1.

Vocabulary – working life collocations

to make a living

to go part-time / to go freelance

to lay off staff

to earn a good living

to take up a post of

to move up the ladder

to get sb’s priorities right

to hand in sb’s notice

2. Conversation – living in the city/village

What do you like most about the area where you grew up?

If you could live in another country, where would you choose? Why?

What are the advantages and disadvantages of living in a small town/village as opposed to a big city?

What city noises do you find the most irritating?

How well do you know your way round your town/city? Have you ever got lost?

3. Vocabulary – Siamese twins

hustle and bustle

4. Vocabulary – collocations

to take ages

to cost a fortune

5. Vocabulary – sounds and noises

to whine

to wail
to rumble

to buzz

to chirp

to sigh

to giggle

to groan

to stutter

to roar

to purr

6. Little word – to be about to

I was about to knock when she opened the door.

We arrived just as the concert was about to begin.

The train is about to leave. Hurry up!

6. Vocabulary – towns and cities

a dweller

a cabbie

a layout

a landmark

a junction

to hail a cab / taxi

7. Little word – whatsoever

Do you have any idea what is happening? None whatsoever.

These learners have no interest whatsoever in improving their speaking skills.

You shouldn’t have made any of those comments whatsoever. It was really offensive.