FARMERS’ MARKET VS. SUPERMARKET

If I need a vegetable, I go to the back yard to see what’s in the garden. If that’s a disappointment, my next option is the farmers’ market. There I find beautiful, fresh, and uneaten vegetables (as well as breads, meats, eggs, plants and crafts) to suit my needs. Only if I can’t find what I need at the farmers’ market do I go to the supermarket for produce.

Why is the local supermarket my third choice for produce? Supermarket produce is not as fresh as

farmers’ market fare. Some items are coated or treated to give

the appearance of freshness. Supermarket produce typically loses

nutritional value as it is transported from far away.

Produce in supermarket tends to come from large producers who use heavy pesticides and petroleum-based fertilizers to provide “perfect” specimens for the consumer.

Produce in supermarkets tends to be varieties that ship well, but don’t necessarily taste good.

Why do I prefer the farmers’ market? Produce is fresh, sometimes picked only a

few hours before I buy it. In general, the produce has fewer

pesticides. Talk about customer service. Local farmers

literally stand behind their produce, eager to talk with you about varieties, preparation, and preservation.

It’s local. That impacts quality, taste, nutritional value, even carbon footprint.

What about price? The supermarket offers convenience and variety. But on comparable items the farmers’

Where do you usually buy fruit and vegetables?Why do you go there?

How many kinds of markets do you know?Work in group. Brainstorm.

Is there a market near you? What can you buy there? How often is it held?

Do you prefer to buy at the market or the supermarket? Explain why.

Are markets important? Why or why not?Could we live without markets?

What could you possibly buy at a flea market? Do research and give examples.

Are there any seasonal or festival markets where you live? What can you do or buy there?

Compare prices of some goods sold at the market, supermarket and convenience store (e.g. kilo of tomatoes, bread, meat, shower cream). Do research if necessary.Where is the best place to shop?

What are the advantages and disadvantages of local markets? Make a pro and con list.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of supermarkets? Make a pro and con list.

When was the last time you went to the market? What did you buy? Tell the class.

Teacher Notes This answer key is deliberately kept

concise since the idea of these Conversation Corners is to talk rather informally and share information, not being given all the information by the teacher. BTW, the conversation should focus more on expressing opinions than giving correct answers.

Students could be given the opportunity to do some research on the Internet to find more information and answers to the questions.

Also, students could prepare questions they were unable to answer and give a short presentation during the next lesson.

Have a dictionary at hand (or an Internet connection) if possible so students can look up new vocabulary.

Answer may vary.

Wet (or fresh) market, dry market, farmers’ market, spice market, flea market, antiques market, morning market, night market, tourist market, Christmas market, bazaar, souk, floating market, clothes market etc.

Answer may vary.

Answer may vary.

Answer may vary.

Inexpensive second-hand goods, possibly snacks and drinks, gadgets etc.

Xmas market, winter market, etc.

Ss do research and present their findings to the class.

Fresh produce, fewer pesticides, good prices, helps local economy etc.

Wide variety of goods, discounts, one-stop shopping, easily accessible etc.

Answer may vary.