2.

Housing
Choosing a place to live in is a problem which everybody has to deal with. There
comes a time when we want to settle down and set up our own home. The choice is
wide – you can live in a town, in a village, in a suburban area (on the outskirts AmE) or
in a city.
Living in a town or a city has its advantages and also disadvantages. On the
one hand, there are better schooling possibilities, you can choose among variety of
primary or secondary schools even universities. There are also better opportunities to
have a rich social life. Many cultural events are held there, such as concerts, operas
and theatre performances. You can go out to the cinema, restaurants, cafés or night
clubs. There are many shopping centres where you can buy all sorts of goods under
one roof. Sport-loving people can go to sport centres or fitness centres. Moreover,
towns and cities provide better services and job opportunities, so it is easier to find a
well-paid job there. There are banks, insurance companies, post offices, hospitals
which provide a high standard of health care. You can use public transport (bus, tram,
trolleybus), taxi or underground to get to your destination. On the other hand, cities
are often noisy, overcrowded and polluted because of cars and factories. There is
often a lot of mess and dirt in the streets. Many people live in housing estates which is
not an ideal place to raise children. Neighbours often do not know each other; the
relationships are not so open and friendly. Moreover, it is dangerous to go somewhere
in the evening because of street crime caused by pickpockets, shoplifters, burglars,
murderers and drug dealers. As regards living in a village, it is healthier than living in
a town or in a city. Villages are quiet and peaceful places. A rural environment offers
privacy, space and fresh air. People normally live in a community where they know
each other well, they often spend time together. Villages are suitable for people who
like gardening, growing plants, flowers, fruit and vegetables, keeping domesticated
animals and nature. However, people have to travel to towns or cities to get to school
or work or when they need to buy or arrange something.
Home is very important for everybody. It is a place where you can always
return. It is said that there is no place like home. It is full of memories and emotions. It
is not only about the place where you live, but the people and relationships between
them are more important. The British say, “My house – my castle”.
There are several types of dwellings in Britain: a flat (an apartment AmE), a
detached house, a semi-detached house, a terraced house, a cottage and a bungalow.
A flat is a set of rooms and it is a part of a block of flats. It can be small or large. A flat
to rent may be right for people who do not want to spend too much time around the
house, people who are looking for a low-maintenance lifestyle in the city. Flats are
often used by middle income families and students. A detached house stands by itself,
and it usually has a garden. Detached houses usually have at least three bedrooms,
one or two bathrooms upstairs, a dining room and kitchen downstairs. Semi-detached
houses (duplexes AmE) are built in pairs and are joined together on one side. They
usually have two or three bedrooms and a separate garden for each house. Terraced
houses (row houses AmE) are joined together in a row. Cottages are small country
houses. Bungalows are one-storey houses. They are very popular especially with
young families and elderly people because everything is on one level.
A typical British house has two stories. There is a hall, a dining room, a kitchen,
a pantry and a storage space downstairs. Upstairs there are bedrooms, bathrooms
and toilet. A garage is normally attached to the house. A typical British house has a
garden as the British people are fond of gardening.
A typical American house has two stories. Downstairs there is a kitchen, a dining
room, a living room and a bathroom or s half-bath (a toilet and a washbasin). Upstairs
there are bedrooms, a bathroom, a guest room, a study or a playroom. Many
American houses have a porch where people like to sit when the weather is nice.
Americans move several times during their lifetime looking for better job opportunities
or educational facilities for their children.
In our country, most people live in detached houses, bungalows or flats.
Nowadays, people build small, detached houses or bungalows. The priority is to save
energy, so people use economical materials. The prices for electricity, water and gas
are very high. Many people can’t afford to build a house, so they rebuilt old houses or
rent flats.
Some people live in extreme conditions mostly because of the climate and
weather. The Eskimos live in igloos, people living in hot countries live in tents. Some
people simply like different, unusual dwellings, they live in houseboats, others prefer
caravans. Caravanning can be exciting and adventurous; you can take long trips or
just spend weekends in your caravan.
A typical living room has a sofa, armchairs, a wall unit, a bookcase and a coffee
table. Most British houses have a fireplace due to the cold weather. Kitchen furniture
includes cupboards, a sink, a cooker, a fridge, a freezer - they are usually built-in.
There is also a table with chairs. Kitchen is usually equipped with modern household
appliances, such as a cooker, a grill, an oven, a microwave oven, a kettle, a food
processor, a dishwasher. Bedroom has a double bed, built-in wardrobes, a chest of
drawers, a dressing table with a mirror on the wall. In the bathroom there is a bath, a
shower, a washbasin and a mirror.
After choosing the type of dwelling, you have to start thinking about money
because buying a house is usually very expensive. Nowadays, young families have a
problem with finding a place to live. The prices of property are extremely high. It is
impossible for a young family to buy a house or flat without their parents’ help or a
mortgage. They must pay it off in regular monthly instalments. A lot of them pay off
their mortgages for many years after moving into a house or flat. If you work, there is
also a possibility to take up a loan from a bank. Young people who can’t afford to buy
a house or flat often live in rented accommodation. Nowadays it is common for
young people and especially students to rent a house or flat and share the costs.
Living conditions depend on the amount of money. Many wealthy people have
very large houses or mansions with many rooms, tennis courts and swimming pools.
On the other hand, there are people who are homeless. Homelessness is a big social
problem. Many homeless people are alcoholics or mentally ill or unemployed people
without living means. Loss of regular income is common reason why people become
homeless. They live in abandoned houses, parks and streets without any water,
electricity or gas. Charities and different social programmes help them by providing
them with food, clothing and medical treatment.
2. Questions
1. Compare and contrast living in the country versus living in a big
city./Talk about the advantages and disadvantages of living in the
country versus living in a city.
Country City
Is fast-paced, with more
Offers fresh air, open noise, pollution, and
spaces, and a slower pace limited green spaces.
Environment and
of life. People often engage However, cities offer
Lifestyle
in outdoor activities like cultural experiences,
hiking, farming, or fishing. nightlife, and
entertainment options.
Generally lower cost of Higher cost of living due to
living, including cheaper expensive housing,
housing and groceries. transportation, and
Cost of Living
Property is more services. Rent and
affordable, and daily property prices can be
expenses tend to be lower. extremely high.
Fewer job opportunities, Wide variety of job
often centered around opportunities in different
Job Opportunities agriculture, small industries, including
businesses, or remote technology, finance, and
work. entertainment.
Limited public Extensive public
transportation; most transportation networks
Transportation and people rely on personal (subways, buses, trains),
Convenience vehicles. Fewer stores and and everything is within
services mean longer easy reach—restaurants,
travel times for essentials. shops, healthcare facilities.
More diversity and cultural
Tight-knit communities
exposure, with
where people know each
opportunities to meet new
Community and Social other well. A stronger
people. However, it can
Life sense of belonging but
feel lonely despite being
fewer social events and
surrounded by many
networking opportunities.
people.
Fewer schools and medical
facilities; residents may More options for education,
Education and
need to travel to cities for universities, and advanced
Healthcare
specialized care or higher healthcare facilities.
education.
Generally lower crime Higher crime rates in some
rates, but emergency areas, but more police
Safety and Crime Rates
services may take longer presence and security
to respond. measures.

2. Identify different types of dwellings used by people across the world.

House
Flat
Apartment
Condominium
Villa
Mansion
Trailer
Chalet
Duplex
Penthouse
Studio
Hostel
Homestead
Mansionette
Cabin
Mobile home
Detached house
Semi-detached house
Terraced house
Cottage
Bungalow
3. What types of dwellings are popular with students, young families and
elderly people?
1. Students – Students typically prefer affordable, low-maintenance, and well-
located housing. Popular choices include:
 Dormitories (Student Halls) – Located on or near university
campuses, offering shared or private rooms with communal facilities.
 Shared Apartments – Renting an apartment with roommates to split
costs.
 Studio Apartments – Small, self-contained units ideal for students who
prefer privacy.
 Hostels – Budget-friendly, temporary accommodations for students in
some countries.
2. Young Families – Young families look for homes that provide space, safety,
and proximity to schools and amenities. Popular choices include:
 Single-Family Houses – Detached homes with a yard, ideal for raising
children.
 Townhouses – Multi-story homes offering more space than apartments
but at a lower cost than detached houses.
 Condominiums (Condos) – Apartment-style living with shared
amenities, often in urban areas.
 Suburban Apartments – Affordable, family-friendly options in
residential areas.
 3. Elderly People – Elderly people prioritize accessibility, safety, and comfort.
Common dwelling types include:
 Bungalows – Single-story houses with easy access, reducing the need
for stairs.
 Retirement Communities – Housing complexes designed for seniors,
often with medical facilities and social activities.
 Assisted Living Facilities – Residences with medical and personal care
services for those needing extra support.
4. How would you compare housing in Slovakia in the past and at present
time? Will it change in the future?
1. Traditional Housing (Past)
 In the past, Slovak housing was primarily based on rural and village-style
homes, often made of wood, stone, or clay bricks.
 Houses were single-story, with thatched or tiled roofs and small windows
for insulation.
 Many homes had large gardens for growing food and keeping animals, as self-
sufficiency was essential.
 In towns, multi-generational homes were common, with extended families
living under one roof.
 After WWII and during socialism, paneláky (prefabricated apartment
blocks) were built rapidly to accommodate the growing urban population.
2. Modern Housing (Present)
 Today, panelák apartments still dominate in cities, but they have been
renovated and modernized (new insulation, elevators, and better heating
systems).
 More people now prefer modern apartments in newly built residential
complexes with better design and amenities.
 Suburban houses are becoming more popular among families, with more
detached and semi-detached houses being built.
 Smart homes and eco-friendly buildings (with solar panels, green roofs,
and energy-efficient systems) are becoming a trend.
3. Future Housing Trends in Slovakia
 More sustainable and eco-friendly housing – Expect a shift towards green
architecture, including passive houses and smart homes.
 Urbanization and high-rise buildings – Cities like Bratislava, Košice, and
Žilina may see more high-rise residential complexes due to increasing
population density.
 Smaller, affordable housing units – Due to rising real estate prices, more
compact apartments and co-living spaces might become popular.
 Advanced technology integration – Smart homes with automation, energy-
efficient solutions, and AI-driven security systems will become more common.
 Increased suburbanization – More people may move out of large cities into
surrounding towns and villages, seeking larger, more affordable homes while
working remotely.
 5. Is it common in your country for people to move many times in their
lives?
In Slovakia, it is not as common for people to move frequently compared to some
Western countries like the USA or Germany. Many Slovaks tend to stay in the same
home for a long time, especially if they own property.

6. Compare living in Slovakia and the UK (types of dwellings, standard of

living).

7. Where do famous people and celebrities live?

8. Give reasons why people become homeless. What kind of people are
affected by homelessness? Where can homeless people be seen?

9. What types of houses are there in the place where you live?

10. Describe the residence you live in. If you didn’t have to worry about
money, would you improve your home?

11. Which room do you regard as the favourite? Describe it. How do you
spend your time there?

12. What problems do young families have to face when looking for a place
to live?/Make a list of possible housing problems young families may
have to face when looking for a place to live.

13. How do you imagine your ideal place for living? Describe your ideal
place for living. State a location, a type of dwelling, its interior as well
as its surroundings and facilities.

14. Read the following statement and explain what it means.

‘Love can make an ordinary house an extraordinary home.’
 This quote, "Love can make an ordinary house an extraordinary
home," highlights the idea that a house is just a physical space, but love,
care, and meaningful relationships turn it into a true home.
 A loving family makes a home a safe place to return to. The most beautiful
homes are not the biggest, but the ones filled with happiness and shared
moments.
 At the end of the day, it’s not about the size or cost of the house – it’s about
the love and relationships inside.
15. Give the pros and cons of living in a house/flat.
 16. What are the advantages and disadvantages of sharing a room
with a roommate?

17. Who does repairs in your house/flat? Have you ever tried to repair
anything at home? What are advantages of being a DIY person?

Roleplays/Simulations
Imagine that you as a client of an estate agency are being offered the chance to rent
three types of dwellings: a detached house, a bungalow and a flat. Choose one of
them and explain your priorities and preferences, like the location, the number of
rooms (furnished/unfurnished), rent, bills, facilities, access to public transport, and the
vicinity of amenities.
You share a small flat with your friend. He/she is a big animal lover and wants to buy a
dog. You do not agree with this idea. Give the arguments to support your opinion.
A You are considering selling your present flat in town and moving to a small village
which is about 25km away. Your main argument is that you are getting older, and you
need peace and quiet and your son will leave you soon.
B You are strongly against moving anywhere. You like your present flat very much
and don’t think it’s a good idea. Think about arguments to persuade your parents to
leave things as they are.

2. Pictures
1. Discuss the types of dwellings depicted in the set of photos. State the pros and
cons of living in these places.
2. What are the main points to consider when creating a cosy place for living?
3. Briefly describe the rooms in your home. What do you especially like about your
home?
4. Which type of dwelling wouldn’t you like to live at all? Explain why.