English LadderFood & conversation · 5-minute lesson
A small question. A new conversation.
Find out how asking one extra question can make a shopping conversation easier.
Intermediate · B1–B2📅 September 05, 2026 [1 day, 0 hours old] - A small question. A new conversation.
Intermediate ESL: A small question. A new conversation.
Read the story
Mina stops at a market stall to buy tomatoes for dinner. After asking the price, she explains that she only needs enough for two people. The vendor suggests half a kilo, but Mina is unsure how much that is. Instead of pretending to understand, she asks whether he could show her. He places a few tomatoes on the scale so that she can see the quantity. Mina thanks him and realizes that a simple request for clarification made the conversation easier.
Words and grammar
2. quantity (noun): the amount of something
3. clarification (noun): an explanation that makes something easier to understand
Grammar Focus: So that to explain purpose
So that introduces the purpose of an action: why someone does it.
Example from the text: "He places a few tomatoes on the scale so that she can see the quantity."
Tap an underlined word in the story to see its meaning.
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. Why does Mina need help after hearing the suggestion?
2. What does Mina do instead of pretending?
3. Why does the vendor use the scale?
4. What does clarification mean here?
5. What does so that introduce in the passage?
Share your ideas
- Role-play the scene, using a different item and quantity.
- Describe a time when asking one more question helped you understand something.
Try using two words from the story. You can speak to a partner or practice on your own.
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