Asking for Help in a Store

This lesson introduces learners to a conversation about asking for assistance while shopping in a store. It focuses on vocabulary related to shopping, polite phrases, and directions within a store.

Conversation 1:

Mom: “Excuse me, can you help me find the kids’ clothing section?”
Store Assistant: “Of course! The kids’ clothing section is on the second floor. Take the escalator and turn left.”
Child: “Mom, can we look at toys too?”
Mom: “Sure. Are the toys in the same area?”
Store Assistant: “Yes, they’re opposite the kids’ clothing section.”
Mom: “Thank you! Do you also have winter jackets for kids?”
Store Assistant: “Yes, we do. They’re at the back of the kids’ clothing section.”
Child: “Mom, look at this jacket! Can I try it on?”
Mom: “Of course! Let’s find the fitting room. Where is it?”
Store Assistant: “The fitting rooms are to the right of the checkout counter.”
Mom: “Thanks again. You’ve been so helpful.”
Store Assistant: “You’re welcome! Let me know if you need anything else.”

Conversation 2:

Mom: “Excuse me, do you have school supplies?”
Store Assistant: “Yes, we do. They’re in aisle five, near the back of the store.”
Child: “Mom, can we get colorful markers too?”
Mom: “Sure. Are the markers in the same aisle?”
Store Assistant: “Yes, they’re on the left side, next to the notebooks.”
Mom: “Perfect. And where can I find lunchboxes for kids?”
Store Assistant: “The lunchboxes are opposite the snacks section in aisle seven.”
Child: “Mom, can we look at the snack section too?”
Mom: “Let’s finish finding what we need first. Is there a place to check prices?”
Store Assistant: “Yes, there’s a price scanner next to the customer service desk, near the entrance.”
Mom: “Thanks so much! This is a big store—it’s easy to get lost!”
Store Assistant: “I understand. If you need more help, feel free to ask!”

Vocabulary List

  • Section [ˈsɛkʃən] (noun) – A specific area in a store for certain products.
    • Example: “The kids’ clothing section is on the second floor.”
  • Escalator [ˈɛskəleɪtər] (noun) – A moving staircase.
    • Example: “Take the escalator and turn left.”
  • Opposite [ˈɒpəzɪt] (preposition) – Across from or facing something.
    • Example: “The toys are opposite the kids’ clothing section.”
  • Checkout counter [ˈʧɛkˌaʊt ˈkaʊntər] (noun) – The place where you pay for your items.
    • Example: “The fitting rooms are to the right of the checkout counter.”
  • Fitting room [ˈfɪtɪŋ ruːm] (noun) – A small room where you can try on clothes.
    • Example: “Let’s find the fitting room to try on the jacket.”
  • Winter jacket [ˈwɪntər ˈʤækɪt] (noun) – A heavy coat worn in cold weather.
    • Example: “Do you also have winter jackets for kids?”

Aisle [aɪl] (noun) – A passage between rows of shelves in a store.

  • Example: “The school supplies are in aisle five.”

Markers [ˈmɑːrkərz] (noun) – Colored pens used for drawing or writing.

  • Example: “Can we get colorful markers too?”

Price scanner [praɪs ˈskænər] (noun) – A device used to check the price of items.

  • Example: “There’s a price scanner next to the customer service desk.”

Customer service desk [ˈkʌstəmər ˈsɜːrvɪs dɛsk] (noun) – A counter where customers can ask for help or return items.

  • Example: “The scanner is near the customer service desk.”

Snacks [snæks] (noun) – Small food items, often eaten between meals.

  • Example: “The snacks section is in aisle seven.”

Grammar Tip:

  • Polite Requests:
    • Use “Can you” or “Could you” to make polite requests.
      • Example: “Can you help me find the kids’ clothing section?”
    • Add “please” for extra politeness: “Could you show me where the fitting rooms are, please?”
  • Prepositions of Location:
    • On: Used for floors or levels.
      • Example: “The kids’ clothing section is on the second floor.”
    • Opposite: Used for something facing or across from another.
      • Example: “The toys are opposite the kids’ clothing section.”
    • To the right/left: Used for directions.
      • Example: “The fitting rooms are to the right of the checkout counter.”
  • Polite Requests in Stores:
    • Use “Do you have…” to ask about the availability of items.
      • Example: “Do you have school supplies?”
    • Use “Can I find…” or “Where can I find…” for directions.
      • Example: “Where can I find lunchboxes for kids?”
  • Prepositions of Place in Stores:
    • Near: Close to something.
      • Example: “The school supplies are near the back of the store.”
    • Next to: Beside or adjacent to something.
      • Example: “The markers are next to the notebooks.”

FILL IN THE BLANK

Story with Missing Words

Mom: "Excuse me, can you help me find the section?"
Store Assistant: "Of course! The kids’ clothing section is on the floor. Take the escalator and turn ."
Child: "Mom, can we look at too?"
Mom: "Sure. Are the in the same area?"
Store Assistant: "Yes, they’re opposite the kids’ clothing section."
Mom: "Thank you! Do you also have winter jackets for ?"
Store Assistant: "Yes, we do. They’re at the back of the kids’ clothing section."
Child: "Mom, look at this jacket! Can I try it ?"
Mom: "Of course! Let’s find the fitting room. Where is it?"
Store Assistant: "The fitting rooms are to the of the checkout counter."
Mom: "Thanks again. You’ve been so ."
Store Assistant: "You’re welcome! Let me know if you need anything else."

Mom: "Excuse me, do you have ?"
Store Assistant: "Yes, we do. They’re in aisle five, near the of the store."
Child: "Mom, can we get markers too?"
Mom: "Sure. Are the markers in the same aisle?"
Store Assistant: "Yes, they’re on the left side, next to the ."
Mom: "Perfect. And where can I find lunchboxes for ?"
Store Assistant: "The lunchboxes are opposite the snacks section in aisle seven."
Child: "Mom, can we look at the section too?"
Mom: "Let’s finish finding what we need first. Is there a place to check ?"
Store Assistant: "Yes, there’s a price scanner next to the customer service desk, near the entrance."
Mom: "Thanks so much! This is a big store—it’s easy to get !"
Store Assistant: "I understand. If you need more help, feel free to ask!"

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