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UNIDAD DIDACTICA 3
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THINGS AND PLACES

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SECTIONS:

I. VOCABULARY

II. LISTENING SKILL

III. SPEAKING SKILL

IV. READING SKILL

V. WRITING SKILL

VI. FURTHER EXERCISES

SOURCE MATERIALS/ REFERENCES:

TEXTS: Total English Intermediate.

Total English Intermediate.

WEBS: http://englishelxni1.wordpress.com/2011/11/10/describing-objects/

AUDIOS: Tactics for Listening, Basic’

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I. VOCABULARY

Description of things: order

1.Color 2.Size 3.Shape 4.Material 5.Time

red, white, small, little, circle plastic second minute

black, orange medium, cone iron hour
purple brown… triangle
big, large, metal day
rectangle
dark brown, extra large, square cylinder zinc month
pink, blue… mm, cm, m, cube wood year
sphere
inches, feet paper century
light blue, rectangle prism
green, gray… ,yards, miles diamond oval wool
star cotton nylon…
silver, gold… crescent round
flat
tan sharp

- IT’S USED FOR + -ING / TO + INF (It’s used for cooking/to cook pasta)

Adjectives to describe places:

amazing, beautiful, bright, calm, colorful, creepy, crowded, deserted, different, dry, enchanted, fresh, hot,
incredible, interesting, magnificent, modern, mysterious, natural, noisy, perfect, pleasant, quiet,
remarkable, , silent, stormy, strange, terrific, ugly, unique, unusual, warm, wild, windy, tranquil, peaceful,
traditional, tropical, harmonious, fresh, sensational, romantic, magical, fairytale like, mystical, calm,
wonderful, picturesque, lovely, famous, impressive, favorite, quiet, calm

Places:

Hotel, bank, tourist office, leisure centre, sport centre, bus station, railway station, shops, park, forest,
mountain, Town Hall, butcher´s, supermarket

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Useful expressions for describing things, with examples:
1. Function/Use

A drum is used for making music.

A drum is used to make music.

2. Components/Parts

1.1 A hammer consists of a handle and a head.

is made up of
is composed of

1.2 A hammer includes a handle and a head.

1.3 A hammer has two parts: a handle and a head.

sections: one is a handle, the other is a head.
3. Characteristics

Material A chair is made of wood.

Bread is made from wheat.
This kind of car is made by a big company in Japan.

Shape/Figure

A coin is shaped like a circle.

A coin is circular in shape.

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4. Dimensions: Length, width, height, depth, thickness.

Examples: This building is 250 metres high.

This building has a height of 250 metres.
The height of this building is 250 metres.

5. Property: Property is a special quality that belongs to the object.

Examples: The interior of a ping-pong ball is hollow.

This book is thick.
The glass bottle is fragile.
The edge of a table is straight.
The sides of a car are flat.
The middle of a bottle is curved.

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II. LISTENING SKILL

EX. 1 Describing things I.

EX. 2 Describing things II.

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EX. 3 Describing things III.

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Listen again. Where was each item lost? Circle the correct answer.

1. 3. 5.
a. the bus a. the school a. at home
b. the car b. the house b. at the office
2. 4. 6.
a. the bus a. the department store a. the subway
b. the coffee shop b. the restaurant b. at home.

EX. 4 Describing things IV.

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EX. 5 Describing things V.

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EX. 6 Describing things VI.

TAPESCRIPT EXERCISE 1
3.
A: Hello.
1 B: Is this City Taxi?
A: Hello. City Taxi. A: Yes, it is.
B: Yes, I left a briefcase in a taxi coming B: l’ m calling about a wallet. I think I left
back from the airport. it in a taxi this morning. It’s a black wallet.
A: Can you describe it? It had all my credit cards in it.
B: Yes, it’s black leather, with the initials A: Oh, dear.
PWD on it.
4.
A: Hello. City Taxi.
2. B: Hello. I left a pair of glasses in a taxi
A: Hello. City Taxi. this morning.
B: Hello, has anyone turned in a lady’s A: Sunglasses? Black frames with initials
handbag? I left one in a taxi about an on them?
hour ago. B: No. No, they’re regular glasses. They
A: Can you describe it? were in a brown leather case. I can’t see
B: Yes, it’s a small blue and white a thing without them.
striped bag with a long red strap. A: Sorry. They’re not here.

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 TAPESCRIPT EXERCISE 2

1. I wear it instead of sunglasses because sunglasses make me look so stupid. I always wear it when
it’s sunny outside. If I don’t wear it, the sun hurts my eyes. It’s not too good on windy days, though.

2. It’s excellent for work because it’s pretty big and I can get all my business papers in it. It’s not one of
those cheap-looking plastic ones. It’s made of real leather.

3. I use it to put my things in when I play sports. It’s pretty big, so I can get all my clothes and my
running shoes into it.

4. lt’s an expensive one, but I use it a lot because it’s very wet here in the fall. I love the colors, too.
People can easily find me in a crowd when I’m using it.

5. lt’s great when you’re on a trip somewhere, especially when you’ re taking a flight, because you can
take it on board the aircraft. It’s not so big, so you can put it in the overhead compartment or under
the seat in front of you. It’s also got wheels and a handle that you can pull out.

6. They’re very comfortable for jogging or walking. That’s good because I jog and walk a lot. But they’re
really old. I’ve had them for about three years. I hate the color. but I’ll use them until I can afford a
new pair.

TAPESCRIPT EXERCISE 3

1. It’s a brown leather one. I keep all my money and my credit cards in it. I usually keep it in my back
pocket. It probably fell out when I was getting off the bus. I hope I get it back because it also has my
ID card in it, and that’s very important.

2. I’m always losing them or putting them down and forgetting where I put them. I think I was wearing
them when I was on the bus. Then I stopped for a cup of coffee at a coffee shop. I think I took them off
then because I don’t need them when I read, and I was reading a magazine. Yes, maybe that’s where
they are.

3. I’m sure I had them when I left school because I remember putting them in my purse. l’m sure I had
them when I came home or I couldn’t have driven the car or opened the front door. So that means
they’re somewhere inside the house.

4. l’m sure I used it to pay the bill at the restaurant when I had lunch there. After that I went to the
department store, and I think I used it when I bought my jacket. I’m sure that’s the last time I used it,
so it’s probably there.

5. I usually keep it at home in a drawer in my desk because I only use it when I travel abroad. But it’s not
there, so I wonder where I put it. Oh, maybe I left it at the office when I came back from my trip to
France. I think that’s where it is, because I went straight from the airport to my office.

6. I thought it was in my briefcase. I usually put it there when I get one from the news stand and then
read it when I get home. Now I remember! I was on the subway! I took it out to read the sports
section. I’m sure I left it there.

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 TAPESCRIPT EXERCISE 4

1. 3.
A: What’ s your apartment like, Ken? A: Do you like your apartment, Joe?
B: It’s comfortable, but it’s pretty B: Not really. It’s very small.
small. It’s only got one room. A: RealIy?
A: ReaIly? Don’t you have a bedroom? B: Yeah, just one bedroom and a living room.
B: No, I sleep in the living room. A: That isn’t so small. How many people live
A: What about your dog? with you?
B: She sleeps in the living room, too! B: Seven!
Right next to me. A: Seven! Wow!
4.
2. A: Do you live with your sister, Ellen?
A: What’s your new apartment Iike, Celia? B: Yes,I do.
B: It’s really big. I love it. A: What’s your place like?
A: How many rooms does it have? B: It’s nice. It’s got two bedrooms, a big one and a
B: Lots. It’s got two bedrooms, a living room, small one.
and a huge kitchen and bathroom. A: That’s great.
A: Sounds great. So, when can I come and B: Yes, but I’ve got the small one.
stay with you? A: Oh.

TAPESCRIPT EXERCISE 5

1. A: Does the kitchen have everything you need, 3. A: We don’t have much furniture yet. We don’t
like a stove and a refrigerator? even have a sofa in the living room.
B: It’s got a stove but it doesn’t have a B: Hey. I’ve got one I can sell you.
refrigerator. I need to buy one. A: Really? Great.

2. A: You don’t have a bed in your bedroom? 4. A: The bathroom is very small. Just a shower
B:No bed. Just a TV. I sleep on a mattress on the and a toilet.
floor. B: You can come and take a bath at my place
A: Really? any time.
A: Thanks, I probably will.

TAPESCRIPT EXERCISE 6

1. The bookshelf looks really good in the living room. And the TV is just fine. When I find a stereo, I’m going to put
it in the bookshelf. I don’t have a stereo now because I want to find a cheap one. I’m going to check out the
sales next week. I‘ve got a dinner table, but I still need a sofa. Now I have to sit at the dinner table to watch TV.
My Iiving room is small, so I want a small sofa.

2. If you have an old bookshelf you aren’t using, I’d be really happy to buy it! I haven’t been able to find one that is
the right size. All the ones I looked at were too big. Right now there are books all over the floor. But I managed
to pick up a really good TV and stereo at a yard sale last weekend. I still need to find a dinner table. All the ones
I looked at in the stores were too expensive.

3. I was thinking about getting a bookshelf, but I don’t have many books yet, so I guess I can wait. I was lucky. I got
a really cheap used TV the other day. It only cost $50 and it works really well. It’s nice to have something to
watch. Right now I don’t have enough money to buy a stereo. The dinner table is very nice and big enough for
six people. I bought a cheap sofa, too. It’s really comfortable.

4. The bookshelf is good, though it’s probably a little too big for the Iiving room. I need a TV, but l’m waiting for the
new models. I have a good stereo. So that’s good. However, I still haven’t bought a dinner table. I saw a great
one last week. The sales clerk said that they’re having a big sale next week, so l’m waiting for that. For now, I’m
eating my meals while sitting on the sofa.

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III. SPEAKING SKILL

EX. 1 Describing objects.

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EX. 2 What does it look like?

Work in pairs. Take turns describing one of the items in each set of pictures. Can your partner guess which
item you are describing?

EX. 3 Guess what

Work in pairs. Think of three items in your classroom. Give short clues and have your partner try to guess the
items.

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EX. 4 How to describe a bike.

EX. 5 Describe this place.

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IV. READING SKILL

EX. 1 Read and answer the questions.

Malta is a truly wonderful country whose towns are populated with baroque palaces and its countryside
abounds with the oldest known human constructions in the world. The best time to visit is spring or
autumn as it is still hot enough to get a suntan and hotel prices come down significantly. The weather,
sea and sandy beaches are a bonus, however. The main attractions are definitely the island’s
antiquities and the Baroque architecture.

There are an amazing number of things to discover as you explore 7,000 years of history. In fact, the
Maltese Islands have been described as one big open-air museum. Wherever you go, the scenery on
the islands and the architecture are truly spectacular.

Malta is the ideal place to get away from it all with its rocky coastlines, narrow and tranquil village
streets, marinas and fishing villages... But, the best thing about a stay here is that you can experience
several holidays in one and there are endless things to do. For people who are physically fit, it is a great
place for rock-climbing, trekking and several types of water sports. You can enjoy a busy calendar of
cultural events all year round, as Malta is also a bilingual country which has strong historical and
cultural links to Britain. It is also an enjoyable place to learn and practice English, so English courses
are available in several language schools and English language newspapers, books and magazines are
sold everywhere. People even drive on the left here! The capital of the country is Valletta, which is less
than two kilometers in length so it is possible to explore this beautiful city in a relatively short time. It has
many interesting squares that are surrounded by palaces and other historical buildings.

Another important tourist attraction is Gozo, which is separated from the mainland by three kilometers
of sea. The island has a spectacular rocky coastline and also has a relaxing, rural atmosphere. The
cuisine has Italian, French and Maltese influences. Standards are generally high and fresh fish is a
favorite in local restaurants and bars. Many species of seafood are consumed all year round and this is
what Maltese restaurants do best. Several dishes with rice, meat and vegetables are also popular,
however.

Malta’s hot, dry summers can be uncomfortable but they are normally very pleasant and the mild
winters are also nice. The rain is heaviest in winter but is still only moderate. In the high season the
most economical option is a package tour that includes the flight and seven nights in a two or three star
hotel as this will cost under £500. Whether you end up choosing a package tour or travelling
independently in Malta, you are guaranteed to have an unforgettable experience.

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Choose the correct definition for these words and expressions. They are underlined in the text so
Iook at them carefully in their context before answering.

Example: abounds with means

5. Standards are generally high means
A. To be full of
B. To have a few of A. The food has a lot of variety
C. To be decorated with B. The food is normally expensive
C. The quality of the food tends to be good
1. Bonus means
6. Mild means
A. The best thing
B. An extra or added benefit A. Variable
C. A nice surprise B. Very cold
C. Gentle or soft, i.e. not too cold
2. Amazing means
7. The high season means
A. Incredible
B. Useful A. The most popular time of the year for
C. Interesting tourists
B. The time of the year with the highest
3. To get away from it all means temperatures
C. The festival period
A. To have fun
B. To escape from the pressures and 8. Travelling independently means
routines of daily life
C. To have an adventure A. Travelling on your own
B. Arranging your own travel
4. Endless means C. Arranging travelling without dependents

A. Fantastic
B. With limitations
C. Without limits

EX. 2 Answer these questions in your own words if possible

1. What two aspects make Malta a wonderful country?

2. Why is spring or autumn the best time to visit?
3. Why do you think Malta has been described as ‘a big open-air museum’?
4. What type of physical outdoor activities can people do in Malta?
5. Why is English spoken so well here?
6. What would you notice about traffic in Malta?
7. What type of food does Malta specialize in most?

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EX. 3 Read the extract from Travels Across Africa, by Sophie Van Ranst, and
answer the questions.

Travel across Africa

For six hours we shot through the barren landscape of the Karoo desert in South Africa. Just rocks and
sand and baking sun. Knowing our journey was ending, Daniel and I just wanted to remember all we had
seen and done. He used a camera. I used words. I had already finished three notebooks and was into
the fourth, a beautiful leather notebook l’d bought in a market in Mozambique.

Southern Africa was full of stories and visions. We were almost drunk on sensations, the roaring of the
water at Victoria Falls, the impossible silence of the Okavango Delta in Botswana.

And then the other things: dogs in the streets, whole families in Soweto living in one room, a kilometer
from clean water. As we drove towards the setting sun, quietness fell over us. The road was empty —
we hadn’t seen another car for hours. And as I drove, something caught my eye, something moving next
to me. I glanced in the mirror of the car; I glanced sideways to the right, and that was when I saw them.
Next to us, by the side of the road, thirty, forty wild horses were racing the car, a cloud of dust rising
behind them — brown, muscular horses almost close enough to touch them, to smell their hot breath. I
didn’t know how long they had been there next to us

I shouted to Dan: ‘Look!’ but he was in a deep sleep, his camera lying useless by his feet. They raced
the car for a few seconds, then disappeared far behind us, a memory of Heroic forms in the red
landscape.

When Daniel woke up an hour later I told him what had happened. ‘Wild horses?’ he said. ‘Why didn’t
you wake me up?’ ‘I tried. But they were gone after a few seconds.’ ‘Are you sure you didn’t dream it?’
You were the one who was sleeping!’ ‘Typical’ he said. ‘The best photos are the ones we never take.’
We checked into a dusty hotel and slept the sleep of the dead.

1. Where are Sophie and Daniel?

2. How do they like to remember their travels?

EX. 4 Read the text again. Write true (T), false (F) or don’t know (DK) next to each
sentence.

1. They drove slowly through the busy desert.

2. Sophie wrote about her experiences in a notebook.
3. Daniel took photos of the Victoria Falls.
4. They had seen a lot of things, and heard many stories.
5. Daniel was driving when they saw the horses.
6. They had seen other animals, but they hadn’t seen wild horses before.
7. The horses didn’t come near the car.
8. Sophie woke Daniel so that he could take photos of the horses.

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V. WRITING SKILL

EX. 1 Can you describe these two places?

Which one do you prefer? Why?

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VI. FURTHER EXERCISES

LISTENING

EX. 1 People are comparing two cities. Listen and circle the city each person
prefers.

ANSWER KEY

1. B
2. A
3. A
1. a.Washington,D.C. 2. a. Los Angeles 3. a. Singapore 4. a. Sydney 4. B
b. New York b. San Francisco b. Hong Kong b. Melbourne

EX. 2 Listen again. Which city do the words describe? Check the correct answer.

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 ANSWER KEY
1. 2. 3. 4.

More exciting N Huge L More beautiful H More exciting S

More beautiful W More beautiful S More comfortable S Beautiful S
Cheaper restaurants W Boring S Clean S Better prices M
Better theater N Fast-moving L Polluted H More relaxing M

TAPESCRIPT EXERCISE 1 & 2

1. New York has great museums, and so does Washington. But Washington feels more serious because the
government is there, so it isn’t as exciting as New York. Washington is more beautiful for sure, and the
restaurants are cheaper there. But you know, I love theater, and New York has the best! Washington is
okay, but I love New York!

2. Los Angeles is a huge place. You need a car to get around. San Francisco is more beautiful and it’s a
great place for a weekend, but I get bored there after a few days. I enjoy the fact that in Los Angeles
everything moves really fast. I love living here.

3. Hong Kong may be more beautiful than Singapore because it’s got that fantastic harbor, but I like
Singapore better. It’s smaller, so I think it’s more comfortable. It’s easy to get around and everything is
very clean. Hong Kong is pretty polluted and it’s always very crowded.

4. Melbourne is smaller than Sydney. It has a lot of lovely old buildings and great restaurants. Sydney is
more exciting and probably more beautiful, but I think it’s too busy and too expensive. Melbourne prices
are better and it’s a more relaxing place. That’s why I prefer Melbourne.

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 READING

London is the capital of England and the capital of Great Britain. It is one of the greatest cities in the
world. It is a seat of government, a center of learning and culture. It is an important business and
financial center.
London has four major areas.
The City is the oldest part of London; it stretches from Fleet Street to the Tower. Many financial and
office buildings are in the City.
The West End lies between Fleet Street and Hyde Park. It includes the Houses of Parliament,
Whitehall, Buckingham Palace, the University of London, the Museum and Galleries.
The East End is east of the Tower. It includes the port of London and large industrial and residential
areas.
The South Bank is in the South of Thames between Lambeth and Tower Bridge. Several important
buildings and skyscrapers, Government housing departments and private firms are there.
London is also very famous for its parks. Kensington Gardens, Hyde Park, Green Park, St James Park
and Regent’s Parks.

EX. 1 Read the text and answer the following questions:

1. How many areas does London have?

2. Where is the city situated?
3. What can you find in the West End?
4. Where are the skyscrapers located?

1. ……………………………………………………...
2. ……………………………………………………...
3. ………………………………………………………
4. ………………………………………………………

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EX. 2 Complete the following statements with one of the proposed answers.

1. The city …………………. from Fleet Street to

the Tower. 3. The South Bank is …………….. south of
Thames.
A. Tells lies
B. Lying A. Located
C. Lies. B. Locked
C. Longed.

2. The East End …………… the port of London.

4. London is famous for its………………
A. Includes
B. Concludes A. White house
C. Concrete. B. Red light
C. Greenness.

EX. 3 Read the text again and find:

ANSWER KEY

1. C
Synonyms to: Main = ……………….
2. A
Contains = ……………
3. A
Great = ……………….
4. C
Opposites to: Excludes ≠ ……………
Minor ≠ ………………
Public ≠ ………………

EX. 4 Study the above plan of this district (area of a large town). See if you can
discover the location of each amenity.

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 1. The library is in front of the mosque.
2. The mosque is opposite the bank.
3. The university is on University Avenue. It is between the public garden and the library.
4. The bank is not far from the café.
5. The public garden is next to the university along National Avenue.
6. The butcher’s is at the corner of National Avenue and High Street.
7. The baker’s is past the butcher’s.
8. The grocer’s is down the National Avenue.
9. The café is at the corner of the National Avenue and High Street just opposite the grocer’s.

When we describe a place we use the present simple tense of the verb and prepositions of places.

Inside / outside, into / out of, Near, Near, Next to,

On top of, Opposite of, Far............ From, Past,
Round, Up, Under, Down, Above, Over, Through,
To, towards, between, at the corner, behind, across, at the end.
To describe a place with precision we use specific words we call prepositions of place.

ANSWER KEY EX. 1 ANSWER KEY EX. 3

1. London has four areas. Main = important

2. The city stretches from Fleet Street to the Tower. Contains =
3. In the West End, we can find the houses of Parliament, includes.
Whitehall, Buckingham Palace, the University of Great = famous
London, the Museum and Galleries. Excludes ≠ includes
4. The skyscrapers are located in the South of Thames. Minor ≠ major
Public ≠ private

Task 4

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 WRITING

EX. 1 Can you describe these two places? Which one do you prefer? Why?

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