EnglishPod 207 - Shopping Online

Summary

In this English lesson, hosts Marco and Catherine introduce the concept of online shopping, focusing on the platform eBay. They discuss the benefits of shopping from home, the point system for seller reliability, and payment methods like credit cards and PayPal. Key vocabulary includes 'online', 'browse', 'point system', 'trustworthy', and phrases like 'rip you off' and 'there's no turning back'. The dialogue illustrates a conversation about the ease and safety of purchasing items online, hinting at the convenience and potential pitfalls of internet shopping.

Takeaways

• 😀 eBay is an online marketplace where people can buy and sell used or new items.
• 🛒 Online shopping allows buyers to search for items without leaving their homes, providing convenience and efficiency.
• 💭 The term 'to browse' is used to describe the act of looking through items, either online or in physical stores, with the possibility of purchasing later.
• 🔍 eBay uses a point system to rate sellers, which helps buyers determine the trustworthiness of sellers based on feedback.
• 💳 Online payments can be made using credit cards, debit cards, or secure systems like PayPal to ensure safety and speed.
• 🛡️ Trustworthiness is an important factor in online transactions; it indicates the reliability and honesty of sellers.
• 🚫 The phrase 'to rip someone off' means to cheat or steal money from someone, often in the context of overcharging for goods or services.
• 👨‍💻 'Hacking' refers to the unauthorized access to digital information, which is a concern in online shopping that needs to be safeguarded against.
• ⛔️ The idiom 'there's no turning back' is used to express that once a decision is made, especially starting to shop online, it's difficult to revert to previous habits.
• 🌐 The dialogue highlights the benefits of online shopping, such as the ability to find a wide variety of products from the comfort of home.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the lesson discussed in the script?

The main topic of the lesson is online shopping, specifically using eBay as an example of a platform where people can buy and sell used or new items.

What vocabulary word is highlighted in the vocabulary preview section of the script?

The vocabulary word highlighted is 'eBay', which is described as a proper noun for the website ebay.com, an online marketplace for buying and selling used or new items.

What are the two roles a person can play on eBay according to the script?

A person can play the role of a buyer, who purchases items, or a seller, who sells items on eBay.

How does the script describe the point system used by eBay?

The script describes the point system as a way to rate sellers based on their performance. If a seller does something wrong, people can comment negatively, which affects the seller's trustworthiness.

What are the two methods of payment mentioned in the script for online purchases?

The two methods of payment mentioned are using a credit card or a debit card, and using the PayPal system.

What does the term 'to browse' mean in the context of the script?

In the context of the script, 'to browse' means to look at items, either online or in a physical store, with the possibility of buying them later, but not necessarily with the intent to buy immediately.

What does the phrase 'to rip someone off' mean as used in the script?

The phrase 'to rip someone off' means to cheat someone or to steal money from them, often in the context of selling something at a much higher price than its actual value.

What is the term for someone who steals information on the internet as mentioned in the script?

The term for someone who steals information on the internet is 'hacker'.

What does the phrase 'there is no turning back' imply in the context of the script?

The phrase 'there is no turning back' implies that once someone starts shopping online, they may find it so convenient and enjoyable that they won't want to return to traditional shopping methods.

What are the advantages of shopping online mentioned in the dialogue?

The advantages mentioned include not having to leave the house, the ability to quickly search for items online, and the convenience of having items delivered to one's home.

How does the script differentiate between shopping online and traditional shopping?

The script differentiates by highlighting the convenience of online shopping, where one can shop from home in pajamas, and the potential inconvenience of traditional shopping, such as having to visit multiple stores and haggle over prices.

Outlines

00:00

🛒 Introduction to Online Shopping

This paragraph introduces the topic of online shopping, focusing on the platform eBay. The hosts, Marco and Catherine, explain that eBay is a website where people can buy and sell used items, and sometimes new ones. They discuss the roles of buyers and sellers, and compare eBay to the Chinese website Taobao. The conversation also touches on the possibility of purchasing a variety of items, including cars, on eBay, emphasizing the convenience and wide selection available to online shoppers.

05:02

🔍 Navigating eBay and Trustworthiness

In this segment, the hosts discuss the process of shopping on eBay, including searching for items and the importance of trust in online transactions. They explain eBay's point system, which allows buyers to assess the reliability of sellers based on feedback from previous transactions. The paragraph also introduces the concept of 'trustworthiness' and how it relates to sellers' reputations on online platforms. The dialogue includes a discussion on payment methods, mentioning credit cards and PayPal as secure options for online purchases.

10:03

🛍️ The Convenience of Online Shopping

The final paragraph delves into the practical aspects of online shopping, highlighting the convenience of not having to leave home to browse and purchase items. The hosts discuss the ease of searching for specific items online versus visiting multiple physical stores. They also touch on the security measures in place to protect buyers, such as point systems and secure payment methods. The paragraph concludes with a humorous warning about the addictive nature of online shopping, suggesting that once someone starts, it can be hard to stop due to the ease and variety of options available.

Keywords

💡eBay

eBay is a proper noun referring to a specific online marketplace where individuals can buy and sell a wide variety of goods, both new and used. In the context of the video, eBay is presented as a platform where users can conveniently sell items they no longer want, such as a TV, by listing them with pictures online for potential buyers. This keyword is central to the video's theme of online shopping, showcasing how eBay facilitates the buying and selling process in a digital environment.

💡online shopping

Online shopping refers to the act of purchasing goods or services over the internet. The video emphasizes the convenience of online shopping, as it allows individuals to search for and acquire items without leaving their homes. The dialogue illustrates this by discussing how one can quickly find a pillow on eBay, highlighting the ease and efficiency of shopping online compared to traditional brick-and-mortar stores.

💡buyer

A buyer is a person who purchases goods or services. In the video, the term is used to describe someone who engages in online shopping, seeking to acquire items through platforms like eBay. The concept is integral to the video's discussion on online commerce, as it represents one half of the transactional process, complemented by the 'seller'.

💡seller

A seller is an individual or entity that offers goods or services for sale. The video script mentions sellers in the context of eBay, where they list items for potential buyers. The concept of a seller is crucial to the video's exploration of online marketplace dynamics, as it represents the supply side of the online shopping equation.

💡browse

To browse means to look through items, often with the intention of making a purchase. In the video, browsing is discussed in relation to online shopping, where one can easily search and view a variety of products without physically visiting multiple stores. The term is used to illustrate the convenience of online shopping, where users can quickly 'browse' through numerous options from the comfort of their own homes.

💡point system

A point system is a method of ranking or evaluating users, often based on their performance or behavior. In the video, eBay's point system is mentioned as a way to gauge the trustworthiness of sellers. Sellers accumulate points based on positive feedback, and a higher number of points indicates a more reliable seller. This system is highlighted as a key feature that helps maintain trust and security within the online shopping environment.

💡trustworthy

Trustworthy is an adjective used to describe someone who is reliable and honest. In the context of the video, a trustworthy seller is one who has a good reputation and a history of positive transactions on eBay. The term is important to the video's message about the safety and reliability of online shopping, as it reassures potential buyers that they can trust the sellers they are dealing with.

💡rip off

To rip someone off means to cheat or defraud someone, often in a financial context. The video script uses this term to describe a scenario where a seller might charge an exorbitant price for an item, thereby taking advantage of the buyer. The phrase is relevant to the video's discussion on the importance of trust and security in online transactions, emphasizing the need for buyers to be cautious and aware of potential scams.

💡hack

To hack refers to the unauthorized access to data, often with malicious intent. In the video, the term is used in the context of online security, where the risk of hackers stealing personal information during online transactions is mentioned. The dialogue emphasizes the importance of using secure payment methods, like PayPal, to protect against hacking and safeguard personal data.

💡no turning back

The phrase 'no turning back' is used to indicate that a decision is final and cannot be reversed. In the video, it is employed metaphorically to suggest that once someone starts shopping online, they may find it so convenient and efficient that they will not want to return to traditional shopping methods. This phrase encapsulates the transformative impact of online shopping on consumer behavior.

Highlights

Introduction to the topic of online shopping

Definition of eBay as an online marketplace for used items

Explanation of the roles of buyers and sellers on eBay

Mention of eBay's point system to ensure seller reliability

Discussion on the safety of online payments through credit cards and PayPal

Advantages of online shopping: convenience and time-saving

Language takeaway: Understanding the term 'to go online'

Definition and use of the verb 'to browse' in the context of shopping

Explanation of 'point system' as a measure of seller trustworthiness

Importance of being 'trustworthy' in online transactions

Phrase 'to rip someone off' explained in the context of online shopping

The risk of having personal information 'hacked' online

Warning phrase 'there's no turning back' in the context of starting online shopping

Personal experience of using credit cards for online purchases on Amazon

Comparison of the convenience of online shopping versus physical stores

Encouragement for listeners to share their online shopping experiences

Invitation to visit the podcast's website for more interaction

Transcripts

foreign

and welcome to another lesson at English

pod my name is Marco and I am Catherine

and today we're talking about shopping

online so this is an elementary level

lesson that's right we are going to shop

for things online so uh before we get

started with this dialogue let's take a

look at one word we have for you on

vocabulary preview

vocabulary preview okay the word we're

looking at today is eBay eBay okay so

this is a proper noun it's a actual

website ebay.com that's right it's kind

of like a store on the internet for

people who want to buy used things okay

so maybe if you have a TV that you don't

want anymore you go on eBay you put

pictures of it online and you offer it

and anyone can buy it that's right so

you can be a buyer that means you buy

things or a seller so you sell things so

this is interesting usually you find

that use things on eBay but you can also

find new things you can it's kind of

like the Chinese website taobao I've

actually even seen people selling cars

on eBay

cars yeah I can't imagine buying a car

on the internet really no they they have

even very luxurious cars on eBay so

we'll talk about more uh about online

shopping a little bit later on uh but

now why don't we listen to our dialogue

for the first time and then we'll come

back in just a little bit

[Music]

what are you doing

I'm just looking for a nice pillow on

eBay you're shopping for a pillow online

that's absurd why I don't have to leave

the house or browse a dozen stores to

find what I'm looking for this way I

just search for it online quick and easy

see but how do you pay for it how do you

know you aren't going to be ripped off

by the seller well the website handles a

point system where if the seller does

something wrong people comment

negatively and then you know that he or

she may not be trustworthy wow that

sounds pretty safe so how do you pay do

you need a credit card you can use a

credit card or your debit card they also

let you use the PayPal system which is

really safe and fast I have never had

any problems with someone hacking my

information or anything

do you think I can find a sweater for my

dog online you can find anything are you

sure you want to start shopping online

though once you step into this world

there is no turning back let's do it

all right we're back so now we have four

key words for you on language takeaway

language takeaway

the first word you might have already

heard us use already we're talking about

going on the internet to do something so

we say to go online okay so by saying

that you are going online you say that

you are using the internet that's right

so you can shop for something online

online means the internet right on the

internet so we don't say in the internet

we say we're on the internet for example

he's been on the internet all day long I

want to use the computer okay so I can

say he's been online all day long that's

right okay so that is online and when we

go online and we are looking through

different websites or maybe we are

looking at items on Ebay we are browsing

okay the verb here is to browse now to

browse is to look at but not carefully

just to look at with maybe the idea to

shop or to buy later okay so you can use

browse for online things but you can

also use it for physical things like you

are in a shop you are browsing that's

right so I can go to a clothing store

and I can browse for example if the

woman at the clothing store says would

you like to buy something I say no I'm

just browsing just I'm just looking okay

very good and then when they were

talking about eBay and how it works the

person mentioned that they have a point

system all right a point system now this

is something you hear about a lot on

websites these days for example many

websites have different users and so how

do I know which users or which in this

case sellers are the best well we have a

point system more points means better

better fewer points means worse right

um You might also call this a star

system so so basically a point system is

a way to show who is a very good

Community member and who is not that's

right and that takes us to our next word

so if a person has a lot of points in

their point system that means they are

trustworthy okay trustworthy is an

adjective he is trustworthy they are

trustworthy this means that I can trust

them they are reliable that's right so I

don't think they will lie to me I don't

think they will cheat me okay so a

person can be trustworthy a company can

be trustworthy right or you could say

he never pays me back he's not very

trustworthy when I lend him money okay

very good so four key words there why

don't we listen to them again in our

dialogue and we'll be back shortly

what are you doing

I'm just looking for a nice pillow on

eBay you're shopping for a pillow online

that's absurd why I don't have to leave

the house or browse a dozen stores to

find what I'm looking for this way I

just search for it online quick and easy

let's see but how do you pay for it how

do you know you aren't going to be

ripped off by the seller well the

website handles a point system where if

the seller does something wrong people

comment negatively and then you know

that he or she may not be trustworthy

wow that sounds pretty safe so how do

you pay do you need a credit card you

can use a credit card or your debit card

they also let use the PayPal system

which is really safe and fast I have

never had any problems with someone

hacking my information or anything

do you think I can find a sweater for my

dog online you can find anything are you

sure you want to start shopping online

though once you step into this world

there is no turning back let's do it

[Music]

all right we're back so now we have

three key phrases that we saw in our

dialogue and let's take a look at those

now in fluency Builder

fluency Builder

well the first phrase we have here is

related to that last word we had

trustworthy

um someone is not trustworthy if they

will rip you off okay okay so it's a

phrasal verb to rip you off or to rip

off to rip someone off that's right so

um they ripped him off he ripped her off

this means to steal money from someone

or to cheat someone right so maybe if a

pair of shoes usually at a store costs

fifty dollars and then your friend that

sells them to you for two hundred

dollars your friend ripped you off

that's right he ripped you off that's

not a good friend he's not very

trustworthy all right so now when they

were talking about how safe it is to

make purchases online the person

explained that it's pretty safe and that

no one has ever hacked his information

okay so this is an important verb that

has to do with the intern net to hack

information is to steal information on

the internet so someone who hacks who

steals this information is called a

hacker okay and this is something that's

very bad we want to go to secure and

safe websites because we don't want

people to hack our personal information

that's right okay so the verb is to hack

and finally in the end when they were

going to look for a sweater for a dog

the person said you know what this is

great but are you sure you want to start

to shop online once you do this there is

no turning back oh I love this phrase

there's no turning back so this is uh

well you think about someone who's

leaving you say there's no turning back

you can't go back you can't return to

where you were right this is something

we say as a warning so listen this is

your final decision if you say yes you

cannot change your mind you cannot say

no later so you can't turn back later

that's right so there's no turning back

now okay no turning back very good

interesting phrases keywords and

everything so we should listen to this

dialogue one last time and we'll be back

to talk with you a little bit more

foreign

[Music]

what are you doing

I'm just looking for a nice pillow on

eBay you're shopping for a pillow online

that's absurd why I don't have to leave

the house or browse a dozen stores to

find what I'm looking for this way I

just search for it online quick and easy

see but how do you pay for it how do you

know you aren't going to be ripped off

by the seller well the website handles a

point system where if the seller does

something wrong people comment

negatively and then you know that he or

she may not be trustworthy wow that

sounds pretty safe so how do you pay do

you need a credit card you can use a

credit card or your debit card they also

let you use the PayPal system which is

really safe and fast I have never had

any problems with someone hacking my

information or anything

do you think I can find a sweater for my

dog online you can find anything are you

sure you want to start shopping online

though once you step into this world

there is no turning back let's do it

all right so now talking about online

shopping have you ever bought anything

online use your credit card online uh I

have I've used my credit card on

amazon.com to purchase books on the

internet but I know that you are much

more of a fan of online shopping you use

the Chinese website how about all the

time yeah well actually I wrote this

dialogue and it's kind of based on

something real because you know

sometimes going to the stores it can be

great and you can see things and

physically touch them but I'm a little

bit more practical I know exactly what I

want or maybe I saw it so I don't want

to have to go to the stores and deal

with you know haggling or negotiating or

sometimes it's even more expensive so I

just you know from the comfort of my own

home just put in my uh my debit card

number and buy things online and I get

it delivered overnight well and you

never go shopping now well shopping you

have to go to the clothing store for

clothes close the video game store for

video games and on the Internet it's all

in one place you're at home you're in

your pajamas you use your credit card

and the cool thing is that you can even

uh sometimes you want to buy small

things like in this case maybe a pillow

or you want to buy like recently I

bought some candles some decorative

candles so I don't know do you really

want to go out downtown look for the

candle shop where you can get them you

can just do it online do it online let

us know do you shop on the internet if

you do what kind of services do you use

what stores do you go to let us know our

website is englishpod.com we hope to see

you there all right bye everyone bye

[Music]

thank you