Homes in the UK

Here are some typical homes in the UK. Are there homes like these where you live?

 

Detached houses
A detached house is an independent building. Some detached houses are very big. Others, like traditional cottages or bungalows, are small. Detached houses have usually got a garden and they've often got a garage too.

Semi-detached houses
Semi-detached houses are two houses which are connected. They share a wall on one side, but they've usually got separate gardens. The two houses are usually similar, but they're sometimes very different.

Terraced houses
Terraced houses are three or more houses in a row. The houses in the middle share walls on two sides. Some terraced houses are small and simple. Others are very big and elaborate.

Flats
In big towns and cities, people often live in flats. Some flats are in old houses. Other flats are in tower blocks. About 30 per cent of people in London live in flats because houses in the city are very expensive.

How common are different types of home in the UK?

• Detached houses: 23%
• Semi-detached houses: 31%
• Terraced houses: 26%
• Flats: 20%

Level: Beginner

Book: Switch 1

Year: 2010

The high life!

The House in the Clouds is in Suffolk, on the east coast of England. It's a very unusual home. It's an old water tower and it's 21 metres tall. It's got six floors and 67 stairs!

The kitchen is on the ground floor of the house. There's also a dining room and a toilet. On the first floor, there's a living room. It's very big and comfortable. On the second floor, there are two bedrooms and one bathroom. On the next floor, there's one big bedroom with a private bathroom. The fourth floor has got two more bedrooms and another bathroom. It's perfect house for a big family!

On the top floor of the house, there's another big living room. You can play games and have parties there. It's got big windows and there's a balcony. The views from the top of the house are fantastic! The House in the Clouds has got an enormous garden, where you can play tennis, and a patio, where you can have lunch in the sun.

Level: Beginner

Book: Switch 1

Year: 2010

Superstitions

1. You'll have good luck if you eat twelve grapes at midnight on New Year's Eve.
2. When you spill salt, you must throw some over your shoulder.
3. If you walk under a ladder, you'll have bad luck.
4. If you break a mirror, you'll have seven years of bad luck.
5. Avoid black cats ─ they bring bad luck.
6. If there are thirteen people sitting at the table, there will be bad luck.
7. You shouldn't travel or get married on a Tuesday.
8. If you touch something made of wood, your good luck will continue.
9. If you open an umbrella in the house, you'll have bad luck.

Level: Beginner

Book: Changes for ESO 4

Year: 2002