Sick Houses

B2 – Upper Intermediate

We are living under the notion that staying indoors could shield us from outdoor pollutants. At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic when most people around the world were confined to their homes, we felt safer. However, being indoor isn’t tantamount to pollution-free condition. There are homes with level of air pollution that is as high or even exceeds the legal outdoor limits.

Let’s read the article and know more about what makes a sick house.

http://headsupenglish.com/index.php/advanced-english-students/advanced-mini-lessons/173-sick-houses

Vocabulary Questions:

1. Define the adverb “adversely“. “Did you know that your house could adversely affect your health?” Give two synonyms and use it in a sentence.
2. What is the meaning of the word “malaise“? “It’s a home that contributes to or brings about allergies, malaise, migraines, and/or colds.” Use it in your own sentence.
3. What does “solitary” mean? “And although it doesn’t come down to a solitary factor, the pollutants accumulate…” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

1. What are sick houses?
2. Aside from health risks, what other effects could sick houses have on its dwellers?
3. How do you keep your home free from indoor pollution?
4. In your opinion, which areas in your country have more sick houses?