Lessonpills

1

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

Think about the last gadget you bought, like a phone or headphones. Why did you choose it?
When you buy something new, what is more important to you: the price or the brand?
Who do you ask for advice before you buy something expensive, like a computer?

2

Shopping for a new tablet

Read the passage below, then answer the comprehension questions.

Maria wants to buy a new tablet. She goes to an electronics store to look at different models. She sees two interesting tablets: the StarPad and the GalaxyTab. The StarPad has a bigger screen, which is better for watching movies. However, it is also more expensive than the GalaxyTab. The GalaxyTab is smaller and not as heavy as the StarPad, which is good for carrying in a bag. Its camera is very good, almost as good as the StarPad's camera. The GalaxyTab is also cheaper. Maria thinks it is a difficult choice.

01Why is the StarPad a good choice for watching movies?

Sample answerBecause it has a bigger screen.

02Which tablet costs less money?

Sample answerThe GalaxyTab is cheaper.

03If Maria wants a tablet for traveling, which one is a better option?

Sample answerThe GalaxyTab is a better option because it is smaller and not as heavy.

3

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

01Why does the speaker need a new phone?

Sample answerBecause their old phone is very slow.

02What is the problem with the new iPhone?

Sample answerIt is much more expensive than the Samsung phone.

03In what way are the two phones similar?

Sample answerThe camera on the Samsung is almost as good as the camera on the iPhone.

04Why does the speaker recommend the Samsung phone?

Sample answerBecause it is cheaper and it is still a very good phone.

4

Key vocabulary for shopping

Vocabulary

Learn these useful phrases to talk about shopping and technology.

Examples

Good value for money — when a product has good quality for the price you pay.

Use this phrase to say you think the price is fair for what you get. For example: 'This tablet is cheaper, but the other one is better value for money.'

User-friendly — easy to use and understand.

We often use this adjective to describe technology like phones, apps, or websites. For example: 'I need a new laptop that is very user-friendly.'

Check the reviews — to read other customers' opinions about a product online.

This is a common step before buying something, especially electronics. For example: 'You should check the reviews before you decide.'

On sale — available for a lower price than normal for a short time.

You can use this to talk about discounts. For example: 'I bought this camera because it was on sale.'

It depends on... — a phrase used to say the answer is different in different situations.

This is a great way to give thoughtful advice. For example: 'Which phone should I buy?' 'It depends on what you need it for.'

5

Listen to the audio recording. Decide if each statement is true or false and correct the false ones.

01The speaker thinks the iPhone is a better phone than the Samsung.

02The Samsung phone costs more than the iPhone.

03The speaker's old phone is faster than his friend's phone.

04The speaker recommends buying the Samsung phone.

05The camera on the Samsung is almost as good as the iPhone's camera.

6

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

Word bank

01Before you buy a new phone, it's a good idea to read the online to see what other people think.

02I want to buy a new TV, but I'm waiting for it to be on so I can get a better price.

03Which laptop is better? Well, it on what you need it for.

04My grandmother needs a new tablet that is simple and . She doesn't like complicated technology.

05This camera isn't the cheapest, but it has great features. I think it's good for money.

7

Choose the best answer based on what you heard in the audio recording.

01What is the speaker's main opinion about the iPhone?

02What does the speaker say about his old phone?

03What is the final advice the speaker gives?

04Which information is NOT mentioned in the audio recording?

8

Shopping vocabulary

Learn some new words for talking about shopping for technology.

Match each word on the left with the correct definition on the right.

Drag or click to match

Definitions

9

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

Do you think it's better to buy electronics online or in a real store? Which is cheaper? Which is easier?
In your country, is it more popular to buy the newest, most expensive phone, or a cheaper one that is good value for money? Why?
Before you buy a new gadget, is it more important to check the reviews online or to buy something that is on sale? Why?