Middle School Course
2.1 Comparison Shopping
Student Activity Packet
Spanish version
Name: Date:
INTRO
WHAT WOULD YOU DO?
Consider what you would do in each of these two scenarios. Write a brief response for each.
1. Pretend your parent says they’ll buy you a new coat for winter. How will you decide
which coat to buy?
2. How (if at all) would your decision change if your parent said they’ll pay for half but
you have to pay for the other half?
LEARN IT
INFOGRAPHIC: Comparison Shopping [←CLICK FOR LARGE VERSION]
If you’re buying something small, like a pack of gum, maybe you just reach for your favorite,
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buy it, and enjoy. But what should you do if you’re shopping for something more important or
expensive? You’ll want to comparison shop by deciding which features you care about and
finding the best option to meet your needs.
Source: Federal Trade Commission
1. First, pretend you’re going to buy a new cell phone. Using the descriptions above,
write an X in the boxes in the first column below if you would do that step when buying
a cell phone.
Second, pretend instead that you are trying to buy a box of mac and cheese at the
grocery store. Put an X in the boxes in the second column if you would do that step
when buying mac and cheese.
Cell phone Box of mac & cheese
Set a Budget
Decide What Matters
Use Search Engines
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Read Reviews Online
Consider Reputation
(cont from above) Cell phone Box of mac & cheese
Check Shopping
Comparison Sites
Consider Coupons
Read Return Policies
2. Why would you take MORE steps when buying a cell phone than a box of mac and
cheese?
DO IT
COMPARE: Shop for the Best Sweatshirt
1. The “Decide What Matters” box in the infographic asks, “What are your must-have
features?” Your teacher will assign you one must-have feature of a sweatshirt. Your job
is to search online for 3 sweatshirt options that have your must-have feature. Complete
the chart below with the best 3 options you find.
BE SURE TO LEAVE EACH SWEATSHIRT WEBSITE OPEN ON YOUR COMPUTER. YOU’LL NEED
IT FOR PART 2.
My must-have feature is _________________________.
Sweatshirt 1 Sweatshirt 2 Sweatshirt 3
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Sweatshirt 1 Sweatshirt 2 Sweatshirt 3
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2. Your teacher will put you into groups. Show your other group members your 3 options.
As a group, decide which sweatshirt you should buy for each must-have feature.
Circle Sweatshirt 1, Sweatshirt 2, or Sweatshirt 3 as the winner.
EXIT TICKET
1. Why should you consider factors OTHER than just price when comparison shopping?
2. Give an example of an item (other than cell phone) where the must-have feature
could be HOW WELL IT WORKS.
3. Give an example (other than clothes) where the must-have feature could be
APPEARANCE.
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