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Conversational / EVERYDAY ENGLISH
Lesson 02
Comparing Cities and Countryside
Learning Objectives
By the end of this lesson, you will be able to:
1. Use vocabulary and phrases to compare life in the city and in the countryside.
2. Express preferences with supporting reasons.
3. Practice conversational English for daily discussions about lifestyle differences.
Exercise 1
Vocabulary
Direction: Listen and repeat after your teacher
adjective
crowded
Similar:
jammed
packed
huddled
thronged
/ˈkraʊ.dɪd/
Meaning:
Full of people, busy.
- The subway in New York is always crowded in the morning.
Real Life Tip:
In U.S. cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago, crowds are part of daily life.
noun
scenery
Similar:
similarvocab2.1
similarvocab2.2
similarvocab2.3
similarvocab2.4
/ˈsiː.nɚ.i/
Meaning:
The natural beauty of an area.
- The countryside in Colorado has beautiful mountain scenery.
Real Life Tip:
Americans often travel to national parks for scenery and fresh air.
grow up
phrasal verb
Similar:
similarvocab3.1
similarvocab3.2
similarvocab3.3
similarvocab3.4
/ɡroʊ ʌp/
Meaning:
To spend your childhood in a place.
- I grew up in a small town in Texas.
Real Life Tip:
“Grow up” is commonly used to talk about where someone spent their childhood.
get away
phrasal verb
Similar:
similarvocab4.1
similarvocab4.2
similarvocab4.3
similarvocab4.4
/ɡɛt əˈweɪ/
Meaning:
To escape or take a break from daily life.
- We usually get away to the countryside on weekends.
Real Life Tip:
In the U.S., “get away” is often used to describe short trips or vacations for relaxation.
Exercise 2
Conversation
Direction: First, read the conversation aloud. Then, practice by role-playing it with your tutor.
Situation: Two friends are discussing where they would prefer to live.
Hey, do you prefer living in the city or the countryside?
Alex
I grew up in a small town, so I really enjoy the countryside.
Mia
That sounds nice. I like the city because everything is close; stores, restaurants, and work.
Alex
True, but cities are so crowded and the traffic drives me crazy.
Mia
Yeah, but I love the energy. There’s always something to do.
Alex
In the countryside, the scenery is amazing, and it’s so quiet.
Mia
Sometimes I just want to get away from the noise too.
Alex
Maybe the best option is to live near the city but visit the countryside often!
Mia
Exercise 2.1
Questions.
1. Where did Mia grow up?
2. Why does Alex like the city?
3. What does Mia enjoy about the countryside?
Exercise 3
Practice Time
Direction: Complete the exercise by choosing the correct answer.
1. What does crowded mean?
a) Empty
b) Full of people
c) Beautiful
2. Which word describes natural beauty?
a) Traffic
b) Scenery
c) Grocery
3. Where is traffic usually a problem?
a) In cities
b) In villages
c) In forests
4. What does grow up mean?
a) To spend childhood in a place
b) To move houses
c) To get taller quickly
5. What does get away mean?
a) To escape or take a break
b) To catch something
c) To study hard
Exercise 4
Ask Your Tutor
Direction: Ask your tutor these questions. Listen carefully and learn
1. Did you grow up in a city or in the countryside?
2. What are the biggest differences you notice between them?
3. Where would you prefer to live in the future?
Exercise 5
Discussion
Direction: Use the new words and expression you learnt in this lesson to have a conversation with your tutor.
1. Is your city usually busy or quiet? Why?
2. Does your city have traffic or no traffic? What causes it?
3. Why do you think your city has traffic?
5. Would you like to live in a city or countryside?
6. On weekends, would you like to go to the countryside or stay in the city?
7. Did you grow up in a city or countryside?
8. Where is the scenery better near your home?
9. Do you like or dislike busy cities?
10. How does traffic affect your daily life?
11. Do you think the countryside is a good place to get away? Why or why not?
12. If you could choose, would you grow up in a city or countryside? Why?
13. What kind of scenery do you like more, mountains or rivers?
14. Can you see trees, flowers, or buildings near your home? Which do you like most?
15. Where do you feel the scenery is more beautiful, in the city or countryside?
