Tag: housing

Living in the Netherlands’ Futuristic Homes

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Have you ever imagined living inside a house that resembles a golf ball? For many, this would seem like a very strange idea. But in Bolwoningen, a small village outside Amsterdam, this is a reality.

Watch the video to learn more.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Explain the video in your own words. What do you think about Bolwoningen?
  2. Have you ever seen an unusual or unconventional home? Would you like to try to live in one? Why or why not?
  3. Talk about the most bizarre-looking house you’ve ever seen.

7 Myths About Owning A House

B2 – Upper intermediate

Buying a house can be complicated and scary at the same time. There’s also a lot of misunderstanding in some instances. We have a lot of misconceptions when it comes to buying and owning a house. Here are some of those.

7 Myths About Owning A House That Just Aren’t True

Questions for discussion:

  1. How easy/difficult is it to get your own home in your country?
  2. At what age do you think is the perfect time to get your own house?
  3. Do you think home security systems are only for the rich?
  4. Describe your dream house.

Students in Amsterdam Share Housing With Refugees

B2 – Upper Intermediate

There are at least two biggest problems in every European country. They are: the influx of refugees and the increasing prices of apartments. Amsterdam might have a solution to this problem. They have introduced a new concept called “Startblok” where university students can live in a low-priced good quality apartments with refugees.

Watch the video, listen to the audio and read the article to know more about this integration project between university students and refugees.

https://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/students-amsterdam-share-housing-refugees/3695391.html

Discussion Questions:

1. What are the students and refugees expected to do in exchange for the cheap housing?
2. What are your thoughts on the “Startblok” project? Do you see this succeeding in your country?
3. What is the general attitude towards refugees in your country? Do you think that refugees find it difficult to integrate into your local community?
4. Is housing cheap in your country? Would you ever consider moving abroad because of lower housing costs?

 

Live in this Italian Village and Receive Money

© via Daily Mail UK

B2 – Upper Intermediate

How would you like to move to a picturesque town with only 394 inhabitants, rents for as low as €50 a month, and an incentive of €2,000 for relocating there?

The city government in a little Italian village offers all these things to address a problem their town is facing.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-4484094/Italian-village-offers-2-000-people-there.html

Let’s talk:
1. What’s the problem in this village and what is the solution to it?
2. Do you have the same problem in your country?
3. What are the reasons you would move or not relocate to this town?