2. CONVERSATION - SHOPPING
1. Do you prefer to shop alone or with other people? What are the advantages and
disadvantages of each?
2. Describe the most expensive thing you have ever bought. Was it worth what you paid for it?
3. Who does the grocery shopping in your household? How often do they do it?
4. Are you a bargain hunter? Do you get excited about sales and discounts? When are the best sales in
your country?
5. Shoplifting is when someone takes something from a shop without paying. How common is this
crime in your country? How do shops try to prevent shoplifting.
6. If you were to open your own shop, what kinds of things would you like to sell?
7. Do you care where products are made? Do you prefer to buy things which are made in your own
country? Why or why not?
8. Some countries have late-night or all-night shopping. What time of day do you like to shop?
9. Have you been shopping abroad? Which are the best cities for shopping?
10. In the United States, the Friday after Thanksgiving is known as Black Friday and is famous for big
sales and aggressive behaviour by shoppers. Have you ever had any problems with other
shoppers?
GENERAL
4. Expressing your opinion
I believe/think that…
In my opinion,…
The way I see it,…
If you ask me,…
I would say that…
It seems to me that…
As far as I’m concerned,…
Agreeing with your partner
I (totally) agree with you.
You’re dead right.
That’s (absolutely) true.
You’re (absolutely) right.
That’s a great idea.
I couldn’t agree more.
Yes, I see what you mean.
I see it that way, too.
Yes, of course. | I think so, too.
Disagreeing with your partner
I’m afraid I don’t see it the same way.
I’m sorry but I have to disagree.
You may be right, but I have a different view.
That might be true, but I’m not sure I agree with you.
I’m sorry, but I don’t agree.
Conceding arguments
While you might say that ..., it's important to remember that ...
I agree with you that ... On the other hand, ...
Although/even though it is true that... I believe that...
I agree/admit/concede that... , but we must remember that…
I can understand that... Nevertheless, ...
It's true/obvious/evident that ... However, ...
Agreeing & Disagreeing
5. Starting your discussion
Shall I start? / Yeah, go on.
Shall I go
fi
rst? / Of course, go ahead.
Is it okay if I start? / Sure, no problem.
Would you like to go
fi
rst? / Yes, why not?
Asking for your partner’s opinion
statement, don’t you think/agree?
statement , wouldn’t you agree?
statement, right?
Do you think…? | Do you believe that…?
What do you think about…?
How about…? | What about…?
What’s your take on…?
Concluding the discussion
I believe we have an agreement, don’t we?
So, do we have an agreement?
Shall we stick to…?
Shall we agree on..?
Changing the subject
As for + one of the options
In relation to + one of the options
As regards + one of the options
Regarding the question of the task,
Interacting
6. DIALOGUE
• Your conversation should last about 7-8 minutes.
• Avoid short answers, take part and speak and listen to your partner
• Your partner’s information is different from yours.
• If possible, try to reach an agreement at the end of the conversation.
• Use at least 3 of the ideas below.
You love going shopping and you want to go to the sales with your friend (candidate B) next Friday. You would love to
spend the whole day in the mall, but your friend is convinced you are a shopaholic and doesn't like the idea. You start the
conversation.
- Great offers and discounts on clothes and
gadgets
- A present for your sister's birthday
- Have lunch in the mall and shop until nightl
- Not short of money
STUDENT
A
2- DIALOGUE
7. DIALOGUE
• Your conversation should last about 7-8 minutes.
• Avoid short answers, take part and speak and listen to your partner
• Your partner’s information is different from yours.
• If possible, try to reach an agreement at the end of the conversation.
• Use at least 3 of the ideas below.
- Another plan: takeaway and a movie at home!
- Should save money for the mortgage
- No great discounts
- Goes shopping every other day! Need of
psychological help?
STUDENT
B
You think your friend (candidate A) is a shopaholic although he/she doesn't admit it. He/she wants to go to the sales with
you next Friday and spend the whole day in the mall, but you don't think it's a good idea. Your partner starts the
conversation.
2- DIALOGUE
9. MONOLOGUE STRUCTURE
MONOLOGUE STRUCTURE:
1. Introduction: introduce the topic in a general way
2. Arguments (pros/cons): organise your ideas in different arguments,
and explain each topic in depth, trying to show all the pros and the cons
3. Personal Opinion: express your own personal ideas
4. Conclusion: summarise everything that you have said before, your personal
beliefs and other people’s beliefs or behaviours about the topic.
10. SHOPPING - VOCABULARY
Retail & Retailer
Wholesale trade & Wholesaler
Purchase
To shop online
To shop around
Find best deals
Back up
Globalisation
Brand name
Shop online
Shop assistant
Shopping habits
Shopaholic
Online shopping
Window shopping
Local shops
Shopping centre
Flea market
Be on a tight-budget
Excessive consumerism
Responsible consumption
Excessive consumerism
Responsible consumption
Discount
Sales
Items
Bargain
Loyalty
11. MONOLOGUE 1 - SHOPPING
In this part of the exam you are going to give a short talk on a topic. Discuss the ideas given below. The talk should last 3 to 4 minutes
You may be asked further questions about the topic when you have
fi
nished.
No need to use the pictures
1. Your shopping habits.
2. Shopping in shops vs. on the Internet
3. Shopaholics
4. Retail
5. Shopping therapy.
12. MONOLOGUE 2 - SHOPPING
In this part of the exam you are going to give a short talk on a topic. Discuss the ideas given below. The talk should last 3 to 4 minutes
You may be asked further questions about the topic when you have
fi
nished.
No need to use the pictures
1. The sales
2. Fair trade products
3. Advertising.
4. Clever advertisements
5. Social media & shopping
