Shopping

Role-Plays

Scenario #1:
Lost and Found

Scenario Useful Expressions

Location: Information Desk Here are some possible questions and
at a Shopping Center statements to include in your role-play.
Characters: Shopper and Employee You don’t have to use them all.

• Do you have a lost and found?

Student A: • I lost/can’t find/misplaced my...
Pretend you are at a shopping center and you • The last time I saw it was...
lost an important item. Visit the information
desk. Report the missing item and describe it • I’ll give you my cell phone number.
to the employee. • What does it look like?

• Is it valuable?
Student B:
• Does it have sentimental value?
Ask the shopper to include as many details as
he or she can about the missing item. Ask for • When did you last see it?
the shopper’s contact information.

Class Questions Writing

Your class will have to be able to answer the Optional.
following questions after you perform your skit: Use a blank piece of paper or your notebook.

1. Who are the characters? 1. W

 ork together with your partner to
write a dialogue based on the scenario.
2. How does the employee handle the problem?
2. Use some of the expressions above in your skit.
3. Where does the conversation take place?

4. What is lost?

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 Shopping
Role-Plays

Scenario #2:
Bicycle

Scenario Useful Expressions

Location: Sports Store Here are some possible questions and
statements to include in your role-play.
Characters: Parent and Salesperson
You don’t have to use them all.

• It has to be the right size.

Student A:
• Does it have hand brakes and pedal brakes?
Your six-year-old is ready for her first bicycle.
Tell the salesperson what kind of bike your • My daughter is picky.
child wants.
• What’s the price on that one?

• How tall is your child?

Student B:
• Can I interest you in a new helmet?
Help the customer choose a bike that is
appropriate for a six-year-old. Try to convince • You’ll want a horn to go with it, right?
the customer to buy extra accessories, such
as a helmet, horn, and basket.

Class Questions Writing

Your class will have to be able to answer the Optional.
following questions after you perform your skit: Use a blank piece of paper or your notebook.

1. What type of bicycle does the customer buy? 1. W

 ork together with your partner to
write a dialogue based on the scenario.
2. What special requirements does the child have?
2. Use some of the expressions above in your skit.
3. W
 hat extra accessories does
the customer decide to buy?

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 Shopping
Role-Plays

Scenario #3:
Special Occasion

Scenario Useful Expressions

Location: Nice Clothing Store Here are some possible questions and
statements to include in your role-play.
Characters: Shopper and Salesperson
You don’t have to use them all.

• She/He is picky.
Student A:
• I don’t think he’ll/she’ll like that.
Your best friend asked you to be in his/her
wedding. You have to find the perfect • I’m thinking of something more formal.
dress/suit. Your best friend is picky!
• What is the color scheme of the wedding?

• What season are you shopping for?

Student B:
• What’s your budget?
Tell the customer what colors and styles
suit him/her best. Try to remain patient • How about something like this?
when the customer can’t decide.

Class Questions Writing

Your class will have to be able to answer the Optional.
following questions after you perform your skit: Use a blank piece of paper or your notebook.

1. What does the bride/groom like? 1. W

 ork together with your partner to
write a dialogue based on the scenario.
2. H
 ow does the shopper feel
about being in the wedding? 2. Use some of the expressions above in your skit.

3. What does the bride/groom dislike?

4. When is the wedding?

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 Shopping
Role-Plays

Scenario #4:
Anniversary

Scenario Useful Expressions

Location: Jewelry Store Here are some possible questions and
statements to include in your role-play.
Characters: Customer and Salesperson
You don’t have to use them all.

• I’m afraid that’s out of my budget.

Student A:
• She/He prefers gold/silver.
Your tenth wedding anniversary is coming up.
You want to buy something special for your wife/ • I’m thinking either a watch or a ring.
husband. Find something that is appropriate and
• What’s the special occasion?
in your budget.
• Your tenth anniversary only
comes once in a lifetime!
Student B:
• What’s his/her style?
Try to convince the customer to go over
his/her budget. Offer a discount if he/she • Do you have something in mind?
puts the item on a store credit card.

Class Questions Writing

Your class will have to be able to answer the Optional.
following questions after you perform your skit: Use a blank piece of paper or your notebook.

1. What type of jewelry does the spouse like/dislike? 1. W

 ork together with your partner to
write a dialogue based on the scenario.
2. W
 hat does the shopper decide
to buy for his/her spouse? 2. Use some of the expressions above in your skit.

3. Did the shopper stay in his/her budget?

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 Shopping
Role-Plays

Scenario #5:
We Don’t Carry That

Scenario Useful Expressions

Location: Drugstore Here are some possible questions and
statements to include in your role-play.
Characters: Shopper and Sales Clerk
You don’t have to use them all.

• You wouldn’t by chance

Student A:
have any wrapping paper, would you?
You are looking for wrapping paper. You ask at
• I guess I’ll have to make two trips.
the check-out counter, but they don’t sell
wrapping paper. The sales clerk directs you to • I appreciate your help.
the dollar store.
• I’m afraid we don’t carry wrapping paper.

• I bet the dollar store has some.

Student B:
• While you’re here, are you interested in...?
Apologize for not having what the shopper
needs. Tell the shopper how to find the dollar
store. Invite the shopper to buy something that is
on sale at the pharmacy before he/she leaves.

Class Questions Writing

Your class will have to be able to answer the Optional.
following questions after you perform your skit: Use a blank piece of paper or your notebook.

1. What is the customer looking for? 1. W

 ork together with your partner to
write a dialogue based on the scenario.
2. Where is the dollar store located?
2. Use some of the expressions above in your skit.
3. What does the sales clerk try
to get the shopper to buy?

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 Shopping
Role-Plays

Scenario #6:
I Have Two Coupons

Scenario Useful Expressions

Location: Grocery Store Here are some possible questions and
statements to include in your role-play.
Characters: Shopper and Cashier
You don’t have to use them all.

• I have two coupons.

Student A:
• You must be kidding me.
You have two coupons for eggs. Each coupon
allows you to buy one dozen and get one dozen • I won’t be shopping here again.
free. You want to use both coupons at the
• I’m afraid you can only use one coupon.
grocery store, but the cashier won’t let you.
Get angry! • I understand your frustration.

• How will you be paying for this today?

Student B:

You are a cashier. A customer wants to use two

coupons to buy eggs. You can only accept one
coupon. Offer to put the other eggs back on
the shelf. Remain calm!

Class Questions Writing

Your class will have to be able to answer the Optional.
following questions after you perform your skit: Use a blank piece of paper or your notebook.

1. W
 hy is the shopper not allowed 1. W
 ork together with your partner to
to do what he/she wants to do? write a dialogue based on the scenario.

2. What does the shopper want to buy? 2. Use some of the expressions above in your skit.

3. What does the cashier offer to do?

4. H
 ow does the shopper’s behavior
compare to the cashier’s?

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 Shopping
Role-Plays

Scenario #7:
New Shoes

Scenario Useful Expressions

Location: Shoe Store Here are some possible questions and
statements to include in your role-play.
Characters: Parent and Salesperson
You don’t have to use them all.

• Do you have any other sizes in stock?

Student A:
• I’m looking for soccer cleats for my son.
Try to buy a pair of soccer shoes for your son.
Your son is not with you. You need size 13. • I’ll bring them back if I have to.
You only see size 12 and size 14.
• I suggest bringing your
child to try on the different sizes.
Student B:
• You can return the shoes if they don’t fit.
Offer to look in the back for size 13. When you
• Keep the receipt.
return, tell the customer they’re out of stock.
Recommend trying the next size up.

Class Questions Writing

Your class will have to be able to answer the Optional.
following questions after you perform your skit: Use a blank piece of paper or your notebook.

1. What does the customer want to buy? 1. W

 ork together with your partner to
write a dialogue based on the scenario.
2. Why does the customer consult the salesperson?
2. Use some of the expressions above in your skit.
3. What does the salesperson suggest?

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 Shopping
Role-Plays

Scenario #8:
Big Screen

Scenario Useful Expressions

Location: Electronics Store Here are some possible questions and
statements to include in your role-play.
Characters: Shopper and Salesperson
You don’t have to use them all.

• That’s outrageous! (really expensive)

Student A:
• It’s enormous! (really big)
You are shopping for a new TV at an electronics
store. You want the biggest and best screen. An • That’s out of my price range.
important football game is on TV on Saturday!
• This one is the best bang for your buck.
(the best quality for the best price)
Student B:
• This one is the best of the best.
Show your customer a TV that is on sale.
• The game will look great on this one.
Then show your customer the more expensive
TV that fits his/her needs. Try to justify the • It’s a new model.
outrageous price.

Class Questions Writing

Your class will have to be able to answer the Optional.
following questions after you perform your skit: Use a blank piece of paper or your notebook.

1. What type of TV does the customer want? 1. W

 ork together with your partner to
write a dialogue based on the scenario.
2. Why does the customer want a new TV?
2. Use some of the expressions above in your skit.
3. W
 hat is the difference between
the two TVs that the customer sees?

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 Shopping
Role-Plays

Scenario #9:
Table for Eight

Scenario Useful Expressions

Location: Furniture Store Here are some possible questions and
statements to include in your role-play.
Characters: Shopper and Salesperson
You don’t have to use them all.

• Is it in stock?
Student A:
• I need it as soon as possible.
You need a new dining-room table before the
weekend. You’re having a dinner party with • I want something with cushioning.
eight guests. You want a round table with
• I prefer maple/pine/dark wood.
comfortable seating.
• This one has a leaf in the middle.

Student B: • Do you prefer stools or high-back chairs?

Show the customer a few tables. Suggest • What do you think of this one?
a smaller table that seats six. It has a “leaf”
(extra piece) that pulls out for two extra guests.
Find out what style of seating and wood your
customer wants.

Class Questions Writing

Your class will have to be able to answer the Optional.
following questions after you perform your skit: Use a blank piece of paper or your notebook.

1. Why does the customer 1. W

 ork together with your partner to
need the table to be in stock? write a dialogue based on the scenario.

2. What style of table and seating 2. Use some of the expressions above in your skit.
does the customer prefer?

3. What feature does the salesperson suggest?

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 Shopping
Role-Plays

Quick Cards

Scenario #1: Scenario #1:

LOST AND FOUND LOST AND FOUND

Location: Information Desk at a Shopping Center Location: Information Desk at a Mall

Characters: Shopper and Employee Characters: Shopper and Clerk

Student A: Student B:

Pretend you are at a shopping center and you Ask the shopper to include as many details as
lost an important item. Visit the information desk. he or she can about the missing item. Ask for
Report the missing item and describe it to the clerk. the shopper’s contact information.

Expressions: Expressions:

• Do you have a lost and found? • What does it look like?

• I lost/can’t find/misplaced my... • Is it valuable?
• The last time I saw it was... • Does it have sentimental value?
• I’ll give you my cell phone number. • When did you last see it?

Scenario #2: Scenario #2:

BICYCLE BICYCLE

Location: Sports Store Location: Department Store

Characters: Parent and Salesperson Characters: Parent and Salesperson

Student A: Student B:

Your six-year-old is ready for her first Help the customer choose a bike that is appropriate
two-wheel bicycle. Tell the salesperson for a six-year-old. Try to convince the customer to buy
what kind of bike your child wants. extra accessories, such as a helmet, horn, and basket.

Expressions: Expressions:

• It has to be the right size. • How tall is your child?

• Does it have hand brakes and foot brakes? • Can I interest you in a new helmet?
• What’s the price on that one? • You’ll want a horn to go with it, right?
• My son is picky.

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 Shopping
Role-Plays

Quick Cards cont.

Scenario #3: Scenario #3:

SPECIAL OCCASION SPECIAL OCCASION

Location: Nice Clothing Store Location: Nice Clothing Store

Characters: Shopper and Salesperson Characters: Shopper and Salesperson

Student A: Student B:

Your best friend asked you to be in his/her Tell the customer what colors and styles
wedding. You have to find the perfect dress/suit. suit him/her best. Try to remain patient
Your best friend is picky! when the customer can’t decide.

Expressions: Expressions:

• She/He is picky. • What is the color scheme of the wedding?

• I don’t think he’ll/she’ll like that. • What season are you shopping for?
• I’m thinking of something more formal. • What’s your budget?
• How about something like this?

Scenario #4: Scenario #4:

ANNIVERSARY ANNIVERSARY

Location: Jewelry Store Location: Jewelry Store

Characters: Customer and Salesperson Characters: Customer and Salesperson

Student A: Student B:

Your tenth wedding anniversary is coming up. You Try to convince the customer to go over
want to buy something special for your wife/husband. his/her budget. Offer a discount if he/she
Find something that is appropriate and in your budget. puts the item on a store credit card.

Expressions: Expressions:

• I’m afraid that’s out of my budget. • What’s the special occasion?

• She/He prefers gold/silver. • Your tenth anniversary
• I’m thinking either a watch or a ring. only comes once in a lifetime!
• What’s his/her style?
• Do you have something in mind?

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 Shopping
Role-Plays

Quick Cards cont.

Scenario #5: Scenario #5:

WE DON’T CARRY THAT WE DON’T CARRY THAT

Location: Drugstore Location: Drugstore
Characters: Shopper and Sales Clerk Characters: Shopper and Sales Clerk

Student A: Student B:

You are looking for wrapping paper. You ask at Apologize for not having what the shopper needs.
the pharmacy, but they don’t sell wrapping paper. Tell the shopper how to find the dollar store. Invite
The sales clerk directs you to the dollar store. the shopper to buy something that is on sale at the
pharmacy before he/she leaves.
Expressions:
Expressions:
• You wouldn’t by chance have
any wrapping paper, would you? • I’m afraid we don’t carry wrapping paper.
• I guess I’ll have to make two trips. • I bet the dollar store has some.
• I appreciate your help. • While you’re here, are you interested in...?

Scenario #6: Scenario #6:

I HAVE T WO COUPONS I HAVE T WO COUPONS

Location: Grocery Store Location: Grocery Store

Characters: Shopper and Cashier Characters: Shopper and Cashier

Student A:
Student B:
You have two coupons for eggs. Each coupon allows
you to buy one dozen and get one dozen free. You You are a cashier. A customer wants to use two
want to use both coupons at the grocery store, but coupons to buy eggs. You can only accept one
the clerk won’t let you. Get angry! coupon. Offer to put the other eggs back on the
shelf. Remain calm!
Expressions:
Expressions:
• I have two coupons.
• You must be kidding me. • I’m afraid you can only use one coupon.
• I won’t be shopping here again. • I understand your frustration.
• How will you be paying for this today?

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 Shopping
Role-Plays

Quick Cards cont.

Scenario #7: Scenario #7:

NEW SHOES NEW SHOES

Location: Shoe Store Location: Shoe Store

Characters: Parent and Salesperson Characters: Parent and Salesperon

Student A:
Try to buy a pair of soccer shoes for your son.
Your son is not with you. You need size 13.
You only see size 12 and size 14.
Expressions:
• Do you have any other sizes in stock?
• I’m looking for soccer cleats for my son.
• I’ll bring them back if I have to.
Student B:
Offer to look in the back for size 13. When you
return, tell the customer they’re out of stock.
Recommend trying the next size up.
Expressions:
• I suggest bringing your child in for proper sizing.
• You can return the shoes if they don’t fit.
• Keep the receipt.

Scenario #8: Scenario #8:

BIG SCREEN BIG SCREEN

Location: Electronics Store Location: Electronics Store

Characters: Shopper and Salesperson Characters: Shopper and Salesperson

Student A: Student B:

You are shopping for a new TV at an electronics store. Show your customer a TV that is on sale. Then show
You want the biggest and best screen. An important your customer the more expensive TV that fits his/her
football game is on TV on Saturday! needs. Try to justify the outrageous price.

Expressions: Expressions:

• That’s outrageous! (really expensive) • This one is the best bang for your buck.
• It’s enormous! (really big) (the best quality for the best price)
• That’s out of my price range. • This one is the best of the best.
• The game will look great on this one.
• It’s a new model.

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 Shopping
Role-Plays

Quick Cards cont.

Scenario #9: Scenario #9:

TABLE FOR EIGHT TABLE FOR EIGHT

Location: Furniture Store Location: Furniture Store

Characters: Shopper and Salesperson Characters: Shopper and Salesperson

Student A: Student B:

You need a new dining-room table by the Show the customer a few tables. Suggest a smaller
weekend. You’re having a dinner party with table that seats six. It has a “leaf” (extra piece) that
eight guests. You want a round table with pulls out for two extra guests. Find out what style
comfortable seating. of seating and wood your customer wants.

Expressions: Expressions:

• Is it in stock? • This one has a leaf in the middle.

• I need it as soon as possible. • Do you prefer stools or high-back chairs?
• I want something with cushioning. • What do you think of this one?
• I prefer maple/pine/dark wood.

Teachers’ Notes
Be sure to print out our Role-Play Teachers’ Notes for tips and
ideas on using the Role-Play section in class. You may also want to
use these cards with our Living in English lesson on Shopping:
https://esllibrary.com/courses/75/lessons/1650

SPELLING NOTE:

This lesson shows the American spelling of the words Center,

Jewelry, and Behavior. Most other English-speaking countries
spell these words this way: Centre, Jewellery, and Behaviour. Make
it a challenge for your students to find these words in the lesson
and see if they know the alternate spellings.

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