Lesson 3 of 13 · Intermediate · B1

Shopping experiences and purchases

Discuss things you have tried or bought, then explain when a specific purchase happened.

1. Grammar: Present perfect vs. past simple

Use have/has + past participle for an experience without a finished past time: I have ordered online. Use the past simple with a finished time such as yesterday or last month. Ask Have you ever …? for experiences and When did you …? for details. Already means before now; yet is common in questions and negatives.

Have you ever + past participle? → Have you ever returned an item?
I have / haven’t + past participle. → I haven’t compared the prices yet.
When did you + base verb? → When did you buy it?
I + past verb + finished time. → I bought it last week.

Model conversation

A: Have you ever returned something you ordered online?

B: Yes, I have. I returned a jacket last month.

A: Why did you return it?

B: It did not fit, so I requested a refund.

2. Useful words and verbs

Read each meaning and example. Make your own sentence, then try to use the word during the conversation.

order

to ask a business to supply something

I have ordered shoes online.

compare

to examine similarities and differences

I compared the prices yesterday.

return

to take or send an item back

I have returned the jacket.

request

to ask for something politely

I requested a refund.

refund

money given back after a return

I received a refund last week.

receipt

proof of a payment

I have kept the receipt.

quality

how good or well made something is

I checked the quality before buying it.

discount

a reduction in the usual price

I have used a discount code.

3. Conversation: 15 questions

Use complete sentences and add a reason or example when it fits. Open an answer starter if you need help. You may use imagined details.

Have you ever ordered clothing online?
Answer starter
I have / haven’t ordered clothing online.
What did you buy the last time you shopped?
Answer starter
I bought …
Have you compared prices before buying something expensive?
Answer starter
I have compared … / I haven’t done that yet.
Where did you find the best price on your last purchase?
Answer starter
I found the best price …
Have you ever returned an item?
Answer starter
I have / haven’t returned an item.
Why did you return it, or why have you kept your purchases?
Answer starter
I returned it because … / I have kept them because …
Have you ever requested a refund?
Answer starter
I have / haven’t requested a refund.
Did you keep the receipt for your last purchase?
Answer starter
I kept / didn’t keep it because …
Have you bought anything at a discount this year?
Answer starter
I have bought … / I haven’t bought anything at a discount.
When did you last use a discount?
Answer starter
I used one … / I haven’t used one yet.
Have you ever been disappointed with the quality of a product?
Answer starter
I have been disappointed with … / I haven’t had that experience.
What problem did you have with it? You can imagine an example.
Answer starter
The product …
Have you tried a new shop recently?
Answer starter
I have tried … / I haven’t tried a new shop recently.
Have you finished your shopping for this week yet?
Answer starter
I have already … / I haven’t … yet.
What have you learned from a good or bad shopping experience?
Answer starter
I have learned to … because …

4. Extend your answer

Choose three questions and answer again without the starters. Use at least three words from the word bank. Add a reason with “because,” an example with “for example,” or a contrast with “but.” Ask your partner one follow-up question.