One of a series of social studies units designed to develop the reading and writing skills of low achievers, this student activity book focuses on the theme of consumerism. The unit can be used for high school classes, individual study in alternative and continuing high schools, and adult education classes. Following an introduction, five sections cover supply and demand, trade-offs, factors of production, advertising, and the market chain. Each section consists of a short reading stressing vocabulary development and aural discrimination. An appendix contains seven exercises to accompany the readings in the text. Activities focus on reading comprehension and incorporate the topics of stores, comparative shopping, bargains, budgeting, and shoplifting. (LP)