Topic 154: Shopping Habits and Consumerism

A1-A2 (Beginner-Elementary)

1. What is consumerism?

2. How do you feel when you go shopping?

3. What are some things you like to buy when you go shopping?

4. Do you prefer shopping online or in physical stores? Why?

5. Why do people buy things they don’t need?

6. How do you decide what to buy when you go shopping?

7. What do you think about advertisements and how they influence shopping habits?

8. How do you feel about shopping during sales or promotions?

9. Do you think people spend too much money on shopping? Why?

10. What are the advantages of shopping online?

11. How can you save money while shopping?

12. Do you think shopping can be a fun activity? Why or why not?

13. How do you decide whether an item is worth buying?

14. What is your opinion on people who always want the latest products?

15. Do you think shopping habits are changing in today’s world? Why or why not?

16. How do you feel when you buy something and later realize you didn’t need it?

B1-B2 (Intermediate-Upper Intermediate)

17. How does consumerism affect the environment?

18. What are the benefits and drawbacks of online shopping compared to shopping in stores?

19. How does advertising influence your shopping habits?

20. Why do people sometimes feel the need to buy things to feel better?

21. What are some ways that people can be more mindful of their shopping habits?

22. How do shopping habits differ between different generations (e.g., young vs. older people)?

23. How has technology changed the way people shop?

24. What are the ethical concerns around consumerism and fast fashion?

25. How can people make smarter choices when shopping to avoid impulse buying?

26. How does the availability of credit and loans affect people’s shopping habits?

27. What are some common mistakes people make when shopping for clothes or electronics?

28. How does social media influence people’s shopping decisions and habits?

29. How can people reduce their carbon footprint through mindful shopping choices?

30. Why do people sometimes buy things they don’t need or want, just because they are on sale?

31. What role do emotions play in shopping decisions?

32. What do you think about the trend of minimalism and how it challenges consumerism?

C1-C2 (Advanced-Proficient)

33. How does consumerism contribute to the growth of the global economy, and what are its consequences?

34. What are the psychological and social factors that influence shopping behaviors and consumerism?

35. How do companies use marketing techniques to manipulate consumer behavior?

36. What is the impact of advertising on shaping desires and needs in society?

37. How does consumerism affect personal identity and self-perception?

38. What role does social status play in consumer habits, particularly in developed countries?

39. How can consumerism lead to environmental degradation, and what are the long-term effects on the planet?

40. What are the ethical implications of mass consumption, particularly in industries like fast fashion or electronics?

41. How can governments and organizations promote sustainable shopping practices?

42. How does the concept of planned obsolescence influence consumer buying habits?

43. What are some ways to combat the negative effects of consumerism and encourage more responsible consumption?

44. What is the role of e-commerce in shaping modern consumer habits, and how does it differ from traditional retail?

45. How do consumer behaviors vary across cultures, and what cultural factors contribute to these differences?

46. How does the concept of “buying happiness” relate to consumerism and its impact on mental health?

47. How does the constant pressure for newer and better products affect people’s relationship with material goods?

48. What is the future of consumerism in a world increasingly focused on sustainability and ethical practices?