Streets, neighbors, local places, and how cities change over time. 20 questions from A1 to C1, with follow-ups and role plays. Answer out loud in full sentences.
Show questions for
A1Beginner
Do you live in a city, a town, or a village?Then: Do you like it there?
Is there a park near your home?Then: What do people do there?
Is your street quiet or noisy?
What can you buy near your home?
How do you get to the city center?
A2Elementary
What is your favorite place in your neighborhood?Then: How often do you go there?
What was the neighborhood like where you grew up?Then: Was it different from where you live now?
Is life in a big city easier or harder than life in a small town?Then: Why do you think so?
Have you ever gotten lost in a new city?Then: How did you find your way?
B1Intermediate
What has changed in your area since you first knew it?Then: Do you think the changes are good?
If a friend moved to your city, which area would you recommend?Then: What makes it a good choice?
In your opinion, what makes someone a good neighbor?
Do you think people used to know their neighbors better in the past?Then: Why might that be?
What would you change about your neighborhood if you could?
B2Upper intermediate
If you could live in any neighborhood in the world for a year, what would you want it to be like?
What are the pros and cons of living in the center of a city compared with the suburbs?
How do cities in your country compare with cities you have visited or seen in movies?
C1Advanced
When a neighborhood becomes fashionable and prices rise, who tends to benefit and who loses out?Then: Is there a fair way to manage that kind of change?
How much responsibility do residents have for shared public spaces, compared with local government?
Some planners imagine cities where everything you need is a fifteen-minute walk away. How realistic is that where you live?
Role plays
Work with a partner or a tutor. Read the situation together, then each person opens only their own card. Use the phrases to help you.
B1 Intermediate
Talking to a neighbor about noise
Your neighbor often plays loud music late at night during the week. You decide to knock on their door and talk about it.
Card A: Resident
You need to get up very early on weekdays. Explain the problem politely and try to agree on a quiet time. You don’t want to damage a friendly relationship.
Card B: Neighbor
You didn’t know the sound traveled so much. You are also planning a small birthday party this Saturday. Apologize, explain your side, and suggest a fair compromise.
Useful phrases
Sorry to bother you, but…
I didn’t realize…
Would it be possible to…?
How about if we…?
That sounds fair to me.
A2 Elementary
Asking for directions in a hurry
You are visiting a new town and need to get to the train station in twenty minutes. You stop someone on the street.
Card A: Visitor
You have a heavy suitcase and don’t know the area. Ask for the quickest way to the station and check that you understand the directions.
Card B: Local
The station is about a twenty-five-minute walk. There is a bus, but you aren’t sure how often it comes. Explain the options and give clear directions.