Developing Tactics for Listening, 3rd Edition » Unit 14: Shopping Problems

Word List
  • bargain (n.)
  • bargain (v.)
  • broken
  • buttons
  • case
  • camcorder
  • camera
  • damaged
  • exchange
  • faded
  • guarantee
  • heel
  • impossible
  • lock
  • long-sleeved
  • missing
  • receipt
  • refund
  • repair
  • sale
  • shrank
  • stain
  • sweatshirt
  • be out of (something)
  • changed color
  • come off
  • compare prices
  • get fed up with (something)
  • half the price
  • poorly made
  • sold out of (something)
  • wrong size
Vocabulary Worksheet

‣ Part 1: Match the words and phrases on the left to their definitions on the right.

  1. bargain _____
  2. camcorder _____
  3. compare _____
  4. damaged _____
  5. exchange _____
  6. guarantee _____
  7. impossible _____
  8. sale _____
  9. size _____
  10. stain _____
  1. a. camera for making videos
  2. b. how big or small a piece of clothing is
  3. c. broken
  4. d. dirt on clothing that is difficult to remove
  5. e. to trade one thing for another at a store
  6. f. an unusually low price
  7. g. a short time when prices are reduced
  8. h. a promise
  9. i. to think about things together so you can see how they are different
  10. j. not able to happen

‣ Part 2: Use the words or phrases from Part 1 to complete sentences below.

  1. I looked at many stores to _____ their prices.
  2. She wanted to _____ the boots for a sweater.
  3. It is _____ to satisfy every customer all the time.
  4. There was a large red _____ on the blouse.
  5. I returned the camera because it was _____.
  6. At only $10, the leather gloves were a _____.
  7. The new boots were not her _____, and did not fit her.
  8. He used his _____ to record the birthday party.
  9. For two days only, the store is having a _____ on TVs.
  10. The store will _____ a refund for bad products.
  1. a. camera for making videos
  2. b. how big or small a piece of clothing is
  3. c. broken
  4. d. dirt on clothing that is difficult to remove
  5. e. to trade one thing for another at a store
  6. f. an unusually low price
  7. g. a short time when prices are reduced
  8. h. a promise
  9. i. to think about things together so you can see how they are different
  10. j. not able to happen
Answer Key

Have you ever had these problems? Check (x) your answers and compare them with a partner.

You bought something that _____.
  • _____ shrank when you washed it
  • _____ had a missing part
  • _____ was the wrong size
  • _____ didn't work
  • _____ changed color when you washed it
  • _____ was damaged
  • _____ was poorly made
  • _____ other: ___
Listening 1

‣ Which item did each person receive? Listen and check (x) the correct picture.

    • a.
    • b.
    • a.
    • b.
    • a.
    • b.
    • a.
    • b.
Listening 2

‣ Task 1

Customers are describing a problem. Listen and circle the correct answer.

    • a. She needs a bigger size.
    • b. She needs a smaller size.
    • a. The shoes are too small.
    • b. The shoes are damaged.
    • a. The lock is missing.
    • b. The lock isn't working.
    • a. The band is too big.
    • b. The band is broken.
    • a. The shirt has shrunk.
    • b. The buttons have come off the shirt.
    • a. The back doesn't close.
    • b. The shutter is broken.

‣ Task 2

Listen again. Are these statements true or false? Check (x) the correct answer.

TrueFalse
1. The clerk asks the customer to come back tomorrow.(1) (2)
2. The clerk asks for the receipt.(3)_____(4)_____
3. The customer has to bring the briefcase back in a few days.(5)_____(6)_____
4. The customer should call the clerk by tonight.(7)_____(8)_____
5. The clerk asks the customer to fill out a form.(9)_____(10)_____
6. The customer needs to show the clerk the guarantee.(11)_____(12)_____
Listening 3

‣ Task 1

People are talking about shopping. Listen and circle the correct information about each person.

    • a. She enjoyed going to the store.
    • b. There were good bargains.
    • c. She bought many things.
    • a. He didn't like the clothes he bought.
    • b. He didn't buy much.
    • c. Most of the things he bought were good.
    • a. The camera cost nearly $250.
    • b. The camera doesn't work well.
    • c. The camera cost more at an online store.
    • a. She thought the prices were reasonable.
    • b. She bargained when she bought them.
    • c. Her friend got things for a higher price.

‣ Task 2

Listen again. What phrase completes each statement? Write the correct letter.

  1. Next time, she won't
  2. Next time, he'll save his money and _____
  3. Next time, he'll spend more time _____
  4. Next time, she'll be sure to _____
  1. a. comparing prices before buying something.
  2. b. go shopping during a big sale.
  3. c. bargain.
  4. d. wait for the sales at home.

✺ Pronunciation

Reduction of need to and like to

Pronunciation Help
How we spell itHow we say it
need toneedta
like toliketa

‣ Task 1

Listen and repeat.

  • 1. I need to return this.
  • 2. You need to show me the guarantee.
  • 3. He needs to get another size.
  • 4. I'd like to exchange these shoes.
  • 5. She'd like to get a refund.
  • 6. We'd like to get another one.

‣ Task 2

Read the sentences to a partner. Be sure to reduce need to and like to.

✺ Dictation

‣ Task 1

Listen to the conversation. Write the missing words.

A: Can I help you?
B: Yes, I'd (1)_____ (2)_____ (3)_____ this shirt. I need to get a larger one.
A: No problem.
B: And the color is wrong. I'd like to find a (4)_____ (5)_____.
A: That's fine. Oh, and do you have your receipt?
B: Uh-oh, I think I forgot it. I (6)_____ (7)_____ go home and get it.
A: Yes, I (8)_____ (9)_____ (10)_____ your receipt.
B: Okay, I'll be right back.

‣ Task 2

Practice the conversation with a partner. Be sure to reduce need to and like to.

✺ Conversation

Work in pairs. Think of something you recently bought. Imagine it has a problem. Take turns being a salesperson and a customer, and return the item to the store.

Answer Key
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