Where do you usually buy fruit and vegetables?

Why do you go there?

How many kinds of markets do you know?

Work in group. Brainstorm.

Is there a market near you? What can you buy

there? How often is it held?

Do you prefer to buy at the market or the

supermarket? Explain why.

FARMERS’ MARKET VS. SUPERMARKET

If I need a vegetable, I go to the back yard to see

what’s in the garden. If that’s a disappointment, my
next option is the farmers’ market. There I find
beautiful, fresh, and uneaten vegetables (as well as
breads, meats, eggs, plants and crafts) to suit my
needs. Only if I can’t find what I need at the
farmers’ market do I go to the supermarket for
produce.

Why is the local supermarket my third choice for

produce?
 Supermarket produce is not as fresh as farmers’
market fare.
 Some items are coated or treated to give the
appearance of freshness.
 Supermarket produce typically loses nutritional What are the advantages and disadvantages
value as it is transported from far away. of local markets? Make a pro and con list.
 Produce in supermarket tends to come from
large producers who use heavy pesticides and What are the advantages and disadvantages
petroleum-based fertilizers to provide “perfect”
of supermarkets? Make a pro and con list.
specimens for the consumer.
 Produce in supermarkets tends to be varieties
that ship well, but don’t necessarily taste good. When was the last time you went to the
market? What did you buy? Tell the class.
Why do I prefer the farmers’ market?
 Produce is fresh, sometimes picked only a few
Are markets important? Why or why not?
hours before I buy it.
 In general, the produce has fewer pesticides. Could we live without markets?
 Talk about customer service. Local farmers
literally stand behind their produce, eager to What could you possibly buy at a flea market?
talk with you about varieties, preparation, and Do research and give examples.
preservation.
 It’s local. That impacts quality, taste,
nutritional value, even carbon footprint. Are there any seasonal or festival markets
where you live? What can you do or buy there?
What about price?
The supermarket offers convenience and variety. Compare prices of some goods sold at the
But on comparable items the farmers’ market market, supermarket and convenience store
competes well in price and, in my opinion, quality.
(e.g. kilo of tomatoes, bread, meat, shower
The farmers’ market doesn’t replace the
supermarket, but it’s a good alternative for fresh cream). Do research if necessary.
produce. Where is the best place to shop?

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Answer may vary.

Wet (or fresh) market, dry market, farmers’

market, spice market, flea market, antiques
market, morning market, night market, tourist
market, Christmas market, bazaar, souk,
floating market, clothes market etc.

Answer may vary.

Answer may vary.

Teacher Notes
 This answer key is deliberately kept concise
since the idea of these Conversation Corners
is to talk rather informally and share
information, not being given all the
information by the teacher. BTW, the
conversation should focus more on
expressing opinions than giving correct
answers.
 Students could be given the opportunity to
do some research on the Internet to find Fresh produce, fewer pesticides, good prices,
more information and answers to the helps local economy etc.
questions.
 Also, students could prepare questions they
Wide variety of goods, discounts, one-stop
were unable to answer and give a short
shopping, easily accessible etc.
presentation during the next lesson.
 Have a dictionary at hand (or an Internet
Answer may vary.
connection) if possible so students can look
up new vocabulary.

Answer may vary.

Inexpensive second-hand goods, possibly

snacks and drinks, gadgets etc.

Xmas market, winter market, etc.

Ss do research and present their findings to

the class.

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