Everyday English (Elementary)

Topic: Talking about your neighbourhood

Lesson Notes October 8, 2024 (Elementary)

Words & Phrases

• The temperature differences every day are extreme.

• Her contractions started two mornings ago. (NOT the morning of two days ago)

• 48.5 centimetres; forty-eight and a half centimetres / forty-eight

• My daughter is on maternity leave.

• Maternity; being a mother; from the word “maternal”

• My son is on paternity leave.

• Paternity; being a father; from the word “paternal”

• Which is easier to raise? Boy or girl?

• Babies are born.

• Mothers give birth.

• I went to a nice old bistro in Hachioji. It’s about 25 years old.

• I went to the dentist and had my teeth checked. I fell asleep during the check-up!

• We use the same “have + something done” to mean someone else did the action

• I spent an enjoyable time.

• I practiced hula. (NOT I practiced hula lesson)

• I had a hula lesson.

Neighbourhood

When asking questions about a new area, we often ask questions in plural form. We use the plural form when asking about places because we are asking about any of that type, not just one.

• "Are there any parks in your neighbourhood?" (You want to know if there are any parks, not just one.)

• “Are there any restaurants nearby?" (You're asking about all restaurants, not one.)

Homework

• Neighbourhood Section 9 Student B; write six short descriptions of these places and things; try not to use a dictionary