Apartment-Hunting Jigsaw - ESOL

by Rhonda Cooper

(sample questions below)

One activity I do every year is a "jigsaw" that helps my students learn about apartment hunting. I bring in copies (one for every pair of students) of a local real estate apartment guide. These guides are easily found around town; you can find them in front of grocery stores, at convenience stores, and at Laundromats.

To start this activity I make up a list of the more frequently used abbreviations, such as CHA (central heat/air), W/D (washer/dryer), Bd/Ba (bedroom/bath), etc., and either list on the board or pass out a handout to the class. I allow them a few minutes to discuss these with their partner(s), then review them with the entire class. Usually at least one or two of the students can figure out the meaning, and it makes them feel successful to be able to tell the others.

After we review this list, I pass out a list of 6 to 10 questions: Student "A" gets one list with about 4 or 5 questions, and Student "B" gets a different list with 4 or 5 questions. These questions range in difficulty and skill. (See below for some examples of questions.) The students take turns asking their partners the questions. Usually I have one student ask all his/her questions, then switch, since it's easier than passing the rental guide back and forth for each question.

I walk around, helping those students who seem to be a little lost, and asking the faster students additional questions about the ads. If a pair really seems to be struggling, I ask them to look at the guide together to answer their questions; this often gives them more confidence to approach the task. If one or two sets of pairs finishes much sooner than the other groups, I ask them to go through and find five different 2bd/2ba apartments that they feel are the best for the money. This usually keeps them occupied until all the others finish, and then we get to hear their suggestions and discuss their reasons for choosing those apartments.

Generally, this activity ends up with some good information being shared and some valuable "comparison shopping" skills being learned. We discuss the difference between "hype" and fact (words that suggest or give an idea vs. actual information) and consider how other factors can and should influence our decisions (for example, an apartment with a great price on rent but in a location we don't like). We also discuss different cultural views of housing, such as the concepts of privacy, space, and definitions of "good condition."

As a follow-up, I ask my beginning students to role-play a telephone conversation of calling to ask about an apartment. The intermediate students have to write a possible dialogue about looking at an apartment, while the advanced students actually have to make a phone call and ask a question (Is there a year long lease? What happens if the lease is broken? Is there a security deposit?)

Again, although most students are already living on their own in apartments or houses, sometimes they are not happy about the conditions, location, rent, etc., but feel it's too daunting to consider a move. This activity provides them with some tools to use should they decide to move or with knowledge they can share with friends or relatives who are looking for places to live.

Sample Questions

1. On page XX, which apartment is on Main Street? (Page has 4 ads, each gives the address.)
2. What page is the locator map on? (This is usually in the front or in the center and easy to find.)
3. On page XX, how much is the rent at the WildCat Apartments? Does this include utilities?

1. Look at the locator map. Which two apartment complexes are next to the Shopping Mall?
2. Of the 4 apartments listed on page XX, which has the cheapest rent for a 2bd/2ba?
3. What special features or facilities does the Park Apartment offer?

1. Look at the locator map. Of the 4 apartments north of Main Street and west of 3rd Street, which would be the best if you worked at the mall? (Requires students to locate the complexes, then consider roads and traffic.)
2. Where are the Sourdough Apartments? How much is the rent? What amenities does it offer? (Requires students to use the index or locator map, find the page with the ad, and then read the ad to see what it offers.)
3. Look at the picture of the floor plan of an apartment on page XX. How big is it? Would this be a good apartment for a couple? A family? A single student? (The floor plan shows an apartment with furniture sketched in.)

There are lots of ways to build follow-up activities from this exercise and addresses several of the standards. My students have really enjoyed this exercise and most of them said they found it very helpful as well. Good luck!