The Savvy Shopper
- englishiseasierwithamal.com
- Apr 7
- 8 min read
Updated: 4 days ago
The Savvy Shopper
Red and practise the following conversation:
Areej bought a vacuum cleaner two weeks ago. It has lost suction, but the store clerk is hesitant to give a refund because the box is missing.
Areej: Good afternoon. I’ve lived in this neighborhood for years and I’ve always had a great experience shopping here.
Clerk: Glad to hear it! How can I help you today?
Areej: However, I’m having an issue with this vacuum I bought last week. It’s already lost suction. Furthermore, it makes a high-pitched noise when I turn it on. Clerk: Do you have the box? Our policy says we need the original packaging. Areej: I understand that’s the standard policy. Nevertheless, the product is clearly defective. Therefore, I’d like to request a full refund or at least a store credit so I can buy a different model.
Clerk: Since it’s defective, I can make an exception this time.
I. Vocabulary:
- Defective: Not working correctly; broken from the factory.
- Refund: Getting your original payment back (cash or credit).
- Exchange: Trading a purchased item for a different one.
- Store Credit: Money put on a gift card that can only be used at that specific shop.
- Rain check: A coupon or slip given when a sale item is out of stock, allowing you to buy it at the sale price later.
- Warranty: A contract that covers repairs for a specific period.
- Manufacturer: The company that actually made the product (e.g., Samsung, Dyson).
- Rebate: A partial refund given to a customer after the purchase (often via mail).
- Clearance: Items sold at a deep discount to clear out old stock.
- Restocking Fee: A charge for returning opened electronics.
- Bulk: Buying large quantities at once (like at Costco).
- Knock-off: A fake or unlicensed version of a brand-name product.
- Price Match: When Store A agrees to sell an item for Store B’s lower price.
- Overcharged: When the price on your receipt is higher than the price on the shelf.
- In Stock: The item is currently available in the store.
II. Answer the following questions:
1. Why did Areej mention she is a long-time shopper at the store?
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2. What two specific mechanical problems does the vacuum have?
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3. What was the clerk’s initial reason for refusing the refund?
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4. Which transition word did Areej use to introduce the problem?
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5. What was the final resolution of the conflict?
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6. If the vacuum wasn't broken but Areej just "didn't like the color," would she have the same rights?
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7. Define "making an exception" in your own words.
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8. How long ago did Areej buy the vacuum?
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9. Why did Areej suggest "store credit" as an alternative to a refund?
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10. If a store is out of a sale item, what should you ask for to get the deal later?
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11. What could have happened if Areej had started the conversation by shouting?
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12. What does Areej mean by "standard policy"?
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13. Does the clerk agree that the vacuum is defective? How do you know?
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14. Identify one transition word used to show a result.
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15. If the store refused the refund, what would be Areej's next logical step?
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16. Is the tone of this conversation formal, informal, or "professional-polite"?
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III. complete the following sentences:
1. I love this jacket; __________, it is way over my budget.
2. The cashier gave me a __________ because I didn't want my money back, just a different size later.
3. The microwave stopped working after two days; it is clearly __________.
4. The store ran out of the discounted TVs, but the clerk gave me a __________ so I can get the sale price next week.
5. The shoes were on __________ for 70% off because they were last year's style.
6. The TV was too large for my car. __________, I had to pay for delivery.
7. I don't have the original box. __________, the clerk said I could still return the item.
8. I found a cheaper price at a different store, so I asked this manager for a __________.
9. This brand is very expensive. __________, it lasts much longer than the cheaper versions.
10. If the item goes on sale next week, you might be able to get a __________ adjustment.
11. The shelf tag said $5.00, but the cashier scanned it at $7.00; I was __________.
12. You must return the item within 30 days. __________, you will only receive store credit.
13. I bought the soap in __________ to save money in the long run.
14. The laptop has a one-year __________ that covers the screen and keyboard.
15. I wanted a cash __________, but the store policy only allowed for an exchange.
Transition Words (The "Glue")
Think of transition words as "traffic signs" for your listener or reader. They tell the audience which direction your thought is going.
Direction | Transition Words (The "Signs") | Purpose |
Addition | Furthermore, Additionally, Moreover, In addition | To add a second or third supporting point. |
Contrast | However, Nevertheless, On the other hand, Conversely | To show a difference or a "but." |
Cause/Effect | Therefore, Consequently, As a result, Thus | To show that "A" caused "B." |
Sequence | First of all, Subsequently, Meanwhile, Finally | To show the order of events. |
Example:
The Basic Paragraph: I went to the mall to buy a new laptop. I found a model I liked. It was out of stock. I asked the clerk for a raincheck. He told me the sale ended today. I couldn't get the discount. I went to a different store. They matched the price for me.
"Savvy" Transformation: "I went to the mall to buy a new laptop and found a model I liked. However, it was out of stock. Consequently, I asked the clerk for a raincheck. He informed me that the sale ended today; therefore, I couldn't get the discount at that location. Nevertheless, I went to a different store, and they were happy to price match it for me."
IV. Choose the most appropriate transition word to complete each sentence.
Category: Contrast (Showing a "But")
1. I really like this sofa; __________, it is too large for my living room.
a) furthermore
b) however
c) consequently
2. The store has a "no refund" policy. __________, the manager made an exception because the item was broken.
a) Nevertheless
b) Therefore
c) Additionally
3. I wanted to buy the brand-name shoes. __________, I decided to buy the generic ones to save money.
a) Moreover
b) Instead
c) Thus
4. Online shopping is very convenient. __________, you cannot try on the clothes before buying them.
a) In addition
b) On the other hand
c) As a result
5. The sale price was very low; __________, the quality of the product was poor.
a) nevertheless
b) furthermore
c) therefore
Category: Addition (Adding Information)
6. The laptop is very fast. __________, it has a very long battery life.
a) However
b) Furthermore
c) Consequently
7. To get a refund, you must bring the receipt. __________, you must bring the original packaging.
a) In addition
b) Nevertheless
c) Otherwise
8. The grocery store offers organic produce. __________, they have a great selection of international foods.
a) Thus
b) Moreover
c) On the contrary
9. Buying in bulk saves you money. __________, it reduces the amount of plastic packaging you use.
a) Additionally
b) However
c) Therefore
10. The salesperson explained the warranty. __________, he showed me how to set up the device.
a) Alternatively
b) Also
c) Still
Category: Cause & Effect (Showing a "So")
11. I lost my receipt; __________, I was only able to get a store credit.
a) consequently
b) nevertheless
c) furthermore
12. The delivery truck broke down. __________, my package will be delayed by two days.
a) On the other hand
b) Therefore
c) In addition
13. I was overcharged for the milk. __________, I went back to the service desk to get a refund.
a) Thus
b) However
c) Moreover
14. The winter coat was on clearance. __________, it sold out within a few hours.
a) Nonetheless
b) As a result
c) Similarly
15. I didn't have my loyalty card with me; __________, I didn't get the member discount.
a) however
b) for this reason
c) additionally
Category: Sequence & Condition (Ordering Ideas)
16. __________, check the price tag. Next, compare it to the price at the register.
a) Finally
b) First of all
c) Meanwhile
17. You must pay your credit card bill on time. __________, you will have to pay interest charges.
a) Otherwise
b) Consequently
c) Furthermore
18. The cashier scanned the items. __________, he asked if I wanted to buy a reusable bag.
a) Nevertheless
b) Subsequently
c) Conversely
19. You can pay by debit or credit. __________, you can pay with cash.
a) Alternatively
b) Therefore
c) In addition
20. The manager listened to my complaint. __________, she apologized and gave me a $10 gift card.
a) However
b) Finally
c) Moreover
V. Complete the following sentences with a transition word:
Challenge: Try to use a variety of words. Don't use the same word more than twice.
1. The winter coat was on clearance; __________, it was still quite expensive.
2. I lost my receipt. __________, the manager allowed me to exchange the defective toaster.
3. The grocery store was very crowded. __________, many of the shelves were empty.
4. First, you should check the price online. __________, you should see if the store offers a price match.
5. The delivery was two hours late. __________, the food was cold when it arrived.
6. I enjoy shopping at local boutiques. __________, I find that big-box stores have more variety.
7. The tablet has a cracked screen. __________, the battery life is very short.
8. I didn't have enough cash. __________, I had to pay with my credit card.
9. The store policy is very strict. __________, they sometimes make exceptions for loyal customers.
10. The laptop is lightweight and portable. __________, it has a very powerful processor.
11. I forgot to bring my reusable bags. __________, I had to pay 10 cents for plastic ones.
12. You can return the item by mail. __________, you can bring it back to any physical location.
13. The salesperson was very helpful. __________, I decided to leave a positive review online.
14. The store was closing in five minutes. __________, I had to rush to find what I needed.
15. I wanted the blue sweater. It was sold out; __________, I bought the green one instead.
VI. The Sandwich Scenarios
Instructions: Work in pairs. One is the Customer, one is the Service Desk Agent. The Customer must use the "Sandwich Method" (Positive – Problem – Solution) and at least two transition words.
Scenario A: The Shrunken Sweater
The Problem: You bought a wool sweater. You followed the washing instructions (cold water), but it shrank to a tiny size.
The Goal: You want your money back ($80).
Scenario B: The "Final Sale" Furniture
The Problem: You bought a coffee table marked "Final Sale." When you got it home and opened the wrap, a leg was missing.
The Goal: You want the store to give you the missing part or a discount.
Scenario C: The Wrong Grocery Charge
The Problem: You checked your receipt after leaving the grocery store. You were charged for 5 lbs of organic apples, but you only bought 2 lbs of regular apples.
The Goal: You want a refund for the price difference.
Scenario D: The "Lemon" Laptop
The Problem: A 3-day-old laptop keeps freezing and the screen flickers.
The Goal: A brand-new replacement unit (not a repair).
Scenario E: The Hidden Subscription Fee
The Problem: You cancelled a free trial 10 days early, but you were still charged $50.
The Goal: Reverse the charge.
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