Beginner
A: I like this apartment. Do you think we can afford the mortgage1?
B: yes. I think so. Its not a very expensive apartment. Its in the right area and it has everything that we are looking for. The rooms are quite large too.
A: I love the balcony2. We can sit outside and enjoy the sun in summer. We are on the 12th floor, so theres very nice view from the balcony.
B: the neighbourhood is nice too. There is a park nearby.
A: yes, and there are many houses nearby. I like it that the neighbourhood isnt full of apartment blocks.
B: its a pity we cant afford a house. A garden would be so nice.
A: yes, it would. Dont worry. Theres a lawn3 outside the building and theres the park nearby. This place will be fine.
B: the building is quite new and well constructed. Im happy with the fittings4 too.
A: yes, everything has been well designed.
Intermediate5
A: so, tell me about you new house. How is it different to your old one?
B: well, first of all, its much bigger. It has the same number of rooms, but each room is larger. We also have a larger garden, which our dog loves, of course!
A: so, its a three-bedrooms detached6 house?
B: yes. One bedroom is for my wife and i. theres another for our daughter. My wife wants to use the third one as a guest room, but Id like to make it into a study. Our daughter is also keen7 on making it a study, so thats probably what will happen.
A: whats the kitchen like? I know both you and your wife like to cook.
B: thats one of the main reason we chose that particular house. The kitchen and dining room are together. Its really large.
A: are the rooms nice and bright?
B: yes, they are. Thats very important to us. We like to live in a home with plenty of natural light. Each room has large windows.
A: do you have a balcony?
B: no, we dont. we wish we had one. Thats the only thing we wanted, but dont have. The area is very nice and the neighbours seem friendly.
A: youre right on the edge8 of the city, arent you? There cant be much noise or traffic there. Is it easy to get into city centre?
B: its a very quiet neighbourhood. Theres some traffic, but not much. Its not very difficult to get to the city centre, but you must remember to turn left and right at the right places or youll get lost. So when are you going to drop by?
Words
Bungalow 平房
Garden
Yard
Garage
Shed 小屋/货棚
Lawn
Flower bed
Rockery 假山
Ground/first floor
Balcony
Roof
Steps
Drive
Flat/ apartment
Fittings
