ROOMMATES

 This lesson covers vocabulary and expressions related to living with roommates. Students will learn how to talk about shared responsibilities, discuss rules, and describe the dynamics of living with others. This topic encourages students to practice language for cooperation, problem-solving, and building positive relationships in shared living spaces.

---

Grammar

• Present Simple for Habits: Describing regular routines and habits (e.g., “We split the chores”).
• Modal Verbs for Obligation and Permission: Using “must,” “should,” and “can” to set rules and expectations (e.g., “We must clean up after ourselves”).
• Possessive Pronouns: Indicating ownership of items and spaces (e.g., “my room,” “his dishes”).
• Comparatives and Superlatives: Comparing living habits (e.g., “He’s neater than I am” or “She’s the most organized”).

---

Vocabulary

• Roommate: A person you share a living space with
• Rent: The payment for living in an apartment or house
• Utilities: Services like electricity, water, and gas that are paid monthly
• Chores: Household tasks like cleaning, cooking, and laundry
• Clean up: To make an area tidy and free from mess
• Respect: Showing consideration for other people’s feelings and space
• Shared space: An area used by everyone in the household, like a living room or kitchen
• Schedule: A plan that shows when things will happen, like chores
• Compromise: Finding a middle ground to solve a disagreement
• Boundaries: Limits that people agree on to respect each other’s privacy

---

Useful Expressions

• "We split the rent and utilities each month."
• "Let’s set up a schedule for chores."
• "Can you please clean up after cooking?"
• "It’s important to respect each other’s space."
• "We share the living room, but we each have our own rooms."
• "If there’s a problem, let’s talk about it openly."
• "Do you mind if I invite friends over this weekend?"
• "Let’s agree on some basic rules for the apartment."

---

Sentences

1. "My roommate and I share the cost of rent and utilities equally."
2. "We have a cleaning schedule to keep the apartment tidy."
3. "Living with roommates means respecting each other’s boundaries."
4. "If there’s a problem, we try to solve it by talking it out."
5. "Each roommate has their own room but shares the common areas."

---

Questions and Answers

1. Q: "How do you divide the rent with your roommates?"

   • A: "We split the rent evenly, so each person pays the same amount."

2. Q: "What chores do you do with your roommates?"

   • A: "We take turns cleaning the kitchen, bathroom, and living room."

3. Q: "How do you handle noise with roommates?"

   • A: "We try to keep noise down at night to respect each other’s sleep."

4. Q: "Do you have any rules for inviting guests?"

   • A: "Yes, we agree to let each other know if we plan to have guests over."

5. Q: "What do you do if there’s a disagreement with a roommate?"

   • A: "We talk openly about it and try to find a compromise."

---

Conversation

Context: Two roommates, Emma and David, are discussing how to handle household chores.

Emma: Hey David, I think we should set up a cleaning schedule. It’ll help us keep the apartment tidy.

David: That’s a great idea! We could each take turns with the kitchen, bathroom, and living room.

Emma: Exactly. Maybe we can each be responsible for one area each week and then rotate?

David: Sounds good to me. Also, if you ever need help with extra cleaning, just let me know.

Emma: Thanks, David! And if we have any issues, let’s agree to talk about it right away.

David: Definitely. It’s all about communication and respect, right?

Emma: Exactly! I think this will work well for us.

---

Reading

Title: Living with Roommates: Tips for a Harmonious Home

Text: Living with roommates can be a rewarding experience, but it also requires effort and understanding. Communication is key. Setting clear expectations about chores, noise, and shared expenses helps avoid misunderstandings. A chore schedule is a great way to make sure everyone does their part. Respecting each other’s boundaries and space is also essential. For example, if one roommate prefers quiet evenings, others can agree to keep noise low during those times. Living with roommates is a balance between independence and cooperation. By showing respect and being open to compromise, roommates can create a comfortable and happy home together.