A Room Teacher

HEAAADERLOGORIGHT
GENERAL ENGLISH · GENERAL ISSUES · INTERMEDIATE (B1-B2)
A ROOM
WITH A
VIEW
QrrkoD Scan to review worksheet
Expemo code:
1BS5-8CF8-D1K
1 Warm up
Answer the following questions.
1. How do windows affect the way we feel free and have space in our homes or workplaces?
2. How can windows help us stay connected to the outside world and our community?
3. How do windows and natural light make us feel better emotionally and physically?
4. What role do windows play in the lives of older people who spend more time inside?
5. Can windows sometimes make us feel lonely or alone? If so, how can we fix this?
FOOOOTERRIGHT Learn without forgetting! 1/9

Scan the QR at the top of Page 1 to review the lesson flashcards with Expemo.
© Linguahouse.com. Photocopiable and licensed for use in Emma School's lessons.
HEAAADERLOGORIGHT
INTERMEDIATE (B1-B2)
A ROOM WITH A VIEW
2 Focus on vocabulary 1
Part A: Match the following words to their correct definitions.
access insignificant interviewee mean

nosy surveillance urban vital
1. (adj.): very important
2. (v.): be able to get, use or experience something
3. (n.): a person who answers questions
4. (adj.): unimportant
5. (adj.): unkind, unpleasant or not willing to share money
6. (adj.): too curious about other people
7. (adj.): of/in a city or town
8. (n.): the act of watching someone or something closely
Part B: Write the words from Part A in the correct gaps in the following sentences. You may need to
change the form of the word. Note that one word is not needed and one word is used twice.
1. Why are you arguing about such an problem?
2. There were around 50 who took part in this research.
3. Fresh air is for our health, especially in an environment.
4. For older people, even views can be important.
5. I have a very next-door neighbour. She is always spying on me.
6. He’s a nice guy. Why is she so to him?
7. For people who cannot leave their homes, windows can be a way to the world.
FOOOOTERLEFT Learn without forgetting! 2/9

HEAAADERLOGORIGHT
A ROOM WITH A VIEW
3 Listening for gist
Listen to the podcast about the vital role that windows with a view can play in the lives of older
people. Choose the correct answer.
1. What is the "surveillance zone"?
a. The area immediately outside an older person’s home.
b. The area around a window with a view.
c. The area in which an older person can observe and participate in their neighbourhood.
d. The area in which an older person can reduce stress and improve mental health.
2. What is the link between nature and stress reduction?
a. Nature can provide a sense of purpose for older people.
b. Nature can provide a source of entertainment for older people.
c. Nature can improve the overall well-being of older people.
d. Nature can reduce stress and improve mental health for older people.
3. What is the potential downside to having a window with a view for older people?
a. They may be perceived as nosy or mean.
b. They may spend too much time indoors.
c. They may not have a sense of purpose.
d. They may not have a source of entertainment.

HEAAADERLOGORIGHT
A ROOM WITH A VIEW
4 Focus on vocabulary 2
Part A: Match the words on the left to their correct definitions.
Group 1
1. zone a. construction or repair work on a road
2. observe b. watch or see something
3. participate c. be involved or engaged in something
4. valued d. appreciated or held in high regard
5. roadwork e. a specific area or region
Group 2
1. juxtaposition a. the placement of two or more things side by side, often to

create contrast or comparison
2. motorway b. a major road for fast-moving traffic, typically with two or
more lanes in each direction
3. downside c. negative aspect or consequence
4. labelled d. be more significant or important than something else
5. outweigh e. classified or identified as a particular type or category

HEAAADERLOGORIGHT
A ROOM WITH A VIEW
Part B: Write the correct word from Part A in the gaps in the following sentences. Note that you may
need to change the form. One word is not needed.
1. The older people their neighbourhood from their windows.
2. The interviewees in the community through their windows.
3. The views were highly by the older people.
4. The roads were under so there was a lot of noise and disruption.
5. The of these two bright colours created a very interesting contrast.
6. The view from the window included a busy in the distance.
7. There were potential to having a window with a view.
8. The older people worried about being as nosy.
9. The benefits of having a window with a view far any potential negative perceptions.
5 Reading for general understanding
You are going to read an article by a professor who studies elderly people. In the text, there is a
phrase: "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder". What do you think it means?
Skim the text and match the headings with the correct article paragraphs.
• Previous research on windows with a view

• The benefits of windows with a view
• The importance of windows with a view for older people
• Windows and the community
• The potential downsides of windows with a view

HEAAADERLOGORIGHT
A ROOM WITH A VIEW
The significance of windows for older people

Views and change
A. Windows with a view can be extremely important to older people, as they provide a way to
access the outside world and stay connected to their community. In 1981, Graham Rowles conducted a study on
the "surveillance zone" outside older people’s homes in the United States and found that older people used their
windows to observe and participate in their neighborhoods. A recent study conducted in the UK also found that
older people valued their windows and spent time setting up their space to get a good view. While nature is often
preferred, even urban or seemingly dull views were found to be significant for these individuals.
B. One of the most important aspects of a view for older people is change. This includes expected
changes, such as the changing of seasons, as well as unexpected changes like roadwork or storms. Juxtapositions
between the immediate and the distant, such as a neighbourhood and distant hills or a garden and a motorway,
were also found to be preferred. The views helped the older people understand life better and they even created
stories and characters based on what they saw. Some of the interviewees even interacted with the people they
observed through the window, commenting on their appearance or asking about their day.
C. While windows with a view can be extremely beneficial for older people, there are also potential
downsides. Some people worry about being labelled nosy or that others will think they have "lost it" if they
talk about their observations. However, the benefits of having a window with a view far outweigh any potential
negative perceptions.
D. Windows with a view can provide a sense of purpose and a way to stay connected to the outside
world, which is particularly important for older people who may spend more time indoors. These views can also
provide a source of entertainment and help to reduce stress and improve mental health.
E. In conclusion, windows with a view are an important aspect of life for older people. They
provide a way to access the outside world and stay connected to their community, as well as being a source of
entertainment and stress reduction. It is important to consider the importance of windows with a view when
designing homes and buildings for older individuals, as they can have a significant impact on their daily lives.
sources: cronfa.swan.ac.uk, theconversation.com

HEAAADERLOGORIGHT
A ROOM WITH A VIEW
6 Reading for detail
Read the following statements and decide if they are true (T), false (F) or not given (NG).
1. The views from windows are only significant if they are picturesque.
2. Change is not important to older people when it comes to their views.
3. Older people create stories and characters based on what they observe through their windows.
4. Older people never interact with the people they observe through their windows.
5. There are no potential downsides to having a window with a view for older people.
6. Windows with a view provide a sense of purpose and a way to stay connected to the outside
world for older people.
7. Windows with a view provide a source of entertainment and help to reduce stress and improve
mental health for older people.
8. The importance of windows with a view should not be considered when designing homes and
buildings for older individuals.
9. Windows with a view are important to older people.
7 Phrasal verbs
Part A: Match the phrasal verb with its correct definition below.
ask about carry out comment on get up to interact with

look at participate in pull up take for granted
1. : be involved or engaged in
2. : express an opinion about
3. : communicate or exchange ideas with
4. : inquire or inquire about
5. : raise or lift up
6. : engage in or participate in
7. : assume without question or appreciation
8. : examine or consider
9. : complete or perform

HEAAADERLOGORIGHT
A ROOM WITH A VIEW
Part B: Complete the following sentence with the correct phrasal verb from Part A. Note that one
phrasal verb is not needed.
1. Older people often the people they observe through their windows, commenting
on their appearance or asking about their day.
2. One of the interviewees the appearance of the people she saw through her window,
saying they were "very smart."
3. Another interviewee asked the people she regularly saw how their day had been, adding, "I wonder
if anyone does ask them that when they where they’re going. I hope so!"
4. One older man his trousers and tucked in his shirt after being told to do so by an
interviewee through her window.
5. Many people windows , assuming they are just a part of the buildings they live or
work in.
6. Graham Rowles the "surveillance zone" outside older people’s homes in the United
States in 1981.
7. Older people can their community through their windows, even if they are not
physically present.
8. The study conducted in the UK by interviewing 42 older people on the importance

of windows with a view.
8 Talking point
Choose one of the cue cards below and talk with your partner.
Cue card 1
Describe a time when you interacted with someone you observed through a window. What
did you say or do? How did the other person respond?
Cue card 2
Talk about a time when you commented on the appearance of someone you saw through a
window. What did you say? Did the other person hear you? How did they react?

HEAAADERLOGORIGHT
A ROOM WITH A VIEW
Cue card 3
Share a story about a time when you asked someone you saw through a window about their
day. Who did you ask? What did they tell you? Did you have a conversation with them?
Cue card 4
Describe what you typically get up to on the weekends. Do you have any regular activities or
hobbies? Do you like to relax or stay busy?
9 Optional extension / homework
Imagine you are looking out of your window and you see the views below. Choose one picture and
write a short story about the people. Who are they? What are they doing? What happened earlier?
What is going to happen? etc.
Use appropriate structures, for example:
• present continuous for a current activity (He’s waiting for ...)

• past simple for past events (They didn’t dance before.)
• present perfect simple with ‘just’ for something that happened a moment ago (They’ve just been ...)
Picture A Picture B

HEAAADERLOGORIGHT
TEACHER MATERIALS · INTERMEDIATE (B1-B2)
A ROOM WITH A VIEW
Transcripts
3. Listening for gist
Host: Welcome to today’s podcast, where we will be discussing the vital role that
windows with a view can play in the lives of older people. I’m your host, and
with me today is Garry who is a psychologist and Lorin, a medical carer.
Host: So, Lorin, can you tell us about your experience working with older people and
the importance of windows for them?
Lorin, medical carer: Sure. As a medical carer, I have worked with a variety of older individuals
and I have found that windows can be incredibly important for their overall
well-being. For many older people, especially those who may spend more
time indoors, windows provide a way to access the outside world and stay
connected to their community.
Garry, psychologist: That’s definitely true. In fact, a study conducted in the United States in 1981
found that older people used their windows to observe and participate in their
neighbourhood. This concept is known as the "surveillance zone."
Lorin, medical carer: Right, and in a recent study that I conducted in the UK, the interviewees all
valued their windows and spent time setting up their space to get a good view.
The views themselves can be of particular significance, as they provide a source
of entertainment and can even help to reduce stress and improve mental health.
Garry, psychologist: Absolutely, Lorin. Previous research has suggested that older people prefer
being able to see nature, and there is a link between nature and stress
reduction. However, it’s important to note that even seemingly insignificant
or urban views can be important for older people. Beauty is in the eye of the
beholder, or in this case, the significance of the view is subjective.
Lorin, medical carer: Exactly. Change is also a key factor for older people when it comes to their
views. This can include expected changes, like the changing of seasons, as well
as unexpected changes like roadwork or storms. Juxtapositions between the
immediate and the distant, like a neighbourhood and distant hills or a garden
and a motorway, can also be preferred.
Garry, psychologist: It’s clear that windows with a view play a significant role in the daily lives of
older people. However, there can also be potential downsides to having a
window with a view. Some people may worry about being perceived as nosy
or mean if they talk about their observations.
FOOOOTERAPPENDIXRIGHT
Learn without forgetting! i
HEAAADERLOGORIGHT
A ROOM WITH A VIEW
Lorin, medical carer: That’s true, but the benefits of having a window with a view far outweigh
any potential negative perceptions. Windows with a view provide a sense of
purpose and a way to stay connected to the outside world, which is particularly
important for older people who may spend more time indoors.
Host: Thank you for joining us today on the vital role of windows with a view for
older people. We hope you found this discussion informative. Be sure to tune
in next time for more insights on the importance of windows in daily life. Until
then, take care.
FOOOOTERAPPENDIXLEFT
Learn without forgetting! ii
HEAAADERLOGORIGHT
A ROOM WITH A VIEW
Key
1. Warm up
5 mins.
Students answer the questions.
2. Focus on vocabulary 1
Part A
5 mins.
Students match the words to their correct definitions. Ensure students can correctly pronounce the target vocabulary.
1. vital 2. access 3. interviewee 4. insignificant

5. mean 6. nosy 7. urban 8. surveillance
Part B
10 mins.
Ask students to identify the part of speech that can fill the gaps before completing the exercise. Note that one
word is not needed (surveillance) and one word is used twice (insignificant). Circulate and help as needed.
1. insignificant 2. interviewees
3. vital ≀ urban 4. insignificant
5. nosy 6. mean
7. access
3. Listening for gist
10 mins.
Students listen to the podcast about the vital role that windows with a view can play in the lives of older people
and choose the correct answer.
1. c. 2. d. 3. a.
4. Focus on vocabulary 2
Part A
5 mins.
Students match the words to their correct definitions. Ensure students can correctly pronounce the target vocabulary.
Group 1
1. → e. 2. → b. 3. → c. 4. → d. 5. → a.
Group 2
1. → a. 2. → b. 3. → c. 4. → e. 5. → d.
Part B
Ask students to fill in the gaps with the correct word from Part A. One word is not needed: zone.
FOOOOTERAPPENDIXRIGHT
Learn without forgetting! iii
HEAAADERLOGORIGHT
A ROOM WITH A VIEW
1. observed 2. participated 3. valued 4. roadwork

5. juxtaposition 6. motorway 7. downsides 8. labelled
9. outweigh
5. Reading for general understanding
10 mins.
In this stage, students are going to read an article by a professor who studies elderly people. First, draw the
student’s attention to the following phrase and ask them to discuss it.
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder - it means that different people can have different opinions about what is
beautiful.
Students then match the headings with the correct article paragraphs.
A. The importance of windows with a view for older people

B. The benefits of windows with a view
C. The potential downsides of windows with a view
D. Previous research on windows with a view
E. Windows and the community
Article sources:
https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa45191/Details
https://theconversation.com/why-windows-with-a-view-are-so-important-to-older-people-106991
6. Reading for detail
10 mins.
Ask students to read in more detail and complete the exercise. Ask them to underline where they find the answer.
If they are unable to do this, then it will be not given.
1. False. While nature is often preferred, even urban or seemingly dull views were found to be significant for older
people. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, or in this case, the significance of the view is subjective.
2. False. Change is a key factor for older people when it comes to their views. This can include expected changes,
like the changing of seasons, as well as unexpected changes like roadwork or storms.
3. True. Older people create stories and characters based on what they observe through their windows, with
characters and plots.
4. False. Some of the interviewees in the study interacted with the people they observed through the window,
commenting on their appearance or asking about their day.
5. False. Some people worry about being labeled nosy or that others will think they have "lost it" if they talk about
their observations. However, the benefits of having a window with a view far outweigh any potential negative
perceptions.
6. True. Windows with a view provide a sense of purpose and a way to stay connected to the outside world,
which is particularly important for older people who may spend more time indoors.
7. True. Windows with a view can provide a source of entertainment and help to reduce stress and improve
mental health for older people.
8. False. It is important to consider the importance of windows with a view when designing homes and buildings
for older individuals, as they can have a significant impact on their daily lives.
9. True. Windows with a view are extremely important to older people, as they provide a way to access the outside
world and stay connected to their community, as well as being a source of entertainment and stress reduction.
FOOOOTERAPPENDIXLEFT
Learn without forgetting! iv
HEAAADERLOGORIGHT
A ROOM WITH A VIEW
7. Phrasal verbs
Part A
5 mins.
Students match the phrasal verb with its correct definition.
1. participate in 2. comment on
3. interact with 4. ask about
5. pull up 6. get up to
7. take for granted 8. look at
9. carry out
Part B
10 mins.
Complete the following sentences with the correct phrasal verb from Part A. Note that one phrasal verb is not
needed: ask about.
1. interact with 2. commented on

3. got up to 4. pulled up
5. take ≀ for granted 6. looked at
7. participate in 8. carried out
8. Talking point
15 mins.
Ask students to discuss the questions in pairs or small groups. Monitor and provide feedback where required.
9. Optional extension / homework
20 mins +.
This exercise can be used as an optional extension and/or homework. Students choose one picture and write
a short story about the people. They answer questions such as: Who are the people in the picture? What are
they doing? What happened earlier? What is going to happen? etc. Encourage the students to use appropriate
structures, for example present continuous for a current activity, past simple for past events and/or present perfect
simple with ‘just’ for something that happened a moment ago.
FOOOOTERAPPENDIXRIGHT v
Learn without forgetting!

A Room Teacher

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

A Room Teacher

Uploaded by

Document Information

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

A Room Teacher

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

HEAAADERLOGORIGHT

GENERAL ENGLISH · GENERAL ISSUES · INTERMEDIATE (B1-B2)

FOOOOTERRIGHT Learn without forgetting! 1/9

A ROOM WITH A VIEW

Part A: Match the following words to their correct deﬁnitions.

access insigniﬁcant interviewee mean

1. (adj.): very important

2. (v.): be able to get, use or experience something

3. (n.): a person who answers questions

5. (adj.): unkind, unpleasant or not willing to share money

6. (adj.): too curious about other people

7. (adj.): of/in a city or town

8. (n.): the act of watching someone or something closely

1. Why are you arguing about such an problem?

2. There were around 50 who took part in this research.

3. Fresh air is for our health, especially in an environment.

4. For older people, even views can be important.

5. I have a very next-door neighbour. She is always spying on me.

6. He’s a nice guy. Why is she so to him?

FOOOOTERLEFT Learn without forgetting! 2/9

A ROOM WITH A VIEW

3 Listening for gist

1. What is the "surveillance zone"?

a. The area immediately outside an older person’s home.

b. The area around a window with a view.

2. What is the link between nature and stress reduction?

a. Nature can provide a sense of purpose for older people.

b. Nature can provide a source of entertainment for older people.

c. Nature can improve the overall well-being of older people.

a. They may be perceived as nosy or mean.

b. They may spend too much time indoors.

c. They may not have a sense of purpose.

d. They may not have a source of entertainment.

FOOOOTERRIGHT Learn without forgetting! 3/9

A ROOM WITH A VIEW

Part A: Match the words on the left to their correct deﬁnitions.

1. zone a. construction or repair work on a road

2. observe b. watch or see something

3. participate c. be involved or engaged in something

4. valued d. appreciated or held in high regard

5. roadwork e. a speciﬁc area or region

1. juxtaposition a. the placement of two or more things side by side, often to

4. labelled d. be more signiﬁcant or important than something else

5. outweigh e. classiﬁed or identiﬁed as a particular type or category

FOOOOTERLEFT Learn without forgetting! 4/9

A ROOM WITH A VIEW

1. The older people their neighbourhood from their windows.

2. The interviewees in the community through their windows.

3. The views were highly by the older people.

5. The of these two bright colours created a very interesting contrast.

6. The view from the window included a busy in the distance.

7. There were potential to having a window with a view.

8. The older people worried about being as nosy.

5 Reading for general understanding

• Previous research on windows with a view

FOOOOTERRIGHT Learn without forgetting! 5/9

A ROOM WITH A VIEW

The signiﬁcance of windows for older people

sources: cronfa.swan.ac.uk, theconversation.com

FOOOOTERLEFT Learn without forgetting! 6/9