Writing: Renting and Living with Flatmates
Renting a flat and living with flatmates
Answers and an explanation for each question appear once you add this activity to your own library.
🏠 Module 1: Getting Ready
Learn and practice key words for renting a flat and sharing a home with flatmates.
How to use this lesson
For the Teacher
What to do & duration: Guide students through these 16 vocabulary tasks as a quick 10-minute warm-up before writing.
Checking: Check the answers together on the board or ask learners to read their completed sentences aloud.
For the Learner
What to do first: Read the ten vocabulary words below and make sure you know what each word means.
What to do next: Complete exercises (a) to (d), check your work, and write down any tricky words in your notebook.
🔑 Target Vocabulary (10 Words)
Word Order
Put the words in the right order. Rewrite the sentence correctly in the box, then check your work.
Question 1
Sentence 1 of 4Unscramble these words:
Question 2
Sentence 2 of 4Unscramble these words:
Question 3
Sentence 3 of 4Unscramble these words:
Question 4
Sentence 4 of 4Unscramble these words:
Fill in the Blanks
Choose the best word from the word bank to complete each sentence. Write one word in each blank.
Word Bank
Question 5
The living room was very ____ because clothes and books were everywhere on the floor.
Question 6
We need to buy some basic ____ like a bed, a desk, and two chairs.
Question 7
The monthly rent is quite low, so this apartment is very ____ for students.
Question 8
I enjoy living on this street because it is quiet and ____ late at night.
Question 9
Before moving in, you must pay one month of rent as a security ____ to the landlord.
Choose the Correct Word
Select the word that best completes each sentence.
Question 10
Every month, the ___ must pay the rent directly to the landlord.
Question 11
Sarah shares a flat with Anna. Anna is Sarah's ___.
Question 12
The kitchen bin is completely full. Could you please take out the ___?
Question 13
Before getting the keys, we must sign a rental ___ for twelve months.
Match Questions and Answers
Match each question to the most natural answer. Choose the correct reply.
Question 14
"How much is the deposit for the room?"
Select the best answer:
Question 15
"Why is the living room so messy?"
Select the best answer:
Question 16
"When do you usually do the laundry?"
Select the best answer:
Great job getting ready!
You have reviewed the 10 key words for living in a shared flat. You are now prepared to move on to Module 2: Writing the Email.
✉️ Module 2: Writing your Email
Read the task, use the sentence starters to organize your ideas, and write your email in the box below.
"Write an email to a friend who is going to move into your flat next month. Tell your friend about the rules of the flat and about the jobs that each person does."
Sentence Starters
Build your email around these sentence starters:
What to Include
Make sure your email contains all five points:
Your Email
AI Graded📖 Module 3: Model Answer
Read this example email to see how all the parts fit together smoothly.
Hi Alex,
I am writing to tell you about our flat before you move in on the fifth of next month.
Here are a few simple house rules to help us get along well. We are supposed to keep noise down after ten at night because the neighbors work early. Also, you are expected to tidy up the kitchen right after cooking. You needn't buy any plates or pots because we already have plenty in the cupboards.
As for shared chores, each person does a specific job every week. Sarah always takes out the rubbish, and I do the weekly bathroom cleaning.
Let me know if you have any questions at all. Write back soon.
Best,
Sam
Why this works
Look at why these five bold phrases make the email polite, natural, and easy to read.
I am writing to tell you about ...
This immediately explains the main reason for your email so the reader knows what to expect right away.
We are supposed to ...
Using "we" shows that this rule applies to everyone in the flat equally, making the tone fair and friendly.
You are expected to ...
This states an important house habit clearly without using harsh words like "you must" or "you have to".
You needn't ...
This reassures your friend that something is not necessary, helping them save time and money before moving in.
Write back soon
This is a warm, casual sign-off that invites your friend to reply and ask any questions before move-in day.
Task Checklist Review
Notice how the model answer covers every requirement from Module 2:
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