8792 the house

THE HOUSE
1. Read the text below and look at the picture.
A room of my own
This is my living-room. It's where I spend most of my free time when I'm at home
and where I sit with friends when they visit. In the centre of the room there's a
coffee table and on it there's
an ashtray . I don't smoke
but some of my friends do!
Under the coffee table
there's a really lovely rug
that I bought when I was on
holiday in India a couple of
years ago. Next to the rug,
on the left you can see the
sofa and on it there are
some cushions. They have
the same pattern as the
sofa. I don't sit on the sofa
much, I prefer the rocking
chair which is on the right
next to the window.
I like to have lots of light in the living-room so there are two lights there's the
lampstand next to the sofa and hanging from the ceiling in the centre of the room is
the overhead light. I also have a choice of heating. In the centre of the far wall there
is a lovely fireplace that is very nice in winter. When I'm feeling lazy and don't want
to go and get the coal and wood, I use the electric fire which is next to the fireplace.
Above the fireplace on the mantelpiece, there's a vase of flowers and a postcard
from my brother, and on the wall there's a painting of a mountain. My living-room
is also my favourite place for reading so next to the painting there are some
bookshelves where I keep all my favourite books.

2. Now use the description and the picture to write the names of the numbered
objects below.


QUESTIONS FOR STUDENTS
HOME SWEET HOME
Discuss or debate the questions below. Remember to support your answers!
-Do you like your home? Please explain.
-Do you like your neighborhood? Please explain.
-Do you have a favorite room at home? If yes, what is it? Why do you like it so much?
-Do you have a room that you dislike in your home? If yes, what is it? Why do you
dislike it so much?
-Where do you live?
-Why do you live where you do? Please explain.
-What adjectives would you use to describe your home? Why did you choose these
adjectives? Please explain.
-What does "home sweet home" mean? Please explain.
-What are homes typically like in your country? Please explain.
-If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you want to live? Why?
-What does your dream house look like? Please describe it.
-Have you ever lived in a dump? How about in a dangerous place? How about in a place
that was posh?
-Which is better, a small house or a large apartment? Why do you think so?
-Have you ever done any DIY on your home? If yes, what did you do?
-Is your home just a place to eat and sleep every day? Why/not?
-What would you like to change about your current home? Please explain.
-Which is better, a place in the country or a place in the city? Why do you think so?
-What is the difference between a "house," "condo," "apartment (or flat)," and
"townhouse?" Please explain.
-What is the last thing that you bought for your home? Why did you buy it?

-What is the next thing that your want to buy for your home? Why do you want to buy
it? Please explain.


Rooms in a House

Attic
Ballroom

People store things in the attic.
A room in stately homes where rich people dance and
concerts are held.

Box Room

A small room used for storage.

Cellar

Underneath the house.

Cloakroom

A small room where people put their coats.

Conservatory

A greenhouse attached to a house for the display of
plants.

Dining Room

A room where people eat .

Drawing Room

A room in stately homes where rich people entertain.

Games Room

A room in large houses where games are played.

Hall

The entrance passage to a house.

Larder

A small room used for the storage of food.

Library

A room where books are kept.

Lounge

Another name for living room.

Music Room

A room where people play music.

Office

A room where people work.

Pantry

A small room used to store kitchen and dining items.

Parlour

Old fashioned word for living room.

Sitting Room

Another name for living room.

Spare Room/
Guest Room
Toilet

Utility Room

A room where guests sleep.
A room where people go to the toilet (often known as
WC)
A room where appliances such as washing machines are
used.

Things you may find around the house

light bulb(s)

plug(s)

socket(s)

torch(es)

ceiling light(s)

lamp(s)

curtain(s)

lock(s)

key(s)

shelf (shelves)

(tele)phone(s)

box(es)

plug(s)

battery (batteries)

photo(graph)(s)


Naturally Speaking
ceiling | door | floor | wall | window

Dialogue
Here is a conversation between Mrs Smith (Joan) and husband Steve.
It's Saturday and Joan and Steve are decorating.
Joan

Steve, you missed a bit.

Steve

Where?

Joan

Here, on the wall just by the window, you can see a patch of white.

Steve

Oh yes, I see it. It's difficult in this light.

Joan

I know, well at least we have finished this room, only five more to go.

Steve
Joan
Steve
Joan

Are you sure you want to put wallpaper up in the lounge?
Yes, but don't worry, I'm really good at wallpapering. I just wish that John would decide
on what he wants his room doing in.
I know, it's difficult when you're a boy. At least he's grown out of Star Wars, I keep
thinking he'll ask for red and black or something equally gruesome.
Yes, but it is his room. I'm glad we decided not to move though. Maybe we should think
about building an extension to the kitchen instead.

Steve

One thing at a time please! Lets get this decorating over and done with first.

Joan

Ha! Oh by the way you missed a bit by the door too!

Steve

Hmmm, thanks. Here's a brush.