18. A) Match the types of dwellings with the correct pictures. Where do you think each type of dwelling can be found? Which is the most economical and which is the most expensive to keep?

skyscraper block of flats semi-detached house terraced house

cottage mansion detached house

A B C

D E F

e.g. Skyscrapers are found in large cities. They are rather expensive to maintain because they are usually high-class, luxurious buildings.

b) Which one would you like to live in? Justify your opinion.

c) Do houses in Britain look different from most frequently built houses in your country and city? What do you think? Compare them. Use: but, similarly, however, whereas, both, while, etc. and the words in the box.

Incredibly shabby; poorly designed; unsanitary; cramped; noticeable; high class; luxurious; pretty; cosy; grey; unattractive; gloomy; old and deteriorated; attractive; modern; interesting; unusual; nice; high rise; old-fashioned; ugly; usual; ordinary; boring; dull; outmoded; made of brick/stone/concrete/wood; bright; well-maintained

19. Buying a House. Read this story and put each of the following words or phrases in its correct position. Why did Tony and Sheila decide to buy a new house? Say if you’d like to live in a detached house. Explain why or why not. If your parents or grandparents decided to sell their house or flat, what would you recommend them to do?

condition detached estate agent terraced spacious builder semi-detached architect surveyor cramped removals

Tony and Sheila’s first home was a (a)________ house, one of a line of houses all connected. But several years later when they had a small child, they found it rather (b)________for three people. They wanted something more (c)________ and so decided to move. They went to an (d)________ and looked at details of the houses he had to offer. They looked at a (e)________ house (one of a pair attached to each other), liked it, and asked a (f)________ to inspect it for them. He said it was in good (g)________, and they therefore decided to buy it. Luckily they sold their house quickly and soon a (h)________ firm was taking all their furniture and other possessions to their new home. But already, after a couple of years, they are hoping to move again. Tony’s business is doing well and they want to get an (i)________ to design a modern, (j)________ house for them, and a (k)________ to build it.

20. Work in pairs. Continue the dialogue between two friends according to the logical scheme offered below.

A: You are not still looking for a flat, are you?

B: Yes, I’ve been looking for six weeks now. It’s driving me mad, you know.

A: Offering to do something for someone.

B: Accepting an offer of help.

A: Asking about preferences.

B Saying what you prefer.

A: Asking about preferences.

B Saying what you prefer.

A: Asking about preferences.

B Saying what you prefer.

Offering to do something for someone: Shall I…? Can I help? Is there anything I can do…?

Accepting an offer of help: Thank you. That’s very kind of you. Lovely.

Asking about preferences: Do you prefer … or…? Would you rather … or …? Which would you prefer: … or…? Which appeals more: … or…?

Saying what you prefer: I’d prefer…; I’d rather…; I like …more than…;

21. a) Advertisers use abbreviations in classified advertisements for houses and flats. These are shortened versions of words (hse = house). Read the advertisements. Use the words below as a checklist. Then work with another student and write out the advertisements in full.

century living room near or nearest offer British Rail garden double large house luxury station detached reception overlooking per calendar month breakfast room kitchen bathroom central heating cloakroom garage bedroom

b) Now read through the ads below quickly and find the answers to these questions.

1. Which property is likely to be:

a) the oldest? b) the largest? c) the smallest?

2. Which two properties are to let?

3. Which two properties can accommodate two cars?

A B C

LONGBOROUGH HILL Det 20s hse, 3 bd, 3 rec, study, large kit/brkfst, clkrm. Lge drive. Gge. 30m gdn. Close BR stn. For quick sale. £175,000.

CHELM VALLEY M9 8km. C17 period hse in quiet location nr village. 2 rec, lux fitted kit, 3-4 bds & 2 bth. Stone barn can convert to 2 bd hse, excellent for garaging & storage. £165,000.

HALCASTER Attractive unfurnished 2 bd flat to let in village by sea. Large kit, bth, living overlkg golf course. Ideal retired single person/couple. CH. Rent from £371 pcm.

D E

BARTON HEATH Penthouse flat overlkg beautiful countryside. Central situation, 8 min walk BR stn, 6min shops, 10 min M9. Entrance hall, 2 dbl bd, lge living, kit, bth. £72,500 o.n.o.

NR BARTON HEATH Outstanding country hse in immaculate condition. Lovely gdn with view of beautiful countryside. 4 rec, 5 bd, 3 bth, superb kit, gges, tennis court. Fully furnished. Rent £2,800 pcm

c) Go through the ads more carefully and discuss these points with another student. Give reasons for your opinions.

Which property would be most likely to appeal to:

1. a man of 70 who likes playing golf?

2. a Hollywood film star and his wife, secretary, manager and servant, making a film in Britain?

3. a businessman with a teenage son and daughter, who commutes to the city by rail?

4. a writer who wants to escape from city life, but needs to entertain her family and friends from time to time and be within reach of the city by car if necessary?