🔶 Part 1 — Tutorial

Step 1 — Analyse the task & define both views (Discuss Both Views + Opinion)

Read the prompt carefully and underline the task verb and scope: you must “Discuss both views and give your opinion” regarding whether online shopping or local stores are preferable. Identify the two specific positions: View A (why some people prefer buying online) and View B (why others support local/brick-and-mortar shops). Remember that your job is to explain each side fairly and then state a clear stance that remains consistent throughout. Brainstorm two high-quality reasons for each view, each with a short mechanism and a compact, realistic example. For online buying, typical angles include convenience and time-saving, wider variety and price comparison, and home delivery and flexible returns. For local shops, common points are product inspection and fit, immediate availability and after-sales support, and community ties and local economies. Decide where to place your opinion: in the introduction (direct thesis) or in the conclusion (delayed evaluation). Keep the word target around 270–310 words and make a quick time plan: ~8 minutes planning, ~25 minutes writing, ~3–4 minutes checking for cohesion and accuracy. Avoid drifting into a general advantages–disadvantages essay; keep your explanations anchored to why certain shoppers prefer one mode over the other.

Example Box — Decoding the Prompt (Online vs Local Stores)

Prompt: “Some prefer online shopping; others support local stores. Discuss both views and give your opinion.”
Focus: Explain why people choose online purchasing and why others favour physical shops; then state your judgement.
Typical angles: Online → convenience, choice, price tools, delivery; Local → try-before-you-buy, instant possession, advice, community.
Pitfall: Listing too many points without depth; aim for reason → mechanism → micro-example for each side.

Step 2 — Plan a clear structure & argument flow

Use a four- or five-paragraph plan to maintain control. In the introduction, paraphrase the statement in one sentence and either preview neutrality (“both views have merit”) or give a mild thesis that signals your leaning. In Body 1, present why online shopping appeals to many: open with a view-labelled topic sentence, then develop two linked reasons (e.g., 24/7 access and large product variety that reduce search time and allow price comparison), followed by a compact example (e.g., a working parent ordering groceries and school supplies in one session). In Body 2, explain why local stores remain attractive with a parallel structure (e.g., tactile inspection and expert advice improving purchase accuracy; immediate possession for urgent needs), supported by a concise example (e.g., trying running shoes in-store to ensure proper fit). Insert a brief evaluation line to weigh trade-offs logically and prepare your opinion. The conclusion should directly answer the question and synthesise which factors matter most for different shoppers or situations. Use contrastive cohesion (while/whereas/on the other hand) and evaluative signposts (on balance/to a large extent/ultimately) naturally. Keep examples plausible and short to preserve space for analysis.

Example Box — Skeleton Plan (Online vs Local)

Intro: Paraphrase + neutral outline or opinion.
Body 1 (Online): Convenience + variety/price tools → micro-example (busy parent, late-night order, next-day delivery).
Body 2 (Local): Inspection/fit + immediacy/advice → micro-example (electronics, shoes, groceries in a hurry).
Evaluation/Conclusion: Weigh time/choice vs accuracy/community; state opinion and why.

Step 3 — Write balanced, high-impact paragraphs

Make your topic sentences explicitly view-labelled so the examiner sees task control (e.g., “Many consumers favour online shopping because…” versus “By contrast, local stores appeal to others since…”). Develop each reason with a clear mechanism: “aggregated online catalogues reduce search costs, which broadens choice and enables price comparison,” or “hands-on testing and staff advice reduce return rates and buyer regret.” Use micro-examples that are specific yet brief (“a freelancer compares laptop specs across vendors at midnight” / “a runner tests sizes and gait in-store before purchase”). Add an evaluation line to show judgement (“However, these benefits depend on product type; items requiring fit or safety checks may suit stores better, whereas commodity goods suit online platforms”). Keep tone neutral when presenting both sides and reserve persuasive language for your stance. Vary sentence length and structure (one concise claim followed by a complex explanation). Avoid sweeping statistics or clichés; stay precise and plausible. Conclude by restating your answer in fresh words without introducing new arguments.

Example Box — High-impact Sentences

Thesis (balanced): “Both channels offer real advantages, but on balance I prefer online shopping for routine items.”
Topic (Body 1): “Online platforms attract buyers because round-the-clock access and broad catalogues minimise search time.”
Topic (Body 2): “Others support local stores since trying products and receiving advice improves purchase accuracy.”
Evaluation line: “Ultimately, the better option varies by product type and urgency.”
Conclusion line: “While local shops excel for fit-sensitive goods, online channels are more efficient for standardised items.”

Step 4 — Language, cohesion, and accuracy

Use precise lexis for commerce and consumer behaviour (search costs, delivery windows, return policy, stock availability, after-sales support, impulse purchase, local economy). Signal contrast and concession naturally (while/whereas/on the other hand/nevertheless/albeit) and evaluation with on balance/to a large extent/ultimately. Maintain a formal, neutral tone when outlining each view; avoid stereotyping shoppers or stores. Check paragraph unity: one controlling idea per body paragraph, with a reason → mechanism → example chain. Keep referencing clear (“these platforms,” “such policies”) and articles/prepositions accurate. Prefer concise clauses over crowded modifiers. Proofread for agreement, punctuation in complex sentences, and consistent variety (BrE or AmE). Aim for ~280–310 words with fully developed ideas and minimal redundancy.

Example Box — Quick Quality Checks

Balance: Are both views explained fairly before judging?
Development: Does each point follow reason → mechanism → micro-example?
Cohesion: Are contrast/evaluation linkers used naturally?
Accuracy: Articles, prepositions, and agreement correct?
Task: Is the opinion explicit and consistent?

Universal Fill-in-the-Gap Template — Discussion (Both Views + Opinion)

Adapt to the online shopping vs local stores prompt. Replace […] with your ideas. Keep sentences concise.

Sentence-by-Sentence Scaffold (Online vs Local)

Intro S1 (Paraphrase): People disagree about whether buying online or from local shops offers a better experience.

Intro S2 (Outline/Thesis): This essay discusses both views, and I [prefer/lean towards] […], mainly because […].

Body 1 S3 (Online — topic): Many consumers choose online platforms because […].

Body 1 S4 (Explain): Online stores provide [… mechanism …], which results in [… outcome …].

Body 1 S5 (Micro-example): For example, [… short, plausible illustration …].

Body 1 S6 (Link back): Therefore, online shopping appeals to those who prioritise […].

Body 2 S7 (Local — topic): By contrast, others support local shops because […].

Body 2 S8 (Explain): In-store purchasing allows [… mechanism …], leading to [… outcome …].

Body 2 S9 (Micro-example): For instance, [… compact illustration …].

Body 2 S10 (Link back): Thus, local stores attract people who value […].

Evaluation S11 (Weighing): On balance, although […], [… is/are] more compelling because […].

Conclusion S12 (Restate opinion): In summary, both options have strengths, but I believe […].

Conclusion S13 (Synthesis): The better choice depends on [… factor(s) …], yet for [… product type/situation …], [… channel …] is usually preferable.

Paraphrase & Thesis — Ready-to-adapt Samples (Online vs Local)

Paraphrase Options

P1: People remain divided over whether online shopping or buying from local stores provides the better experience.
P2: There is ongoing debate about the relative merits of internet-based purchasing compared with visiting physical shops.

Thesis/Opinion Options

Neutral outline: This essay examines both perspectives before presenting my view.
Online-leaning: While local stores offer advice and instant access, I favour online shopping for its convenience and wider choice.
Local-leaning: Although online platforms provide variety and price tools, I prefer local shops because inspection and support reduce purchasing mistakes.

🔷 Part 2 — Task

[IELTS Academic] [Writing Task 2] — Discussion (Both Views + Opinion)

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Question: Some people believe secondary school students should be required to do unpaid community service, while others argue it should remain voluntary. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Write at least 250 words.

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Some people believe secondary school students should be required to do unpaid community service, while others argue it should remain voluntary. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

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Write at least 250 words. Present a balanced discussion of both views with a clear stance, use reason → mechanism → concise example, and conclude directly.

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🔶 Part 3 — Sample Answers

Band 6 Sample Answer — Online Shopping vs Local Stores (≥260 words)

People are divided about whether buying online is better than going to local shops. This essay will discuss both sides and then give my view.

On the one hand, many people prefer online shopping because it is convenient. Websites are open all day, so customers can order after work or late at night. In addition, there is usually a wider choice on the internet, and buyers can compare prices quickly by using search tools. Delivery is also important; items arrive at the door, which saves travel time and transport costs. For example, a parent can order groceries and school supplies in one session and receive them the next day. For these reasons, online shopping seems efficient for busy people.

On the other hand, local stores offer advantages that the internet cannot completely replace. First, shoppers can see and touch the product, try the size, and check the quality before paying. This reduces the chance of disappointment and returns. Second, staff can give advice, especially for products like shoes or electronic devices. Finally, buying locally may support small businesses and help the local economy. For instance, when I bought running shoes, the assistant measured my feet and suggested a model that prevented pain later.

In my opinion, both options are useful, but online shopping is better for standard items such as books, cables, or household goods. It saves time and usually costs less. However, for things that need a good fit or expert guidance, like clothes or expensive gadgets, visiting a shop is safer. Overall, the best choice depends on the product and the situation.

Why this answer is good — Step-by-step (Band 6)

1) The introduction paraphrases the question clearly and signals that both views will be discussed (Task Response).

2) Body paragraph 1 presents the online-shopping view with a topic sentence that labels the perspective (Coherence).

3) Reasons are developed with simple mechanisms: 24/7 access → convenience; broader choice → faster comparison (Task Response).

4) A short, realistic example (busy parent) supports the claims without dominating the paragraph (Development).

5) Body paragraph 2 mirrors the structure, focusing on in-store inspection, advice, and local economy (Balance).

6) The in-store shoe example is relevant and shows how expert guidance prevents mistakes (Support).

7) The opinion is explicit in the conclusion and consistent with the evaluation presented (Task Fulfilment).

8) The essay stays on topic and avoids general pros/cons unrelated to purchasing (Relevance).

9) Cohesive devices (on the one hand / on the other hand / for example / however) are used appropriately (Cohesion).

10) Vocabulary is adequate for the task (compare prices, delivery, return) though not very varied (Lexical Resource).

11) Sentences are mostly simple and compound, with some complex structures (Grammar Range).

12) Errors are minimal and do not impede meaning, but there is repetition of common words (Accuracy).

13) Paragraphing is clear; each paragraph has one main controlling idea (Organisation).

14) The final judgement distinguishes product types, which strengthens analysis (Evaluation).

15) Length exceeds 260 words, allowing sufficient development without padding (Appropriacy).

Band 7 Sample Answer — Online Shopping vs Local Stores (≥260 words)

Whether it is better to purchase goods online or in brick-and-mortar shops remains contested. This essay considers both perspectives before explaining why I favour a mixed approach that depends on the product.

Proponents of e-commerce emphasise time efficiency and choice. Online marketplaces aggregate thousands of sellers, which lowers “search costs” for consumers and makes price transparency the default. Filters and reviews further reduce uncertainty, while home delivery and flexible return policies minimise the practical effort required to complete a purchase. A freelancer, for instance, can compare laptop specifications across vendors at midnight and order a discounted model for next-day delivery. For routine, standardised items, these features translate into faster, cheaper decisions.

However, supporters of local shops argue that physical inspection and expert guidance improve purchase accuracy. Trying on clothes, checking build quality, or discussing use-cases with staff can prevent costly mistakes and reduce return rates. Instant possession is also valuable when an item is urgently needed, and regular footfall sustains neighbourhood businesses. When I replaced my running shoes, a specialist assessed my gait and suggested a size and cushioning that online reviews could not tailor to my needs. In such cases, in-person advice and tactile feedback add objective value.

On balance, while online platforms excel in convenience and variety, local stores outperform for fit-sensitive or high-risk purchases. Therefore, I usually buy books, cables, and consumables online, but I rely on shops for clothing, footwear, and complex electronics. The superior option is not universal; it varies with product type, urgency, and the buyer’s tolerance for uncertainty.

Why this answer is good — Step-by-step (Band 7)

1) The introduction both paraphrases and previews a conditional stance, showing task awareness.

2) Topic sentences explicitly label each viewpoint, aiding coherence and examiner navigation.

3) The online paragraph uses the concept of “search costs,” demonstrating precise academic lexis.

4) Mechanisms are explained (aggregation → transparency; returns → reduced effort), not just listed.

5) The example (freelancer/laptop) is compact, realistic, and tied to the mechanism.

6) The local-store paragraph balances the first with inspection, staff expertise, and instant possession.

7) The shoe-fitting anecdote illustrates how advice changes the final choice, not merely the price.

8) Cohesive devices are varied but unobtrusive (however, while, in such cases, on balance).

9) Vocabulary is varied and accurate (price transparency, flexible returns, purchase accuracy).

10) Complex sentences are controlled; punctuation supports clarity.

11) The conclusion synthesises criteria (type, urgency, risk tolerance) rather than repeating points.

12) The stance is clear and consistent; it does not drift during development.

13) Examples are proportionate; analysis remains the focus, meeting Task Response.

14) Word count allows full development without redundancy.

15) Tone is formal and objective, suitable for IELTS academic writing.

Band 8+ Sample Answer — Online Shopping vs Local Stores (≥260 words)

The claim that online purchasing has eclipsed local retail is persuasive in some contexts but overstated in others. This essay evaluates both positions and argues that the superior channel is contingent on product characteristics, consumer priorities, and the costs of getting a decision wrong.

Digital marketplaces deliver three structural benefits. First, near-frictionless search collapses time costs by concentrating global supply in one interface. Second, price transparency and algorithmic recommendations intensify competition, so buyers secure keener deals with less effort. Third, logistics—tracked delivery, click-and-collect, and standardised returns—has matured to the point that many transactions are almost “set-and-forget.” A postgraduate ordering textbooks and peripherals can, within minutes, compare editions, verify seller ratings, and schedule delivery for a narrow window, all without leaving a desk.

Yet physical stores confer advantages that cannot be fully simulated. Tactile inspection and expert fitting translate into better calibration for size-critical or safety-critical items, from tailored clothing to running shoes or bicycle helmets. Live troubleshooting and after-sales support reduce the probability and cost of product failure. Moreover, immediate possession can be decisive when delays incur penalties—think of a chef replacing a broken tool mid-shift. In these cases, the shop’s embodied knowledge and instant access lower the risk of buyer’s remorse.

Consequently, the question is not which model “wins,” but which minimises total consumer cost—time, money, and error. For commoditised goods with well-specified features, online channels dominate. For high-variance items where fit, safety, or configuration matters, local retail remains superior. My own practice mirrors this: I purchase consumables and media online, but I visit specialist stores for apparel and complex devices. The optimal choice is context-dependent, not ideological.

Why this answer is excellent — Step-by-step (Band 8+)

1) The opening frames a nuanced claim and sets evaluative criteria, signalling high task control.

2) Each body paragraph advances one coherent controlling idea, ensuring paragraph unity.

3) Abstract mechanisms (search costs, transparency, logistics maturity) are explained with precision.

4) The example (postgraduate/books) is integrated to evidence those mechanisms, not to add anecdotes.

5) The local-store paragraph specifies product classes (size-/safety-critical), showing analytical scope.

6) Technical lexis is accurate and natural (algorithmic recommendations, variance, after-sales support).

7) Evaluation lines compare channels on a cost-minimisation basis, avoiding simplistic judgments.

8) Cohesive devices are varied and subtle; the flow relies on logical sequencing more than signposting.

9) Complex sentences and nominalisations are controlled, with punctuation aiding readability.

10) Claims are hedged appropriately (contingent, in some contexts), which suits academic tone.

11) The stance is explicit and consistently applied to examples (commoditised vs high-variance goods).

12) The conclusion synthesises criteria rather than repeating points, achieving a strong finish.

13) No irrelevant information; every sentence contributes to answering the question (coherence).

14) Lexical variety is high without sounding forced; collocations are idiomatic.

15) Grammar shows range (participial phrases, relative clauses) with a high level of accuracy.

16) Word count allows full development and balanced treatment of both views (task response).

🔷 Part 4 — Vocabulary

10 Key Words — Online Shopping vs Local Stores

Each item includes BrE & AmE IPA, part(s) of speech, common patterns, a clear definition, an example with a simple gloss, useful synonym(s), and typical learner mistakes (max 3).

1)e-commerce BrE /ˌiːˈkɒmɜːs/ | AmE /ˌiːˈkɑːmɝːs/

Part(s) of speech: noun (uncountable)

Patterns: work in e-commerce; e-commerce platform/sector/strategy; growth of e-commerce

Definition: Buying and selling goods or services over the internet.

Example: “Many small retailers moved into e-commerce to reach customers nationwide.” (Gloss: they sell online to people across the country.)

Synonyms: online retail; digital commerce

Common mistakes: ✗ “an e-commerce” (uncountable) → ✓ “e-commerce”; ✗ missing hyphen “ecommerce” in formal writing; ✗ “do e-commerce” → ✓ “work in e-commerce”.

2)brick-and-mortar BrE /ˌbrɪk ən ˈmɔːtə/ | AmE /ˌbrɪk ən ˈmɔːrtər/

Part(s) of speech: adjective

Patterns: brick-and-mortar store/retailer/business; shift from brick-and-mortar to online

Definition: Describes a physical shop that customers can visit.

Example: “Some shoppers prefer brick-and-mortar stores to try items before buying.” (Gloss: they like going to a real shop to test products.)

Synonyms: physical; in-store; on-premises

Common mistakes: ✗ “brick and mortal” (spelling) → ✓ “brick-and-mortar”; ✗ using it as a noun alone “a brick-and-mortar” → ✓ “a brick-and-mortar store”; ✗ dropping hyphens.

3)price transparency BrE /praɪs trænˈspærənsi/ | AmE /praɪs trænˈspɛrənsi/

Part(s) of speech: noun phrase

Patterns: improve/increase price transparency; price transparency in the market/sector

Definition: How easily customers can see and compare what different sellers charge.

Example: “Comparison sites create price transparency by listing offers side by side.” (Gloss: prices are clear and easy to compare.)

Synonyms: price visibility; open pricing

Common mistakes: ✗ “transparent price” (awkward) → ✓ “price transparency”; ✗ wrong prep “transparency on prices” → ✓ “transparency in prices”; ✗ using as verb “to transparency prices”.

4)return policy BrE /rɪˈtɜːn ˈpɒlɪsi/ | AmE /rɪˈtɝːn ˈpɑːləsi/

Part(s) of speech: noun phrase (countable)

Patterns: a 30-day return policy; return policy on/for an item; lenient/strict return policy

Definition: A store’s rules about sending items back for a refund or exchange.

Example: “Generous return policies make online buying less risky.” (Gloss: easy returns reduce fear of mistakes.)

Synonyms: returns terms; refund policy

Common mistakes: ✗ “return back” (redundant) → ✓ “return”; ✗ wrong article “the return policy of” overused → often ✓ “a 30-day return policy”; ✗ using verb form “policy to return”.

5)after-sales support BrE /ˌɑːftə ˈseɪlz səˈpɔːt/ | AmE /ˌæftər ˈseɪlz səˈpɔːrt/

Part(s) of speech: noun (uncountable)

Patterns: offer/provide after-sales support; after-sales support for a product

Definition: Help a company gives customers after they buy (setup, repairs, advice).

Example: “Local shops often provide stronger after-sales support for complex devices.” (Gloss: they help you use or fix the item.)

Synonyms: post-purchase service; customer care

Common mistakes: ✗ missing hyphen “after sales support”; ✗ pluralising “supports” (uncountable); ✗ vague verb “do support” → ✓ “offer support”.

6)tactile BrE /ˈtæktaɪl/ | AmE /ˈtæktaɪl/

Part(s) of speech: adjective

Patterns: tactile inspection/feedback; a tactile experience

Definition: Related to touch; able to be felt with the hands.

Example: “Clothing purchases benefit from tactile checks of fabric and fit.” (Gloss: touching helps judge quality and size.)

Synonyms: haptic; touch-based

Common mistakes: ✗ confusing with “tactical”; ✗ using as a noun; ✗ saying “more tactile than” about people instead of experiences/items.

7)inventory BrE /ˈɪnvəntri/ | AmE /ˈɪnvənˌtɔːri/

Part(s) of speech: noun (countable/uncountable)

Patterns: inventory of products; manage/track inventory; be out of stock

Definition: The goods a store holds for sale; in accounting, the total stock recorded.

Example: “Real-time inventory lets customers see whether a size is available in-store.” (Gloss: the stock list updates instantly.)

Synonyms: stock; stocklist (context-dependent)

Common mistakes: ✗ using “inventory” where “in stock” is natural; ✗ plural “inventories” for one shop; ✗ saying “out of inventory” → ✓ “out of stock”.

8)impulse purchase BrE /ˈɪmpʌls ˈpɜːtʃəs/ | AmE /ˈɪmpʌls ˈpɝːtʃəs/

Part(s) of speech: noun (countable); also impulse buying (uncountable)

Patterns: make an impulse purchase; reduce impulse buying

Definition: Buying something suddenly without planning.

Example: “One-click checkout can increase impulse purchases of low-cost items.” (Gloss: easy payment leads to unplanned buys.)

Synonyms: spur-of-the-moment buy; unplanned purchase

Common mistakes: ✗ “do an impulse purchase” → ✓ “make”; ✗ wrong prep “buying in impulse” → ✓ “buying on impulse”; ✗ over-hyphenating “impulse-purchase” as a noun.

9)logistics BrE /ləˈdʒɪstɪks/ | AmE /loʊˈdʒɪstɪks/

Part(s) of speech: noun (usually treated as singular)

Patterns: handle/streamline logistics; the logistics of delivery/returns; logistics costs

Definition: Planning and moving goods efficiently (storage, transport, delivery, returns).

Example: “Mature logistics networks enable next-day delivery in most cities.” (Gloss: transport systems are strong enough for fast shipping.)

Synonyms: fulfilment operations; distribution

Common mistakes: ✗ always using plural verb “logistics are” → often ✓ “logistics is”; ✗ confusing with “logic”; ✗ using for finances “the logistics of price”.

10)footfall (BrE) /ˈfʊtfɔːl/  |  foot traffic (AmE) /ˈfʊt ˌtræfɪk/

Part(s) of speech: noun (uncountable)

Patterns: increase/reduce footfall; high/low foot traffic; drive footfall to stores

Definition: The number of people entering a shop or shopping area.

Example: “Weekend events boosted footfall/foot traffic in the town centre.” (Gloss: more people visited the area.)

Synonyms: shopper traffic; in-store visits

Common mistakes: ✗ “feetfall” (wrong form); ✗ using a plural “footfalls” for counts → use modifiers (high/low); ✗ mixing BrE/AmE inconsistently in one text.

🔶 Part 5 — Phrases / Expressions

10 Phrases / Expressions — Online Shopping vs Local Stores

Each item includes BrE & AmE IPA, part(s) of speech, useful patterns, a clear definition, an example with a simple gloss, common synonym(s), and typical learner mistakes (max 3). All boxes use dark-blue outlines and fully stack on mobile.

1)try before you buy BrE /traɪ bɪˈfɔː juː baɪ/ | AmE /traɪ bɪˈfɔːr juː baɪ/

Part(s) of speech: idiom / verb phrase

Patterns: try (it) before you buy; try-before-you-buy scheme

Definition: Test or try a product in person before purchasing it.

Example: “Local boutiques let customers try before they buy, which leads to fewer returns.” (Gloss: testing first reduces mistakes.)

Synonyms: test first; try on; trial

Common mistakes: ✗ “try before buy” (missing pronoun) → ✓ “try before you buy”; ✗ using for purely digital services that cannot be tested physically; ✗ inconsistent hyphenation in the noun form.

2)click-and-collect BrE /ˌklɪk ən kəˈlɛkt/ | AmE /ˌklɪk ən kəˈlɛkt/

Part(s) of speech: noun; also adjective

Patterns: offer click-and-collect; a click-and-collect order/service; order online, collect in-store

Definition: A service where customers order online and pick up items at a physical store.

Example: “Many chains expanded click-and-collect to reduce delivery delays.” (Gloss: pickup avoids waiting for a courier.)

Synonyms: buy online, pick up in-store (BOPIS)

Common mistakes: ✗ dropping hyphens; ✗ confusing with home delivery; ✗ wrong prep “collect it at to the store” → ✓ “collect it at/from the store”.

3)next-day delivery BrE /ˌnɛkst ˈdeɪ dɪˈlɪvəri/ | AmE /ˌnɛkst ˈdeɪ dɪˈlɪvəri/

Part(s) of speech: noun phrase

Patterns: offer/guarantee next-day delivery; eligible for next-day delivery

Definition: Shipping that aims to deliver items on the day after the order is placed.

Example: “For urgent items, next-day delivery can rival the speed of visiting a shop.” (Gloss: arrival tomorrow may be as fast as going today.)

Synonyms: overnight shipping; express delivery

Common mistakes: ✗ missing hyphen “next day delivery”; ✗ assuming it is always guaranteed; ✗ using with services that cannot be shipped.

4)in-store pickup BrE /ɪn ˈstɔː ˈpɪkʌp/ | AmE /ɪn ˈstɔːr ˈpɪkʌp/

Part(s) of speech: noun phrase

Patterns: choose in-store pickup; ready for in-store pickup

Definition: Collecting an online order from a local branch instead of receiving delivery.

Example: “I chose in-store pickup to avoid delivery fees.” (Gloss: I went to the shop to collect it.)

Synonyms: store pickup; pickup in store

Common mistakes: ✗ “in the store pickup” (extra article); ✗ spelling “pick up” as two words when used as a noun; ✗ mixing with curbside pickup without saying so.

5)price comparison BrE /praɪs kəmˈpærɪsn̩/ | AmE /praɪs kəmˈpɛrɪsən/

Part(s) of speech: noun phrase

Patterns: do/perform price comparison; price-comparison site/tool

Definition: Checking what different sellers charge for the same item.

Example: “Online price comparison makes overpaying less likely.” (Gloss: it helps you find lower prices.)

Synonyms: compare prices; price matching (related)

Common mistakes: ✗ “comparison of price” (awkward) → ✓ “price comparison”; ✗ wrong preposition “compare prices in shops” → usually ✓ “compare prices across shops”; ✗ confusing with “price fixing”.

6)support local businesses BrE /səˈpɔːt ˈləʊkl̩ ˈbɪznɪsɪz/ | AmE /səˈpɔːrt ˈloʊkəl ˈbɪznəsɪz/

Part(s) of speech: verb phrase / collocation

Patterns: support local businesses by + -ing; choose to support local businesses

Definition: Buy from nearby independent shops to help the community economy.

Example: “Some shoppers support local businesses even if prices are slightly higher.” (Gloss: they pay a bit more to help local shops.)

Synonyms: buy local; shop local

Common mistakes: ✗ “support to local businesses” → ✓ “support local businesses”; ✗ singular when plural is needed (“support local business” for many shops); ✗ using with a negative connotation unintentionally.

7)tactile feedback BrE /ˈtæktaɪl ˈfiːdbæk/ | AmE /ˈtæktaɪl ˈfiːdbæk/

Part(s) of speech: noun (uncountable)

Patterns: get/provide tactile feedback; tactile feedback on fit/quality

Definition: Information you get by touching an item (fabric, texture, weight, fit).

Example: “Shoe stores offer tactile feedback that websites cannot replicate.” (Gloss: touching/trying shoes helps you judge them.)

Synonyms: haptic feedback; touch feedback

Common mistakes: ✗ confusing with “tactical”; ✗ plural “feedbacks” (uncountable); ✗ using for purely visual checks.

8)return window BrE /rɪˈtɜːn ˈwɪndəʊ/ | AmE /rɪˈtɝːn ˈwɪndoʊ/

Part(s) of speech: noun phrase (countable)

Patterns: a 14-day/30-day return window; fall within/outside the return window

Definition: The time period during which you can send an item back.

Example: “I missed the return window, so I could only exchange the jacket.” (Gloss: time limit ended; refund not possible.)

Synonyms: returns period; refund window (context)

Common mistakes: ✗ “returning window”; ✗ confusing policy (rules) with window (time length); ✗ writing “return windows” for a single purchase unnecessarily.

9)customer reviews BrE /ˈkʌstəmə rɪˈvjuːz/ | AmE /ˈkʌstəmər rɪˈvjuːz/

Part(s) of speech: plural noun

Patterns: read/leave customer reviews; rely on customer reviews to + verb

Definition: Comments and ratings from buyers about a product or service.

Example: “Before ordering, I checked customer reviews for quality issues.” (Gloss: I read other buyers’ comments to avoid problems.)

Synonyms: user ratings; buyer feedback

Common mistakes: ✗ “customers reviews” (wrong plural) → ✓ “customer reviews”; ✗ assuming all reviews are verified; ✗ overusing as a verb (“to review a customer” in this context).

10)out of stock BrE /aʊt əv ˈstɒk/ | AmE /aʊt əv ˈstɑːk/

Part(s) of speech: adjective phrase

Patterns: be/go out of stock; temporarily/permanently out of stock

Definition: Not available for sale because the store has none left.

Example: “The headphones were out of stock, so I chose an alternative brand.” (Gloss: the shop had no units to sell.)

Synonyms: unavailable; sold out

Common mistakes: ✗ “out stock” / “out of the stock”; ✗ using for services; ✗ mixing with “out of order” (broken).