Topic: Shopping
Mode: Interpersonal
Level: Novice
Students will practice ordering items from a grocery store through a phone call.
Components of this activity: A sample dialogue and a scenario
Instructions to the teacher
- Find someone to record this dialogue with. One of you will be the buyer (Brian) and the other, the store clerk (Amy).
- Complete Part 1: Dictogloss activity.
- Complete Part 2: Student Shoppers
Script for Dialogue
- Brian: Hello!
- Store agent: Hello, this is Amy from Walmart. How may I help you?
- Brian: I would like to order a few items for grocery delivery.
- Store agent: Ok. What would you like to buy today?
- Brian: I would like two cans of Roma tomatoes, three red onions, 1 gallon of whole milk, 1 liter of orange juice, and a loaf of bread.
- Store agent: Okay. Is that all?
- Brian: Uhh, how much does a 10lb bag of Jasmine rice cost?
- Store agent: Just a moment… That is 20 dollars. Would you like me to add that to your order?
- Brian: Yes please. What is my total for today?
- Store Agent: Your total will be $47.32.
- Brian: Okay. I would like those delivered to my home, 123 Mary Street.
- Store agent: No problem. The delivery fee will be $7.
- Brian: That is okay. I will pay upon delivery. Thank you very much.
- Store agent: You are welcome, have a nice day.
Part 1: Dictogloss
Dictogloss Instructions: You will play the audio 3 times total. On the first round, students will listen to the audio without taking any notes. On the second and third round, students may take as many notes as they prefer. Students will be asked to recreate the dialogue as accurately as possible, so accurate notes are key. Students will then get into pairs to reconstruct the dialogue. After 5 minutes, each pair will present their dialogue to the class.
Part 2: Student Shoppers
Scenario
You just arrived abroad and are still settling in your new apartment. You need to buy a few grocery items, but you are too tired to go out after a long day of arranging the apartment. Have students look up prices online at a local grocery store. Then, have students role-play calling the store and placing an order for the items you need. Be sure to specify your items and confirm the prices of those you are unsure about.
Work with a partner to write a dialogue between a customer and a vendor like the one you heard in Part 1.