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Listen and Read: Listen, answer the questions, and read along with the audio recording.

I’m moving into a new house this weekend, so I decided to do some shopping to furnish the place. I went to an appliance store not too far from my house, and I first bought a refrigerator for the kitchen. You really can’t live without one because you have to keep your food cold or frozen so it doesn’t spoil. Then, I bought a washer and dryer to clean and dry my clothes. I don’t want to go to the laundromat to do this every week like I used to do. Next, I bought a dishwasher. I probably don’t need one because I could wash my dishes by hand, but having a dishwasher can make life easier. You simply put the dishes inside, add some dishwashing detergent, and turn the machine on. Finally, I picked up a microwave oven. If I’m really in a hurry and don’t have time to cook, I can throw something in the microwave and heat it up quickly. I haven’t purchased everything I need to furnish my new place, but I think I have the basic appliances to make life more comfortable for now.

Discussion

If you had to live on an island for one year and you could have one household appliance to make life easier, which would it be? Explain your reasons.

Role Play

You have lived with your roommates for six months, but you’ve decided to move out because they haven’t taken care of the place . . . pizza boxes tossed everywhere, dirty socks on the kitchen table, and a pet snake loose somewhere in the sofa. Tell your partner what kind of place you are looking for and why.

Online Investigation

You’re moving into a new home with your husband, wife, or friend, and you want to furnish it with everything in the paragraph above. How much would it cost to furnish your place with these new appliances? How much might it cost to run the appliances per year, including the cost for gas, electricity, and water? What are some things you could do to cut costs?