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This is a fun lesson based around informal negotiations.
Level A2 – C2 Language can be adapted depending on levels.
Introduction:
Put the verb “to haggle” on the board.
Play “call my bluff” with the word. (you give them 3 possible definitions of the word, they have to guess which is the correct one)
3 definitions could be:
1. To laugh in an evil way like a witch.
2. To negotiate the price of something.
3. To curl up into a ball because you’re cold.
Students have to guess the correct definition. Award points for correct answers.
Depending on the students level you can now show them examples of haggling:
Monty Python The Life of Brian haggling scene:
TIP: When showing youtube clips in class have them loaded up before to avoid awkward buffering moments.
Alternatively with a younger or American English class you can use this clip from The Big Bang Theory (stolen from another haggling lesson plan, thanks guys):
This clip can be mined for some useful language:
What do you want for it?
Can you do any better?
Steep = expensive
For my friends let’s say………
It’s a limited edition.
To give a discount.
We’ll take it.
My final offer.
You’re killing me here.
You throw in (something extra)
Class Discussion Questions:
(depending on class size either put students in small groups 3-4 or as a whole class)
- Have you ever haggled?
- If so where?
- What did you buy?
- Did you get a good price?
- What strategies did you use?
- Do people often haggle in your country?
- What other negotiating do you do in your everyday life?
Haggling Role-plays.
Tell the students that they are now going to role-play some haggling situations. Before you start you can go over some vocabulary and structures:
Target language:
Here there is a link to a vocabulary handout:
https://skydrive.live.com/redir?resid=79CFF252BEEA0A7D!237&authkey=!ABIJf3pM5-L4cDA
Haggle, Compromise, worth, expensive (too expensive, way / far too expensive), overpriced, a rip-off, cheap (too cheap, way / far too cheap), bargain, good value, cheap as chips, to cost an arm and a leg.
Other synonyms of expensive: Pricey, steep, dear.
Other synonyms of cheap: Affordable, reasonable, economical.
For higher levels you can ban the use of “expensive” and “cheap”.
Put the students into pairs (3’s are also ok, 2 customers and 1 shopkeeper) and hand out role-cards (see below)
Link to printable role-cards:
Here you have a link to the role cards for several different role-plays. These were written specifically for classes in Barcelona so they have a Catalan theme. However, the objects for sale can easily be changed for ones related to the target audience.
https://skydrive.live.com/redir?resid=79CFF252BEEA0A7D!136&authkey=!AIFFG0Wkh2MkSSw
Give the students plenty of time to haggle, negotiations sometimes drag on for a long time!
Wrap up:
Once everyone has had a go at both roles get the groups to feedback about their experiences.
Who was the best haggler?
What strategies did you use?
Which role is easier, customer or salesman?