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

bananas
oranges

carrots chili peppers

potatoes watermelon

onions grapes
 an eggplant
cherries

tomatoes apples

a pair of jeans

a blouse

a pair of shoes
a pair of boots
 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 hot dog
a cup of soup and a half
sandwich

a cup of tea
a cup of coffee
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
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

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.

Abraham Lincoln for ESL Students
by 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 2
by 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 3

by 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 Lesson
by 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 2

by 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 3

by 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 Lesson

by 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 2

by 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 3

by 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 Breakfast
by 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 2

by 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 3

by 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 Lesson
by 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 2

by 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 3

by 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 Lesson
by 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 2

by 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 3

by 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 Lesson

by 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 2

by 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 3

by 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 Lesson

by 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 2

by 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 3

by 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 Lesson

by 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 2

by 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 3

by 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 Lesson
by 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 2

by 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 3

by elcivics.com
What kind
of sport is
the man
playing?

• He
is
play
ing
bas
ebal
l.

• He
is
goi
ng
to
thro
w
the
ball
.

• The
peo
ple
in
the
stan
ds
are
wat
chin
g
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.