Casa ESL · A2 Elementary · Unit 10 of 20 · Step 1

Shopping & Prices

Markets & Spending

Ask and answer questions about prices using 'how much' and 'how many'
Distinguish between countable and uncountable nouns
Use shopping vocabulary confidently

Name

Date

price

noun

The amount of money you pay for something.

"What is the price of this jacket?"

receipt

noun

A written record of what you bought and how much you paid.

"Keep your receipt in case you want to return it."

discount

noun

A reduction in the usual price of something.

"Students get a ten percent discount here."

afford

verb

To have enough money to buy or do something.

"I can't afford the leather bag — it's too expensive."

bargain

noun

Something that is sold for less than its real value.

"These shoes were an absolute bargain at that price."

cash

noun

Physical money in coins and notes.

"Do you accept cash or only card payments?"

currency

noun

The system of money used in a country.

"What currency do they use in Japan?"

change

noun

Money returned to you when you pay more than the price.

"Here is your change — three euros fifty."

How much / How many — countable and uncountable nouns

Use How many with countable nouns (things you can count: apples, bags, euros). Use How much with uncountable nouns (things you cannot count: water, rice, money). Some/any follow similar rules: any in questions and negatives, some in positive statements.

How much does this cost? — It's fifteen euros.

How many bags would you like? — Just one, thank you.

I don't have much cash on me — can I pay by card?

There are some good deals at the market today.

Exercise 1

Fill in the blank with 'how much' or 'how many'.

1. does the blue scarf cost?

2. items are in your basket?

3. change did they give you?

4. languages does the app support?

5. rice do you need for this recipe?

Exercise 2

Choose the correct word: much or many.

1. I don't have ___ time — I need to leave soon.

2. There aren't ___ tickets left for the concert.

3. She spent too ___ money on shoes this month.

The Street Market

Every Sunday morning there is a large street market near my flat. There are many stalls selling fresh fruit, vegetables, clothes, and antiques. Last week I bought a leather wallet. I asked the seller how much it was and she said forty euros. I didn't have much cash so I asked if she accepted card. She did. I also found a set of four vintage glasses for twelve euros — a real bargain. I didn't spend much money overall but I came home very happy. I go most Sundays when I can.

1. How much did the leather wallet cost?

2. Why were the vintage glasses a bargain?

Discuss these questions with a partner or your teacher.

1Role-play a shopping scenario. One partner is a market seller, the other is a customer. Negotiate on price using 'how much', 'discount', and 'afford'.
2Tell your partner about the best bargain you have ever found. Where was it? How much did it cost?

Write 4–6 sentences about a recent shopping experience. Use 'how much', 'how many', and at least two vocabulary words from this unit.

Example: Last week I went to the market to buy vegetables for the week. I asked how much the tomatoes were and the seller said two euros per kilo. I didn't have much cash so I just bought what I needed. I also found some good-value spices — a real bargain. I spent about fifteen euros in total and came home with a full bag.

Answer Key — For Teacher Use

Exercise 1

1. How much · 2. How many · 3. How much · 4. How many · 5. How much

Exercise 2

1. much · 2. many · 3. much

Reading Comprehension

1. It cost forty euros. · 2. The writer got four glasses for only twelve euros.