Home, Neighbours & Everyday Problems – Good and Bad Neighbours

REVIEW – WHAT WOULD YOU SAY?

Choose from:
feel at home · settle in · make yourself at home · have everything you need · couldn’t do without

1. You moved into a new flat two weeks ago. At first it felt strange, but now you are getting used to it.
   
   

2. Your friend comes to your house. You want them to relax and feel comfortable. What do you say?
   
   

3. Your flat isn’t very big or luxurious, but you don’t need anything else.
   
   

4. Your coffee machine is very important to you. Life would be difficult without it.
   
   

5. You moved somewhere new and immediately felt comfortable and relaxed there.

WARM-UP – YOUR NEIGHBOURS

Choose the answer that is closer to you and explain why.

1. I know most of my neighbours. OR I hardly know my neighbours.

2. I like chatting with neighbours. OR I prefer to keep to myself.

3. Friendly neighbours are very important. OR Quiet neighbours are more important.

4. I would ask a neighbour for help. OR I would ask a friend or family member.

5. I prefer neighbours who are sociable. OR I prefer neighbours who give me space.

USEFUL LANGUAGE

One phrase returns from last week. The others are useful when talking about neighbours.

QUICK PRACTICE – MAKE IT PERSONAL

Finish the sentences. Add one extra detail if you can.

1. I get on well with people who ______________________________.

2. When I’m at home, I usually prefer to ______________________________.

3. Good neighbours should look out for each other by ______________________________.

4. I can put up with ____________________, but I can’t put up with ____________________.

5. Good neighbours can make you feel at home because ______________________________.

WHAT MAKES A GOOD NEIGHBOUR?

Choose the FIVE most important qualities. Compare your choices.

   • friendly     • quiet     • helpful

   • reliable     • respectful     • easy-going

   • keeps shared areas clean     • doesn’t complain about small things     • says hello

   • respects your privacy     • helps in an emergency     • doesn’t make too much noise

Useful language: For me, the most important thing is… • I don’t mind if… • I can put up with… • I’d rather have a neighbour who…

WOULD THIS BOTHER YOU?

Choose: NOT AT ALL / A LITTLE / A LOT. Explain your answer.

1. Your neighbour sometimes plays music until 11 p.m.

2. Their dog barks for a few minutes every morning.

3. A neighbour often stops you for a long chat when you are in a hurry.

4. Someone regularly leaves things in a shared hallway.

5. Your neighbour asks you to collect parcels for them quite often.

6. Children next door play loudly outside at the weekend.

Which one could you easily put up with? Which would be the most difficult?

CONVERSATION QUESTIONS

1. Do you know your neighbours well?

Example: I know a few of them. We say hello and sometimes stop for a short chat.

2. Do you get on well with your neighbours?

Example: Yes, we get on well. Everyone is friendly, but we also respect each other’s privacy.

3. Do you prefer friendly, sociable neighbours or people who mostly keep to themselves?

Example: Probably somewhere in the middle. I like friendly neighbours, but I also like having my own space.

4. Have you ever had a neighbour who was especially helpful?

Example: Yes. One of my neighbours looked after our plants when we were away.

5. Have you ever had a difficult or annoying neighbour?

Example: Yes. I once had a neighbour who played loud music late at night.

6. What kind of noise can you put up with, and what really bothers you?

Example: I can put up with children playing, but loud music in the middle of the night really bothers me.

7. Do neighbours where you live look out for each other?

Example: Yes, quite a lot. We sometimes take in parcels or help when someone is away.

8. Would you feel comfortable asking a neighbour for a small favour?

Example: Yes, if I knew them reasonably well. I’d happily do the same for them.

9. Can good neighbours make a place feel more like home?

Example: Definitely. Friendly people around you can make you feel safer and more comfortable.

10. What is the most important rule for being a good neighbour?

Example: For me, it’s respecting other people. You don’t have to be friends, but you should be considerate.