Vocabulary:
Prevalent (adj) Predominant; powerful
First and foremost (phrase) most importantly
Taken it for granted (idiom) Fail to properly appreciate (someone or something)
47.4. Are there any disadvantages (or dangers) of buying on the internet? (What?)
Every cloud has a silver lightning.
Online shopping, in particular and e-commerce in
general are true advancement in modern world, however, their drawbacks couldn’t be
overlooked. It is widely known that there is no such thing as 100% nowadays, cyber
security included. No less than once or twice have I heard about users’ information has
been leaked, which can cause a serious threat to customers who are using that
company’s products or services. Another concern should also be taken into account is
overspending due to constant exposure to products of preference. By this I mean
technology has advanced to the point that any shopping sites, especially social media,
all have algorithm that can track your shopping habits and keep reminding you not to
miss their latest items that might attract you. What a clever, yet annoying tool at the
same time.
Vocabulary:
Every cloud has a silver lightning (idiom)
something good even in an unpleasant situation
Cyber security (phrase) the body of technologies, processes and practices designed to
protect networks, computers, programs and data from attack, damage or unauthorized
access
Take something into account (phrase) to consider something to
be an important factor
in some decision
Algorithm (noun) a process or set of rules to be followed in calculations or other
problem-solving operations
47.5. Do you like window shopping? (Why?/Why not?)
I must say I am not a big fan of window shopping no matter how shopaholic I am.
Window shopping can only worsen my financial status rather than helping. Admittedly,
it pleases your eyes when looking at gorgeous clothing and fancy handbags, yet, it’s too
much a temptation that not anyone can resist. As a result, you end up being drown in
debt just because the urge to become a trendy lady gets a better hold of you than your
modest budget. Hence, as I know myself well enough to understand that would be my
reaction towards anything that is pretty, I would rather stay home than window
shopping.
Vocabulary:
A (big) fan of (phrase) an enthusiastic devotee or admirer of something or somebody
Window shopping (phrase) the activity of going to a store or website to look at goods
rather than to buy anything
Shopaholic (noun) a person considered to be addicted to shopping
Get hold of (phrase) To gain
control of
End up (phrasal verb) finish, result in
47.6. In your country, how has shopping changed in the past few decades?
Just like any other parts of the world, Singapore has experienced dramatic changes in
customers’ behavior when it comes to shopping. One of the striking features of
shopping habits these days is people tend to buy things online and get them delivered
to their houses, regardless of what kinds of items. It could be pizzas, clothing or kitchen
appliances. Besides, international trade has afforded customers easy access to a wider
range of products and services which are not only from domestic suppliers but foreign
ones as well. Lots of items have been imported to meet the demand of users within the
country, ranging from food and beverage, cosmetics, cars and so on.
Vocabulary:
When it comes to Ving (expression) as for something; speaking about something
Regardless of (conjunction) without considering something
And so on (phrase) et cetera (etc)
47.7. Do you think people spend too much time (or money) on shopping? (Why?/Why
not?)
I can’t tell for sure because the amount of time spent
on shopping varies among
different people. Nevertheless, thanks to the advent of Internet and online shopping,
that amount might be relatively less than it used to be. Besides, people seem to be
busier and their schedules get tighter with much more important tasks other than
shopping itself. Therefore, I don’t think shopping is people’s priority or anything more
than a necessary deed to get on with life.
Vocabulary:
Get on with (phrasal verb) to give your time to something and make progress with it
47.8. What kinds of people spend an excessive amount of time or money on shopping?
There is no doubt that people who spend an excessive amount of time or money on
shopping are those with purchasing power and time to spare. In other words, they are
of high-income class and love to pamper themselves
with qualified products and
premium services. They, regardless of gender, are people with fine taste and know what
they want. They can sacrifice hours just to choose a dress or suit, which can cost a
fortune just to attend an opening party.
Vocabulary:
Pamper with (verb) to treat somebody/something with extreme or excessive care and
attention
Cost a fortune (idiom) to cost a
lot of money
