IN THIS UNIT YOU WILL

LEARN HOW TO
• respond to sentence completion questions
• skim read a text
• recognise paraphrase
• practise using the present
simple and past simple.

I LEAD-IN I
� Tell your partner about the house or apartment you live in.

Is it big or Is it old or

What kind of house would you like to live in? a luxury apartment in the city
 Find these in the pictures on this page.

� treehou:_'.' houseboat shipping container homes

Which ones would you like to live in?

II

I SKIMMING AND SCANNING A TEXT I

@ The skills of skimming and scanning are very important in the Reading test.
Skimming is reading the passage quickly to get an idea of what it is about.

Scanning is also reading the passage quickly, but this time looking for particular information in the text,
for example, the answer to a question.
• Before you look at the questions, read through the passage quickly. Don't spend more than a minute on this.
• Skim over (don't spend time on) words like the, they, our, through.
• Notice the 'content' words, such as nouns and verbs, to get an idea of what the passage is about.
• Read the questions.
• Scan the passage for the answers. Let your eyes move quickly over the text until you see one of the key
words from the question, or words that have a similar meaning.
• Read that part of the passage carefully until you find the answer.

UNIT02 /READING m
� What is the passage about? Read it in ONE minute and choose one of the options.
a Life in different cities around the world
b Unusual places to live or stay around the world
c The type of houses and flats most people live in

� Read the passage again to find the words from the box in exercise 3 as quickly as you can.

� Which of the two activities you have just done practised scanning? Which practised skimming?

AMAZING HOMES
Most people live in a house or a flat. When they go on holiday they stay in a hotel or a
guest house. But some places where you can live or stay are a bit different.

8 One unusual place to live is a houseboat. Amsterdam in Holland is famous for

its houseboats - there are about 2,500 of them. They have everything that a
normal house has: a living room, bedroom, kitchen, bathroom and even
sometimes a terrace on the roof. They are cheaper than houses and people
who live on houseboats enjoy being close to nature. Some houseboats can
be moved to other parts of the river, while others are permanently in
one place.

4i) In Tokyo, Japan, there is a see-through house. It is like a normal Japanese

house but a!lthe walls are made of glass. There is plenty of daylight but no
privacy. Architect Sou Fujimoto designed it for a couple to make their home.
He based his ideas on early man living in trees. It wouldn't suit everyone but
the couple who live there love the feeling of being surrounded by the natural
world.

(9 All around the world, people live in homes made from shipping containers.
Some use only one container, while others are made from several containers
joined together. One house in Chile was built from 12 containers. They are
cheap to buy and eco-friendly. They can also be placed in the garden or drive
as guest rooms, studies or utility rooms.

I In Germany, you can stay in a one-metre-square house, the smallest house in

the world, called the House NA. Van Bo Le-Mentzel, a refugee from Laos, built
it to draw attention to the world housing shortage. It is a wooden structure
on wheels and weighs 40 kg. It has a locking door and a window. You can turn
it onto its side when you want to lie down. Franz from Munich spent the night.
in one recently 'just to see what it was like'. He found it a bit uncomfortable!

9 For an unusual holiday you can stay in an igloo, a house made of ice. These
can be found in several countries including Sweden, Norway and Finland.
They are built new every winter. Jenny and Callum, visitors from Australia,
told us, 'We slept in an igloo last night. It's so cold here - minus 5 degrees
centigrade. We used reindeer skins to keep warm!'

O Another couple, Shaun and Rachel from Manchester, enjoyed a recent

holiday in a treehouse in Sussex, England. They said, 'It was right up in the
trees and had everything we needed, even wifi! It had a small kitchen and we
did our own cooking. It was the perfect place to get away from our busy lives.'

26
I UNDERSTANDING PARAPHRASE I
@ In the Reading paper, it is very important to be able to
understand paraphrase (when the same idea is given
using different words). The words used in the questions
won't be exactly the same as the ones in the passage.

� Match these words and phrases from the text (1-6) with their paraphrases (a-f).
1 houseboats a not being watched by others
2 permanently b not feeling pleasant
3 privacy c homes on the water
4 surrounded by the natural world d Nordic countries
5 uncomfortable e forever, always
6 Sweden, Norway and Finland f having nature all around

� Choose the best paraphrase for these sentences from the text.
1 The treehouse had everything we needed.
A We needed some more things for our stay in the treehouse.
B The treehouse was very well equipped.
C We need everything for the treehouse.
2 Some houseboats can be moved to other parts of the river.
A Not all houseboats are permanently fixed in one place.
B Only some parts of the river have houseboats.
C You can move to a houseboat in another part of the river.
3 One house in Chile was built from 12 containers.
A There are 12 houses in Chile made from containers.
B 12 containers were used to make one house.
C You need 12 containers to make a house in Chile.
 SENTENCE COMPLETION ]

In this task type you will have to complete a sentence with up to three words (or two
words and/or a number) taken from the passage. The instructions will tell you how many
words you are allowed to use.
Look at this example: Houseboat occupants like living _______
This is a paraphrase of the following sentence from the passage:
People who live on houseboats enjoy being close to nature.
Because you have to use words from the passage in your answer, the answer is close to
nature.

Follow the steps in the box opposite and complete the sentences.
Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the passage for each answer. @ How to do sentence
completion questions
1 The two people who live in the transparent house love it, but it wouldn't
• Underline key words from the
· sentence (houseboat occupants,
2 The designer of the smallest house hopes to ___ _ ___ to the lack of in the above example).
houses all over the world. • Scan the text for the key words
3 People who stay in igloos sometimes protect themselves from the cold by making or words that mean something
use of --------- similar (people who live on
houseboats has a similar
4 People who have would find a holiday in a treehouse ideal.
meaning to houseboat

I I
occupants).
GRAMMAR FOCUS: PAST SIMPLE AND PRESENT SIMPLE • Readthe sentences nearthe
key words carefully - like living
filQD Answer these questions about the Amazing homes passage. means the same as enjoy being.
• Find the words that seem to fit
1 Which tenses does the passage use? the sentence.
a present tenses • Check that the meaning of the
b past tenses sentence matches the meaning
As part of your first quick of the text.
c both present and past tenses look at the passage, identify • Check the grammar of the
2 Which tenses are used: whether it is written mainly completed sentence.
a to describe the house.s? in the past, present or • Check if the word(s) should be
future, and if the tense singular or plural.
b to describe habit or things that are always true?
changes. This may help you • Check that you have used the
c to describe people's experiences on holidays? understand the passage. correct number of words.
d to talk about designing or building the house?

[iJiD Choose the correct verb, present simple or past simple.

1 Most people in China live/ lived in flats.
2 In the UK most houses have J had gardens.
3 In 2010, my parents move/ moved to Australia.
4 Nowadays Sarah usually spends/ spent her holidays in cities.
5 In the past she prefers/ preferred beach holidays.

� Complete the sentences with the correct form of the verb in brackets.
1 Farid now ______ _ (share) a flat with some other students.
2 Last year he (live) at home with his parents.
3 Once I (stay) on a campsite next to a lake in Italy.
4 My f\at \have) two balconies.
5 In 2014 we (move) into our new house.
 EXAM SKILLS]

I remember feeling the first time I left home that I would never I spent three happy weeks with the Schmitt family. Brigitte
be able to feel at home anywhere but in my home. No other had an elder brother, Hendrik, and a younger sister, Lisa.
place would have my mum and dad, my annoying little They had two cats, Ping and Pong, who sat on my lap as
brother and my cat, Tilly. Nowhere would smell like my I looked into the fire in the evenings. The whole family were
home - my mum's roast chicken in the oven and the salty, kind and welcoming. My room was cosy and warm and
seaweed smell that drifted in from the nearby beach. The looked out onto a forest. The fresh clean smell of the trees
sound of seagulls squawking was the sound of home. and of apples baking in the oven became familiar and
Nowhere else would I feel comfortable enough to put my comforting, like the smells of home. I learnt in those three
feet up under me and gaze into the log fire dreaming of weeks that you can feel at home anywhere that people are
the future. kind to you.
I was 15 when I first went away from home on a school trip Later that year, Brigitte came to stay with me in the UK.
to Germany. My friends were going too, but we would all I gave her my room and moved in with my brother. I cleared
stay with different families. I was nervous about this. space for her clothes and put fresh flowers in a vase by the
I knew the home I was going to would not be as bed. I asked my mum to make her famous roast chicken
comfortable as mine, the family would not be as kind, and an apple pie to make our guest feel at home. We made
and who knew what the German food would be like? a welcome banner and put it up on the front door. I did
I knew I would spend three weeks, homesick and sad, everything I could to help Brigitte feel at home with us.
missing my family back home. I now understood the importance of a warm welcome.
We arrived in Germany late at night after a long
journey by coach and boat. I was tired and hungry.
We went into the school hall, where the host families
were waiting to meet us. I wondered which one
would be mine. Would they give me dinner at this
time and would I be able to eat the unfamiliar
food? Suddenly I heard my name called and the
name of my exchange partner, Brigitte Schmitt.
A pretty, blonde girl stepped forward, smiling
widely. Behind her stood her parents, a pleasant­
looking couple who were also smiling. They
held out their hands and said, 'Wilkommen in
Deutschland. Welcome to Germany.'

Read the passage and complete the sentences below. Choose NO MORE THAN
THREE WORDS from the passage for each answer.
1 The writer's mother often cooks ____
2 She thought the visit to Germany would make her feel _________
3 Brigitte came to pick up the girl with ________________
4 The Schmitt family's pets' names are _ _____________
5 From her bedroom the girl could see a _______________
6 The girl and her family tried hard to make Brigitte _ _________

UNIT 02 READING
 Vocabulary Meaning/Explanation
A boat used as a home, usually equipped with
Houseboat (n)
living amenities
A set of rooms forming an individual residence in
Apartment (n)
a building
Luxury (adj) Expensive and comfortable
An outdoor flat area next to a building, often used
Terrace (n)
for seating
The physical world including plants, animals, and
Nature (n)
landscapes
Eco-friendly (adj) Not harmful to the environment
Household (n) All the people living together in a home
Architect (n) A person who designs buildings
Privacy (n) Freedom from being observed by others
Skimming (n) Reading quickly to get the general idea of a text
Scanning (n) Reading quickly to find specific information
Harbour (n) A place on the coast where ships can be anchored
A structure built among the branches of a tree for
Treehouse (n)
living or recreation
See-through (adj) Transparent; something you can see through
A large metal box used for shipping goods or
Container (n)
converted into a living space
Structure (n) A building or construction
A house made of snow or ice, typical in Arctic
Igloo (n)
regions
Temporary (adj) Not permanent; lasting for a limited time
Permanent (adj) Lasting forever or for a long time
Rural (adj) Related to the countryside rather than towns
Urban (adj) Related to a city or town
Leisure (n) Free time for relaxation or activities
A small apartment, usually with one room and a
Studio (n)
bathroom
A room in a house used for storing equipment or
Utility room (n)
laundry
Cosy (adj) Comfortable and warm
Skyscraper (n) A very tall building
A small, inexpensive hotel or private home for
Guest house (n)
paying guests
Detached house (n) A house that is not joined to another building
Semi-detached house (n) A house that shares a wall with another house
An outlying district of a city, especially
Suburb (n)
residential
Cottage (n) A small, simple house, typically in a rural area
Terraced house (n) A house in a row of similar houses joined together
Mansion (n) A large, impressive house
A large house, especially in the countryside or
Villa (n)
near the sea
A large bedroom for multiple people, often used
Dormitory (n)
in schools
 A large, open space, often converted from a
Loft (n)
warehouse
Modern (adj) Relating to the present or recent times
Historic (adj) Important in history
A room with glass walls and a roof, attached to a
Conservatory (n)
house
Porch (n) A covered entrance to a building
Basement (n) The lowest floor, partly or fully underground
Attic (n) A room or space just under the roof of a house
A platform projecting from the wall of a building,
Balcony (n)
with a railing
A platform or compartment housed in a shaft for
Elevator (n)
raising and lowering people
Staircase (n) A set of stairs inside a building
A flat area on top of a building where people can
Roof terrace (n)
sit
Lobby (n) A large, open area at the entrance of a building
A long passage in a building from which doors
Corridor (n)
lead into rooms
A piece of ground used for growing flowers,
Garden (n)
vegetables, etc.
To repair and improve something, especially a
Renovate (v)
building

Vocabulary Meaning/Explanation
The basic physical systems and services (e.g., transportation, communication,
Infrastructure (n)
sewage) needed for a society to function
Useful features or facilities of a building or area, such as parks, shops, gyms,
Amenities (n)
etc.
Dilapidated (adj) In a state of disrepair or ruin due to age or neglect
Demolition (n) The act of destroying a building intentionally
Congestion (n) Overcrowding, especially in traffic or urban areas
Urban sprawl (n) The uncontrolled expansion of urban areas
The process of dividing an area into sections for specific purposes like
Zoning (n)
residential, commercial, or industrial use
Sustainable Designing buildings that are environmentally responsible and resource-
architecture (n) efficient
Pedestrian-friendly
Designed to be safe and accessible for people walking
(adj)
Concerned with beauty or the appreciation of beauty, often used to describe
Aesthetic (adj)
the design of buildings
Mixed-use A type of urban development that blends residential, commercial, cultural, and
development (n) industrial uses
Buildings or parts of buildings that are made in sections in a factory and
Prefabricated (adj)
assembled on-site
 Vocabulary Meaning/Explanation
The process of improving an area by replacing old buildings or improving
Redevelopment (n)
existing ones
Heritage site (n) A place of historical or cultural importance, often protected by law
The process of making an area more urban, usually through development and
Urbanization (n)
increasing population density
Density (n) The number of buildings or people in a particular area
The process of improving and renovating a city or neighborhood that has
Urban renewal (n)
deteriorated
The process of renovating and improving a house or district so that it conforms
Gentrification (n)
to middle-class taste, often displacing lower-income residents
The process of managing or running something for financial gain, often in
Commercialization (n)
relation to land or buildings
Façade restoration (n) The process of cleaning, repairing, or replacing the outer surface of a building
Erect (v) To build or put up a structure or building
The act of maintaining or protecting something, especially historic buildings or
Preservation (n)
areas
Adorn (v) To decorate or add beauty to a building
The process by which a previously functioning city, or part of a city, falls into
Urban decay (n)
disrepair and neglect
Sprawl (v) To spread out irregularly, especially in an urban environment
Subsidized housing (n) Government-supported housing provided at reduced rent
Residential complex
A group of buildings that contain houses or apartments for living
(n)
Real estate (n) Property consisting of land or buildings
Expropriate (v) To take away property, usually by the government, for public use or benefit
Furnish (v) To supply a house or room with furniture and appliances
Mortgage (n) A loan used to purchase a home, with the property serving as collateral
Tenant (n) A person who rents a property from a landlord
Deed (n) A legal document that shows ownership of property
Appraisal (n) An estimate of the value of property, often for sale or tax purposes
Ornate (adj) Highly decorated with intricate designs
The state of being near to something, often used to describe location relative to
Proximity (n)
amenities or landmarks
A type of property ownership where a person rents land or property for a long
Leasehold (n)
period of time, usually decades
Sublet (v) To rent out a property that you are already renting from someone else
Utility bills (n) Charges for essential services like water, gas, electricity, etc.
Eviction (n) The act of legally forcing someone to leave the property they are renting
Blueprint (n) A detailed technical plan for a building or project
Occupancy (n) The state of living in or using a space
 Vocabulary Meaning/Explanation
Townhouse (n) A multi-story house in a city, usually attached to others in a row
High-rise (adj) A tall building with many floors
A professional responsible for developing land use plans and programs that
Urban planner (n)
help create communities and accommodate population growth
Rezone (v) To change the legal classification of an area of land for a different purpose
Industrial estate (n) An area of land set aside for factories and other industrial businesses
A building or place that is easily recognized and often has historical, cultural,
Landmark (n)
or aesthetic importance
Skyline (n) The outline of buildings against the sky, often associated with a city
A former industrial or commercial site where future use is affected by real or
Brownfield site (n)
perceived environmental contamination
An area of open land around a city, on which building is restricted to protect
Greenbelt (n)
nature and prevent urban sprawl

A Guide to Modern Living

In recent years, there has been a significant shift in the way people choose to live. Whether in urban or
rural settings, the modern housing market offers a variety of options tailored to different lifestyles.
One popular choice for those who appreciate both luxury and nature is the eco-friendly villa. These
homes often feature see-through windows to maximize natural light and are designed with sustainable
architecture principles in mind. Many of these villas come with a private garden and a roof terrace for
outdoor relaxation.
For those preferring a more urban lifestyle, high-rise skyscrapers offer a dramatic skyline view. In these
buildings, amenities such as a gym, lobby, and elevator are standard. Some people opt for a studio
apartment or a loft that provides a stylish, modern living space with minimal upkeep.
In contrast, individuals looking for a cozy, more temporary residence might choose a houseboat or a
treehouse. These unique homes provide a charming alternative to traditional apartment living.
When considering a new home, it’s essential to evaluate the infrastructure of the area. Urban sprawl and
congestion can impact your daily life. Therefore, many people prefer pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods
with ample leisure facilities and mixed-use developments.
Regardless of the type of home, understanding terms such as mortgage, tenant, and leasehold is crucial for
making informed decisions about property. Whether you’re looking to furnish a new apartment or
evaluate a subsidized housing option, having a clear understanding of these concepts will help you
navigate the real estate market effectively.

1. For those who enjoy a blend of luxury and natural surroundings, a popular option is the
__________ villa.
2. If you're looking for a living space with a stunning cityscape, high-rise buildings provide a
__________ view.
 3. A __________ or a treehouse might appeal to those who want a charming and temporary place to
live.
4. When selecting a new home, it’s crucial to consider the __________ of the neighborhood.
5. Familiarity with terms like mortgage, tenant, and __________ is essential for making smart
property choices.

Recording 18:
A: I really enjoyed that little ____ we went to last weekend - there
was a really good choice of ____________, wasn't there?
B: Did you really think so? I wish I could say the same, but actually,
I thought it was pretty _______. There were far too many fish dishes
on the menu and I can't stand _______. There just wasn't enough
meat.
A: Oh, come on Jo! We really enjoyed the ______ we had, and you said
that the beef the people on the other table were eating looked
_______ too.
B: Well, I won't be going back. It was much too expensive.
A: Well, I thought it was pretty _________. In fact I couldn't believe it when the bill arrived. £______,
including a tip. That's only £20 per person. You can't get steak for less than £______ anywhere in town.

Homework:
The Evolution of Urban Architecture
Urban architecture has undergone significant transformations throughout history, reflecting broader
societal changes and technological advancements. The earliest buildings in ancient civilizations, such as
those in Mesopotamia and Egypt, were primarily constructed from locally sourced materials like
mudbrick and stone. These structures, including the iconic ziggurats and pyramids, were not only
functional but also held religious and ceremonial significance.
During the Middle Ages, the focus of architecture shifted towards fortification and defense. Castles and
fortified walls became prevalent across Europe, serving both as residences for nobility and as protection
against invaders. Gothic architecture, characterized by its pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and flying
buttresses, emerged during this period. Notable examples include the Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris and
Westminster Abbey in London.
The Renaissance era marked a dramatic departure from medieval architectural styles, embracing a return
to classical principles inspired by ancient Greece and Rome. This period saw the rise of symmetry,
proportion, and the use of columns and domes. Architects like Filippo Brunelleschi and Michelangelo
were instrumental in shaping this architectural revival, with Brunelleschi’s dome for the Florence
Cathedral being a quintessential example.
The Industrial Revolution of the 19th century brought about new materials and construction techniques
that revolutionized urban architecture. The advent of steel framing and the development of skyscraper
technology allowed cities to grow vertically, leading to the iconic skyline of modern metropolises.
Buildings such as the Eiffel Tower in Paris and the Empire State Building in New York epitomize this era
of innovation.
In the 20th century, the rise of modernist architecture introduced minimalist design principles,
emphasizing functionality and the use of new materials like reinforced concrete and glass. Architects like
Le Corbusier and Frank Lloyd Wright championed open floor plans and the integration of buildings with
their natural surroundings. This era also witnessed the emergence of postmodern architecture, which
combined traditional elements with contemporary aesthetics, as seen in the work of architects like
Michael Graves and Frank Gehry.
Today, sustainable architecture is at the forefront of design, focusing on eco-friendly practices and energy
efficiency. Green buildings, such as those certified by LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental
Design), incorporate features like solar panels, green roofs, and rainwater harvesting systems. This shift
towards sustainability reflects a growing awareness of environmental issues and the need for buildings to
adapt to changing climate conditions.
As cities continue to evolve, architecture will undoubtedly keep pace with technological advancements
and cultural shifts. The ongoing dialogue between past and present architectural styles ensures that the
built environment remains a dynamic and ever-changing aspect of urban life.

Complete the sentences below using NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the passage.
1. Early buildings like ziggurats and pyramids were constructed from materials such as mudbrick
and ______.
2. During the Middle Ages, architecture emphasized ______ and defense, leading to the
construction of castles.
3. The Renaissance period revived ______ principles, drawing inspiration from ancient Greece and
Rome.
4. The use of ______ framing during the Industrial Revolution allowed for the creation of
skyscrapers.
5. Modernist architecture focused on ______ design, and today's buildings often incorporate
features for sustainability.