Shopping online: comparing products and making choices

A2
90 min
Premium
1

Think about these questions before reading. Share your ideas with a partner.

  1. What was the last thing you bought on the internet? Tell your partner about it.
  2. When you want to buy something new, how do you find the best one?
  3. Do you prefer to shop online or in a real store? Why?
2

Choosing a Phone Case

Listen to the dialogue. Notice how the vocabulary and grammar from the lesson are used.

3

Answer these questions in your own words. Support your answers with evidence from the article.

01According to the article, what kind of words do we use to compare two things?
Sample answerWe use comparative adjectives, like adding '-er' to short words.
02What are some of the key words the article mentions for talking about products?
Sample answerIt mentions words like 'options', 'expensive', and 'reviews'.
03The article describes a real-life situation with a friend. What two things do you do in this situation?
Sample answerWhen you are shopping with a friend, you ask for their opinion and give your own opinion.
04Why is learning about 'comparatives' useful when you are shopping?
Sample answerIt's useful because you need to compare products to decide which one is better or cheaper.
4

Key vocabulary

Vocabulary
These expressions will help you talk about shopping and comparing products.
Examples
Good value for money — when a product has good quality for the price you pay.
We use this phrase to say something is not too expensive but still very good. For example: 'This phone is good value for money.'
Read the reviews — to look at comments from other people who bought the product.
This is a good way to know if a product is good or bad before you buy it. You can say: 'I always read the reviews online.'
On sale — when a shop sells something for a lower price than usual.
Use this to talk about discounts. For example: 'These shoes are on sale this week. They are cheaper now.'
Add to cart — to put an item you want to buy into your online shopping basket.
This is the button you click on a website when you decide to buy something. In the UK, people often say 'add to basket'.
Check the details — to look carefully at the information about a product, like its size or color.
This is important when you compare two things. For example: 'Before you buy the camera, check the details to see if it's the right one.'
5

Online shopping words

Learn some new words for shopping online.

Match each word on the left with its meaning on the right.

Drag or click to match
Definitions
6

Grammar: Comparatives and superlatives

Grammar
When you shop online, you often compare products. We use comparative adjectives to compare two things. We use superlative adjectives to say one thing is 'number one' in a group of three or more.
Examples
This phone is cheaper than the other one.
Use a comparative adjective + 'than' to compare two items.
This is the most expensive laptop on the website.
Use 'the' + a superlative adjective to compare three or more items.
The customer reviews for this product are better.
Remember some adjectives are irregular, like 'good' becomes 'better' (comparative) and 'the best' (superlative).
Key points
  • For short adjectives, add '-er' (cheaper) or '-est' (cheapest).
  • For long adjectives, use 'more' (more popular) or 'the most' (the most popular).
  • Don't forget 'the' before a superlative adjective.
7

Complete the sentences with words from the box. One word is extra.

Word bank
01Before I buy a new phone, I always read the customer to see if people like it.
02These shoes are usually $80, but they are on this week for only $50.
03I like this t-shirt. I will add it to my shopping and buy it later.
04Please check the product carefully to see the size and color before you order.
05The of this camera is too high for me. I need something cheaper.
8

Useful phrases: Shopping with a friend

Vocabulary
When you shop with a friend, you often ask for their opinion and share your own. These phrases will help you have a natural conversation while you decide what to buy.
Examples
"What do you think of this one?" — to ask for an opinion about a specific item.
Register: informal. Use this when you are holding an item or pointing to it. It's a simple way to start a conversation about a product.
"Which one is better?" — to ask for a direct comparison between two options.
Register: informal. Use this when you have two items and you want your friend to help you choose the best one.
"I'm not so sure about the color." — to politely say you don't like something.
Register: informal. This is softer than saying "I don't like it." You can change 'color' to other words like 'size' or 'price'.
"That's a good point." — to agree with your friend's opinion or advice.
Register: informal. Use this when your friend says something smart that helps you decide, like "The other one is on sale."
"I think this one is better value." — to give your opinion based on price and quality.
Register: informal. This is a great way to explain your choice. It means you think the quality is good for the price.
"Okay, I'll get this one then." — to say you have made a final decision.
Register: informal. Use this phrase to end the discussion and show you are ready to buy the item.
9

Choose the best answer for each question.

01Why is it a good idea to read online reviews before you buy something?
02When you compare two products, like two phones, what is an important question to ask?
03Many websites use stars to rate products. What does a five-star rating usually mean?
04When you read an online review for a product, which information do you usually NOT find?
10

Discuss these questions with a partner. Try to use vocabulary from the lesson.

  1. Is it always a good idea to read the reviews before you buy something? Why or why not?
  2. In your country, what things do people usually buy online? What do they prefer to buy in a store? Why?
  3. Imagine you need a new jacket. Is it better to buy the cheapest one, or one that is good value for money? Explain your answer.