🔶 Part 1 — Tutorial

Step 1 — Analyse the task & map both sides (Advantages/Disadvantages)

Read the prompt twice and isolate the core change and the required output. The change is that large shopping malls are replacing small local shops. The output is to discuss the pros and cons of this development (no explicit requirement to give a strong opinion, though a brief evaluation is acceptable in the conclusion). Highlight scope terms like replacing (suggests displacement), and focus on economic, social, and urban impacts. Brainstorm advantages such as greater product variety, lower prices from economies of scale, extended opening hours, one-stop convenience, improved parking and accessibility, formal jobs with training, and potential tax revenue. Brainstorm disadvantages such as loss of local character and community ties, closure of family businesses, reduced income circulation within the neighbourhood, homogenised high streets, car-dependent travel and congestion, environmental costs of large buildings, and fragile local supply chains. Convert each raw idea into a reason → mechanism → outcome chain (e.g., “bulk purchasing → lower unit prices → cheaper essentials for families”). Decide which two strong reasons you will fully develop for each side. Avoid listing many points shallowly; the examiner rewards depth. Finally, note time targets: ~7–8 minutes to plan, ~25–28 to write, ~3–4 to check grammar, cohesion, and task fulfilment.

Example Box — Decoding the Prompt (Malls vs. Local Shops)

Prompt: “Large shopping malls are replacing small local shops. What are the pros and cons of this development?”
Task: Present advantages and disadvantages with clear explanations and compact, realistic examples.
Angles: Prices/variety/convenience/jobs vs community identity/local economy/environment/traffic.
Pitfall: Giving a strong agree/disagree stance and ignoring one side; this task requires a balanced discussion.

Step 2 — Plan a clean structure & paragraph aims

Use a four-paragraph blueprint for control and clarity. The introduction paraphrases the trend and states that the essay will consider both benefits and drawbacks; you may add a light evaluative signal (e.g., “benefits are consumer-centred, drawbacks are community-centred”). Body 1 presents two tightly linked advantages of malls with a one-line example (e.g., economies of scale lowering grocery costs; one-stop shopping saving time for working parents). Body 2 mirrors this by presenting two linked disadvantages with a compact example (e.g., closures of long-standing family stores weakening neighbourhood ties; car-based malls increasing weekend congestion). Keep each paragraph unified by a topic sentence that labels the side (“There are clear advantages…” / “However, significant drawbacks…”). Where helpful, include one evaluation line to weigh who benefits or loses. The conclusion summarises both sides in fresh words and may offer a conditional recommendation (e.g., “benefits for price-sensitive consumers, but policies should protect local enterprises”). Aim for ~270–310 words, prioritising depth over breadth.

Example Box — Skeleton Plan (Pros & Cons)

Intro: Paraphrase + announce both sides (+ optional light evaluation).
Body 1 (Pros): Price/variety + convenience/hours → micro-example (weekly shop under one roof).
Body 2 (Cons): Local shop closures + loss of identity/extra traffic → micro-example (family bakery replaced; weekend jams).
Conclusion: Synthesis of who gains/loses + optional policy-wise note (support small retailers).

Step 3 — Write balanced, well-developed paragraphs

Begin Body 1 with a clear pros-labelled topic sentence, then develop a reason → mechanism → outcome chain for each advantage. For instance, explain that malls buy in bulk, which reduces unit costs and therefore lowers prices on everyday items; add a one-line, believable example such as a supermarket chain offering weekly discounts that small shops cannot match. Add a second advantage like convenience, specifying how co-located services reduce errands and travel time, which especially benefits carers or shift workers. Start Body 2 with a cons-labelled topic sentence and use the same chain: describe how rising commercial rents and footfall shift push independents out, eroding neighbourhood identity, then offer a micro-example (a 40-year-old cobbler closing after footfall moves to a new mall). Add a second drawback like traffic and environmental load, clarifying the mechanism (more car trips to out-of-town malls) and the outcome (weekend congestion and emissions). Include one balanced line that weighs short-term consumer gains against long-term community losses. Maintain a neutral tone until the conclusion, vary sentence length for rhythm, and use cohesive devices naturally rather than mechanically.

Example Box — High-impact Sentences

Topic (Pros): “There are clear advantages to larger malls, chiefly lower prices and time-saving convenience for busy households.”
Mechanism line: “Because chains buy in bulk, they can spread fixed costs across high volumes, which brings down shelf prices.”
Micro-example: “For instance, a weekly supermarket promotion on staples can undercut corner shops by a noticeable margin.”
Topic (Cons): “However, the same shift often weakens local business ecosystems and the character of high streets.”
Weighing line: “While consumers benefit at the checkout, neighbourhoods may pay through reduced variety and thinner community ties.”
Conclusion line: “Ultimately, the gains are consumer-centric, whereas the losses are community-centric, so policy should balance both.”

Step 4 — Language, cohesion, and accuracy

Choose precise lexis for retail and community economics: economies of scale, footfall, price competition, independent retailers, high street, co-location, car-dependent, local supply chains. Use contrastive linkers (however, by contrast, conversely, nevertheless) and weighing phrases (on balance, to some/large extent, while X, Y) to manage stance. Keep paragraph unity with one controlling idea per paragraph and use clear reference chains (this shift, these outlets, such benefits). Avoid absolute claims and avoid unverified figures. Maintain formal tone, check articles/prepositions (impact on, access to), and keep subject–verb agreement accurate. Prefer concise complex sentences over strings of modifiers. Finally, proofread for punctuation (commas after introductory phrases), and ensure the conclusion synthesises rather than adds new points.

Example Box — Quick Quality Checks

Balance: Have you developed both sides with equal depth?
Mechanisms: Do reasons clearly lead to outcomes (not just lists)?
Cohesion: Are contrast/evaluation linkers used naturally and sparingly?
Accuracy: Articles, prepositions, and agreement correct?
Task: Conclusion summarises and (optionally) gives a light evaluation.

Universal Fill-in-the-Gap Template — Advantages/Disadvantages

Adapt to malls replacing local shops. Replace […] with your ideas. Keep sentences concise and logical.

Sentence-by-Sentence Scaffold (Pros & Cons)

Intro S1 (Paraphrase): In many towns, large shopping malls are increasingly replacing small local shops.

Intro S2 (Outline/Evaluation): This essay examines the advantages and disadvantages of this shift [and argues that … (optional)].

Body 1 S3 (Pros — topic): There are several benefits, notably [… advantage 1 …] and [… advantage 2 …].

Body 1 S4 (Explain A1): Because [… mechanism …], malls can [… outcome …], which helps [… group …].

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

Body 1 S6 (Explain A2): In addition, [… mechanism …] means [… outcome …] for [… group …].

Body 1 S7 (Link back): Therefore, for people who prioritise […], malls appear advantageous.

Body 2 S8 (Cons — topic): However, significant drawbacks include [… disadvantage 1 …] and [… disadvantage 2 …].

Body 2 S9 (Explain D1): As footfall shifts to malls, [… mechanism …], leading to [… outcome …] in local areas.

Body 2 S10 (Micro-example): For instance, [… compact illustration of a shop/area affected …].

Body 2 S11 (Explain D2): Moreover, [… mechanism …] can increase [… outcome …] such as [… impact …].

Body 2 S12 (Link back): Thus, communities that value [… factor …] may experience losses.

Conclusion S13 (Synthesis): In summary, while malls deliver […], they also bring […].

Conclusion S14 (Conditional note): To a large extent, the overall effect depends on [… condition/policy …], so [… balanced closing idea …].

Paraphrase & Openings — Ready-to-adapt Samples (Malls vs. Local Shops)

Paraphrase Options

P1: Across many cities, spacious retail complexes have expanded while independent stores have disappeared.
P2: In recent years, the growth of large malls has come at the expense of neighbourhood shops.

Opening/Outline Options

Neutral outline: This essay weighs the main benefits and drawbacks of this development.
Light evaluation: While malls often benefit consumers through lower prices and convenience, they may harm community identity and small-business resilience.

🔶 Part 2 — Task & Submission

[IELTS Academic] [Writing Task 2] — Write an Advantages/Disadvantages Essay

Choose a task, plan briefly (7–8 minutes), and write a 250+ word essay in the box below. Use the timer to simulate exam conditions. When you submit, an automatic message with the exercise title, the full question, and your contact details will be prepared for WhatsApp or Email.

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🔶 Part 3 — Sample Answers (Bands 6, 7, 8+) & Explanations

Model Answers Using the Template

Below are three banded samples responding to: “Large shopping malls are replacing small local shops. What are the pros and cons of this development?” Each answer follows the sentence-by-sentence scaffold from Part 1 and exceeds 260 words.

Band 6 Sample (≈280–300 words)

In many towns, large shopping malls are increasingly replacing small local shops. This essay examines the advantages and disadvantages of this shift and gives a brief evaluation at the end.

There are several benefits, notably lower prices and greater convenience. Because big retailers buy in bulk and spread their costs across many items, they can reduce unit prices, which helps families who watch their budgets. For example, weekly promotions on staples in a mall-based supermarket can undercut a corner shop by a clear margin. In addition, having a range of stores and services in one location means fewer separate trips, which saves time for people who work long hours or care for children. Therefore, for customers who prioritise cost and speed, malls appear advantageous.

However, significant drawbacks include harm to local businesses and extra traffic. As footfall shifts towards malls, long-standing family shops lose customers and cannot pay higher rents, leading to closures and a weaker sense of neighbourhood identity. For instance, a small repair shop that survived for decades may shut after a new centre opens nearby. Moreover, large complexes are often designed around cars, which can increase weekend congestion and emissions. Thus, communities that value distinctive high streets and walkable areas may experience losses.

In summary, while malls deliver cheaper prices and one-stop convenience, they also bring business closures and traffic issues. To a large extent, the overall effect depends on local policy: if cities support independent retailers through fair rents and markets, consumers can enjoy both choice and character.

Why this is Band 6 — Step-by-step (18 points)
  1. Task is addressed with both advantages and disadvantages mentioned.
  2. Introduction paraphrases the prompt clearly, though language is mostly straightforward.
  3. Outline signals a balanced discussion, aligning with the question requirements.
  4. Body 1 presents two advantages (price, convenience) in a logical order.
  5. Mechanism for low prices (bulk buying) is explained but briefly.
  6. Example of supermarket promotions is plausible and relevant.
  7. Second advantage (one-stop convenience) is connected to time-saving.
  8. Body 1 coherence is adequate, with clear topic and linking back sentence.
  9. Body 2 mirrors structure with two disadvantages (closures, traffic).
  10. Mechanism for business decline (footfall + rent) is present but could be developed more.
  11. Example of a repair shop closure illustrates the point concretely.
  12. Traffic/emissions issue is relevant to malls’ car orientation.
  13. Conclusion synthesises and introduces a conditional policy note.
  14. Lexis is appropriate (footfall, emissions) but not consistently precise or varied.
  15. Some sentences are short and repetitive in rhythm, limiting fluency.
  16. Grammar control is generally good; minor simplifications reduce complexity.
  17. Referencing (“this shift”, “such benefits”) appears but could be richer.
  18. Overall, meets the task with clear organisation, but depth and language range remain moderate.
Band 7 Sample (≈290–320 words)

Across many cities, spacious retail complexes have expanded while independent stores have disappeared. This essay weighs the main benefits and drawbacks of this trend and argues that the gains are largely consumer-centred, whereas the losses are community-centred.

There are clear advantages to larger malls, chiefly lower prices and time-saving convenience for busy households. Because chains exploit economies of scale and centralised logistics, they can cut shelf prices and stabilise supply, which particularly supports low-income shoppers. For instance, large supermarkets often maintain competitive prices on essentials throughout the month, something small retailers struggle to match. In addition, co-located stores, pharmacies, and services reduce the number of errands and transfers, allowing one weekly shop under one roof. Consequently, where budgets and time are tight, malls can improve day-to-day living.

However, the same shift can weaken local business ecosystems and the character of high streets. As footfall concentrates in out-of-town centres, independents face rising commercial rents but shrinking sales, prompting closures and the loss of specialist knowledge. A family-run cobbler or grocer, for example, may close after decades, leaving a less distinctive streetscape. Moreover, car-dependent malls concentrate traffic at predictable peaks, creating congestion and higher emissions; public transport links rarely compensate fully. Thus, while consumers win at the checkout, neighbourhoods may pay in reduced variety and thinner community ties.

In summary, malls provide affordable, convenient access to goods, yet they risk hollowing out local retail and intensifying traffic. The overall impact depends on planning: mixed-use zoning, fair lease terms, and periodic street markets could retain community identity while preserving consumer benefits.

Why this is Band 7 — Step-by-step (18 points)
  1. Clear, concise paraphrase with a purposeful stance (consumer vs community focus).
  2. Coherent four-paragraph structure exactly matches the task type.
  3. Advantages paragraph develops two ideas with reason → mechanism → outcome chains.
  4. “Economies of scale” and “centralised logistics” demonstrate topic-specific lexis.
  5. Example is realistic and supports the price mechanism explicitly.
  6. Convenience is tied to co-location and errand reduction, not just vague “easier”.
  7. Linking is smooth with “consequently” to evaluate who benefits.
  8. Disadvantages paragraph mirrors depth: rents, footfall, closures, identity.
  9. Specialist knowledge and distinctive streetscape add nuance.
  10. Traffic point specifies peaks and partial limits of public transport.
  11. Balanced evaluation line contrasts “win at the checkout” vs community costs.
  12. Conclusion synthesises and adds feasible policy levers (zoning, leases, markets).
  13. Lexical resource is varied and precise without being obscure.
  14. Grammatical range includes complex sentences with accurate subordination.
  15. Coherence is maintained with parallel structure across body paragraphs.
  16. Referencing chains (“the same shift”, “thus”) guide the reader.
  17. Minor stylistic choices enhance cohesion (hyphenation, parallelism).
  18. Overall control and development align with Band 7 descriptors.
Band 8+ Sample (≈300–330 words)

In recent years, the expansion of mall-based retail has increasingly displaced neighbourhood shops. This essay evaluates the principal upsides and downsides of that shift and argues that, without targeted safeguards, short-term gains in price and efficiency may be offset by long-term community costs.

On the benefits side, consumers typically enjoy sharper price competition and frictionless access to a broad range of goods. Because large chains leverage purchasing power, data-driven inventory, and integrated distribution, they compress operating costs and pass a portion of those savings on to buyers. A plausible illustration is the steady pricing of staple items across a month, which buffers households against spikes. In parallel, co-located supermarkets, pharmacies, electronics outlets, and service points compress errand time into a single visit, an efficiency dividend for carers and shift workers. In short, malls deliver scale, predictability, and time savings.

Yet these gains can carry systemic trade-offs. As footfall reorganises around regional centres, independent retailers face thinner margins and inferior bargaining power, accelerating closures and thinning the local economic “multiplier” that keeps money circulating nearby. A fourth-generation bakery giving way to a chain café captures this erosion of place-specific identity. Furthermore, car-oriented design concentrates traffic at peak periods and induces additional journeys, amplifying congestion and emissions even where public transport exists. Accordingly, while the consumer ledger appears positive, the civic ledger may trend negative unless mitigations apply.

To conclude, malls reliably supply choice and affordability but risk homogenising high streets and externalising mobility costs. Outcomes hinge on policy: tiered business rates, incubators for startups, and street-level events can preserve independent retail alongside modern centres, allowing communities to retain character without forfeiting consumer benefits.

Why this is Band 8+ — Step-by-step (18 points)
  1. Opening frames a nuanced thesis (short-term consumer gains vs long-term community costs).
  2. Lexis is sophisticated yet precise (leverage, integrated distribution, multiplier, homogenising).
  3. Advantages develop via linked mechanisms: purchasing power → cost compression → stable prices.
  4. Example is generalisable (steady staple pricing) and ties directly to mechanism.
  5. Convenience is analysed as “errand compression” with identified beneficiary groups.
  6. Paragraph unity is strong; each body has a controlling idea and logical flow.
  7. Disadvantages step beyond closures to macro effects (local multiplier, bargaining power).
  8. Concrete image (“fourth-generation bakery”) adds persuasive specificity without anecdotal drift.
  9. Traffic analysis names induced journeys and peak concentration, adding depth.
  10. Contrastive evaluation (“consumer ledger” vs “civic ledger”) clarifies stance elegantly.
  11. Conclusion synthesises and proposes realistic policy mitigations, not new arguments.
  12. Cohesive devices are varied and unobtrusive; referencing is clear throughout.
  13. Grammar shows wide range with accurate complex structures and nominalisations.
  14. Register remains academic and consistent; no colloquialisms or rhetorical questions.
  15. Sentence rhythm varies (short evaluative sentences balancing longer analytic ones).
  16. No padding; each sentence advances reason → mechanism → outcome.
  17. Overall, work exemplifies fully developed ideas and precise control expected at Band 8+.
  18. Word count comfortably exceeds minimum while maintaining concision.
🔶 Part 4 — Vocabulary (10 Key Words from the Task)

Key Vocabulary for the Topic

Each item includes BrE/AmE IPA, part(s) of speech, common patterns, a clear definition, an example with a short gloss, useful synonym(s), and frequent learner mistakes. All text is black; boxes use a dark-blue outline for consistency.

footfall — BrE /ˈfʊtfɔːl/ · AmE /ˈfʊtˌfɔl/

Part(s) of speech: noun (uncountable)

Patterns: footfall in/at a place; rising/declining footfall

Definition: the number of people entering or passing through a shop or area over a period.

Example: “After the new mall opened, footfall in the old high street fell sharply.” (= fewer people visited the old shopping street)

Synonyms: customer traffic, foot traffic

Common mistakes: ✘ “a footfall” (use uncountable); ✘ “footfalls” for general traffic; ✘ using it for car traffic.

economies of scale — BrE /ɪˌkɒnəmiz əv ˈskeɪl/ · AmE /ɪˌkɑːnəmiz əv ˈskeɪl/

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

Patterns: economies of scale in/through production/distribution

Definition: cost advantages that big firms gain by producing or buying in large quantities.

Example: “Supermarkets use economies of scale to offer lower prices on staples.” (= buying big reduces unit cost)

Synonyms: scale advantages, cost efficiencies

Common mistakes: ✘ “economy of scale” (use plural); ✘ confusing with “economies” = countries; ✘ saying it always lowers prices in every case.

independent retailer — BrE /ˌɪndɪˈpendənt rɪˈteɪlə/ · AmE /ˌɪndɪˈpendənt rɪˈteɪlər/

Part(s) of speech: noun (countable)

Patterns: an independent retailer; independent + noun (shop/café/bookstore)

Definition: a small shop that is owned and run outside a large chain.

Example: “Many independent retailers closed when rents rose near the mall.” (= small, owner-run shops shut)

Synonyms: indie shop, small business, family-run store

Common mistakes: ✘ “independent retails” (use retailer or retailers); ✘ capitalising randomly; ✘ using it for a chain outlet.

congestion — BrE/AmE /kənˈdʒestʃən/

Part(s) of speech: noun (uncountable)

Patterns: traffic congestion on roads; weekend congestion around malls

Definition: overcrowding on roads or in places that slows movement.

Example: “Out-of-town malls can cause congestion on Saturdays.” (= heavy traffic and slow movement)

Synonyms: traffic jam(s), gridlock, overcrowding

Common mistakes: ✘ “congestions” (usually uncountable); ✘ wrong preposition: use on/around; ✘ using it for indoor “noise”.

co-located — BrE /ˌkəʊləʊˈkeɪtɪd/ · AmE /ˌkoʊloʊˈkeɪtɪd/

Part(s) of speech: adjective

Patterns: co-located with/services; a co-located cluster of stores

Definition: situated in the same place so users can access multiple services together.

Example: “Co-located supermarkets and pharmacies save shoppers time.” (= both are in one place)

Synonyms: in one place, consolidated, on-site

Common mistakes: ✘ missing hyphen; ✘ using it as a verb without inflection (“co-locate” → co-located); ✘ confusing with “relocated”.

bargaining power — BrE /ˈbɑːɡənɪŋ ˈpaʊə/ · AmE /ˈbɑːrɡənɪŋ ˈpaʊər/

Part(s) of speech: noun (uncountable)

Patterns: bargaining power over/with suppliers; strong/weak bargaining power

Definition: the ability to influence prices or terms in a negotiation.

Example: “Large chains have greater bargaining power with suppliers than small shops.” (= they can demand better prices)

Synonyms: leverage, negotiating power

Common mistakes: ✘ preposition “on suppliers” (use over/with); ✘ treating as countable; ✘ confusing with “bargain” (= cheap deal).

homogenise / homogenize — BrE /həˈmɒdʒənaɪz/ · AmE /həˈmɑːdʒəˌnaɪz/

Part(s) of speech: verb (transitive)

Patterns: homogenise something; homogenise A into B

Definition: to make places or products more similar and less distinctive.

Example: “Chain stores can homogenise high streets into look-alike rows.” (= make them all the same)

Synonyms: standardise/standardize, make uniform

Common mistakes: ✘ confusing with “homogeneous” (adjective); ✘ spelling (BrE -ise, AmE -ize); ✘ using without an object.

emissions — BrE/AmE /ɪˈmɪʃənz/

Part(s) of speech: noun (plural)

Patterns: emissions from cars/factories; cut/reduce emissions

Definition: gases or particles released into the air, often by vehicles or industry.

Example: “Weekend traffic to malls increases emissions from private cars.” (= more pollution is released)

Synonyms: exhaust, pollutants (context-dependent)

Common mistakes: ✘ using singular “an emission” for general air pollution; ✘ wrong preposition (use from); ✘ equating with “permission” (different word).

(local) multiplier — BrE /ˈmʌltɪˌplaɪə/ · AmE /ˈmʌltɪˌplaɪər/

Part(s) of speech: noun (countable)

Patterns: a local multiplier in the community; the multiplier effect on jobs

Definition: the way money spent locally circulates and creates additional income and jobs.

Example: “Purchases at small shops keep a stronger local multiplier.” (= money stays and supports more local activity)

Synonyms: knock-on effect (economic), ripple effect

Common mistakes: ✘ confusing with “multiple”; ✘ missing the economic sense; ✘ using without stating where the effect occurs.

one-stop (shopping/convenience) — BrE /ˌwʌn ˈstɒp/ · AmE /ˌwʌn ˈstɑːp/

Part(s) of speech: adjective (attributive)

Patterns: one-stop + noun (shop/solution/centre)

Definition: providing many services or goods in a single place so users can finish tasks in one visit.

Example: “For parents, a one-stop mall reduces separate trips for groceries, clothes, and medicine.” (= everything in one visit)

Synonyms: all-in-one, comprehensive

Common mistakes: ✘ missing hyphen; ✘ using as a verb (“to one-stop”); ✘ writing “one stoped”.

🔶 Part 5 — Phrases & Expressions (10 Items)

Phrases & Expressions for This Topic

Each item shows BrE/AmE IPA, part(s) of speech, patterns, a precise definition, an example with a brief gloss, common synonym(s), and typical learner mistakes. All boxes are dark-blue outlined; text is black and fully responsive.

on balance — BrE /ɒn ˈbæləns/ · AmE /ɑːn ˈbæləns/

Part(s) of speech: discourse marker / adverbial phrase

Patterns: On balance, S + V … ; consider X and Y, and on balance …

Definition: used to introduce a weighed overall judgement after considering pros and cons.

Example: “On balance, malls help cost-conscious consumers but weaken local identity.” (= overall judgement after weighing)

Synonyms: overall, all things considered

Common mistakes: ✘ placing mid-clause awkwardly; ✘ using with a single argument only; ✘ repeating it too often.

at the expense of (something) — BrE /ət ði ɪkˈspens əv/ · AmE /ət ði ɪkˈspɛns əv/

Part(s) of speech: prepositional phrase

Patterns: A at the expense of B; growth at the expense of local shops

Definition: achieving one thing while causing harm or loss to another.

Example: “Lower prices came at the expense of small, family-run retailers.” (= benefit causes a related loss)

Synonyms: to the detriment of, sacrificing

Common mistakes: ✘ “in the expense of”; ✘ using with positives only; ✘ missing the harmed element.

crowd out — BrE /kraʊd aʊt/ · AmE /kraʊd aʊt/

Part(s) of speech: phrasal verb (transitive)

Patterns: A crowds out B; be crowded out by

Definition: to push competitors away by dominating space, attention, or resources.

Example: “Big chains crowded out local bookstores on the high street.” (= drove them away)

Synonyms: displace, squeeze out

Common mistakes: ✘ using intransitively; ✘ wrong particle (“crowd off”); ✘ missing object after the verb.

drive footfall — BrE /draɪv ˈfʊtfɔːl/ · AmE /draɪv ˈfʊtˌfɔl/

Part(s) of speech: verb phrase

Patterns: campaigns that drive footfall to stores

Definition: to increase the number of people visiting a shop or area.

Example: “Seasonal discounts drive footfall to mall anchors.” (= bring more visitors)

Synonyms: boost customer traffic, draw visitors

Common mistakes: ✘ “drive the footfalls” (uncountable); ✘ wrong preposition (use to); ✘ confusing with web traffic unless specified.

price out (someone) — BrE /praɪs aʊt/ · AmE /praɪs aʊt/

Part(s) of speech: phrasal verb (transitive)

Patterns: price (sb) out of an area/market; be priced out

Definition: to make costs so high that someone cannot afford to continue.

Example: “Rising rents priced out long-standing repair shops.” (= they could not afford to stay)

Synonyms: make unaffordable for, push out financially

Common mistakes: ✘ missing object; ✘ wrong preposition (of, not “from”); ✘ using with prices going down.

race to the bottom — BrE /ˌreɪs tə ðə ˈbɒtəm/ · AmE /ˌreɪs tə ðə ˈbɑːtəm/

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

Patterns: a race to the bottom in prices/standards

Definition: competitive pressure causing standards or prices to fall to unsustainably low levels.

Example: “Aggressive discounting can trigger a race to the bottom among retailers.” (= unhealthy competition downward)

Synonyms: downward spiral, undercutting spiral

Common mistakes: ✘ confusing with “bottom line”; ✘ using for positive improvements; ✘ article errors (“a/the”).

bricks-and-mortar — BrE /ˌbrɪks ən ˈmɔːtə/ · AmE /ˌbrɪks ən ˈmɔːrtər/

Part(s) of speech: adjective / noun

Patterns: a bricks-and-mortar store; bricks-and-mortar vs online

Definition: having a physical store, as opposed to operating only online.

Example: “Many bricks-and-mortar shops depend on weekend footfall.” (= physical stores)

Synonyms: physical retail, in-store

Common mistakes: ✘ missing hyphens; ✘ pluralising oddly (“brick and mortars”); ✘ using for online-only businesses.

mom-and-pop shop (US) / family-run shop (UK) — BrE /ˌfæmɪli rʌn ʃɒp/ · AmE /ˌmɑːm ən ˈpɑːp ʃɑːp/

Part(s) of speech: noun (countable)

Patterns: a mom-and-pop/family-run shop; support local mom-and-pop shops

Definition: a small, independent, family-owned store.

Example: “The new centre threatened several family-run shops on the high street.” (= small, family businesses)

Synonyms: independent retailer, corner shop

Common mistakes: ✘ mixing registers in formal essays (prefer family-run/independent retailer); ✘ missing hyphens; ✘ capitalising randomly.

keep afloat — BrE /ˌkiːp əˈfləʊt/ · AmE /ˌkiːp əˈfloʊt/

Part(s) of speech: verb phrase

Patterns: keep (a business) afloat; struggle to stay afloat

Definition: to continue operating without failing financially.

Example: “Weekend markets helped some boutiques keep afloat after the mall opened.” (= survive financially)

Synonyms: survive, stay solvent

Common mistakes: ✘ literal water imagery in formal contexts; ✘ wrong preposition; ✘ tense mismatch with ongoing situations.

knock-on effect(s) — BrE /ˌnɒk ɒn ɪˈfekts/ · AmE (≈ “ripple effect”) /ˈrɪpəl ɪˈfekt/

Part(s) of speech: noun (usually plural)

Patterns: knock-on effect(s) on jobs/traffic/community

Definition: secondary results that follow from an initial change.

Example: “Closures had knock-on effects on local suppliers and casual jobs.” (= secondary negative results)

Synonyms: ripple effects, spillover effects

Common mistakes: ✘ “knock effects”; ✘ wrong preposition (use on); ✘ using singular when listing several results.