This lesson focuses on shared living arrangements, specifically people who live together in an apartment. Students will learn vocabulary, expressions, and grammar structures to discuss the dynamics of sharing a living space, including responsibilities, expenses, and cooperation among roommates. This topic also encourages students to think about the advantages and challenges of sharing an apartment.
Grammar
- Present Simple for Routines: Describing daily routines or responsibilities in a shared apartment (e.g., “They split the chores every week”).
- Modal Verbs for Permission and Obligation: Using “must,” “should,” and “can” to discuss shared responsibilities (e.g., “They must agree on cleaning schedules”).
- Possessive Pronouns and Adjectives: Talking about ownership in shared spaces (e.g., “my room,” “our kitchen,” “their furniture”).
Vocabulary
- Roommate: A person you share a living space with
- Rent: The monthly payment to live in an apartment
- Utilities: Services like water, electricity, and gas
- Lease: The rental agreement
- Deposit: A sum of money paid as security for potential damages
- Furnishings: Furniture and items that decorate or equip a home
- Chores: Housework tasks, like cleaning and cooking
- Shared space: Areas in the apartment used by everyone, such as the living room and kitchen
- Bills: Monthly payments for utilities and other expenses
- Privacy: Personal space and time without others around
Useful Expressions
- "They split the rent and bills equally."
- "Living with roommates can save money."
- "It’s important to respect each other’s privacy."
- "They take turns cleaning the shared spaces."
- "They need to agree on house rules."
- "She pays her part of the rent on time every month."
- "He likes to keep the kitchen clean, so he usually does the dishes."
Sentences
- "They share an apartment to save on living expenses."
- "Each roommate has their own bedroom, but they share the bathroom."
- "The roommates take turns cleaning the shared areas."
- "It’s important to set boundaries when sharing a living space."
- "They agreed to split the rent and bills equally."
Questions and Answers
Q: "Why do people choose to share an apartment?"
- A: "Sharing an apartment can save money and provide company."
Q: "How do they divide the rent and bills?"
- A: "They split them equally so that everyone pays the same amount."
Q: "What are some common challenges of living with roommates?"
- A: "Some common challenges include managing chores, sharing space, and respecting privacy."
Q: "Who usually cleans the shared areas?"
- A: "They take turns, or they make a cleaning schedule."
Q: "What is a lease, and why is it important?"
- A: "A lease is a rental agreement that outlines the terms of living in the apartment. It’s important because it protects both the renter and the landlord."
Conversation
Context: Amy and Lisa are roommates discussing how to organize their shared apartment.
Amy: Lisa, I was thinking we should make a schedule for the chores. It’ll help us keep the apartment clean.
Lisa: Good idea! Maybe we can take turns with the big tasks, like mopping and cleaning the bathroom.
Amy: Agreed. I also think we should decide on a rule for shared spaces, like the kitchen and living room.
Lisa: Yeah, let’s make sure we both clean up after ourselves, especially in the kitchen.
Amy: And for the bills, are you okay with splitting them equally?
Lisa: Yes, that’s fair. It’ll make it easier for both of us to budget.
Amy: Great! I think if we communicate openly, we’ll avoid any roommate issues.
Lisa: Absolutely. I’m glad we can work together on this.
Reading
Title: Living with Roommates: Tips for a Happy Shared Apartment
Text: Sharing an apartment can be a great way to save money and meet new people, but it also requires cooperation and respect. When you live with roommates, communication is key. It’s helpful to set up house rules about chores, shared spaces, and noise levels. Many roommates split the rent and bills evenly, which makes managing finances easier. However, some things, like personal belongings, should remain private and respected by everyone. By establishing a schedule for cleaning and agreeing on household responsibilities, roommates can create a comfortable and organized living environment. The experience of sharing an apartment can teach valuable lessons in teamwork and compromise, making it both a practical and rewarding choice.
0 Comments