Views #853 | Intermediate 5

Shopping Peeves

Rebecca and Todd talk about things they do not like about shopping.
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Todd: So, Rebecca, we're talking about shopping. Is there anything you don't like about shopping?

Rebecca: Yes, I don't like shopping when they're crowds of people. Usually when the sales are on, it can be a good time to shop because there's sales but it also draws a lot people and everybody's pushing and trying to get the clothes they want that are on special. Yeah, I don't like that.

Todd: Right. Right. Actually, the thing I really don't like about shopping is having - or clothes shopping - is having to try on clothes. You know, like, you go and you find your size and then you put it on and then it doesn't fit, then you have to try it on again and it's just, it takes forever. And you look at the numbers and it's so hard to find the number that fits you.

Rebecca: Yeah, it seems every year the numbers are changing sizes. You wear a size ten and then the next year it's not that size so. Yeah. That can be a real problem, too.

Todd: It drives me nuts. Now in Australia, when you go shopping in the store, do you normally get a lot of personal customer service?

Rebecca: Yes. Yes. They tend to come up to you as soon as you come into the store, and if you say you're browsing then they leave you alone but it can be really good, the shops I shop at. They do help you with the fitting sizes and when you're in the change rooms, you can just say, "No, I need a new size" and they will go and get it for you,

Todd: Yeah, in the States I think the service is really good as well, but what's really annoying is that now they always want to have you join some club or some membership.

Rebecca: The points cards.

Todd: Yeah, so you just want to buy your shirt and they ask you, "Would you like a credit card?" or "Would you like a discount card or membership?" I can't stand it.

Rebecca: Yeah, I know. I think I have so many cards in my wallet, and they're like, "Oh, are you a member?" and I pull out all my cards and I'm not a member so they join me up.

Todd: Right. Right. Usually these days I just say no, but it's just so annoying.

Rebecca: Yeah, it can be. Yes.

Learn Vocabulary from the lesson

draws a lot of people

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It also draws a lot of people.

An event that 'draws a lot of people' makes many people want to go there.  Notice the following:

  1. The annual sale always draws a lot of people.
  2. The concert drew a lot of people.

it takes forever

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It takes forever to try clothes on.

'It takes forever' is an idiomatic expression we use to talk about something that takes a long time. How long depends on the situation, and we often use it in a way that's not serious.  Notice the following:

  1. It takes forever for me to decide.
  2. It takes my girlfriend forever to put on make up.

It drives me nuts

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It drives me nuts when sizes change from year to year.

We use the phrase 'it drives me nuts' to talk about something we hate when it happens.  Notice the following:

  1. It drives me nuts when people are late.
  2. It just drives me nuts when people chat in the library.

they leave you alone

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If you say you're browsing then they leave you alone.

When people 'leave you alone,' that means they do not speak to or contact you in any way.  Notice the following:

  1. If you ignore them, they will leave you alone.
  2. I wish they would leave me alone.

The points cards

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Sign up for points cards.

Each time a customer buys something, points are added to a customer's 'point card' that can later be exchanged for discounts.  Notice the following:

  1. Do you have a point card?
  2. I forgot my point card.

join me up

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So they join me up.

We say 'join me up' when we agree to sign up for a plan or promotion.  Notice the following:

  1. That sounds great. Join me up!
  2. That's not enough to join me up.

Vocabulary Quiz

draw • takes forever • drives me nuts
leave you alone • point card • join me up
  1. There are a lot of things that about him, but I still love him.
  2. It depends on the type of customers you want to .
  3. They want to for a supermarket credit card.
  4. My is almost full.  Next time I get a 10% discount.
  5. It for you find the perfect pair of jeans.
  6. If salespeople have your number they will never .
Answer the following questions about the interview.

 

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