3.1. Housing Vocabulary

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'England and America are two countries separated by a common language'

 This is a quote by the Irish playwright George Bernard Shaw.

  • Do you agree with him or do you think it  is an exaggeration?
  • Which words in and around the house are different in British and in American English?

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Caso práctico

As we already know, British English and American English have significantly different vocabulary.

In the video below, Tammy and Tara, an American and a British girl are showing their homes. Make a list with the British words and the corresponding American terms which are presented in the video.  

  

Rellenar huecos

Now, without looking at the list of words you have made, fill in the gaps with just one word. 

  1. In Britain letters are delivered by a
  2. In the US letters are delivered into the
  3. CB1 7HB is an example of an English
  4. The room at the top of an English house is the
  5. In front of the front door of an American house is the front
  6. Americans throw unused food into the can
  7. You enter a British block of flats on the  floor
  8. You enter an American apartment block on the  floor
  9. The lawn in front of an English house is part of the front

 

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Rellenar huecos

In the table below you will find more words related to housing vocabulary which are different in British English and American English. Match the two columns and write the letter in the space provided.

BRITISH ENGLISH LETTER AMERICAN ENGLISH
1. Flat a. Faucet
2. Terraced house b. Elevator
3. Tin opener c. Neighbor
4. Tap d. Closet
5. Garden e. Apartment
6. Lift f. Can opener
7. Neighbour g. Clothes pin
8. Wardrobe h. Drapes
9. Clothes peg i. Yard
10.Curtains j. Row house

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