I. Pre-Listening Exercises
Students are always looking for cheap apartments to rent. 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.
HELPFUL TIP: You usually have to pay a deposit and at least the first month's rent in the US. You can often find advertisements for apartments in the newspaper or on the Internet.
II. Listening Exercises
Listen to the conversation by pressing the "Play Audio" button and answer the questions. Press the "Final Score" button to check your quiz.
곰녹음기_1.mp3
1. What is the main topic of the conversation?
A. problems with living in an apartment
B. a search for a new apartment
C. the cost of rent near universities
2. Why doesn't Ann like her current apartment?
A. It's too expensive.
B. The neighborhood is noisy.
C. It's located some distance from school.
3. How much money does Ann want to pay for rent?
A. no more than $200
B. around $200
C. a little more than $200
4. What kind of place is she looking for?
A. somewhere that is within a short driving distance of campus
B. an apartment with furniture already in it
C. a place where she can live alone
5. How is Roger going to help her?
A. He is planning on calling a friend who owns an apartment building.
B. He will check the newspapers to see if he can find an apartment for rent.
C. He is going to visit an apartment building near his place.
III. Post-Listening Exercises
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.
Correct answers:
1. a search for a new apartment
2. It's located some distance from school.
3. no more than $200
4. an apartment with furniture already in it
5. He is going to visit an apartment building near his place.
Script
Roger: Hello.
Ann: Hello Roger? This is Ann.
Roger: Oh hi, Ann. How have you been? And how's your new apartment working out?
Ann: Well, that's what I'm calling about. You see, I've decided to look for a new place.
Roger: Oh, what's the problem with your place now? I thought you liked the apartment.
Ann: Oh, I do, but it's a little far from campus, and the commute is just killing me. Do you think you could help? I thought you might know more about the housing situation near the university.
Roger: Alright. So, what kind of place are you looking for?
Ann:Well, I'd like to share an apartment with one or two
roommates within walking distance to school.
Roger: Okay, what's your budget like? I mean how much do you want to spend on rent?
Ann:Uh, somewhere under $200 a month, including utilities, if I could. Oh, and I'd prefer to rent a furnished apartment.
Roger: Hmm. And anything else?
Ann:Yeah, I need a parking space.
Roger: Well, I know there's an apartment complex around the corner that seems to have a few vacancies. I'll drop by there on my way to class today.
Ann: Hey, thanks a lot.
Roger: No problem.
Key Vocabulary
work out (phrasal verb): going well
- My new job schedule has really worked out for me.
commute (verb): to travel between home and work or school
- I have to commute two hours each day to get to work.
utilities (noun): public services including water, gas, and electricity
- How much do you pay for utilities each month?
furnished (adjective): containing furniture, for example, a sofa, tables, and washing machine
- I decided to rent a furnished apartment so I wouldn't have to buy so many things.
vacancies (noun): rooms not being used or rented
- Do you have any vacancies starting next month?
