Types of shops in English

department store - a shop that sells many different items in different departments. Harrods is probably the world's best known department store.

supermarket - a large shop that sells mostly food and household items.

grocer (UK) / grocery store (US) - a shop that sells food.

greengrocer - sells fresh fruit and vegetables.

butcher - sells fresh meat.

baker - sells fresh bread and cakes.

fishmonger - sells fresh fish.

chemist (UK) / drugstore (US) - sells medicines and toiletries.

pharmacy (US) - sells medicines.

newsagent - sells newspapers and magazines.

stationer - sells paper goods.

optician - sells glasses / contact lenses.

DIY store - sells things for home improvement.

hardware shop / hardware store / ironmonger - hard goods, such as nails and screws.

corner shop (UK) - a shop on the corner of your street, selling a range of basic goods - food, newspapers, sweets, bread, etc.

delicatessen (deli) - sells specialist food not normally found in supermarkets. For example, an Italian deli, an Asian deli.

bookshop / bookstore - books.

market - market traders (people who work on a market) have stalls that sell fruit and vegetables, clothes, household items and so on.

petshop - for pets and pet food.

flea market - a group of stalls selling old furniture or clothes.

tea shop (UK) - like a cafe, but sells tea and cakes.

petrol station (UK) / gas station (US) sells petrol, car products and sometimes food.

Using 's

When we talk about shops, we often put an 's on the end. For example, "I'm going to the chemist's / greengrocer's / butcher's / baker's / newsagent's / fishmonger's/ optician's."

We don't use an 's with these shops: supermarket, hardware store, petrol station, department store.

Asking for things

Do you have any…?""I'm looking for…""I wonder if you could help me…?"

What the shopkeeper says

"I'm sorry, we're out of stock.""I'm sorry, that's the last one.""I'm sorry, that's all we have left."

What a sales person says

"Can I help you?""Are you looking for anything in particular?"

Your reply

"I'm just looking, thank you.""I'm just browsing, thank you."

Asking about things

Do you have this in another size?""Do you have this in another colour?""Is this made of leather / silk / plastic…?""Does this come with a guarantee?""Is this fully refundable?""Can I bring this back if it's not the right size?""Can I bring this back if it doesn't fit?"

Paying - what the shopkeeper says

"Do you have anything smaller?" (If you pay with a large denomination note.)

Paying - what you say

"I'm sorry, I don't have any small change.""I don't have anything smaller.""Would you have change for this?""Can I have the receipt, please?'"Can I pay by credit card?""Can I pay in cash?""Is this on sale?"

You can find ESL shopping lessons online by visiting the following Web sites:

ESL Partyland includes printable cards that you can use to create your own store in the classroom.

Boggles World ESL has a great worksheet to practice shopping vocabulary. It also gives a good role-play example for students.

1StopKorea.com is an online shopping lesson. This would be great to use if you want to give shopping as homework.

TEFL.net lists a number of activities to be completed during your ESL shopping lesson. It has great suggestions for discussing shopping vocabulary.

EL Civics offers a very basic lesson plan for grocery shopping. It would be great for beginning ESL students. It also includes pictures.

Leslson Plans Page has a great lesson plan for clothes shopping. It includes a detailed list of activities, materials and vocabulary.

See all ESL articles

Green's Produce Market

Cut into cards before you use this activity.  (Or if you're a real slacker, give each shop keeper a pair of scissors.)

a bell pepper pears

 

oranges

 

bananas

 

carrots

 

chili peppers

potatoes

   

 

watermelon

onions

  

grapes

an eggplant

cherries

tomatoes apples

 

a pair of jeans

a blouse

 

a pair of boots

   

a pair of shoes

 

a jacket a scarf

a shirt

 

a pair of socks

a dress a T-shirt

a pair of slippers a tie

pajamas

a hat

Maxine's Cafe

Cut into cards before you use this activity.  (Or if you're a real slacker, give each shop keeper a pair of scissors.)

a hamburger

 

a sandwich

 

a piece of pie

   

a glass of wine

 

a cup of coffee

 

a cup of tea

 

a cup of soup and a half sandwich

a hot dog

a cup of coffee a cup of tea

 

Shopping List #1

a pair of jeans

a shirt

a pair of slippers

a scarf

a bell pepper

potatoes

an eggplant

a pair of scissors

a clipboard

Stop by the cafe for something to drink.

 

Shopping List #2

pajamas

pears

a chili pepper

grapes

a floppy disk

pencils

envelopes

Stop by the cafe for something to eat and drink.

 

Shopping List #3

a pair of shoes

a dress

a blouse

apples

cherries

paper clips

a magnifying glass

a fountain pen

Stop by the cafe for a snack.

 

Shopping List #4

a tie

a hat

a jacket

oranges

onions

tomatoes

a pencil sharpener

a briefcase

Stop by the cafe for something to drink.

 

Shopping List #5

a T-shirt

bananas

watermelon

carrots

a watch

a ruler

a calculator

a datebook

Stop by the cafe for lunch.

by elcivics.com What are these?

They are shopping carts.

Customers push shopping carts down the aisles of the grocery store.

They put groceries in their shopping carts.

 

What is the woman doing?

She is selecting lettuce.

She is going to put the lettuce in a plastic bag.

Lettuce is in the produce section of the grocery store.

 

Why is the woman putting the bell peppers on the scale?

She is putting them on the scale because she is going to weigh them.

by elcivics.com

What is this?

It is a nutrition label.

Nutrition labels list the nutritional value of food.

This item has seven grams of fat.

 

Is this shopping cart full?

Yes, it is.

It has a lot of food in it.

 

What is the woman doing?

She is paying the cashier for her groceries.

After she pays the cashier, he will give her a receipt.

.S. History and Government Barack Obama, Jr. is

the current President of the United States.

He was elected in November 2008, and took office on January 20, 2009.

He is the 44th President of the United States.

Obama is the first African American to become a U.S. President.

He was born in Honolulu, Hawaii, on August 4, 1961.

His father was black and was from Kenya, Africa, and his mother was white and was born in Kansas, USA.

Obama's parents divorced when he was a toddler and his mother, step-father, and maternal grandparents raised him.

Obama graduated from Columbia University in New York City in 1983 with a BA in political science.

He worked several jobs after graduating college including being a community organizer in Chicago, Illinois.

In 1988, he enrolled in Harvard Law School. He graduated

CIVICS FACTS

1. Obama's full name is Barack Hussein Obama II. He is named after his father, Barack Obama, Senior.

2. He attended grade school in Indonesia after his mother married an Indonesian student.

3. For twelve years, he taught constitutional law at the University of Chicago Law School.

4. Obama smokes, but is currently trying to stop.

5. He married Michelle Obama in 1992.

in 1991 and became a lawyer.

While at Harvard Law School, Obama became the first African-American President of the Harvard Law Review.

He entered politics and served in the Illinois Sentate from 1996-2004.

Obama served as the junior U.S. Illinois Senator from 2005 until he won the U.S. Presidental election in 2008.

Obama is a Democrat. His Vice President is Joe Biden.

He is married to Michelle Obama and they have two daught

Abraham Lincoln for ESL Studentsby elcivics.com

Abraham Lincoln was the 16th president of the United States. He is one of our most famous and important presidents. His picture is on the American penny and on the five dollar bill. Many cities, streets, and schools are named after him. In this lesson, you will see pictures of Abraham Lincoln, the Civil War, and the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. I hope you enjoy learning about this famous American. (3 pages)

Who is Abraham Lincoln?

Abraham Lincoln was the 16th president of the United States.

He was president from 1860-1865.

 

When was Abraham Lincoln born?

He was born on February 12, 1809.

He was born in a log cabin in Kentucky. His family was poor.

 

SL Abraham Lincoln, Page 2by elcivics.com

What war was fought when Lincoln was president?

The Civil War was fought when Linclon was president. It was a war between the North and the South.

The North won the war.

 

What happened after the Civil War?

After the Civil War, the slaves were freed and the United States become united again.

Which Amendment freed the slaves?

The 13th Amendment freed the slaves.

 

When did President Lincoln die?

He died on April 15, 1865. He was 56 years old.

An actor named John Wilkes Booth shot Lincoln in the back of his head when he was at the Ford Theater in Washington,D.C.

ESL Abraham Lincoln, Page 3by elcivics.com

Where is Abraham Lincoln buried?

He is buried in Springfield, Illinois.

His wife Mary and three of their four sons are also buried there.

 

Where is the Lincoln Memorial?

The Lincoln Memorial is in Washington, D.C. near the Potomic River.

 

Was Abraham Lincoln a great president?

Yes, he was.

He will be

ealthy Food Lessonby elcivics.com

Eating healthy food and exercising regularly improves your health. Eating fresh fruits and vegetables can reduce your chance of getting cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. Low-fat meats, beans, and nuts are also part of a good nutrition plan. The United States Department of Agriculture has published a new food pyramid that includes tips and facts about how to eat healthy to improve your health and live longer. (3 pages)

What are the benefits of eating healthy foods?

People who eat healthy foods feel and look better.

They have fewer medical problems and miss less days from work or school.

People who eat healthy foods also feel more energetic and live longer than people who don't.

 

Is it important to take vitamins?

You can get all the vitamins you need from the foods you eat, but taking a multi-vitamin once a day is a good idea.

Multi-vitamins can be taken once a day after eating.

If you take a multi-vitamin, be sure to check the expiration

date on the bottle.

Healthy Food Lesson, Page 2by elcivics.com

What kind of bread is healthy?

Whole wheat bread is good to eat.

The United States Department of Agriculture says we should have at least three ounces of whole grains per day.

Whole grains can be breads, cereal, crackers, pasta, or brown rice.

 

How many servings of vegetables should we eat?

We should eat 3-4 servings of vegetables a day.

It is important to eat green and orange vegetables like spinach and carrots every day.

Fresh vegetables are best, but frozen

vegetables are healthy, too.

 

How many servings of fruits should we eat?

We should eat 3-4 servings fruits a day.

Fresh fruits like apples and oranges are best.

Avoid eating canned fruits because they contain too much sugar.

Healthy Food Lesson, Page 3by elcivics.com

What kinds of meats are best?

Low-fat meats like turkey and chicken are good to eat.

Meats that are low in fat are called lean.

Meat that is baked has less fat than meat that is fried.

 

Are sweets good for your health?

No, sweets are bad for your health.

Avoid eating too many sweets.

Buy a juicer and make fresh juice instead.

 

Is exercising an important part of a healthy lifestyle?

Yes, exercising at least 20 minutes a day is very important.

Exercising burns calories, keeps bones strong, improves balance, and reduces stress.

Riding bikes is a fun and easy way to exercise.

ESL Food Lessonby elcivics.com

There are many kinds of foods: fruits, vegetables, meats, grains, beans, nuts, sweets, dairy products, and seasonings. Some foods are eaten raw, some are cooked, and some can be eaten either raw or cooked. Carrots, for example, can be eaten raw or they can be cooked in boiling water. Foods come in different colors and textures, and each food has a different flavor. People like some foods, but not others. It is important to eat a variety of

foods, and to not eat too much. When people eat too much food they become fat. When they eat too little, they become skinny. (3 pages)

What fruits are in the photo?

one orange one grapefruit one coconut one pineapple one watermelon three limes some strawberries some grapes some raspberries some blueberries

three bananas

 

What kinds of vegetables are in the photo?

two yellow peppers two red peppers a head of lettuce some broccoli three leeks an eggplant five tomatoes five carrots two heads of cabbage

(red and green) some cherry tomatoes

three zucchinis

ESL Food Lesson, Page 2by elcivics.com

What kinds of meats, fish, and poultry are in the photo?

ham salami T-bone steak fillet of fish shrimp

a dozen eggs

 

What foods are in the photo?

bagel loaf of bread croissant French roll sliced bread bow tie pasta spaghetti noodles

spiral noodles

 

What kind of food is on the dish?

cheddar cheese rectangle crackers square crackers brie

round crackers

ESL Food Lesson, Page 3by elcivics.com

What types of beans are in the photo?

lentils kidney beans

navy beans

 

What ingredients are in the soup?

chicken water rice carrots onions celery chicken bullion seasonings

cilantro

 

What fruits and vegetables were used to make the various juices?

watermelon broccoli honeydew melon strawberries tomatoes pears asparagus apples

bananas

Healthy Breakfastby elcivics.com

Breakfast is the first meal of the day. Nutritionists recommend that we eat a healthy breakfast to give us energy throughout the day. Oatmeal, cereal, wheat toast, ham, and fresh fruit are healthy breakfast foods. Eggs are popular, but they are high in cholesterol,

so we should only eat 3-4 eggs a week. Skipping breakfast is a bad habit, and it makes people feel tired. (3 pages)

When do people eat breakfast?

People eat breakfast in the morning. It is the first meal of the day.

Most people eat breakfast between 5:00 a.m. and 9:30 a.m.

 

Is oatmeal a healthy breakfast food?

Yes, it is.

Eating oatmeal reduces cholesterol.

High LDL cholesterol levels can cause heart disease.

ealthy Breakfast Lesson, Page 2by elcivics.com

What is the boy eating?

He is eating cereal with milk.

Read the nutrition label on cereal boxes.

Don't give children cereal that has a lot of sugar.

 

What is the problem in this photo?

There is too much food on the plate.

 

Are bacon and sausage high in fat?

Yes, they are.

Some grocery stores sell low-fat bacon and sausage.

Healthy Breakfast Lesson, Page 3by elcivics.com

Is it okay to drink a lot of coffee?

Coffee has caffeine, and too much caffeine is bad for your health.

Don't drink more than two or three cups of coffee a day.

Some grocery stores sell de-caffeinated coffee.

 

Is this man in a hurry?

Yes, he is. He is late for work.

He is eating quickly.

He should sit down and eat slowly.

 

Is it safe to eat breakfast while driving?

No, it isn't. It is dangerous to eat and drive.

This woman could have a car accident.

SL Restaurant Lessonby elcivics.com

People go to restaurants to buy food that is already prepared. At full service restaurants, waiters and waitresses bring the food to your table or booth. Some restaurants have low prices, while others have expensive prices. Expensive restaurants usually have a dress code and men must wear a jacket and tie. Cheaper restaurants don't have a dress code, so customers can wear casual clothes like jeans and T-shirts. This lesson reviews basic English vocabulary words and phrases that can be used to describe restaurants. (3 pages)

What kind of place is this?

It is a restaurant.

It is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

The prices at this restaurant are cheap.

 

Is this an expensive restaurant?

Yes, it is.

Meals here cost $45.00 or more.

People get dressed up to go to this restaurant.

Men must wear a jacket and tie.

ESL Restaurant Lesson, Page 2by elcivics.com

What kind of restaurant is this?

It is a buffet.

Customers help themselves to the food.

 

What kind of restaurant is this?

It is a Japanese restaurant.

The hostess is showing the customers to their table.

 

What is the woman doing?

She is waiting for the waiter to take her order.

She is going to order a roast beef sandwich and a glass of ice tea.

ESL Restaurant Lesson, Page 3by elcivics.com

What are the cooks doing?

They are working in the kitchen.

They are preparing food for the customers.

 

What is this waitress doing?

She is carrying food on a tray.

She is going to take the food to her customer's table.

 

How much should you tip your waiter or waitress?

Most people in the United States tip their servers fifteen to twenty percent of the bill.

New Year's Lessonby elcivics.com

New Year's Day is the first day of a new year. It is on January first, and this year it is on a Thursday. New Year's is a national holiday, so schools, banks, post offices, and government buildings are closed. People celebrate New Year's by attending parties and staying awake until midnight. At 12:00, they blow noisemakers, throw confetti, and kiss their partner. Some cities have firework displays. Times Square in New York City has a famous New Year's countdown just before midnight. At exactly midnight a large ball covered with lights slides down a pole. (3 pages)

What is New Year's?

It is the first day of a new year, and is always on January 1.

In 2009, it is on a Thursday.

New Year's Day is also a national holiday. Schools, banks, post offices, government buildings, and many stores are closed on New Year's.

 

What is a New Year's resolution?

A New Year's resolution is a promise you make to yourself.

January 1st is a good time to think about changes you want to make in your life.

 

New Year's Lesson, Page 2by elcivics.com

What is the most popular New Year's resolution?

The most popular New Year's resolutions is to go on a diet and start exercising.

Other popular New Year's resolutions are: stop smoking, save money, spend more time with family members, call or write your relatives, get a new job, start school, learn a new language.

 

How do families with small children celebrate New Year's?

They stay up until midnight on New Year's Eve and light sparklers or bang pots.

Some families order pizza and watch movies.

Young children often fall asleep before midnight.

 

What is this couple doing?

They are wearing New Year's hats and blowing noise makers.

They are at a New Year's Eve party, and it is almost midnight.

They will kiss when it is midnight. This will bring them good luck in 2009.

New Year's Lesson, Page 3by elcivics.com

Are these people having fun?

Yes, they are.

They are blowing noise makers because it is midnight.

Confetti is falling on them. Confetti is small pieces of colored paper.

 

What are these people doing?

They are listening to music, dancing, and waving sparklers.

They are celebrating New Year's.

 

Do cities have fireworks on New Year's?

Yes, they do.

Fireworks are a great way to celebrate a new year.

Happy New Year's!

ESL Valentine's Day Lessonby elcivics.com

Valentine's Day is on February 14th. It is a special day to celebrate love and friendship. On Valentine's Day we give cards, candy, and flowers to the people we love. School children sign Valentine's Day cards and bring them to school for their classmates. They decorate paper bags during art class to hold their cards. Some teachers show their students how to make Valentine's Day cards for their parents. Adults listen to romantic music, write love letters to each other, and eat candlelit dinners in restaurants. Some couples get engaged or married on Valentine's Day. Popular Valentine's Day symbols include red and pink hearts, bows and arrows, and Cupid. Cupid is a mythical figure. He is a winged god of love and the son of Venus. (3 pages)

When is Valentine's Day?

It is on February 14th.

Valentine's Day is not a national holiday, so schools, banks, post offices, and government buildings are open.

 

What do we celebrate on Valentine's Day?

We celebrate friendship and love.

We say, "Be my Valentine!"

SL Valentine's Day, Page 2by elcivics.com

What are some popular Valentine's Day gifts?

Chocolate candy, flowers, cards, and jewelry are popular Valentine's Day gifts.

 

Are red roses popular on Valentine's Day?

Yes, they are.

The color red represents love.

 

Do women like to get jewelry for Valentine's Day?

Yes, they do.

These necklaces are beautiful.

SL Valentine's Day, Page 3by elcivics.com

What do couples do on Valentine's Day?

They give each other cards and gifts.

They eat at romantic restaurants.

They say, "I love you."

 

What are these people doing?

The woman is kissing the man on his cheek.

The man is smiling.

 

Who are these people?

They are newlyweds.

They just got married.

Happy Valentine's Day!

 

Labor Day Lessonby elcivics.com

Labor Day is on the first Monday in September. It is an American holiday to honor working people. It was started in 1882 by the Central Labor Union as a day off for the "working man". Before World War I, Labor Day celebrations often included pro-union demonstrations and parades. Labor Day is a federal holiday, so banks, post offices, schools, most businesses, and some stores are closed. It marks the end of summer vacation for many students. Labor Day is celebrated in the United States with parades, picnics, festivals, and sports. It is the symbolic end of summer, which officially ends on September 20. (3 pages)

When is Labor Day?

It is on the first Monday in September.

It is on Monday, September 1, 2008.

 

What is Memorial Day?

It is a federal holiday to honor working people.

Government offices, post offices, schools, and many businesses are closed on Labor Day.

Labor Day Lesson, Page 2by elcivics.com

When was Labor Day created?

It was created in 1882 by the Central Labor Union.

In the late 1880s and early 1900s, Labor Day was closely associated with trade and labor unions.

Unions were formed to protect and expand the rights of workers.

 

What do most people do on Labor Day?

Most people have a barbecue on Labor Day.

Many people attend picnics.

 

Do people attend football games on Labor Day weekend?

Yes, they do.

The NCAA College Football season starts on Labor Day weekend.

Labor Day Lesson, Page 3by elcivics.com

What telethon is held on Labor Day weekend?

The Jerry Lewis Muscular Dystrophy telethon is held on Labor Day weekend.

A telethon is a fundraising event on TV.

In 2007, over sixty-three million dollars were raised.

 

Is there a lot of traffic on Labor Day?

Yes, there is.

Many people go away for the three-day weekend.

Drive carefully and don't drink and drive.

 

Where is this flag?

It is flying from the George Washington Bridge which crosses the Hudson River between New York and New Jersey.

The flag is 90 feet by 60 feet and weighs 450 pounds.

The bridge was built by construction workers, and it opened in 1931.

ESL Mother's Day Lessonby elcivics.com

Mother's Day is a special holiday to honor mothers and grandmothers. It is on the second Sunday in May. Some children cook breakfast for their mothers on Mother's Day. Many mothers wear corsages and receive flowers, cards, and gifts on this day. Remember to tell your mom that you love her. (3 pages)

What is Mother's Day?

It is a special holiday to honor mothers and grandmothers.

We say "Happy Mother's Day."

We say "I love you."

 

When is Mother's Day?

It is on the second Sunday in May.

This year, it is on May 11, 2008.

SL Mother's Day Lesson, Page 2by elcivics.com

What are popular gifts for Mother's Day?

Cards, pins, and flowers are popular Mother's Day gifts.

 

What is the boy in this picture doing?

He is picking yellow flowers for his mother.

 

What else can you do for Mother's Day?

You can make breakfast for your mom.

Eggs, sausage, grapefruit, kiwi, orange juice, and coffee taste delicious.

SL Mother's Day Lesson, Page 3by elcivics.com

How can you let your mother know you love her?

Give her a big hug.

Give her a big smile.

 

Is Mother's Day for grandmothers, too?

Yes, it is.

Be sure to hug your grandmother, too.

 

Why are mothers special?

Because they care for children.

SL Recreation Lessonby elcivics.com

Recreation is important because it helps people relax. When people have fun they reduce their stress levels and improve their health. Healthy people are more productive. Types of

recreation include: playing sports, visiting family members and friends, going to the zoo, enjoying the beach, and watching a movie. (3 pages)

What are these people doing?

They are paddling a canoe down the river.

They are enjoying nature.

 

What are they doing?

They are having a barbecue.

They are grilling food outside on a grill.

Eating outside with friends is fun.

ESL Recreation Lesson, Page 2by elcivics.com

Are these boys having fun?

Yes, they are.

They are swinging in the park.

 

Where is the little girl?

She is at the zoo.

She is going to pet the goat.

 

Where are they?

They are at the beach.

They are getting their feet wet.

ESL Recreation Lesson, Page 3by elcivics.com

What kind of sport is the man playing?

He is playing baseball.

He is going to throw the ball.

The people in the stands are watching him.

 

Are amusement parks fun?

Yes, they are.

There are many fun rides at amusement parks.

 

Where are these people?

They are at a movie theater.

They are waiting for the movie to start.