CONNECT
Online vs In-Person Shopping
B1 video lesson on shopping habits, preferences and buying products online or in stores.
Lesson Overview
Students watch a short street-interview video about what people like to buy online and what they prefer to buy in person. The lesson practises B1 language for shopping habits, preferences, local stores and returning items.
Before you watch
- What do you usually buy online?
- What do you prefer to buy in person?
- Have you ever sent something back after buying it online?
Prep
Drag the correct ending into each gap.
Mixed answer options
you go to a shop and buy it there.you return it to the seller.you like it more than another option.you buy it on the internet.you buy from shops near you.you wear them for a short time to check the size.Watch the Video
Watch the full video once. Focus on what people buy online, what they buy in person and the reasons they give.
Open full videoComprehension
Click each question to reveal the answer. Each question is synced to the video time.
Vocabulary from the Video
I prefer to buy electronics .
I’ll buy online.
I like to buy online.
Sometimes I buy clothes and .
We use a lot.
I hate sending stuff .
I buy from local .
I have to see and touch products in the .
Mixed options
shoesbackonlinestoregadgetsbeddingAmazonstoresVocabulary Review
| Word / phrase | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| online | on the internet | I buy electronics online. |
| in person | face to face; physically in a place | I prefer to buy shoes in person. |
| electronics | electrical products like phones or computers | I buy electronics online. |
| gadget | a small useful electronic device | He buys gadgets online. |
| bedding | sheets, blankets and things for a bed | She buys bedding online. |
| clothing | clothes in general | Some people buy clothing online. |
| local store | a shop near where you live | I buy from local stores. |
| send something back | return a product to the seller | I hate sending stuff back. |
| try on | put on clothes or shoes to check fit | I like to try shoes on. |
| fit | be the right size | These shoes fit well. |
| product | something a company sells | I like to see the product in the store. |
| prefer | like one thing more than another | I prefer shopping in person. |
| touch and feel | use your hands to check quality | I want to touch and feel the product. |
| automobile parts | parts for a car | He buys automobile parts in the store. |
| almost everything | nearly all things | They buy almost everything online. |
Collocations
buy
buy in
local
send stuff
try shoes
see and
Mixed options
personstoresonlinetouchonbackPhrasal Verb Questions
What products do you usually look online?
Have you ever sent something after buying it online?
Do you prefer to try clothes before buying them?
How do you find if a product is good quality?
What shops do you like to go in person?
Mixed options
tobackforonoutB1 Grammar: Prefer / Like / Would Rather
Use these forms to talk about shopping preferences.
| Form | Example |
|---|---|
| prefer to + verb | I prefer to buy shoes in person. |
| like to + verb | I like to buy bedding online. |
| would rather + verb | I would rather buy clothes in a store. |
| because + reason | I buy shoes in person because I need to try them on. |
Grammar Exercise 1: Complete the preferences
I prefer to buy electronics .
I like to buy clothes in .
I would rather try shoes .
I buy local because I like local .
I don’t buy online because I hate sending things .
Mixed options
personbackonlineonstoresError Correction
Sentence Transformations
I like buying shoes in person more.
I prefer buying clothes in a store.
I buy clothes in person. I want to touch and feel them.
Discussion
- What do you prefer to buy online?
- What do you always buy in person?
- Is online shopping better for electronics?
- Why do some people hate sending things back?
- Do you prefer big online stores or local shops?
- What products do you need to see and touch before buying?
- How has online shopping changed people’s habits?
Useful Language
| Giving preferences | Giving reasons | Comparing |
|---|---|---|
| I prefer to... I’d rather... I like to... | because... The reason is... | Online shopping is easier, but... In-person shopping is better for... |
Role Play: Online or In Person?
Student A: Online Shopper
You prefer online shopping because it is quick and convenient. Explain your choices.
Student B: Local Shopper
You prefer local stores because you can see, touch and try products. Explain your choices.
Challenge
Use: prefer to, would rather, send back, try on, local stores, see and touch.