Flathunting Scene 1

Ashlie is not happy with her flat, so Stephen offers to help her find somewhere better. That sounds easy, doesn't it?

Preparation

Before you watch

Think about the following questions:

  • Can you describe the place where you live in English?
  • How easy is it to find a nice house or flat where you live?

Now watch to find out why Ashlie isn't happy where she lives.

Transcript

Ashlie: Can you pass me the wrench, Stephen?

Stephen: This one?

Ashlie: No, that’s a screwdriver. The big one next to it.

Stephen: This?

Ashlie: Thanks. Right... I think that’s done. Phew!

Stephen: Well done, Ash.

Ashlie: That's the third time the taps have leaked this month. Just look at them. I'm fed up with living here.

Stephen: Ashlie's flat is falling apart. She's always repairing things.

Ashlie: I hate this flat! I can't stand the kitchen. I can't bear pink. I want to move out!

Stephen: That’s a great idea!

Ashlie: I want to rent somewhere a bit more modern, stylish, you know? Somewhere where everything works!

Stephen: I know what you mean. This place, I mean, look at this, it’s horrible... and it’s full of old rubbish.

Ashlie: Stephen, that’s mine!

Stephen: Mm, really? Nice...

Ashlie: I’ve decided. I’m going to start looking for somewhere else to live.

Stephen: I’ll help you look if you like.

Ashlie: Ahh... Thanks, Stephen.

….

Stephen: What about this one?

Ashlie: Ahh.. That one looks just right, yeah - give them a call.

Stephen: Hi. I'm calling about the flat for rent on Kings Road. Is it still available? It is? Great!  Can we see it? Really, OK, see you there. Come on, Ash, let’s go - we can see it now.

Ashlie: Oh great! Come on, Poppy.

….

Ashlie: Hi, I’m Ashlie, and this is my brother, Stephen.

Estate Agent: Hi, I'm Chris. Is it for the two of you? Are you looking for a place together?

Stephen:  Ah no, no... it’s just for Ashlie.

Ashlie: Well, it looks great from the outside, and this is a really nice area. 

Estate Agent:  Yes, it’s lovely, isn’t it? And this flat is perfect for one person. Let’s go and have a look around. After you - this way.

Ashlie: Thanks.

…..

Ashlie: Hmm... It’s not very big, is it?

Estate Agent: Like I said, this place is just perfect for one person. It’s got everything you need.

Stephen: It’s a bit small, isn’t it?

Ashlie: Erm... Where's the bedroom?

Estate Agent: Ah - well look, here’s the bed, and it can also be a sofa.

Ashlie: Do you have anything else?

Estate Agent: Yeah, I can show you something else.

…..

Ashlie: No...

…..

Stephen: This seems better. It’s got much more room, Ashlie. It’s more modern. It’s quite stylish.

Estate Agent: I can really see you living here.

Ashlie: Mmm. It is quite a good size.  And the kitchen’s quite big. I like the carpet. No pink in sight!

Stephen:  What’s it like round here? I don’t know the area very well.

Estate Agent: Er… It’s really close to the train station. There’s trains every ten minutes into Central London. I’ve got the paperwork with me. You could move in tomorrow.

Ashlie:  So how much is the rent?

Estate Agent: What did you say?

Ashlie: Trains every ten minutes? No way!

…..

Stephen: Wow! What a beautiful kitchen!

Ashlie: Ahhh... I love it, it’s so spacious!

Stephen: I think this is the one.

Ash: Come on then. Let’s tell the estate agent. Come on, Poppy.

….

Ashlie: Oh Stephen, that flat was wonderful! I’ve got to have it!

Stephen: Yes, it’s great, but are you sure?

Ashlie: Yes, I mean I feel really at home here. It’s such a peaceful street.

Stephen: Yes, it does seem pretty quiet.

Estate Agent: If you’d just like to sign the rental agreement, we can go back to the office, get the keys, and you can move in when you like.

Ashlie: Great! I can't wait. Where do I sign?

Estate Agent: Just there.

Task 1

Can you match the flats with the descriptions?

Exercise

 

Task 2

Type the missing word or words in the space to finish the sentence.

Exercise

 

Task 3

Finish the phrases for describing flats by using the words given.

Exercise

 

Download
Average: 5 (2 votes)
Do you need to improve your English?
Join thousands of learners from around the world who are making great progress with their English level with our online courses.

Submitted by rockerangela on Tue, 19/07/2022 - 10:17

Permalink

Hi,
The place where I live is very beautiful. I'm living in front of the sea, in a small house with three floors. My bedroom is in second floor and I can see the sun at the morning when I wake up everyday.

I live in Carboneras and this town is a touristic place. For this reason is a very difficult to find a nice house because the price of the rent is very expensive.

Submitted by gdinunzio on Sun, 05/09/2021 - 11:35

Permalink
My flat is close to downtown and main station. It's in a crowded popular area. It's small flat on the third floor of old 50's building. There is no elevator. I think I'll move out sooner or later because I'd prefer a calmer area.
Profile picture for user Mostafa Taavoni

Submitted by Mostafa Taavoni on Mon, 21/01/2019 - 06:25

Permalink
Hi there, I live in my apartment in a small town in the north-west of Iran. My home is on the second floor and on this floor I have only one neighbour. It has two small bedrooms and a big living room. My apartment isn't very old and it doesn't have any repairing problems. In my country, it is too expensive to buy or rent a house. It depends on your budget. If you can pay more, you can find a nice place.

Submitted by Yshc on Thu, 21/06/2018 - 17:47

Permalink
Hello again! Very similar question about "move out". Which is correct: - "..move out the old flat" or - "..move out of the old flat" or even - "..move out from the old flat" ?

Hello Yshc,

You can say either move out of or move out from here. The first is more common and there is no difference in meaning.

 

Peter

The LearnEnglish Team

Submitted by Yshc on Thu, 21/06/2018 - 17:44

Permalink
Hello Team! I'm not sure whether I must use any preposition after 'move in' when I want to point out the place (e.g, "a new flat"). In other words, is this sentence corect: "I'm going to move in a new flat"? Or maybe I have to use some preposition after "move in" - e.g., "I'm going to move in to a new flat"?

Hi Yshc,

The preposition 'to' is used after 'move in' -- your last sentence is the correct one. Good work!

All the best,
Kirk
The LearnEnglish Team