Returning a Purchase
Practise explaining a problem and making a polite request in a shop.
1 · Read
Last week, Carlos bought a desk lamp from a homeware shop. When he opened the box, he discovered that the switch was broken. He tried a different power socket, but the lamp still did not work. On Saturday, he returned to the shop with the lamp, its box and his receipt. The assistant apologised and offered either a refund or an exchange. Carlos chose a new lamp because he still needed one for his desk.
a paper or digital record showing that you paid
replace an item with another one
2 · Listen
Listen to Carlos speaking with the shop assistant.
3 · Answer five questions
1. What did Carlos buy?
2. What was wrong with it?
3. What did he bring to the shop?
4. When did he buy it?
5. What solution did Carlos choose?
4 · Speak
Return something that does not work. Explain when you bought it, describe the problem and ask for a refund or exchange.
🔒 Your recording stays on this device and disappears when you leave this page.
5 · Self-check
Next lesson: Planning a Day Trip
Comparing travel choices, agreeing on plans and checking details.
Start the next lesson →Print this lesson
Teacher answers · A2 Returning a Purchase
- A desk lamp.
- The switch was broken.
- The lamp, its box and his receipt.
- Last Tuesday.
- An exchange.
Listening transcript: Hello. I bought this lamp here last Tuesday, but the switch is broken. I'm sorry about that. Do you have your receipt? Yes, here it is. Would you like a refund or an exchange? An exchange, please, if the same lamp is available.
Speaking: Answers will vary. Look for purchase details, a clear problem and an appropriately polite request.