Home, Neighbours & Everyday Problems – What Makes a Place Feel Like Home?

WARM-UP – HOME

Choose one and explain your answer. Ask your partner: Why?

1. house OR flat

2. city centre OR quiet area

3. modern OR cosy

4. lots of space OR good location

5. living alone OR living with other people

USEFUL LANGUAGE

QUICK PRACTICE – MAKE IT PERSONAL

Finish the sentences. Try to add one extra detail.

1. I feel most at home when ______________________________.

2. When I moved to my current home, it took me __________________ to settle in.

3. At home, I couldn’t do without ______________________________.

4. My home is not perfect, but I have everything I need because ______________________________.

5. When friends visit me, I want them to feel ______________________________.

WHAT MAKES A PLACE FEEL LIKE HOME?

Choose your TOP 3. Then compare with your partner. Do you agree?

   • comfortable furniture     • photos and personal things     • a quiet neighbourhood

   • family or people you love nearby     • a good kitchen     • plants

   • your own space     • a balcony or garden     • friendly neighbours

   • good light     • a comfortable bed     • a nice view

Useful language: For me, … makes a place feel like home. • I couldn’t do without… • I don’t really need…, but… • That’s important to me too.

MY IDEAL HOME – CHOOSE 5

You can only choose FIVE things for your ideal home. Decide which are most important and explain why.

   • a big kitchen     • a garden     • a balcony

   • lots of storage     • a spare room     • a great view

   • a quiet location     • shops nearby     • good public transport

   • lots of natural light     • friendly neighbours     • a large living room

Compare your five choices. Which ONE thing would be hardest for you to do without?

CONVERSATION QUESTIONS

1. Do you feel at home where you live now? Why / why not?

Example: Yes. I’ve lived there for several years and I feel very comfortable there.

2. How long did it take you to settle in when you moved to your current home?

Example: Not very long. After a few weeks, I knew the area and started to feel at home.

3. What is one thing in your home you couldn’t do without?

Example: I couldn’t do without my coffee machine. I use it every morning.

4. What three things are most important for you in a home?

Example: For me, a comfortable bed, a good kitchen and enough storage are the most important.

5. Do you prefer a home that looks beautiful or one that is practical?

Example: Practical, definitely. I want to have everything I need and enough space for my things.

6. What makes a home feel cosy to you?

Example: Warm lighting, comfortable furniture and personal things make a home feel cosy to me.

7. Is there anything you would like to change about your current home?

Example: I’d love to have a bigger kitchen because mine is quite small.

8. Have you ever lived somewhere where you didn’t really feel at home?

Example: Yes. I once rented a flat for a few months, but it never really felt like my own place.

9. What is more important to you: the home itself or the area where you live?

Example: The area is probably more important. I like being close to shops and public transport.

10. When someone visits your home, what do you do to make them feel comfortable?

Example: I offer them something to drink and tell them to make themselves at home.