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36% in UK will never buy own home (23rd April, 2014)

The Reading / Listening - Level 6

House prices in the U.K. are now so high that a third of British people believe they will never buy their own home. This is according to a new report published by the Halifax Bank. Home ownership was once an achievable goal for generations of Britons. However, rising prices now mean the prospects of getting on the property ladder are on the decline. The report says that one in five twentysomethings has no desire to own their own home. Craig McKinlay, mortgages director at Halifax, said: "We may be heading towards the point where the aspiration to own a nice home will be replaced by the aspiration to simply live in one." He added: "It seems that people are now beginning to accept a lifetime of renting."

Britain's Office for National Statistics earlier this week stated that house prices have risen by 10.5% in the past year. It expressed concern at what it describes as "runaway train" house prices. The average U.K. house was valued at $425,000 in 2013. Things get bleaker for house hunters wishing to buy in London. Prices in the capital have risen by 18 per cent in a year to an average of $610,000. The Halifax report writes about possible long-term social problems arising from, "the division between homeowners and non-homeowners". The report warned that if there are fewer first-time buyers, "the market will come to a standstill". If this happens, prices will have to come down.

Try the same news story at these easier levels:

Level 4 or Level 5

Sources

http://www.shropshirestar.com/shropshire-business/money/uk-money/2014/04/17/36-downbeat-about-home-ownership/
http://www.insidehousing.co.uk/generation-rent-1-in-5-have-no-desire-to-own-home/7003324.article
http://www.lloydsbankinggroup.com/globalassets/documents/media/press-releases/halifax/2013/1706_halifax_generation_report.pdf

Make sure you try all of the online activities for this reading and listening - There are dictations, multiple choice, drag and drop activities, crosswords, hangman, flash cards, matching activities and a whole lot more. Please enjoy :-)

The 40 Lesson Activities on the PDF Handout

WARM-UPS

1. HOME OWNERSHIP: Students walk around the class and talk to other students about home ownership. Change partners often and share your findings.

2. CHAT: In pairs / groups, decide which of these topics or words from the article are most interesting and which are most boring.

house prices / third / a new report / an achievable goal / property ladder / aspiration / statistics / concern / bleaker / capital / social problems / homeowners / standstill

Have a chat about the topics you liked. Change topics and partners frequently.

3. RISING PRICES: How can people cope? Complete this table with your partner(s). Change partners often and share what you wrote.

Prices of…	How difficult is it?	How can people cope with higher prices?
homes
heating
food
petrol / gasoline
education
healthcare

4. OWN YOUR OWN HOME: Students A strongly believe home ownership is best; Students B strongly believe renting is best. Change partners again and talk about your conversations.

MY e-BOOK

ESL resource book with copiable worksheets and handouts - 1,000 Ideas and Activities for Language Teachers / English teachers

See a sample

5. ASPIRATIONS: Rank these with your partner. Put the best at the top. Change partners often and share your rankings.

• home ownership

• getting a Ph.D.

• travel to 100 countries

• own a Ferrari

• become the boss

• have a big family

• retire at 40

• change the world

6. PROPERTY: Spend one minute writing down all of the different words you associate with the word "property". Share your words with your partner(s) and talk about them. Together, put the words into different categories.

BEFORE READING / LISTENING

1. TRUE / FALSE: Read the headline. Guess if a-h below are true (T) or false (F).

a.	A third of British people do not want to buy their own house.	T / F
b.	It used to be relatively easy for Britons to buy their own home.	T / F
c.	One in five thirtysomethings have no desire to own their own home.	T / F
d.	People are starting to understand they will have to rent for life.	T / F
e.	House prices in the U.K. increased by 10.5% last year.	T / F
f.	House prices in London rose by over 20% last year.	T / F
g.	The report warned of social problems because of haves and have-nots.	T / F
h.	If there are fewer first-time buyers, the market will be more dynamic.	T / F

2. SYNONYM MATCH: Match the following synonyms from the article.

1.	high	a.	more unpromising
2.	according to	b.	desire
3.	achievable	c.	likelihood
4.	prospects	d.	conflict
5.	aspiration	e.	as stated by
6.	concern	f.	occurring
7.	bleaker	g.	halt
8.	arising	h.	attainable
9.	division	i.	consternation
10.	standstill	j.	inflated

3. PHRASE MATCH: (Sometimes more than one choice is possible.)

1.	This is according	a.	the property ladder
2.	once an achievable	b.	time buyers
3.	prospects of getting on	c.	term social problems
4.	one in five	d.	to a new report
5.	people are now beginning to accept	e.	a standstill
6.	"runaway train"	f.	twentysomethings
7.	Things get bleaker for house	g.	house prices
8.	long-	h.	a lifetime of renting
9.	fewer first-	i.	hunters
10.	the market will come to	j.	goal for generations

GAP FILL

House prices in the U.K. are now so (1) ____________ that a third of British people believe they will never buy their own home. This is according to a new report (2) ____________ by the Halifax Bank. Home ownership was once an achievable goal for (3) ____________ of Britons. However, rising prices now mean the prospects of getting on the property (4) ____________ are on the decline. The report says that one in five twentysomethings has no (5) ____________ to own their own home. Craig McKinlay, mortgages director at Halifax, said: "We may be (6) ____________ towards the point where the aspiration to own a nice home will be replaced by the aspiration to (7) ____________ live in one." He added: "It seems that people are now beginning to accept a (8) ____________ of renting."

simply
heading
published
desire
high
generations
lifetime
ladder

Britain's Office for National Statistics earlier this week stated that house prices have (9) ____________ by 10.5% in the past year. It expressed concern at what it describes as "(10) ____________ train" house prices. The average U.K. house was (11) ____________ at $425,000 in 2013. Things get bleaker for house (12) ____________ wishing to buy in London. Prices in the capital have risen by 18 per cent in a year to an (13) ____________ of $610,000. The Halifax report writes about possible long-term social problems arising from, "the (14) ____________ between homeowners and non-homeowners". The report warned that if there are fewer first-time (15) ____________, "the market will come to a (16) ____________ ". If this happens, prices will have to come down.

average
standstill
valued
risen
division
hunters
runaway
buyers

LISTENING - Guess the answers. Listen to check.

1)	This is according to a new report ______ Halifax Bank
	a. publishing by the b. published by the c. publish it by the d. publisher by the
2)	Home ownership was once an achievable goal ______ Britons
	a. for generations of b. for generational of c. for generating of d. for generate tons of
3)	the prospects of getting on the property ladder ______
	a. are on the recline b. are on the incline c. are on the decline d. are on the deck line
4)	the aspiration to own a nice home ______
	a. will be replacing b. will be replaced c. will be replaces d. will be replaceable
5)	people are now beginning to accept ______
	a. a life times of renting b. a life timed of renting c. a lifetime of renting d. a life tired of renting
6)	It expressed concern at what it describes as "______" house prices
	a. runaway tram b. runaway trail c. runaway train d. runaway tramp
7)	The average U.K. house was ______
	a. valued at $425,000 b. valued as $425,000 c. valued all $425,000 d. valued that $425,000
8)	risen by 18 per cent in a year ______ $610,000
	a. to the average of b. to an average of c. to all average of d. to than average of
9)	The Halifax report writes about possible long-______
	a. terms social problems b. time social problems c. times social problems d. term social problems
10)	if there are fewer first-time buyers, "the market will come ______"
	a. to a stood still b. to a standing still c. to a standstill d. to a stands still

LISTENING – Listen and fill in the gaps

House prices in the U.K. are (1) ___________________ third of British people believe they will never buy their own home. (2) ___________________ new report published by the Halifax Bank. Home ownership was once (3) ___________________ for generations of Britons. However, rising prices now mean the prospects of getting on the property ladder are on the decline. The report says that one in five twentysomethings has (4) ___________________ their own home. Craig McKinlay, mortgages director at Halifax, said: "We may be (5) ___________________ point where the aspiration to own a nice home will be replaced by the aspiration to simply live in one." He added: "It seems that people are now beginning to (6) ___________________ renting."

Britain's Office for National Statistics earlier this week stated that house prices (7) ___________________ in the past year. It expressed concern at what it describes as "(8) ___________________" house prices. The average U.K. house was valued at $425,000 in 2013. (9) ___________________ house hunters wishing to buy in London. Prices in the capital have risen by 18 per cent in a year (10) ___________________ $610,000. The Halifax report writes about (11) ___________________ social problems arising from, "the division between homeowners and non-homeowners". The report warned that if there are fewer first-time buyers, "the market will (12) ___________________". If this happens, prices will have to come down.

COMPREHENSION QUESTIONS

1.	What fraction of British people think they'll never own their own home?
2.	What was once an achievable goal for Britons?
3.	What prospects are on the decline?
4.	What is Craig McKinlay's job?
5.	What are British people starting to accept?
6.	By how much did house prices in Britain rise last year?
7.	What did the report compare rising house prices to?
8.	What is the value of an average home in London?
9.	What will happen to the market if there are fewer first-time buyers?
10.	What happens if there is no activity in the market?

MULTIPLE CHOICE - QUIZ

1.	What fraction of British people think they'll never own their own home?	6.	By how much did house prices in Britain rise last year?
	a) seven-eighths b) three-quarters c) two-fifths d) a third		a) 18% b) 10.5% c) 15.5% d) 15%
2.	What was once an achievable goal for Britons?	7.	What did the report compare rising house prices to?
	a) lifelong happiness b) home ownership c) owning two cars d) becoming self-employed		a) a galloping horse b) a waddling duck c) a leaping flea d) a runaway train
3.	What prospects are on the decline?	8.	What is the value of an average home in London?
	a) job prospects b) those of England winning the World Cup c) getting on the property ladder d) living in the city you want to		a) $610,000 b) $601,000 c) $611,000 d) $600,100
4.	What is Craig McKinlay's job?	9.	What will happen to the market if there are fewer first-time buyers?
	a) mortgage director b) finance director c) movie director d) human resources director		a) it will come and go b) it will come to pass c) it will come to a halt d) it will come to attention
5.	What are British people starting to accept?	10.	What happens if there is no activity in the market?
	a) the British weather b) that there are not enough houses c) a lifetime of renting d) property taxes		a) prices will fluctuate b) prices will decrease c) prices will remain the same d) prices will decrease

ROLE PLAY

Role A – Home ownership

You think home ownership is the greatest aspiration. Tell the others three reasons why. Tell them things that aren't so great about their things. Also, tell the others which is the least desirable of these (and why): travelling to 100 countries, retiring at 40 or getting a Ph.D..

Role B – Travel to 100 countries

You think travelling to 100 countries is the greatest aspiration. Tell the others three reasons why. Tell them things that aren't so great about their things. Also, tell the others which is the least desirable of these (and why): home ownership, retiring at 40 or getting a Ph.D.

Role C – Retiring at 40

You think retiring at 40 is the greatest aspiration. Tell the others three reasons why. Tell them things that aren't so great about their things. Also, tell the others which is the least desirable of these (and why): travelling to 100 countries, home ownership or getting a Ph.D.

Role D – Getting a Ph.D.

You think getting a Ph.D. is the greatest aspiration. Tell the others three reasons why. Tell them things that aren't so great about their things. Also, tell the others which is the least desirable of these (and why): travelling to 100 countries, retiring at 40 or home ownership.

AFTER READING / LISTENING

1. WORD SEARCH: Look in your dictionary / computer to find collocates, other meanings, information, synonyms … for the words 'property' and 'ladder'.

property

ladder

Share your findings with your partners.

Make questions using the words you found.
Ask your partner / group your questions.

2. ARTICLE QUESTIONS: Look back at the article and write down some questions you would like to ask the class about the text.

Share your questions with other classmates / groups.
Ask your partner / group your questions.

3. GAP FILL: In pairs / groups, compare your answers to this exercise. Check your answers. Talk about the words from the activity. Were they new, interesting, worth learning…?

4. VOCABULARY: Circle any words you do not understand. In groups, pool unknown words and use dictionaries to find their meanings.

5. TEST EACH OTHER: Look at the words below. With your partner, try to recall how they were used in the text:

high
once
ladder
five
point
accept

earlier
train
2013
18
division
standstill

HOME OWNERSHIP SURVEY

Write five GOOD questions about home ownership in the table. Do this in pairs. Each student must write the questions on his / her own paper.

When you have finished, interview other students. Write down their answers.

	STUDENT 1 _____________	STUDENT 2 _____________	STUDENT 3 _____________
Q.1.
Q.2.
Q.3.
Q.4.
Q.5.

Now return to your original partner and share and talk about what you found out. Change partners often.

Make mini-presentations to other groups on your findings.

HOME OWNERSHIP DISCUSSION

STUDENT A's QUESTIONS (Do not show these to student B)

a)	What did you think when you read the headline?
b)	What springs to mind when you hear the word 'house'?
c)	How important is it for you to own your own home?
d)	What's the property market like in your town?
e)	If you could buy a house anywhere, where would it be?
f)	Is home ownership something most people aspire to?
g)	Why is owning your own home better than renting?
h)	What help should governments give to house buyers?
i)	Where would you like to be on the property ladder?
j)	How would the prospect of a lifetime of renting affect you?

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

STUDENT B's QUESTIONS (Do not show these to student A)

a)	Did you like reading this article? Why/not?
b)	Is property a good investment?
c)	What are "runaway train" prices? What do you think about this expression?
d)	What do you think of average UK house prices?
e)	Why do you think house prices in the UK are rising so sharply?
f)	How would it feel to be priced out of the housing market?
g)	What do you think of mortgages (housing loans)?
h)	What social problems might result from rising house prices?
i)	What will happen if the property market comes to a standstill?
j)	What questions would you like to ask the report writer?

DISCUSSION (Write your own questions)

STUDENT A's QUESTIONS (Do not show these to student B)
1.	________________________________________________________
2.	________________________________________________________
3.	________________________________________________________
4.	________________________________________________________
5.	________________________________________________________
6.	________________________________________________________

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

STUDENT B's QUESTIONS (Do not show these to student A)
1.	________________________________________________________
2.	________________________________________________________
3.	________________________________________________________
4.	________________________________________________________
5.	________________________________________________________
6.	________________________________________________________

LANGUAGE - CLOZE

House prices in the U.K. are now so high that a (1) ____ of British people believe they will never buy their own home. This is according (2) ____ a new report published by the Halifax Bank. Home ownership was once an achievable goal for generations of Britons. However, rising prices now mean the (3) ____ of getting on the property (4) ____ are on the decline. The report says that one in five twentysomethings has no desire to own their own home. Craig McKinlay, mortgages director at Halifax, said: "We may be (5) ____ towards the point where the aspiration to own a nice home will be replaced by the aspiration to simply live in one." He added: "It seems that people are now beginning to accept a (6) ____ of renting."

Britain's Office for National Statistics earlier this week stated that house prices have risen by 10.5% in the past year. It (7) ____ concern at what it describes as "runaway train" house prices. The average U.K. house was valued at $425,000 in 2013. Things get (8) ____ for house hunters (9) ____ to buy in London. Prices in the capital have risen by 18 per cent in a year to an average of $610,000. The Halifax report writes about possible long-term social problems (10) ____ from, "the division between homeowners and non-homeowners". The report warned that if there are (11) ____ first-time buyers, "the market will come to a (12) ____ ". If this happens, prices will have to come down.

Put the correct words from the table below in the above article.

1.	(a)	thrice	(b)	thirdly	(c)	third	(d)	third-time
2.	(a)	to	(b)	by	(c)	of	(d)	on
3.	(a)	prospects	(b)	prospective	(c)	prospectus	(d)	prospector
4.	(a)	ladder	(b)	steps	(c)	stairs	(d)	staircase
5.	(a)	backing	(b)	heading	(c)	stomaching	(d)	arming
6.	(a)	living	(b)	lifer	(c)	livelihood	(d)	lifetime
7.	(a)	ushered	(b)	sequestered	(c)	expressed	(d)	fast-tracked
8.	(a)	beaker	(b)	breaker	(c)	blacken	(d)	bleaker
9.	(a)	wishing	(b)	wished	(c)	wishes	(d)	well wishers
10.	(a)	arising	(b)	arousal	(c)	arisen	(d)	arousing
11.	(a)	lesser	(b)	fewer	(c)	smaller	(d)	dearth
12.	(a)	stood	(b)	standing	(c)	standstill	(d)	standard

SPELLING

Paragraph 1
1.	This is doigccran to a new report
2.	Home ownership was once an habacveile goal
3.	nieoreatngs of Britons
4.	on the eieldnc
5.	the itonaaipsr to own a nice home
6.	accept a limitfee of renting
Paragraph 2
7.	It serexsedp concern
8.	The reegaav U.K. house
9.	Things get aerekbl
10.	long-term social problems nrgiasi
11.	the iivdsnoi between homeowners and…
12.	the market will come to a tstalnidsl

PUT THE TEXT BACK TOGETHER

Number these lines in the correct order.

( )	achievable goal for generations of Britons. However, rising prices now mean the prospects
( )	home. This is according to a new report published by the Halifax Bank. Home ownership was once an
( )	of getting on the property ladder are on the decline. The report says that one in five twentysomethings has no
( )	and non-homeowners". The report warned that if there are fewer first-
( )	simply live in one." He added: "It seems that people are now beginning to accept a lifetime of renting."
( )	in the past year. It expressed concern at what it describes as "runaway train" house prices. The average U.K. house was
( )	Britain's Office for National Statistics earlier this week stated that house prices have risen by 10.5%
( )	valued at $425,000 in 2013. Things get bleaker for house hunters wishing to buy in London. Prices
( )	about possible long-term social problems arising from, "the division between homeowners
( )	time buyers, "the market will come to a standstill". If this happens, prices will have to come down.
( 1 )	House prices in the U.K. are now so high that a third of British people believe they will never buy their own
( )	in the capital have risen by 18 per cent in a year to an average of $610,000. The Halifax report writes
( )	be heading towards the point where the aspiration to own a nice home will be replaced by the aspiration to
( )	desire to own their own home. Craig McKinlay, mortgages director at Halifax, said: "We may

PUT THE WORDS IN THE RIGHT ORDER

1.	they buy home believe never own People will their.
2.	goal achievable an once was ownership Home.
3.	property of ladder getting on The the prospects.
4.	aspiration to own a nice home will be replaced The.
5.	to accept a lifetime of renting People are now beginning.
6.	have past prices the 10.5 House in by % risen year.
7.	"runaway prices What it house describes train" as .
8.	to Things for wishing bleaker hunters buy get house.
9.	from term arising division - problems the Long social.
10.	standstill a to come will market The.

CIRCLE THE CORRECT WORD (20 PAIRS)

House prices in the U.K. are now so high / increasing that a third of British people believe they will never buy their own home. This is according by / to a new report published by the Halifax Bank. Home owning / ownership was once an achievable goal for generations / generational of Britons. However, rising prices now mean the prospectus / prospects of getting on the property ladder are on the decline / incline. The report says that one in five twentysomethings has no / not desire to own their own home. Craig McKinlay, mortgages director at Halifax, said: "We may be heading / headers towards the point where the aspiration to own a nice home will be replaced by the aspiration to simply / simple live in one." He added: "It seems that people are now beginning to concept / accept a lifetime of renting."

Britain's Office for National Statistics / Stats earlier this week stated that house prices have risen as / by 10.5% in the past year. It expressed concerning / concern at what it describes as "runaway train / bicycle" house prices. The average U.K. house was valued of / at $425,000 in 2013. Things get bleaker / beaker for house hunters wishing to buy in London. Prices in the capital / capitalise have risen by 18 per cent in a year to an average of $610,000. The Halifax report writes about possible long-term social problems arising / arousing from, "the division between homeowners and non-homeowners". The report warned that if there are fewer / lesser first-time buyers, "the market will come to a standstill / standoff". If this happens, prices will have to come down.

Talk about the connection between each pair of words in italics, and why the correct word is correct.

INSERT THE VOWELS (a, e, i, o, u)

H__s_ pr_c_s _n th_ _.K. _r_ n_w s_ h_gh th_t _ th_rd _f Br_t_sh p__pl_ b_l__v_ th_y w_ll n_v_r b_y th__r _wn h_m_. Th_s _s _cc_rd_ng t_ _ n_w r_p_rt p_bl_sh_d by th_ H_l_f_x B_nk. H_m_ _wn_rsh_p w_s _nc_ _n _ch__v_bl_ g__l f_r g_n_r_t__ns _f Br_t_ns. H_w_v_r, r_s_ng pr_c_s n_w m__n th_ pr_sp_cts _f g_tt_ng _n th_ pr_p_rty l_dd_r _r_ _n th_ d_cl_n_. Th_ r_p_rt s_ys th_t _n_ _n f_v_ tw_ntys_m_th_ngs h_s n_ d_s_r_ t_ _wn th__r _wn h_m_. Cr__g McK_nl_y, m_rtg_g_s d_r_ct_r _t H_l_f_x, s__d: "W_ m_y b_ h__d_ng t_w_rds th_ p__nt wh_r_ th_ _sp_r_t__n t_ _wn _ n_c_ h_m_ w_ll b_ r_pl_c_d by th_ _sp_r_t__n t_ s_mply l_v_ _n _n_." H_ _dd_d: "_t s__ms th_t p__pl_ _r_ n_w b_g_nn_ng t_ _cc_pt _ l_f_t_m_ _f r_nt_ng."

Br_t__n's _ff_c_ f_r N_t__n_l St_t_st_cs __rl__r th_s w__k st_t_d th_t h__s_ pr_c_s h_v_ r_s_n by 10.5% _n th_ p_st y__r. _t _xpr_ss_d c_nc_rn _t wh_t _t d_scr_b_s _s "r_n_w_y tr__n" h__s_ pr_c_s. Th_ _v_r_g_ _.K. h__s_ w_s v_l__d _t $425,000 _n 2013. Th_ngs g_t bl__k_r f_r h__s_ h_nt_rs w_sh_ng t_ b_y _n L_nd_n. Pr_c_s _n th_ c_p_t_l h_v_ r_s_n by 18 p_r c_nt _n _ y__r t_ _n _v_r_g_ _f $610,000. Th_ H_l_f_x r_p_rt wr_t_s _b__t p_ss_bl_ l_ng-t_rm s_c__l pr_bl_ms _r_s_ng fr_m, "th_ d_v_s__n b_tw__n h_m__wn_rs _nd n_n-h_m__wn_rs". Th_ r_p_rt w_rn_d th_t _f th_r_ _r_ f_w_r f_rst-t_m_ b_y_rs, "th_ m_rk_t w_ll c_m_ t_ _ st_ndst_ll". _f th_s h_pp_ns, pr_c_s w_ll h_v_ t_ c_m_ d_wn.

PUNCTUATE THE TEXT AND ADD CAPITALS

house prices in the uk are now so high that a third of british people believe they will never buy their own home this is according to a new report published by the halifax bank home ownership was once an achievable goal for generations of britons however rising prices now mean the prospects of getting on the property ladder are on the decline the report says that one in five twentysomethings has no desire to own their own home craig mckinlay mortgages director at halifax said "we may be heading towards the point where the aspiration to own a nice home will be replaced by the aspiration to simply live in one" he added "it seems that people are now beginning to accept a lifetime of renting"

britain's office for national statistics earlier this week stated that house prices have risen by 105% in the past year it expressed concern at what it describes as "runaway train" house prices the average uk house was valued at $425000 in 2013 things get bleaker for house hunters wishing to buy in london prices in the capital have risen by 18 per cent in a year to an average of $610000 the halifax report writes about possible long-term social problems arising from "the division between homeowners and non-homeowners" the report warned that if there are fewer first-time buyers "the market will come to a standstill" if this happens prices will have to come down

PUT A SLASH ( / ) WHERE THE SPACES ARE

HousepricesintheU.K.arenowsohighthatathirdofBritishpeoplebeli
evetheywillneverbuytheirownhome.Thisisaccordingtoanewreport
publishedbytheHalifaxBank.Homeownershipwasonceanachievabl
egoalforgenerationsofBritons.However,risingpricesnowmeanthe
prospectsofgettingonthepropertyladderareonthedecline.Therepo
rtsaysthatoneinfivetwentysomethingshasnodesiretoowntheirown
home.CraigMcKinlay,mortgagesdirectoratHalifax,said:"Wemayb
eheadingtowardsthepointwheretheaspirationtoownanicehomewil
lbereplacedbytheaspirationtosimplyliveinone."Headded:"Itseem
sthatpeoplearenowbeginningtoacceptalifetimeofrenting."Britain'
sOfficeforNationalStatisticsearlierthisweekstatedthathouseprices
haverisenby10.5%inthepastyear.Itexpressedconcernatwhatitdes
cribesas"runawaytrain"houseprices.TheaverageU.K.housewasval
uedat$425,000in2013.Thingsgetbleakerforhousehunterswishing
tobuyinLondon.Pricesinthecapitalhaverisenby18percentinayeart
oanaverageof$610,000.TheHalifaxreportwritesaboutpossiblelon
g-termsocialproblemsarisingfrom,"thedivisionbetweenhomeow
nersandnon-homeowners".Thereportwarnedthatiftherea
refewerfirst-timebuyers,"themarketwillcometoastandstill".Ift
hishappens,priceswillhavetocomedown.

FREE WRITING

Write about home ownership for 10 minutes. Comment on your partner's paper.

_____________________________________________________________________________

ACADEMIC WRITING

Compare and contrast buying and renting a house. Which is better? Why?

_____________________________________________________________________________

HOMEWORK

1. VOCABULARY EXTENSION: Choose several of the words from the text. Use a dictionary or Google's search field (or another search engine) to build up more associations / collocations of each word.

2. INTERNET: Search the Internet and find out more about global house prices. Share what you discover with your partner(s) in the next lesson.

3. HOME OWNERSHIP: Make a poster about buying your own home. Show your work to your classmates in the next lesson. Did you all have similar things?

4. BUYING OR RENTING: Write a magazine article about buying or renting a house. Include imaginary interviews with people who prefer buying and people who prefer renting.

Read what you wrote to your classmates in the next lesson. Write down any new words and expressions you hear from your partner(s).

5. WHAT HAPPENED NEXT? Write a newspaper article about the next stage in this news story. Read what you wrote to your classmates in the next lesson. Give each other feedback on your articles.

6. LETTER: Write a letter to a property expert. Ask him/her three questions about home ownership. Give him/her three ideas on how people can get on the property ladder. Read your letter to your partner(s) in your next lesson. Your partner(s) will answer your questions.

A Few Additional Activities for Students

Ask your students what they have read, seen or heard about this news in their own language. Students are likely to / may have have encountered this news in their L1 and therefore bring a background knowledge to the classroom.

Get students to role play different characters from this news story.

Ask students to keep track of this news and revisit it to discuss in your next class.

Ask students to male predictions of how this news might develop in the next few days or weeks, and then revisit and discuss in a future class.

Ask students to write a follow-up story to this news.

Students role play a journalist and someone who witnessed or was a part of this news. Perhaps they could make a video of the interview.

Ask students to keep a news journal in English and add this story to their thoughts.

Also...

Buy my 1,000 Ideas and Activities for Language Teachers eBook. It has hundreds of ideas, activity templates, reproducible activities for:

News
Warm ups
Pre-reading / Post-reading
Using headlines
Working with words
While-reading / While-listening
Moving from text to speech
Post-reading / Post-listening
Discussions
Using opinions
Plans
Language
Using lists
Using quotes
Task-based activities
Role plays
Using the central characters in the article
Using themes from the news
Homework

Buy my book

$US 9.99

ANSWERS

TRUE / FALSE (p.4)

a

F

b

T

c

F

d

T

e

T

f

F

g

T

h

F

SYNONYM MATCH (p.4)

1.	high	a.	inflated
2.	according to	b.	as stated by
3.	achievable	c.	attainable
4.	prospects	d.	likelihood
5.	aspiration	e.	desire
6.	concern	f.	consternation
7.	bleaker	g.	more unpromising
8.	arising	h.	occurring
9.	division	i.	conflict
10.	standstill	j.	halt

COMPREHENSION QUESTIONS (p.8)

1.	A third
2.	Home ownership
3.	That of getting on the property ladder
4.	Mortgages director
5.	A lifetime of renting
6.	10.5%
7.	A runaway train
8.	$610,000
9.	It will come to a standstill
10.	Prices will come down

MULTIPLE CHOICE - QUIZ (p.9)

1.

d

2.

b

3.

c

4.

a

5.

c

6.

b

7.

d

8.

a

9.

c

10.

b

ALL OTHER EXERCISES

Please check for yourself by looking at the Article on page 2.
(It's good for your English ;-)

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36% in UK will never buy own home (23rd April, 2014)

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