Food & conversation · 5-minute lesson

A small question. A new conversation.

Practice asking for what you need on a visit to a food market.

Beginner · A1–A2

📅 September 05, 2026 [1 day, 0 hours old] - A small question. A new conversation.

Practice asking for what you need on a visit to a food market.

Shoppers and vendors among colorful fruit stalls in an indoor Kyiv market. — A real market in Kyiv sets the scene; the conversation below is fictional. Photo: DZHA / Unsplash.

Read the story

Mina visits a food market on Saturday. She wants to buy tomatoes for dinner. She asks a vendor, 'How much are these tomatoes?' The vendor says, 'They cost three dollars for one kilo.' Mina asks, 'Could I have half a kilo, please?' The vendor puts the tomatoes in her bag, and Mina says thank you.

Words and grammar

1. vendor (noun): a person who sells things
2. cost (verb): to have a particular price
3. half (noun): one of two equal parts

Grammar Focus: A polite request with could
Could I have…? is a polite way to ask for something.
Example from the text: "Mina asks, 'Could I have half a kilo, please?'"

An original practice scenario. The people and dialogue are fictional; the photograph shows a real market.

0 of 5 questions answered

Check your understanding

Click on an option to check your answer.

1. What does Mina want to buy?

2. Who answers Mina's question?

3. How much does Mina ask for?

4. Which question asks about the price?

5. Which request is polite?

Share your ideas

Practice the conversation with a partner. Choose a different food.
What do you like buying at a market? Explain in two sentences.

Try using two words from the story. You can speak to a partner or practice on your own.

Your ideas (optional)