THERE WAS A DECREASE IN SHOPPING MALLS IN MANY CITIES

 There was a decrease in shopping malls in many cities is a sentence in the past simple tense that describes a decline in physical shopping locations during a specific time. It helps learners talk about change over time, especially related to the effects of technology and events like the pandemic.

Examples:

• There was a big decrease in mall visits last year.

• Many people stopped going to shopping centers.

• More people turned to online shopping.

This topic is perfect for discussing past trends and comparing them to the present and future.

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📘 GRAMMAR

✅ 1. Past Simple

• There was a decrease in shopping malls.

• People visited malls less often.

✅ 2. Present Simple

• Shopping malls are not as popular now.

• Online shopping offers more options.

✅ 3. Present Continuous

• People are using online stores more and more.

• Retailers are changing their business models.

✅ 4. Future (Will / Going to)

• Shopping habits will continue to change.

• We are going to see fewer malls in the future.

✅ 5. Modals

• People can shop from home now.

• We should support local businesses.

• You must be careful with online payments.

✅ 6. Comparatives & Superlatives

• Online stores are more convenient than malls.

• Shopping online is the easiest option for many people.

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📚 VOCABULARY (10 words)

1. Decrease – a drop or reduction in number.

2. Mall – a large shopping center.

3. Trend – a general direction or pattern.

4. City – a large town.

5. Pandemic – a global disease outbreak.

6. Physical – related to things you can touch.

7. Online – on the internet.

8. Closed – not open.

9. Popular – liked by many people.

10. Replace – to take the place of something.

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💬 USEFUL EXPRESSIONS

• There was a big change.

• Shopping malls were not busy.

• Many stores closed.

• People stayed home.

• Online shopping became popular.

• Malls are less crowded now.

• It's easier to buy online.

• The trend is continuing.

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✅ SENTENCES

✨ Positive:

• There was a decrease in shopping mall visits during the pandemic.

• Some malls stayed open with safety measures.

❌ Negative:

• There wasn’t much shopping in physical stores.

• People didn’t go out to shop often.

❓ Questions:

• Was there a decrease in mall visits?

• Did people shop less in stores?

• Will malls be popular again?

✅ Answers:

• Yes, there was a big decrease.

• No, most people stayed home.

• Maybe, but shopping habits are changing.

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🗣️ LONG CONVERSATION

Tom: Did you notice how empty the shopping mall was last year?

Marta: Yes, I did. There was a big decrease in visitors.

Tom: I think many people preferred online shopping.

Marta: Definitely. I started buying everything online.

Tom: Do you think malls will be popular again?

Marta: Maybe some will, but many people are used to shopping from home now.

Tom: It’s a big change in how we shop.

Marta: Yes, and it’s still happening.

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📖 LONG READING

The Fall of Shopping Malls

In many cities, shopping malls were very popular for years. People went there to shop, eat, and spend time with friends. But during the pandemic, there was a large decrease in visitors. Many stores inside malls closed or had fewer customers.

Online shopping became more popular. People used websites and apps to buy clothes, groceries, and electronics. They didn’t have to leave home, and it was safe.

Now, many malls are still open, but they are not as busy. Experts believe that more malls will close in the future as online shopping grows.

❓ Reading Questions:

1. What happened to shopping malls during the pandemic?
   → There was a decrease in visitors.

2. Why did people stop going to malls?
   → Because of the pandemic and safety concerns.

3. What did people use to shop instead?
   → Websites and apps.

4. Are all malls closed now?
   → No, but many are less busy.

5. What do experts say about the future of malls?
   → More malls will close.