Shopping, Money and Everyday Travel Services.

In this lesson you deal with everyday shopping and services that make a trip comfortable. You practise simple conversations in clothes shops and markets, asking about sizes, colours, materials and prices, and using comparatives to choose between items. You learn vocabulary for pharmacies, post offices, laundries and mobile phone shops so you can explain what you need, from medicine for a headache to a local SIM card. You also work on returning or exchanging products by explaining what is wrong in a calm, polite way. Short reading tasks with signs, labels and receipts help you scan for important details such as opening hours, discounts and refund rules. By the end of the lesson you can shop more confidently, solve small practical problems and use key everyday services without depending on another person.

1. Starting a clothes shopping conversation.

Imagine you have just arrived in a new city. It is your first full day, and you suddenly realise you forgot a light jacket. You walk into a small clothes shop near the main square. The assistant smiles and says hello. What do you say next? In this block we are going to focus on that exact moment. You will see a short model dialogue between a traveller and a shop assistant. We will look at how the customer asks about the price, the size and the colour, and how the assistant answers. You will hear and read useful questions such as, “How much is this one?”, “Do you have this in a larger size?” and “Can I try this on?”. Listen for how the customer stays polite and clear without using very complex language. After that, you will read the dialogue carefully yourself and answer a few simple questions to check your understanding.

Scene: You need a new T-shirt.

You are on holiday in Barcelona. It is hot, and you want a light T-shirt. You find a small local shop with colourful clothes in the window. Inside, the assistant is friendly but busy.

Below is a model dialogue. In the audio at the top of this block, you heard about this situation. Now read the conversation slowly and notice how the traveller starts, asks questions and finishes politely.

Model dialogue – clothes shop

Customer: Excuse me, how much is this T-shirt?

Assistant: That one is fifteen euros.

Customer: OK, thanks. Do you have this in a larger size?

Assistant: Yes, of course. What size are you?

Customer: Medium, please.

Assistant: Here you are. Do you want to try it on?

Customer: Yes, can I try this on, please?

Assistant: The changing rooms are over there, on the left.

Customer: Thanks. I like it. I would like it in a different colour, though. Do you have it in blue?

Assistant: Yes, we have blue and black.

Customer: Great. I will take the blue one.

Assistant: Perfect. Anything else?

Customer: No, that is all, thank you.

Useful questions from the dialogue.

• How much is this one? – asking about the price.
• Do you have this in a larger size? – asking about size.
• I would like it in a different colour. – changing colour.
• Can I try this on? – asking to use the changing room.

Notice that the customer starts with “Excuse me” and uses “please” and “thank you”. This keeps the conversation polite and friendly, even when they ask for different sizes or colours.

In many shops you can change the words but keep the same pattern:

• Do you have this in a smaller size / in red / in cotton?
• I would like it in blue / in a different material / with long sleeves.

You will now read the dialogue again and answer a few questions about it.

Practice & Feedback

Read the dialogue in the Reading text carefully one more time. Then answer these three questions in full sentences:

1. What item does the customer want to buy?
2. What size does the customer ask for?
3. Which colour does the customer finally choose?

Write your answers in your own words. Try not to copy whole sentences from the dialogue. Use phrases from the lesson such as “The customer wants to buy…”, “They ask for…” and “They choose the … one.”. This will help you recycle useful language for real conversations in shops. Aim for 3–5 short sentences in total. Do not worry about small spelling mistakes; focus on being clear, polite and complete.

2. Choosing between items with comparatives.

Now that you can start a simple shopping conversation, let us move to the next step: choosing between different options. This is very common when you travel. Maybe you see two jackets, two pairs of trainers or two souvenirs. One is cheaper, but the other is nicer. How can you say that clearly in English? In this block we are going to focus on using comparatives, such as “cheaper”, “more comfortable” and “better quality”. You will see some short examples on the screen and notice useful phrases like, “I prefer this one because it is cheaper,” or “That one is more comfortable than this one.” Then you will listen to a short description of two pairs of trainers. After listening, you will write a few sentences to say which pair you want and why. Try to imagine you are really in the shop, making a decision about your money and your style.

Comparing two items in a shop.

Often, travelling means making quick decisions about money and comfort. You do not have hours to think, so it really helps if you can compare two items clearly.

Imagine you are still in the clothes shop. After buying the T-shirt, you see two light jackets. The assistant shows you both.

Assistant: This jacket is thirty euros, and that one is forty euros.

You: Hmm, this one is cheaper, but that one is nicer.

Useful comparative phrases.

Here are some very common patterns:

• This one is cheaper.
• That one is more expensive.
• These shoes are more comfortable.
• This jacket is lighter than the other one.
• That bag is bigger than this one.

You can then add a reason:

• I prefer this one because it is cheaper.
• I like that one more because it is a different colour.
• I will take this one. It is more comfortable than the others.

Quick grammar reminder.

For many short adjectives (cheap, long, small, big) we add -er:

• cheap → cheaper
• long → longer
• small → smaller
• big → bigger

For longer adjectives (comfortable, expensive, beautiful) we use more + adjective:

• comfortable → more comfortable
• expensive → more expensive
• beautiful → more beautiful

You do not need to remember many rules. Instead, copy useful sentences and change the words:

• This one is cheaper than that one.
• These trainers are more comfortable than those.

When you make your choice, link your idea with because:

> I prefer this jacket because it is lighter and cheaper.

In the activity, you will listen to a short description of two pairs of trainers and decide which one to buy.

Practice & Feedback

Listen carefully to the short description in the Listening text. You will hear about two pairs of trainers. Imagine you are in a sports shop on your trip and you must choose one pair. After listening, write 3–5 sentences explaining:

• Which trainers you prefer (Pair A or Pair B), and
• Two or three reasons using comparatives, for example cheaper, lighter, more comfortable, more expensive, better for walking.

Try to use phrases from this block, such as “I prefer this pair because…”, “They are more comfortable than…”, or “They are cheaper than the other trainers.”. Write as if you are really speaking to the shop assistant. Do not worry if your spelling is not perfect; focus on being clear and using at least two comparative adjectives.

3. Returning a faulty item calmly.

Shopping when you travel is not always perfect. Sometimes something goes wrong: a zip breaks, a shirt is too small, or some earphones do not work when you get back to the hotel. In these moments it is important to stay calm and use clear, polite language. In this block we will focus on returning or exchanging an item. You will see a model dialogue at a customer service desk, and we will highlight useful phrases like, “I bought this yesterday and it does not work,” and “I would like to return or exchange it.” We will also look at a typical returns policy sign, because shops often have rules about receipts, days and conditions. Then you will imagine that you have a problem with a jumper you bought, and you will write a short message to the shop explaining the problem and what you would like them to do.

Scene: Your new headphones do not work.

You are still in the same city. Yesterday you bought some headphones in an electronics shop. Today, you try them in your hotel room, but there is no sound. You go back to the shop and speak to the person at the customer service desk.

Customer: Excuse me. I bought these headphones yesterday and they do not work.

Assistant: I am sorry to hear that. Do you have the receipt?

Customer: Yes, here it is.

Assistant: Thank you. Would you like to return them or exchange them?

Customer: I would like to exchange them, please.

Assistant: No problem. I will get you a new pair.

Customer: Thank you very much.

Useful language for returns and exchanges.

• I bought this yesterday / last week and it does not work.
• It is too small / too big / damaged.
• I would like to return or exchange it.
• Here is the receipt.
• I think there is a problem with this product.

Notice that the customer is polite but clear about the problem. They do not shout or use very strong words. This makes it easier for the assistant to help.

Reading a returns policy sign.

Many shops have a small sign near the till. For example:

> Returns and Exchanges

> You can return or exchange items within 30 days with a receipt.

> Clothes must be clean and unused, with all labels.

> No cash refunds for sale items. Exchange only.

When you scan this type of text, look for numbers (30 days), keywords (receipt, labels, refund, exchange only) and exceptions (no cash refunds for sale items).

In the activity, you will use a similar policy and write a short, polite request to exchange a jumper that is too small.

Practice & Feedback

Read the Returns Policy in the Reading text carefully. Then imagine this situation:

You are a traveller. You bought a jumper in this shop three days ago. You tried it on at your hotel and it is too small. You have the receipt, and the jumper is clean, unused and not a sale item.

Write a short message to the shop (like an email or note) to ask for an exchange. Include:

• When you bought the jumper,
• What the problem is,
• That you have the receipt and the jumper is unused,
• What you would like them to do.

Use polite phrases from the lesson such as “I bought this three days ago…”, “It is too small”, and “I would like to return or exchange it.” Aim for 5–7 sentences.

4. Explaining symptoms at a pharmacy.

Shopping and services are not only about clothes and electronics. When you travel, you often need medicine too. Perhaps you have a headache after a long day, or you eat something strange and your stomach hurts. In this block we are going to practise how to talk to a pharmacist. You will see useful phrases like, “Have you got anything for a headache?”, and ways to describe simple symptoms: a sore throat, a cough, a cold, stomach ache. We will also look at how to say how long the problem has been happening, for example, “I have had a headache since this morning.” Then you will listen to a short dialogue between a customer and a pharmacist. After listening, you will write a short message to a friend or partner, explaining what your problem is and what the pharmacist recommends. This will help you feel calmer and more independent when you are not feeling well abroad.

Scene: You feel unwell on your trip.

After your busy shopping day, you wake up with a strong headache and a sore throat. You decide to go to a pharmacy near your hotel.

Here is a typical conversation.

Customer: Excuse me. Have you got anything for a headache?

Pharmacist: Yes, of course. How long have you had the headache?

Customer: Since this morning. I also have a sore throat.

Pharmacist: Do you have a fever?

Customer: No, I do not think so.

Pharmacist: OK. You can take these tablets for the headache and these lozenges for your throat. Take one tablet every six hours.

Customer: Thank you. How much is it?

Pharmacist: Ten euros in total.

Customer: Thank you very much.

Useful phrases in a pharmacy.

• Have you got anything for a headache / a cough / a sore throat / stomach ache?
• I have had this pain since yesterday / this morning / Monday.
• I feel sick / dizzy / very tired.
• I am allergic to nuts / penicillin / aspirin.
• How often should I take it?

Notice that the pharmacist often asks follow-up questions: How long have you had it? Do you have a fever? Try to answer with short, clear sentences.

Talking about time and money.

You also need to talk about how long and how much.

• How long have you had the headache? – Since this morning.
• How much is it? – Ten euros in total.

These small details are important when you travel because you often pay in cash and need to understand the price quickly.

In the activity, you will listen to another short conversation in a pharmacy. Then you will write a short message to a friend explaining what the problem is and what the pharmacist says you should do.

Practice & Feedback

Listen to the conversation in the Listening text. Imagine the customer in the dialogue is you. After listening, write a short message (for example, a text message or a WhatsApp message) to a friend or partner.

In your message, explain:

• What your symptoms are,
• How long you have had them,
• What medicine or advice the pharmacist gave you,
• How much it cost, if this information appears.

Write 4–6 sentences. Use phrases from this block such as “I have had…”, “Have you got anything for…?”, “The pharmacist told me to…”, and “It cost…”. Imagine you really want your friend to understand the situation, so be clear but keep the tone natural and friendly.

5. Using post office and laundry services by chat.

Everyday services are a big part of real travel: sending parcels, washing clothes, getting information about a local SIM card. Today many hotels and guest houses use messaging apps so you can ask questions without going down to reception. In this block, we stay with the same traveller at the end of their shopping day. They are back at the hotel and want to send a parcel home and wash some clothes. Instead of calling, they send a few short chat messages to reception. On the screen you will see a realistic chat between a guest and a receptionist, with phrases like, “I need to send this parcel to my country,” and “When will my laundry be ready?” We will notice how the guest keeps each message short but polite. Then you will read the chat again and continue it yourself, writing several new messages as the guest. This will give you practice with real-world written English for everyday services.

Scene: Messaging hotel reception about services.

You are tired after your long day, but you still have some practical jobs:

• You want to send a parcel with souvenirs to your family.
• You need to wash some clothes before you travel to the next city.

Your hotel has a WhatsApp number for reception. You decide to write a short message.

Here is a sample chat.

> You: Hello, this is room 305. I need some information, please.

>

> Reception: Good evening. How can I help you?

>

> You: I need to send this parcel to my country. Is there a post office nearby?

>

> Reception: Yes, there is one just around the corner. It is open from 9 am to 5 pm.

>

> You: Great, thank you. And do you offer a laundry service?

>

> Reception: Yes, we do. You can leave your clothes in the bag in your wardrobe.

>

> You: When will my laundry be ready?

>

> Reception: If you leave it before 10 am, it will be ready the next afternoon.

Useful chat phrases for services.

• I need to send this parcel to my country.
• Is there a post office nearby?
• Do you offer a laundry service?
• When will my laundry be ready?
• How much does it cost per kilo?
• What time is the post office open?

Notice how:

• Each message is short and clear.
• The guest always says please or thank you.
• The receptionist answers with exact information: location, times, simple instructions.

When you write chat messages, there is no need for long introductions. One or two polite sentences are enough.

In the activity, you will continue this chat and ask about prices and one more service you need, such as changing money or buying a SIM card.

Practice & Feedback

Read the chat in the Reading text again to remind yourself of the style and phrases. Then imagine you are the guest in room 305 and you want more details.

Continue the chat by writing 4–6 short messages from you to reception. You can:

• Ask about the price of the laundry (for example, per kilo),
• Check the exact address of the post office,
• Ask politely about one more service, for example where you can change money or buy a local SIM card.

Write your messages one under the other, starting each line with "You:". Use friendly, simple English, and try to recycle phrases such as “How much does it cost…?”, “Is there… nearby?” and “Thank you for your help.”.

6. Describing your busy shopping and services day.

You have now practised several typical situations from one busy travel day: buying clothes, choosing between items, returning a faulty product, visiting a pharmacy and using hotel and local services. In this final block, you will put everything together. Imagine you are writing to a friend or family member to tell them about your day in the city. Maybe you send an email in the evening, or a long message on a chat app. You want to explain what you bought, any problems you had, how you solved them, how much money you spent and how you feel now. On the screen you will see a short example message from another traveller. We will quickly look at its structure and the key phrases that connect the different parts of the day. Then you will write your own message, using as many useful chunks from the lesson as you can. This is your chance to rehearse a real-life story that could easily happen on your next trip.

Putting it all together – your day of errands.

You have visited several places today:

• A clothes shop to buy something new,
• A customer service desk to exchange a faulty item,
• A pharmacy to get medicine,
• Your hotel, using chat to ask about the post office and laundry.

Now imagine you are back in your room, relaxing. You decide to write to a friend about your day.

Here is an example message from another traveller.

> Hi Marta,

>

> Today was a really busy day here in Lisbon. First, I went to a small clothes shop near the square. I bought a blue T-shirt. At the beginning I wanted a different colour, but they did not have my size, so I chose blue. It was not very expensive.

>

> Later, I went back to an electronics shop because my new headphones did not work. I bought them yesterday, so I could exchange them with the receipt. The assistant was very kind.

>

> In the afternoon I felt a bit ill. I had a headache and a sore throat, so I went to a pharmacy. The pharmacist gave me some tablets and told me to rest and drink water.

>

> Finally, I sent you a small parcel with some souvenirs and left my clothes for the hotel laundry. My laundry will be ready tomorrow afternoon. It was a long day, but now I feel happy and more confident using English.

>

> Love,

> Ana

Useful chunks to recycle.

Try to reuse some of these phrases in your own message:

• How much is this one?
• I would like it in a different colour.
• I bought this yesterday and it does not work.
• I would like to return or exchange it.
• Have you got anything for a headache?
• I need to send this parcel to my country.
• When will my laundry be ready?

Notice how Ana’s message has a clear order: first clothes, then returns, then pharmacy, then services, then feelings. This structure helps your friend understand your story and also shows that you can manage many different travel situations.

In the activity, you will write your own message about a similar day, but you can change the city, the items, the problems and the feelings.

Practice & Feedback

Now it is your turn to describe a full day of shopping and services on a trip.

Write a short message or email (about 10–14 sentences) to a friend or family member about your day in a city. Include at least three different places, for example:

• a clothes or souvenir shop,
• a return or exchange in a shop,
• a pharmacy visit,
• a post office or hotel laundry.

Explain what you did, any problems and how you solved them. Try to use at least six useful chunks from this lesson, such as “How much is this one”, “I bought this yesterday and it does not work”, “I would like to return or exchange it”, “Have you got anything for a headache”, or “I need to send this parcel to my country”. Write as if you are really sending the message tonight, and finish with one or two sentences about how you feel now.