TEST YOURSELF: Hot lockdown buys

Photo: Nasarun Amornchanthanakorn
Photo: Nasarun Amornchanthanakorn

Readers share their best online shopping treats

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Read the following story by Suthivas Tanphaibul from Bangkok Post’s Guru Magazine. Then, answer the questions that follow.


The latest hot picks in online shopping are air fryers, Nintendo Switch and potted plants, to name a few. Although they do not keep us safe from infection, they help us kill lockdown boredom. Guru asks what people have bought recently

Pachara "Tung-Guard" Aungsusuknarumol, 26, Attache, Ministry of Foreign Affairs

I ended up buying more and more gadgets for my workstation. It started from an adjustable stand for my laptop to a big screen and a multi-device keyboard. The latest investment is a Blue Yeti microphone. During the WFH period, I had to attend several meetings via Zoom and other online platforms. I find it handy to have a microphone with better sound quality, so I don't have to shout at my laptop anymore.

Supitcha "Eve" Wisethpanish, 25, Accountant

A mini-shabu pot. It’s convenient when you get a midnight craving for instant noodles. Another thing I found pretty useful at nigh, is an LED clip-on lamp. The reason why I bought this lamp is simple. I'm too lazy to walk back and forth between my bed and the light switch.
I got myself a dust vacuum at half price. I just found out that my mother is allergic to dust and dog fur.

Chayanid "Paint" Udomrattanasirichai, 23, Key account executive

The lockdown unlocked a new skill for me: cooking. I started with a must-have item that everyone is crazy about, an air fryer. It does its job excellently. Besides owning a new toaster and a low-sugar rice cooker, I also decided to squeeze in a new coffee machine. I use them every day. Apart from making my cooking easier and convenient, they help me take my mind off work.


Nasarun "Nan" Amornchanthanakorn, 23, Artist/public relations

A foldable treadmill is what I bought after gyms and parks were closed. I also filled my balcony with plants I bought from online stores.
The Nintendo Switch is another life-saver gadget that has helped kill my boredom. It helps me clear my mind after a long day at work and allows me to spend time with my family, screaming over each other while playing Overcooked. They are all worth it, even though I may not need to run on my treadmill after the parks reopen.



Section 1: Write the correct answer in the space provided.
1. Who bought food gadgets? …………….
2. Who bought exercise equipment? …………….
3. Who bought something that helps with allergies? …………….
4. Who says they are lazy? …………….
5. Which gadget helps with boredom?…………..
6. Who bought something to help them work? …………….

Section 2: Read the following passage. Then, fill in the blanks with the correct words from the choices given.
I’m also one of those people who jumped on the air fryer …7… . …8… heard everyone talking about snacks from an air fryer …9… healthier. Frankly, I haven't noticed that much of a …10… .  

7. __A. band             __B. bus                    __C. bandwagon
8. __A. I’m                 __B. I’d                  __C. I’ll
9. __A. is                __B. are               __C. being
10. __A. different            __B. difference                __C. differ
       
Section 3: Find words that match the following definitions.
11. a small machine or piece of electronic equipment ……………
12. a powerful desire for something  ……………
13. having a reaction when in contact with certain things  ……………
14. a machine for exercising on which you run  …………

Answers: 1. Eve and Paint. 2. Nan. 3. Eve. 4. Eve. 5. Nintendo Switch. 6. Tung-Guard. 7. c. 8. b. 9. c. 10. b. 11.  gadget. 12. craving. 13. allergic. 14. treadmill.

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