Paul Holmes -
University
English Professor

Free Materials For ESL Teachers and Learners

“Shopping” ESL Discussion Questions

I. General Shopping
1. What do you like most about shopping?
2. Do you prefer shopping alone or with friends?
3. How often do you go shopping?
4. What types of stores do you visit most often?
5. Which store is your favorite? Why?
6. How do you feel about online shopping?
7. Do you usually use cash or a card when shopping?
8. How important are sales and discounts to you?

II. Clothes Shopping
9. What kind of clothes do you usually buy?
10. How do you choose which clothes to buy?
11. How often do you buy new clothes?
12. Do you buy clothes from second-hand stores?
13. What is your favorite clothing brand?
14. Do you like trying on clothes in fitting rooms?
15. How do you feel about matching clothes with your friends?

III. Grocery Shopping
16. How often do you go grocery shopping?
17. Do you make a list before grocery shopping?
18. What type of food do you usually buy?
19. How do you choose fresh produce?
20. Do you prefer shopping at a supermarket or a local market?
21. What is your favorite snack to buy?
22. Are you brand-loyal when buying groceries?

IV. Electronic Shopping
23. What electronic devices do you own?
24. Where do you buy electronic devices?
25. How do you decide which electronic device to buy?
26. Do you wait for sales to buy electronics?
27. How important is the warranty for electronic devices?
28. Have you ever bought refurbished electronics?

V. Gift Shopping
29. How do you choose gifts for your friends or family?
30. Do you prefer giving or receiving gifts?
31. What is the best gift you have ever given?
32. What is the best gift you have ever received?
33. Do you like to wrap gifts yourself?

VI. Online Shopping
34. What websites do you use for online shopping?
35. How do you feel about the delivery time for online orders?
36. Have you ever returned an item purchased online?
37. How do you decide if an online store is trustworthy?
38. What type of products do you prefer to buy online?

VII. International Shopping
39. Have you ever shopped in another country?
40. What was your favorite item you bought from another country?
41. Do you buy souvenirs when traveling?
42. What are the best shopping destinations you have visited?

VIII. Shopping Habits
43. Do you set a budget when shopping?
44. Have you ever regretted a purchase?
45. How do you avoid impulsive purchases?
46. Do you keep track of your spending?
47. Do you use loyalty programs or reward points?

IX. Shopping Experiences
48. Describe your best shopping experience.
49. Describe your worst shopping experience.
50. Have you ever had a problem with a store or employee?
51. What is the most helpful thing a salesperson can do for you?

X. Environment and Ethical Shopping
52. How do you feel about eco-friendly products?
53. Do you buy fair-trade products? Why or why not?
54. How important is recycling to you?
55. What do you do with old items you no longer need?

XI. Local Shopping
56. What is your favorite local shop?
57. Why do you support local businesses?
58. How important is customer service to you?
59. Are there any unique items you can only find in your area?
60. How do you feel about bargaining or negotiating prices?