Unit 5. Reading

One-click shopping

1 ______

What can you buy online? These days you can buy food, cars, holidays and even a house with a few clicks and a credit card. In fact, it might be quicker to list the things that you can’t buy on the Internet.

2 ______

According to statistics, 85% of Internet users have bought something online. In 2006 only 10% of the world’s population shopped on the Internet. Two years later the figure was 40% – that’s nearly 900 million shoppers!

3 ______

It’s easy to see why people are choosing their computer instead of the high street. With city centres getting more and more crowded, and things like petrol and parking getting so expensive, it makes sense to avoid the crowds and shop from home. There are often great deals on the Internet too.

4 ______

Of course, there are disadvantages to shopping for things online. You can’t try clothes on before you buy, so they can sometimes be the wrong size, or disappointing when they arrive. And of course, Internet shoppers have to be patient and wait for the goods to arrive.

5 ______

So will Internet shopping replace shopping in town completely? It’s hard to say, but most people think it won’t, even with more and more Internet offers and possibilities. In the UK shopping with friends or family has become one of the most popular leisure activities. Many people simply enjoy going shopping.