Paying by card vs cash: reading signs and asking politely
Niveau CECR : A2
Read/Listen first
A sign on the door said ‘Card only — no cash’. We paid by card in every kiosk and never needed coins. At home, some small shops still prefer cash. Understanding short shop signs is very useful when travelling.⚡ Learning goals
- I can understand and explain shop signs.
- I can ask to pay by card politely.
- I can compare payment habits.
✨ Key language
- polite requests “Could I pay by card, please?”
- shop signs “Card only — no cash.”
- clarifying question “Do you accept contactless?”
⚙️ Rules & Grammar — 4 Structures
1️⃣ Comparatives -er
Rule: Add -er + than.Examples: flatter than this; quieter than usual; smaller than before
Common pitfall + fix: Missing ‘than’ — Use ‘than’.
This road is ___ than that.
Tip: -er form.
Fill with the best answer:
The view was ___ interesting.Tip: ‘more’ + long adj.
2️⃣ not as … as
Rule: Use for negative comparison.Examples: not as varied as home; not as high as the Alps; not as busy as Berlin
Common pitfall + fix: Wrong form — Use ‘not as’ + adj + ‘as’.
It is ___ green as spring.
Tip: Fixed phrase.
Fill with the best answer:
It is ___ as busy as last week.Tip: Use ‘not as … as’.
3️⃣ Past simple
Rule: Use for finished events.Examples: We arrived on time; We parked; We visited a park
Common pitfall + fix: Mixing tenses — Keep past simple.
We ___ tickets.
Tip: Irregular past.
Fill with the best answer:
They ___ the ferry at noon.Tip: Regular past.
4️⃣ Linkers for contrast
Rule: Although/whereas show contrast.Examples: Although it rained, we went; Whereas home is hilly, this is flat; While roads were empty, shops were open
Common pitfall + fix: Using ‘but’ twice — Use one linker.
___ it was flat, we enjoyed it.
Tip: Concession linker.
Fill with the best answer:
___ it helps, review outputs.Tip: Balance ideas.
✍️ Vocabulary
viewpoint
Meaning: a place to look at scenerySynonyms: lookout,overlook
Chunk/Idiom: reach a viewpoint
Example: We reached a viewpoint nearby.
Morphology: noun
Self-practice: Write one sentence using this word.
contactless
Meaning: tap-to-pay methodSynonyms: NFC,tap-to-pay
Chunk/Idiom: accept contactless payment
Example: Do you accept contactless?.
Morphology: adjective
Self-practice: Write one sentence using this word.
receipt
Meaning: paper record of paymentSynonyms: proof,slip
Chunk/Idiom: ask for a receipt
Example: Can I have a receipt, please?.
Morphology: noun
Self-practice: Write one sentence using this word.
ferry
Meaning: boat carrying cars and peopleSynonyms: boat,ship
Chunk/Idiom: take the ferry
Example: We took a fast ferry.
Morphology: noun
Self-practice: Write one sentence using this word.
giraffe
Meaning: very tall animalSynonyms: animal,ungulate
Chunk/Idiom: a giraffe walks past
Example: A giraffe walked past our car.
Morphology: noun
Self-practice: Write one sentence using this word.
signposting
Meaning: guiding phrases in talksSynonyms: framing,roadmapping
Chunk/Idiom: use clear signposting
Example: Use clear signposting in talks.
Morphology: noun
Self-practice: Write one sentence using this word.
☁️ Examples (+ audio)
Could I pay by card, please?
Do you accept contactless payment?
This kiosk is card only.
We carry less cash in Denmark.
✏️ Exercises
Grammar
Choose the correct form.
Tip: Use -er.
Pick the linker for contrast.
Tip: Concession.
Fill with the best answer:
We ___ the ferry at noon.Tip: Past simple.
Fill with the best answer:
It was ___ as busy as last week.Tip: Use ‘not as … as’.
Vocabulary & Comprehension
‘Receipt’ means ____.
Tip: Slip you get.
‘Viewpoint’ is a place to ____.
Tip: Lookout spot.
Fill with the best answer:
Tap to pay with ____.Tip: Payment method.
Fill with the best answer:
A tall animal is a ____.Tip: Long neck.
✅ Guided practice
Mini-dialogue:
A: Could I pay by card, please?B: Sure, tap the terminal.
Thanks, have a nice day.
Why this matters:
Language for travel reduces stress. Clear phrases save time. Signs are often short.Verb & Adjective Pack:
- tap — Tap your card to pay.
- queue — We queued for tickets.
- compare — Compare places clearly.
Try & compare:
Fill with the best answer: Do you ___ contactless payments?
Tip: Verb for allowing.
Self-correction: Fix the sentence: Although it helps but we must review.
Tip: One linker only.
Practice aloud: Listen, repeat, then type the sentence.
Although it is flat, it feels peaceful.Tip: Stress ‘although’.