? Elaborate on your answer.
2 Do you find the speech interesting? Give reasons for your answer.
B Match these words or phrases from the speech with their correct meanings.
a. budgeting
b. impulse
c. peer pressure
d. priorities
e. a rainy day
f. retailers
1 things that you think are more important than other things
2 without planning to do so in advance
3 a time when you will really need something
4 being careful about the amount of money you spend
5 people or businesses that sell goods to the public
6 influence from members of one’s peer group
Modal Verbs
We use modal verbs to give and talk about advice.
Examples:
a. can
- You can find ways to overcome peer pressure and the need to copy your
friends’ spending habits.
- Can I get it at a cheaper price elsewhere?
b. could
- You could buy the book if you save your pocket money.
- The team could take part in the match if the school pays the participation
fees.
c. should
- You should have priorities. For instance, you should plan how you want to
spend your money.
- A wise consumer should compare the prices of similar products at several
outlets before making a decision.
d. shouldn't
- First, you shouldn’t buy on impulse.
- You shouldn't sleep late on a school night.
e. might
- Before making any big purchases, you might want to check out the prices in
a few places first.
- You might get the same item at a cheaper price elsewhere.
C Write sentences using the prompts and the word in brackets.
1 you / apply / get / the job (might)
2 All of us/ attend / talk / smart consumerism / will be / useful (Should)
3 sale / you / find / some / good bargains (might)
4 You / buy / canned food / without / checking / expiry date / first (Shouldn't)
5 We/ donate / money / needy / when / have / means / to do so (should)
6 We/see/ film / after / dinner (could)
D Respond to the situations with the correct advice given in the box.
- ‘You might want to take a taxi home since it is already past midnight.’
- ‘You should think carefully before buying something so expensive.’
- ‘You can if you finish your homework first.’
- ‘You could get tickets to the concert if you buy them early.'
- ‘You shouldn't as your current one is still working well.'
- ‘When you arrive, you could join a city tour.'
1 Karim wants to see a film.
2 Raju wants to buy a new phone.
3 I want to buy that designer bag.
4 Marley wants to attend a popular concert.
5 The late night film just finished and Samantha wants to go home.
6 You plan to visit a friend in London.
E Discuss the following jobs. Provide a job description and come up with
at least five skills needed for each job. Record your findings in the table below.
1 Salesperson
Job Description:
Skills Needed:
2 Waiter
Job Description:
Skills Needed:
3 Doctor
Job Description:
Skills Needed:
4 Teacher
Job Description:
Skills Needed:
F Rewrite the email below using the correct punctuation marks.
dear aunt kay
I Know you are keen to see a film with your friends you should try to book the tickets online to
make sure you get good seats if you dont you may be disappointed especially if the tickets are
sold out
are your friends also retired if so you can check out which cinemas offer a discount on
weekday mornings you should call and ask if they have a senior citizen discount or even a
special day that offers a discount to women if youre booking online with your credit card you
could find out whether or not your card qualifies for any further discounts
let me know if you need any help booking or buying the tickets online
love
amil
G Read the short story Fair's Fair by Narinder Dhami. Then, study the pictures below and
answer the questions that follow.