понеділок, 6 жовтня 2025 р.

Around the house

 Video 1


pitcher = jug
counter(top) - высокий кухонный стол
"call of nature" - "зов природы"
dresser = dressing table
night table = bedside table
hallway - коридор
spare room - комната для гостей, свободная комната
furnace - котел(печь) для отопления дома

Video 2


cabinet = cupboard
knick-knacks - безделушки
prop up - служить подпоркой
window pane - оконная рама
storm window - зимняя или 2-я оконная рама
comforter - ватное одеяло
duvet |ˈduːveɪ| - пуховое одеяло
quilt -стеганое одеяло
handtowel - полотенце для рук
washcloth - полотенце для лица
plunger - вантуз
outlet - розетка
fish tank - аквариум
pantry - кладовая
 rack - стойка, подставка, стеллаж
 cutting board - разделочная доска

🏡 Part 1. General Understanding

2. How many rooms does she show in her house?

She shows five rooms: the kitchen, living room, office, bathroom, and bedroom.

 

🍳 Part 2. The Kitchen

Question

Answer

4. What’s the difference between a fridge and a refrigerator according to Vanessa?

They mean the same thing, but “fridge” is more common and informal, while “refrigerator” sounds more formal or “intense.”

5. What are some typical items people put on their fridge?

Many people put magnets, pictures, or personal mementos on their fridge.

6. What is a high chair, and how is hers different?

A high chair is a baby chair used for eating. Vanessa’s attaches to another chair instead of being a separate one because her kitchen is small.

7. What does she use a coaster for?

A coaster is used to protect the table from hot or cold drinks.

Name four items on/near the prep table and their purposes.

A fruit tray (holds fruit), a coaster (protects the table from hot/cold cups), a coffee grinder (grinds beans), and a sippy cup (for the baby)

List the cooking condiments she keeps handy.

Honey, balsamic (vinegar), chopsticks, salt, and olive oil.

8. What does Vanessa say about her plants?

She says she doesn’t have a green thumb, meaning she isn’t good at keeping plants alive.

9. How does she explain the difference between “oven” and “stove”?

The oven is the inside part for baking or roasting; the stove or stovetop is the top surface for cooking in pots and pans.

Where are the oven mitts and spices stored, and what names does she give that storage?

On a spice rack (technically a shelf; could also be a spice cabinet if enclosed). Oven mitts hang nearby.

 

10. What is unusual about her dishwasher?

She has a tabletop dishwasher, which is not typical in U.S. homes — most dishwashers are built-in under the counter.

11. What is a pantry, and does she have one?

A pantry is a small room or closet for storing dry food. She doesn’t have one; she keeps her food in a cabinet.

12. What appliances does she mention near the end of the kitchen tour?

She mentions a toaster oven, paper towel rack, and water kettle.

 

🛋Part 3. The Living Room

Question

Answer

13. What is missing from her living room that most American homes have?

A TV. She and her husband chose not to have one. conscious choice—she doesn’t enjoy TV shows and doesn’t want it always on.

14. What does she say about the word “den”?

It’s another name for a living room, often used in the southern U.S.

15. What are “knickknacks”?

Knickknacks are small decorative or sentimental items displayed on shelves.

16. Why does she have baby gates in the living room?

To keep her one-year-old safe and prevent him from wandering around.

17. What is a coffee table, and what do some Americans do that might surprise others?

A coffee table is a small table in front of the couch. Some Americans put their feet on it, which is considered rude in other cultures.

18. What’s a “lazy boy”?

It’s a type of large, comfortable reclining chair — the name doesn’t mean someone is lazy!

19. What does she explain about American windows?

Many have screens to keep insects out and storm windows for extra insulation in winter in addition to the regular window pane..

20. Why does she have hardwood floors instead of carpet?

Because her apartment is old and she has two cats and a baby, which makes carpet harder to clean.

 

🖥 Part 4. The Office

Question

Answer

21. What does her husband Dan do in the office?

He edits videos for their Fluency Club.

22. What equipment do they have there?

They have a desktop computer, laptops, and an office chair.

 

🚿 Part 5. The Bathroom

Question

Answer

23. Why does Vanessa prefer to say “bathroom” instead of “toilet”?

Because in American English, “toilet” sounds too direct and refers to the object itself, not the room.

24. What’s the difference between “bathroom” and “restroom”?

Bathroom is used at home; restroom is more formal and used in public places like restaurants or offices.

25. What two-layer curtain setup does she describe for showers, and why?

A decorative shower curtain plus a liner inside the tub to keep water from spilling out. Curtain rod holds them.

26. Who usually takes baths in the U.S., according to Vanessa?

Tubs are mostly for kids; adults rarely soak (movie scenes with candles/wine are not typical).

27. What are toiletries?

Toiletries are personal care products like toothpaste, lotion, or soap.

29. What are hand towels and washcloths used for?

Hand towels are for drying hands; washcloths are for washing your face.


🛏 Part 6. The Bedroom

Question

Answer

30. What helps her and her baby sleep better?

Blackout shades and curtains that block out light. essential for them and the baby (daytime naps)

31. What’s the difference between a quilt, comforter, and duvet?

A quilt is hand-sewn and thinner; a comforter is thick and fluffy; a duvet is a European-style removable cover.

32. Why is her baby’s crib in the same room?

Because their apartment is small, so they share the bedroom.

33. What is a nightstand used for?

It’s a small table beside the bed for lamps, books, or personal items.

34. What are drawers and hangers used for?

Drawers are for folded clothes; hangers are for hanging clothes in the closet.

35. What is a “master bath”?

A bathroom connected to the main bedroom in a house — usually the parents’ bedroom.

 

Video 3


Video 4 


one/two/...ten-storey building/house - одно/двух...десятиэтажный дом
suburbs - пригород
terraced house/rowhouse - таунхауз
apartment building - многоквартирный дом
high-rise/tower block - высотка
converted apartment - дом, разделенный на квартиры
studio apartment - квартира студия
duplex apartment - двухуровневая квартира
cozy - уютный
spacious - просторный
light - светлый
warm - теплый
convenient (for office) - удобный (добираться до работы)
 cramped - тесный
dark - темный 
 drafty - со сквозняками
stuffy - душный
noisy - шумный
tiny - крошечный
shared house - общий дом
room/flat/housemate - сосед/ка по комнате/квартире/дому
live by myself - жить самостоятельно
neighborhood - квартал, микрорайон
outskirts - окраина
in the middle of nowhere - в глуши, чёрт знает где

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    Exercise on   Puzzle English every day https://puzzle-english.com/ 1. Revise the vocabulary https://tetianahurbasheng.blogspot.com/2025/...