General Listening Quiz
“Apartments for Rent”
| Level: | Topic: | Speakers: | Length: |
| easy | renting apartments | man – woman | 00:49 |
Pre-Listening Exercise
People often look for cheap apartments or condominiums to rent when going off to college. Other students choose to stay with a homestay family, but this isn’t always possible. Therefore, what are three things you look for in selecting a place to live? Put them in order of importance to you and discuss them with a partner.
Agree or Disagree? Let’s Spark Some Conversation!
These statements are designed to get everyone thinking, moving, and talking! The goal is to explore ideas, share opinions, and get ready for the next part of the lesson.
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In a face-to-face classroom: Read each statement aloud. If you agree, move to one side of the room; if you disagree, move to the other. Talk with your group—why do you feel that way? Then, pair students with members of the other group and have students explain their reasons. Rotate partners for more practice.
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In an online classroom: Use polls, emojis, or the chat box in your online platform to show your opinion. Then, join the conversation as a group or in breakout rooms. What do others think? Do you agree or disagree with them?
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For independent learners: Read each statement and think about your opinion. Then say your answer out loud and explain your reason, as if you’re talking to a classmate. This helps you get ready to speak and join real conversations in English. Consider recording your ideas and self-assess your progress.
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- It’s better to live alone than with a roommate.
- Paying more for a nice apartment is always worth it.
- You should visit an apartment before renting it.
- A small apartment is fine if it’s in a good location.
- The landlord should fix all problems in the apartment.
- It’s okay to rent an apartment without reading the contract carefully.
- Living close to work or school is more important than the size of the apartment.
- Apartments should always allow pets.
- You don’t need to ask questions if the apartment looks clean and new.
- It’s better to rent an old apartment with more space than a new one with less.
Idioms
“feel at home” = feel comfortable or relaxed
“The more you learn about the culture here, the more you will feel at home.“
“move in” = start living somewhere
“Some of my adult children have moved back in because they want to save money.“
Listening Exercise
A. Listen to the recording and answer the questions.
Vocabulary Practice
Do the vocabulary quizzes using the words from the conversation for more practice:
Post-Listening Exercise
Talk about the type of apartment Ann is trying to find. Discuss the ideal living situation for students going to a college or university in your country and abroad. Compare living in an apartment, house, and dormitory. What are the advantages and disadvantages of each in terms of privacy, price, space, and location? Discuss your opinions on the topic with a partner.
Online Investigation
As an international student, deciding on a place to study is only the first step to living overseas. The next step is finding a place to live, but which is better: living on campus in a dormitory or off campus in an apartment? Use the Internet to compare these two possible living arrangements in a city of your choice. Use the ideas in the Post-Listening section to help guide your ideas.