Situation 5: At the Stationery Department

P: Oh, how many beautiful pencil boxes! I can’t make my choice.

S.: Well, look, this pink one with those nice flowers on it. You can zip it very easily.

P.: Won’t it get stuck?

S.: Those with studs aren’t any safer.

P.: But what about this one closing with magnets?

S.: Yes, I think that’s the best and it’s very beautiful, too.

P.: Let’s ask for the price. I have to think about it.

S.: How much does this pencil box cost?

Shop-assistant: Six dollars, madam.

P.: All right, I’ll take it. And now for the socks.

S.: Well, that’s that. I like shopping. But now let’s have a cup of coffee. I hope you are not tired.

P.: Oh no, not at all.

2.20. a) Read the lines of two conversations in a clothes shop. Who says them - the customer or the shop assistant? b) Work with a partner and put all the lines in the correct order. c) Practice the conversation with a partner.

In a Clothes Shop

a ___ Can I help you?

b ___ Oh yes. I like that one much better. Can I try in on?

c ___ $ 45.99. How do you want to pay?

d ___ Yes, please. I’m looking for a shirt to go with my new suit.

e ___ Blue.

f ___ Yes, of course. The changing rooms are over there.

g ___ OK. I’ll take the white. How much is it?

h ___ Can I pay by credit card?

i ___ What colour are you looking for?

j ___ No, it isn’t the right blue.

k ___ No, it’s a bit too big. Have you got a smaller size?

l ___ That’s the last blue one we’ve got, I’m afraid. But we’ve got it in white.

m ___ Well, what about this one? It’s a bit darker blue.

n ___ What about this one? Do you like this?

o ___ Is the size OK?

p ___ Credit card’s fine. Thank you very much

In a Clothes Shop

a ___ Erm .. this jumper … have you got this in a large?

b ___ Does it fit OK?

c ___ Thanks.

d ___ No, I’m just looking, thanks.

e ___ Can I help you at all?

f ___ No, we’ve only got the small and the medium, but the sizes are quite big. Try

it on – the fitting room’s behind here … there you are.

g ___ Yes, it fits perfectly, actually …

h ___ Well, if you want anything, juts give me a call …

i ___ Mmm, I don’t know about the colour, myself. … This cream’s going to get

very dirty …

j ___ Yes, it does. It looks really good on you. That colour suits you.

2.21. Read the conversation below which is not nice because no one says any polite phrases in it. Make it more civilized by adding polite phrases or changing some phrases to polite ones.

Chemist: Come in.

Customer 1: Is this the chemist’s?

Chemist: Yes. What do you want?

Customer 1: Give me this medicine.

Chemist: Do you want it now?

Customer 1: Yes. As quickly as possible.

Chemist: It’ll take a long time to prepare it.

Customer 1: I’m in a hurry. Try to do it quickly.

Chemist: All right. Sit down.

Customer 1: (treads on another customer’s foot. Says nothing)

Customer 2: Ouch!

Customer 1: (says nothing)

Chemist: Here is your medicine. Twenty euros.

Customer 1: (says nothing, pushes past another customer and goes out)

2.22. Complete the following dialogue. Act it out with a partner. Make up similar dialogues using the pictures below.

Shop-assistant: Are you being served, Sir / Madam?

Customer: I’m looking for a ____________ .

Shop-assistant: ________________ are over there. Follow me, please.

Customer: Thank you. I’d like to have __________________.

Shop assistant: I see. And what’s your size?

Customer: _____ or _______. It depends on the style.

Shop assistant: These are really very beautiful and the quality is very good.

Customer: I think I need a lager size. How much is it / are they?

Shop assistant: $ 24.90. A real bargain.

Customer: Oh, really? I guess I’ll take _________. Do I pay here?

Shop assistant: No, at the cash desk / check-out, please.

Customer: ____________ .

2.23. Read the text and discuss. Think of some embarrassing or funny situation that happened to you in a shop. Discuss it with a partner.

A Bad Day

Monday is not my best day, and last Monday was worstof all. I woke up late, so I tried to hurry. I didn't want to be late to work. First, I burned my breakfast, so I couldn't eat it. Then I got coffee on my blouse and I had to change it. While I was washing the dishes, I broke a plate.

I left the house at 8.45 am. But I forgot my bag, so I had to go home to get it. Of course, I was late to work. The boss didn't say any­thing but he was looking at me all the time.

At noon I wanted to relax. I went out to buy some new clothes. I was trying on blouses when I looked at my watch. It was 1.00 p.m. I would be late to work again. I forgot to take off the store's blouse and put on my own. I dropped my blouse on the table and started to leave wearing a new blouse. The clerk called, "Hey, lady. Aren't you going to pay for it?" My face was really red. Everyone looked at me.

I paid for the blouse. It was already 1.15 p.m. I didn’t go back to work. I went straight home and got into bed. It was the only safe place for me that day.

2.24. Read the passages below and discuss some department stores of your town in a small group: which of them have the best stock, the best location, the best staff, etc.