In Our Town
This unit, In Our Town, is all about learning how to describe the place where you live. You’ll learn how to name places in a town, say what you can do there, and ask for and give simple directions. You’ll also read about teenagers from other countries and what their towns are like.
What You’ll Do
- Talk about the places in your town and what people do there.
- Ask and answer questions about where things are and how to get there.
- Write a short paragraph about your town or city.
- Understand short texts and videos about town life around the world.
- Learn vocabulary for buildings, places, and public services.
Activities
🎯 What you’ll practise
Listen carefully as a teenager talks about her town, and notice the new words she uses.
📌 What to do
Watch the video of Emma talking about the places in her town. Questions pop up as you watch — answer them as you go. You can pause or replay any time.
🧑🏫 For teachers
- Use the video to check listening comprehension and familiarity with places in towns and cities.
- Encourage students to replay if they find it tricky.
- Discuss the answers together afterwards to reinforce the language.
✍️ What to do
This week, tell your classmates about your town or neighbourhood. Write a short paragraph. You should include:
- 5–6 sentences about where you live
- use there is / there are to describe at least two places
- one place you like and one you don’t like
- at least one preposition (e.g. next to, near, between, opposite)
- a question for your classmates (e.g. “Do you have a park in your town?”)
- then reply to at least two classmates with a short comment or a question
💡 Useful vocabulary
Places: bank, post office, school, park, café, supermarket, cinema, library, hospital, bus stop.
Prepositions: next to, between, opposite, near, behind, in front of.
💬 Example
Hi! I live in a small town in Italy. There is a park next to the school, and there are two supermarkets. I like the library because it is quiet and has many books. I don’t like the market — it’s too noisy! Is there a cinema in your town?
🤝 Example reply
I like libraries too! In my town, there is one near the post office. What kind of books do you like to read?
Practise the language from this unit.
More practice with this week's language.
Read about Leo's town, then answer the questions.
📖 Read
Hi! My name is Leo. I live in a small town in Canada. There is a park near my house, and I go there with my dog every morning. There is also a library next to the school. I like the library because it’s quiet and has lots of books.
There are two supermarkets and one bakery in my town. My mum and I go shopping there on Saturdays. I don’t like the market because it’s too noisy.
I walk to school every day. It’s across from the post office. At the weekend, I go to the park or visit my grandma.
🔊 Listen and read along
Play the audio and read along to practise your pronunciation and intonation.
🎯 What you’ll practise
Speaking — describing where you live clearly and confidently.
🎙️ What to do
Record a short speech (about 45–60 seconds) about where you live. Try to include at least 5–6 sentences.
- ✔ Say where you live.
- ✔ Mention at least two places in your town (e.g. a park, a supermarket).
- ✔ Use there is / there are.
- ✔ Use one preposition (e.g. next to, near, opposite).
- ✔ Say one place you like and one you don’t like.
💡 Helpful phrases
- I live in…
- There is a… / There are some…
- The __________ is next to the __________.
- I like the __________ because…
- I don’t like the __________ because…
🗣️ Example
I live in a small town in Thailand. There is a supermarket near my house and a library next to the school. There are two parks, and I like to play there with my friends. I like the café because the food is good. I don’t like the market — it’s too loud.
📥 How to submit
- Use the built-in audio recorder to record your voice.
- Re-record as many times as you like before you download it.
- Try to speak clearly and slowly.
- Send the file to your teacher or a friend for feedback.
🧑🏫 For teachers
Use this as a quick diagnostic of pronunciation, fluency, and speaking confidence.
🎯 What you’ll practise
Writing — a short paragraph about your town, city, or village, using the present simple and there is / there are.
✏️ What to do
Write a short paragraph (50–70 words) about your town, city, or village.
- use there is / there are to describe at least three places
- use 1–2 prepositions (e.g. next to, near, opposite, between)
- say one place you like and one you don’t like
- use the present simple and check your spelling
💡 Helpful vocabulary
Places: park, library, school, post office, hospital, supermarket, bank, café, bakery, cinema.
Prepositions of place: next to, between, opposite, near, behind, in front of.
📝 Example paragraph
I live in a small town. There is a supermarket next to the bus stop. There are two parks and a library near my house. I like the library because it’s quiet. I don’t like the market — it’s too busy at the weekend.
💡 Tips for success
- ✅ Write full sentences.
- ✅ Use vocabulary from this week’s lessons.
- ✅ Check your work before you submit.
- ✅ Have fun sharing about yourself!
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