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“A New Apartment”
Designed for intermediate English learners, but adaptable for other levels.

 Discussion Questions
 Vocabulary Study
 Reading/Listening Passage (212 words)
 Reading/Listening Comprehension Questions
 Activities
 Answer Key

Copyright © 2013 Eric B. Gulley | Everyday English® | www.everydayenglish.com

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A New Apartment

Discussion questions

1. How did you find your current apartment/home?

2. How is finding a place to live in the US different from/the same as your home country?

3. What things do you like/dislike about the process of finding a place to live?

4. What amenities/features (washer/dryer, fitness center, pool, etc.) should a place have?

5. What is your opinion about renting versus owning a place?

Vocabulary

1. move out‐ (phrasal verb) to leave a place

2. apartment‐ (noun) a self‐contained residence inside a larger building with other units

3. listing‐ (noun) an entry in a catalogue or directory

4. landlord‐ (noun) the owner of a rental property

5. suit‐ (verb) to be appropriate or the right thing

6. rental agreement‐ (noun) a contract, terms and conditions agreed to by renter and landlord

7. deposit‐ (noun) payment given as a partial compensation or for security

8. utility room‐ (noun) room where mechanical items of a place are located (water tank, furnace, etc.)

9. washer‐ (noun) machine that cleans clothing

10. dryer‐ (noun) machine that dries clothing

11. utilities‐ (plural noun) a service such as electricity, gas or water

12. share‐ (verb) to have or use something in common with other people

13. furnished‐ (adjective) already having furniture

14. for the time being‐ (adverbial phrase) meanwhile, during the interval, for now

15. cozy‐ (adjective) comfortable and friendly

Copyright © 2013 Eric B. Gulley | Everyday English® | www.everydayenglish.com
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A New Apartment

Last month, I decided to move out of my parents' place. I searched in the newspaper and
online for apartment listings and found a place not too far from my work. The landlord showed
me around the apartment. It suited my needs, so I signed the rental agreement and
paid a deposit. The apartment has two bedrooms, one bathroom, a living room and kitchen. It
also has a small utility room where I keep my washer and dryer. Right before I moved in, the
landlord put in new carpet and had the walls painted, so it looks like a new place. The rent is
$850 a month, not including utilities. I pay about $200 for gas, electricity, water, sewage and
Internet service. Unfortunately, the apartment complex doesn't allow pets, so my dog has to
stay with my parents for now. I might get a roommate at some point to share expenses, but I
haven't decided on that yet. The place looks a little empty because it isn't furnished, but for the
time being, I only have the basics: a bed, a table, a small sofa in the living room and an old TV. It's not
as cozy as my parents' place, but it will have to do for now.

Comprehension questions

1. Why do you think the narrator decided to live on his own?

2. Where did the narrator look to find apartments for rent?

3. How many bedrooms does the apartment have?

4. How much does the narrator pay for his utilities?

5. Why isn’t the apartment cozy?

Copyright © 2013 Eric B. Gulley | Everyday English® | www.everydayenglish.com

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Activities

1. (Discussion) What is the process of finding an apartment in your home country? Can you
contact the landlord directly or do you have to go through a real estate agent? On
average, how much does it cost to rent a 1‐bedroom apartment? Are most apartments
already furnished or do you have to furnish it yourself?

2. (Role play) You have a roommate that is very messy and uses some of your things without
asking. Confront your roommate about his bad habits and lack of consideration. Tell him
that he must change his behavior or find a new place to live. Switch roles.

3. (Writing) You have a room to rent. Write an advertisement for the local paper.

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4. (Role play) You have a room to rent. Ask potential renters the following questions:
a. Are you currently working? Will you be able to afford the rent?
b. Do you have any references? Can we contact people you’ve rented from in the past?
c. Do you have any undesirable habits such as smoking or drug use?
d. Do you have any questions?

5. (Discussion) Think about your dream house. Where would it be? What amenities/features would it
have? Talk about it with your partner(s).

Copyright © 2013 Eric B. Gulley | Everyday English® | www.everydayenglish.com

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Answer key

Discussion questions

1. How did you find your current apartment/home? e.g., I found it online. A realtor helped me find it.

2. How is finding a place to live in the US different from/the same as your home country? e.g., In my
country, it’s difficult to find a place to live.

3. What things do you like/dislike about the process of finding a place to live? e.g., I enjoy looking at
listings online. I don’t like driving around to look at different places.

4. What amenities/features (washer/dryer, fitness center, pool, etc.) should a place have? e.g., The
place I live should have a washer and dryer. That’s really important. I also prefer to have a garage.

5. What is your opinion about renting versus owning a place? e.g., If I had the money, of course I
would prefer to buy a nice house. However, I can only afford to rent right now.

Comprehension questions

1. Why do you think the narrator decided to live on his own? e.g., He wanted more freedom. His
parents were annoying him.

2. Where did the narrator look to find apartments for rent? newspapers, online

3. How many bedrooms does the apartment have? 2

4. How much does he pay for his utilities? $200

5. Why isn’t the apartment cozy? e.g., It isn’t well furnished. He can’t keep his dog there. It doesn’t
have nice amenities. It’s very basic.

Copyright © 2013 Eric B. Gulley | Everyday English® | www.everydayenglish.com