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IDIOMS!
"sell like mad" = sell very quickly because an item is popular

"If you don't hurry to the store, you won't find any of the new iPhones. They're selling like mad.."

"bells and whistles" = extra, sometimes unnecessary, decorative features on an item

"Hey, I don't need a CD player with all the bells and whistles. If it plays a CD, then that is enough for me."

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[ Quiz Script | Text Completion Quiz ]
Street Market
 I. Pre-Listening Exercises
II. Listening Exercises
III. Vocabulary
IV. Post-Listening Exercises
V. Online Investigations

Level:Topic:Type:Speakers:Length:
mediumshoppingconversationtwo men01:30

I. Pre-Listening Exercises [Top]

What kinds of items would you find being sold at a flea or street market? Would you ever go to such a market to shop? Why or why not?

HELPFUL TIP: Be prepared to haggle with sellers at a flea market to see if they will lower the price on the goods you want. They can only say no, and you can try your luck with a different seller.

flea market

II. Listening Exercises [Top]
Listen to the conversation by pressing the "Play" button and answer the questions. Press the "Final Score" button to check your quiz.

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1. Why did the man not buy the ring for sale?
A. He doesn't think it is very special.
B. Someone else bought it before him.
C. He has no need for a ring.
D. The ring is too small.

2. What is the problem with the CD player?
A. The buttons are scratched.
B. The CD casing is chipped.
C. The handle is damaged.
D. The display is loose.

3. The man is not interested in the leather jacket because:
A. it is stained.
B. he already has one.
C. its too expensive.
D. the seams are coming undone.

4. What is the customer's initial counter offer for the records?
A. $25
B. $28
C. $30
D. $35

5. From the conversation, what does the customer probably purchase from the merchant in the end?
A. only records
B. only a vase
C. some records and a vase
D. nothing

Score =
Correct answers:

Listen to the conversation again as you read the Quiz Script.

III. Vocabulary Activities [Top]
Review the key vocabulary from the conversation: [ Why do these? ]

IV. Post-Listening Exercises [Top]

Practice the dialogue with a partner. Next, create your own dialogue with the seller and a different customer. Try selling two new things.

Seller: Hi. Can I help you?

Customer: Uh, I'm looking for some earrings for a friend.

Seller: Well, here's a nice pair for only $20.

Customer: What? _________.

Seller: ___________.

Customer: ___________.

Seller: ___________.

V. Online Investigations - [ What's This? ] [Top]

Although flea markets are still a popular place to find new and used goods, more and more people are turning to the Internet to find great deals on electronics, clothing, and all sorts of items. Imagine that you want to buy a new digital camera under $250. Find a digital camera that fits this description on two different Web sites. Which Web site gives you the best deal in terms of price, customer service, and delivery?

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