Lesson Content
Warm-Up Question:
What animals do you see in the picture and which animals do you find at a zoo in your hometown or country?
Listening in Context:
Hello! Welcome to my neighborhood. Let me show you around.
First, there is a park near my house. It is small, but there is one very loud duck who thinks he owns the place. Everyone knows him. I call him Steve.
Next, there are three supermarkets on the same street. One is cheap, one is expensive, and one is just confusing. I never know where the milk is! Oh, and there is a store with food from around the world.
There is also a bus stop in front of my house. That’s nice, but there are always many people waiting, and one of them is always singing loudly, so I sometimes ride my bike to school.
Oh, and the best part: there is a bakery on the corner. They bake fresh bread, cakes, and cookies every morning. You can often find me in line because I enjoy cookies.
So yes, my neighborhood is simple, but there are always surprises waiting for you.
Grammar Focus: There Is / There Are
There is and there are are used to say that something exists or is present. Use there is with singular nouns (one thing) and there are with plural nouns (more than one thing).
- There is a chair in the room.
- There are two windows in the classroom.
This structure helps describe places and objects around us clearly and simply. It is a very common way to talk about what is available or where things are located.
🗣️Why This Grammar Matters for Listening and Speaking
Knowing how to use there is and there are helps you understand and join everyday conversations about places, objects, and situations.
- When someone describes a room or place:
- “There is a big TV in the living room.”
- Asking about availability:
- “Are there any books in the backpack?”
- Giving or following directions:
- “There is a school near my house.”
- Talking about your home or classroom environment.
- “There are five desks in our classroom.”
Using this grammar naturally makes your speech clearer and helps you understand descriptions from native and non-native speakers alike.
Let’s Practice
Language Game
Now, let’s practice your grammar skills with a game.
🎧🗣️ Listening & Speaking Practice Questions
Use these questions to talk about real places like your home or classroom. Practice using there is and there are to describe what you see, ask questions, and give answers. These speaking activities help you build confidence in everyday conversations.
- Describe Your Home or Classroom:
- What can you say about your home or classroom using “There is…” or “There are…”
➤ For example: “There is a table in my kitchen. There are five chairs in my classroom.”
- Talk About Objects Around You:
- Look around you. What objects can you describe using “There is…” or “There are…”?
➤ For example: “There is a lamp on my desk. There are many books on the shelf.”
- Ask and Answer Questions About Places:
- Practice asking and answering questions about places using “Is there…” or “Are there…”?
➤ For example:
- Question: “Is there a computer in the classroom?”
- Answer: “Yes, there is a computer.” / “No, there isn’t.”
- Question: “Are there any windows in your room?”
- Answer: “Yes, there are three windows.” / “No, there aren’t.”
Disclosure: Randall developed this content through collaboration with AI, combining technological support with professional instructional design.