Functional Language

Adverts That Sell

In this lesson, you'll read real adverts, learn a few useful phrases, and write four different adverts of your own — to sell something, to look for someone, to offer lessons, and to find someone who's missing.

Level General English

Focus Functional Language — Adverts

Theme Buying, Selling & Small Ads

Warm Up

Warm-up

Imagine your friend wants to sell an old bike online, but doesn't know what to write.

Have you ever bought or sold something online (clothes, furniture, a phone)?
Have you ever been shocked by how much — or how little — something sold for?
Where do people usually put adverts near you — online marketplaces, shop windows, noticeboards?

Real Adverts

Reading

Read these four adverts.

ADVERT 1

Do you need help with your school exams? Do you want to practise some simple conversations before a holiday? I can help. I give one-to-one or group lessons — online or at your home. Try a FREE 30-minute class on a topic of your choice before booking. Send a message for more details — including prices. ¡Gracias!

ADVERT 2

Hi there. I'm Ewa and I'm from Poland. Polish is my first language, but I'm learning English. I think my level is B1. Ten years ago, it was maybe B2, but I don't practise enough. I want to meet someone I can talk to about daily life, interests and so on. Maybe 45 minutes a week in English, and the same in Polish? Message me or text: 07791-336-199

ADVERT 3

It's black, less than one year old and looks new. It's big enough for two people to sleep on. We're selling it because we need more space. You need to come and collect it. €100. Cash only please. Message me or contact 777-4246

ADVERT 4

It's 75cm by 45cm and nearly new. It's in very good condition and works fine. I'm selling because I just don't have time to watch it. It's $40 if you can collect it, but I can deliver at an extra cost. Message me for details or call 248-821-848.

Questions

Which advert is the easiest to understand?
Which advert would you respond to? Why?
What is each advert about? Can you match each one to: a language exchange, tutoring, a sofa bed, a TV?

Useful Language

Grammar

Adverts often use if to talk about a situation that might happen, and what happens next.

It's €100, but only €80 if you collect it yourself. (= if you don't collect it, it costs €100)

EXERCISE

Complete These Sentences With Your Own Ideas

Please message me if...
I can sell it for less money if...
If you're looking for a great teacher,...
If you collect it,...
I can deliver it if...
If you pay in cash,...
It's free if...
If you text me,...

Write Your Adverts

Writing

Choose real details or invent them — it's your advert.

TASK 1

Sell Something You Don't Need

Imagine you're posting this on a local marketplace app.

What are you selling?
Describe it: colour, size, age.
What condition is it in?
Why are you selling it?
How much is it? Is the price different if the buyer collects it?
Cash only, or other payment too?
Can you deliver it? Is there an extra cost?
How can a buyer contact you?
Write your advert. 30–60 words.

TASK 2

Flatmate Wanted

Imagine you're posting this on a flatshare website.

What are you offering — a room, a flat?
How much is the rent each month?
Do you want a polite, quiet flatmate, or is a relaxed atmosphere fine with you?
Is it important that your flatmate is respectful of shared spaces, like the kitchen?
What's the average rent in your area? Is yours higher or lower?
Do you already live there, or are you both moving in together?
Are pets allowed?
How can someone contact you?
Write your advert. 30–60 words.

TASK 3

Advertise a Course

Imagine you're advertising lessons or training — cooking, driving, a language, anything.

What can students study to become on your course?
How long does the course last?
What skills will students pick up?
How much will they learn by the end?
Will they be able to make themselves understood (in a language, at a new job)?
What happens if a student gets something wrong?
How do the teachers give advice and help students do their best?
Do students need to borrow money, or is there another way to pay?
What do most students get through easily by the end — a test, a project?
Write your advert. 30–60 words.

TASK 4

Have You Seen This Person?

Imagine you're writing a missing-person poster for a noticeboard.

Who is missing — a friend, a neighbour, a relative?
What does his hair look like? Does he have a beard or a moustache?
Is he taller than average, or shorter?
Would you describe him as good-looking, or fairly average-looking?
Is he overweight, thin, or average weight?
What's he like as a person — relaxed, polite, respectful?
When and where was he last seen?
What was he wearing?
Were his family and friends shocked when he disappeared?
Who should people contact if they see him?
Write your poster. 30–60 words.

Feedback

Wrap-up