Pre-Listening Exercise
Shopping online or at local department stores is an activity many people enjoy. How often do you go shopping for the following items and where do you buy them: clothing, gifts for friends and family, music, DVD movies, electronics?
Idioms
“save for a rainy day” = save something for the future when it is needed
“Instead of spending money on a new TV, I’m going to save it for a rainy day. You never know when you’ll need it.”
“a dime a dozen” = very common, usually inexpensive, and easy to find
“I bought my dad a new watch at a flea market, and I thought I got a great deal only to discover they were a dime a dozen at other places.”
Listening Exercise
A. Listen to the recording and answer the questions.
Man: Hi young lady. How may I help you?
Girl: Well, . . . yeah. I’m looking for a Father’s Day gift.
Man: Okay. How about getting your father a new wallet?
Girl: Hmm. How much is that wallet?
Man: Huh . . . which one?
Girl: The black one.
Man: Oh. It’s only $40.95.
Girl: Huh? That’s too expensive for me. Do you have a cheaper one?
Man: Hmm. How about this brown leather one?
Girl: Umm. . . I don’t think my father will like the design on the outside, and it doesn’t have a place to put pictures. How much is it anyway?
Man: It’s $25.99.
Girl: Humm. I don’t have that much money.
Man: Okay. How much money do you have to spend?
Girl: I’m not sure [money falling on the table]. Probably about ten dollars or so. I’ve been helping my mom around the house for the past week to earn some money. This is all I have.
Man: Hmm. How about this tie?
Girl: That’s real pretty, but the price tag says $13.99, and I know I don’t have that much money.
Man: Well, let’s just say the tie went on sale. How about $5.00. What do you say?
Girl: Oh, thanks. I’ll take it.