Are You a Shopaholic?

Lower-Intermediate - Speaking

the ARTICLE (for teachers)

Are You a Shopaholic?
Some people love shopping. These people buy on impulse, which means they don't think
about the cost or the need. Some of these people have huge amounts of credit card debt as
a result. If this sounds like you, then you may be a shopaholic.
A recent test revealed that 9% of people are shopaholics, which is an increase from a
similar test conducted fifteen years ago. The data also shows that men are just as likely to
be shopaholics as women. The test consisted of six statements, and people answered on a
7-point scale (from strongly agree to strongly disagree). Some statements included:

Much of my life centers around buying things.

I buy things I didn't plan to buy.

Others might consider me a shopaholic.

People who are shopaholics often have financial problems like an empty bank account and
maxed out credit cards. Yet these unneeded and unwanted purchases may be the sign of
more serious problems, such as depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem. In addition,
relationships and family harmony can also worsen because of arguments about the
purchases. This is a problem that affects all levels of society.
Researchers suggest that shopaholics felt better when they were shopping, even when they
knew and understood about the problems it caused.

Teacher's Notes:

* Underlined words in red typeface may be vocabulary unfamiliar to the students.

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Are You a Shopaholic?

Lower-Intermediate - Speaking

the Article (for students)

Are You a Shopaholic?
Some people love shopping. These people buy on impulse, which means they don't think
about the cost or the need. Some of these people have huge amounts of credit card debt as
a result. If this sounds like you, then you may be a shopaholic.
A recent test revealed that 9% of people are shopaholics, which is an increase from a
similar test conducted fifteen years ago. The data also shows that men are just as likely to
be shopaholics as women. The test consisted of six statements, and people answered on a
7-point scale (from strongly agree to strongly disagree). Some statements included:

Much of my life centers around buying things.

I buy things I didn't plan to buy.

Others might consider me a shopaholic.

People who are shopaholics often have financial problems like an empty bank account and
maxed out credit cards. Yet these unneeded and unwanted purchases may be the sign of
more serious problems, such as depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem. In addition,
relationships and family harmony can also worsen because of arguments about the
purchases. This is a problem that affects all levels of society.
Researchers suggest that shopaholics felt better when they were shopping, even when they
knew and understood about the problems it caused.

Notes:

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Are You a Shopaholic?

Lower-Intermediate - Speaking

STEP ONE
Brainstorm: Brainstorm with a partner words and ideas for "shopaholic" for two minutes.
Next, talk about the words and ideas for five minutes.

STEP TWO
Discuss: Do you agree or disagree? Why?
a. I love to go shopping.
b. I often buy things that I don't really need.
c. I often buy things that I didn't plan to buy.
d. My friends would consider me a shopaholic.
e. I have recently made a large purchase.

STEP THREE
The Article: Read the article and work with a partner to understand it. Then summarize the
article in your own words.

STEP FOUR
Discuss: Talk about the following questions in pairs/groups. Remember to support your
answers and ask more questions with your partner.
a. Did you like this article? Why/not?
b. What are your shopping habits? Please explain.
c. Based on the information in the article, would you consider yourself a shopaholic?
d. Do you agree that women and men suffer from the problem equally? Why/not?
e. What solutions are there for people who are shopaholics? How can they be helped?

STEP FIVE
Debate: Imagine possible supporting evidence for the following opinions on shopaholics.
Then work with a partner and debate each point. One student should support the statement
and the other should oppose the statement. Limit the debate to two-minutes per question.
Statement #1:

Shopaholics are addicted to shopping. It's problem just as

serious as alcoholism.

Statement #2:

Compulsive shopping is an addiction. There should be therapy

and support groups to help.
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