Description of the historical building in English. How to talk about your home in English

Hello again! I am glad to welcome you to the next lesson of the conversational audio course “That’s what they say in America.” If you strictly follow the logic of learning and have consistently studied and mastered all the lessons of the first part of the course, then today’s lesson will be for you a repetition of what you have learned earlier and an expansion of vocabulary on the topic “Description of buildings” in English. That is, during this lesson, using the example of a concert hall, you will learn to understand and give descriptions of different objects, their sizes, color and shape. Description of buildings and other objects in English

The ability to describe various objects, the interior and exterior of buildings, or the ability to understand descriptions in English is a very important skill when you are abroad. You will probably need to meet someone at some building or object, and here you will need to understand the description if the meeting is assigned to you, or be able to describe the object to an English-speaking interlocutor if you are making the meeting in a place well known to you.

Therefore, today we will expand our vocabulary and phrases by learning to give external and internal characteristics to various objects and buildings. We will learn to understand and give descriptions of different objects using the example of a simple dialogue. Today Martin Lerner visited the concert hall. A reporter listens to a concert and talks to his wife on his cell phone during intermission. Later, the journalist interviews the conductor, asking him about the size, color and shape of the concert hall:

Martin:What makes a good concert hall? — What makes a good concert hall?
Dr. Barzily:Sound and comfort. It has to make the orchestra sound very good. — Sound and comfort. This should make the orchestra sound very good
Martin:And what about comfort? - What about comfort?
Dr. Barzily:You know some musical pieces are very long. The audience and the players must be comfortable. — You know that some musical parts are very long. The audience (hall, listeners) and players (musicians, artists) should be comfortable
Martin:Do you like the colors? — Do you like color(s)?
Dr. Barzily: I like different colors for different music. — I like different colors for different music.

Remember and reinforce the lesson again Exterior of buildings in English

By rereading a fragment of a conversation between Martin and the orchestra conductor several times, train your reading skills in English and the ability to perceive English text visually. Then, listening to the audio lesson, work on your listening comprehension skills and English pronunciation skills: /wp-content/uploads/2014/11/russian_english_079.mp3

Use the audio lesson to learn to name the external and internal features of buildings in English, describe various objects, or answer questions about the interior and exterior of a building in English.

Description of buildings in English

When we describe various objects and buildings, we first of all pay attention to its shape, color and size. Therefore, today, using the table, we will study mainly nouns and adjectives that are used to describe these characteristics of various buildings. A compact table with appropriate vocabulary will help you remember a lot of new material.

Using words and expressions from the table, train your ability to describe various surrounding objects in English.

Repeat also the useful audio lesson Sadness and bad mood

Now get it Homework:

1. Read the fragments of dialogue in the concert hall. Try to role-play a similar conversation with your friends.
2. Make up sentences with the following words: dark and dirty / cold and ugly / warm and elegant / not very big / comfortable and light.
3. Translate these expressions into English and write:

• This concert hall is not very big
• It seats 270 people
• Three years ago this hall was cold and ugly
• Now it is very comfortable and light
• This concert hall is spectator-friendly
• It is also convenient for an orchestra
• This is a very beautiful concert hall.

Practice more often and more, in English, describe various objects and buildings around you. And I wish you a successful day and good mood! See you later!

Topic: The Architecture of England

Topic: Architecture of England

Like any other art form, the architecture of the state is, by which the inhabitants of other countries can judge the level of its cultural development and the peculiarities of its citizens’ character. England's architecture is aristocratic and conservative. An eclectic diversity - these two words are the best to formulate the main feature of England’s architecture.

Like any other form of art, the architecture of a state is a kind of calling card, by which residents of other countries can judge the level of its cultural development and the character traits of its citizens. The architecture of England is aristocratic and conservative. Eclectic diversity - these two words perfectly formulate the main feature of English architecture.

Eclecticism or, in other words, historicism, suggests the presence At the same time, the British eclecticism tends to have its distinctive traits inherent to different stylistic schools of those times. These styles had been formed and developed sequentially. This continuity can be traced by examining the buildings of the Tudor, Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian periods.

Eclecticism, or, in other words, historicism, presupposes the presence in the architecture of England of the 15th-18th centuries of the main features of European architecture. At the same time, British eclecticism is characterized by unique distinctive features inherent in different stylistic schools of that time. These styles were formed and developed consistently. This continuity can be traced by looking at buildings from the Tudor, Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian periods.

Another outstanding feature of England’s architectural monuments which survived to our times is a pronounced functionality of the buildings. The thing is that the majority of large-scale structures of the most productive period in the development of the British architecture were defensive and religious buildings - fortresses, churches and monasteries. Of course, the purpose of the building could not but affect its appearance.

Another striking feature of the architectural monuments of England that have survived to this day is the pronounced functionality of the buildings. The fact is that most of the large-scale structures of the most productive period in the development of British architecture were defensive and religious buildings - fortresses, churches, monasteries. Of course, the purpose of the building could not but be reflected in its appearance.

The oldest and, accordingly, the fewest in England are the reminders of the Tudor period (16th century). Tudor-style buildings can be recognized by black wooden frames and steep roof arches surmounted by groups of chimneys decorated with ceramic ornaments. Another characteristic feature of this period’s buildings is the presence of small windows and narrow tall doors.

The oldest, and therefore the fewest in England, are monuments from the Tudor period (16th century). Tudor-style buildings can be recognized by their steeply vaulted roofs, topped by groups of chimneys of varying shapes with ceramic decorations. Another characteristic feature of buildings of this period are small windows and narrow high doors.

Gothic traits borrowed from the French architecture of the same period are manifested by the elongated, aspiring to the sky cathedral buildings with multiple lancet arches and wall-bounds. The most outstanding examples of Tudor architecture are considered to be The royal palace of Hampton Court near London and the buildings of Oxbridge colleges.

Gothic features, borrowed from French architecture of the same period, are manifested in the elongated, skyward cathedral buildings with numerous pointed arches and wall bindings. The most striking examples of Tudor architecture are the royal palace of Hampton Court near London and the Oxbridge colleges.

Modesty and nobility of this style inspired by the British architects so much that in 19-20 centuries there emerged the style, imitating the old days’ trend – the Tudorbethan style. Such buildings as Liberty department store near Oxford Circus and numerous pubs on Fleet Street in Soho are designed in this style.

The modesty and nobility of this style inspired English architects so much that in the 19th and 20th centuries a style arose that imitated antiquity - pseudo-Tudor. The Liberty department store near Oxford Circus, as well as numerous pubs on Fleet Street and Soho, were decorated in this style.

Georgian style, which was forming from the early 18th to mid-19th centuries, has witnessed the reign of King George the First, George The Second, George The Third and George The Fourth. The heyday of the British Empire explains the presence of some Georgian-style traits in the

The Georgian style, which developed from the early 18th to the mid-19th centuries, witnessed the reigns of Kings George the First, Second, Third and Fourth. The rise of the British Empire explains the presence of Georgian style features in the architecture of the countries that were part of it during this period.

The Georgian style buildings are characterized by simple symmetrical layout and minimalistic decor presented by white ornament. The most outstanding examples of the Georgian style buildings are the famous Pushkin House, Hazlitts hotel in Soho and others. Such historic ensembles of central London as The Trafalgar Square, St James and Regent Street which were designed by John Nash, are deserving special attention. Many, located in the province of the British capital, are perfectly preserved and present popular objects of the real estate market.

Georgian buildings are characterized by a simple symmetrical layout and minimalist decoration in the form of white tracery. Vivid examples of Georgian buildings are the famous Pushkin House, the Hazlitts Hotel in Soho and others. The historical ensembles in central London designed by John Nash - Trafalgar Square, St. James's and Regent Street - deserve special attention. Many Georgian buildings located in the province of the British capital are perfectly preserved and are popular properties on the real estate market.

The Victorian style of the British state’s highest degree of flourishing under the leadership of Queen Victoria from 1837 to 1901. This period in architecture can be described as the most motley, including the constructions from the neo-classical to neo-Gothic styles. You can dive into the atmosphere of the Victorian era going to one of such areas as Barnsberry Square, Gibson Square, Cloudsley Square, Lonsdale Square, Milner Square and Thornhill Square. Here you will see buildings with large windows and round "portholes", stained glass windows and moldings, unplastered facades and lancet windows, asymmetrical layout and quaint turrets. This is where the British eclectic was born.

The Victorian style falls on the period of the peak of the heyday of the British state, achieved under the leadership of Queen Victoria - from 1837 to 1901. This period in architecture can be described as the most diverse, including buildings from neoclassical to neo-Gothic. You can immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the Victorian era by going to one of the squares - Barnsbury Square, Gibson Square, Cloudsley Square, Lonsdale Square, Milner Square and Thornhill Square. Here you will see buildings with large windows and round “portholes”, stained glass and stucco, unplastered facades and lancet windows, asymmetrical layouts and fancy turrets. It was here that English eclecticism was born.

The Edwardian style was developing during the reign of Edward the Seventh, who ascended to the throne after Queen Victoria and ruled for several decades. The buildings of this period carry the traits of baroque, neo-classical and Georgian architecture. They are designed in brighter colors and characterized by the simplicity of the layout as well as the modest ornamental load. The most notable Edwardian buildings in London are The Admiralty Arch, The Criminal Court "Old Bailey", County Hall on the South Bank of the Thames and the "Electric Cinema" in Notting Hill.

The Edwardian style developed during the reign of Edward the Seventh, who ascended the throne after Queen Victoria and ruled for several decades. The buildings of this period have features of Baroque, Georgian architecture and neoclassical architecture. They are made in lighter colors, characterized by simplicity of layout and modest ornamental load. London's most notable Edwardian buildings are Admiralty Arch, the Old Bailey, County Hall on the South Bank of the Thames and the Electric Cinema in Notting Hill.

They say, one look is worth a thousand words. Sightseeing tour on London’s architectural sights could become a perfect gift for a lover of architecture as well as for every English learner who wishes to learn more about the country of Albion and its people.

As they say, it is better to see once than to hear a hundred times. A sightseeing tour of the architectural monuments of London could be a wonderful gift both for an architecture lover and for any student studying English and seeking to learn more about the country of Foggy Albion and its people.

The description of the house in English can include a description of the structure of the house, the number of floors, location and number of rooms. Let's see what can be said about the structure itself and what the different parts of the house are called. When describing appearance, we can also mention its color and other external features.

House structure and appearance

First, familiarize yourself with the following vocabulary; with its help, we will create a brief description of the house.

• Wall – wall.
• Thick – thick (about a thing, material).
• Sturdy – stable.
• Window – window.
• Door - door.
• Fence - fence.
• Gate – gate.
• Garage - garage.
• Storey – floor.
• Balcony - balcony.
• Roof - roof.
• Attic - attic.
• Basement - basement.
• Chimney - chimney.
• Skylight – window on the roof.
• Backyard - backyard.
• Garden - garden.
• To store - store.

Once we have the most necessary vocabulary in our arsenal, we can compose a short text describing the house.

Text

My house is a two-storey building. Last year the iron fence was put around the house, there are also a gate which leads to the front door of the house and the back door which leads to the backyard. The walls are quite thick so the house is sturdy. The walls are painted in yellow color and the roof is green. There is a chimney on the top of the roof and a skylight, through which the light penetrates to the attic. There is a basement, where I store all my old stuff. There are also two balconies. And I forgot to mention a small garden where my mom grows different plants. Oh yes, and there is a garage, my dad keeps in it his car and I keep my bicycle.

My house is a two-story building. Last year it was surrounded by an iron fence, there is also a gate that leads to the main entrance to the house and a second door that leads to the backyard. The walls are quite thick, so the house is stable. The walls are painted yellow and the roof is green. There is also a chimney on the roof and a window through which light leaks into the attic. There is also a basement where I keep all my old things. There are two balconies. I forgot to mention the small garden where mom grows various plants. Oh yes, there is also a garage, my father keeps his car there, and I keep my bike there.

Tip: to make your text more varied, add various little things to the description, tell what is in a particular room instead of just mentioning its existence.

Description of the house – description of the house

Rooms and home improvement

Let's see what words are simply necessary when describing the rooms of the house and their location.

• On the first/second floor – on the first/second floor.
• Stairs - stairs.
• Upstairs – on the top floor.
• Downstairs – on the lower floor.
• Living-room (sitting-room) – living room.
• Bedroom - bedroom.
• Kitchen - kitchen.
• Bathroom - bathroom.
• Toilet - toilet.
• Study – study.

Please note: the words floor and storey indicate floor (the first meaning of floor is floor), however, when indicating the total number of floors, it is better to use storey, and when indicating a specific floor, floor.

So that the story is not dry, we can also describe what is in the rooms.

• Bed – bed.
• Chair - armchair.
• Sofa - sofa.
• Table - table.
• TV – television.
• Mirror - mirror.
• Desk – desktop.
• Computer - computer.
• Lamp – lamp.
• Clock - clock.
• Wardrobe – wardrobe.
• Carpet - carpet.
• Curtains - curtains.
• Shutters - blinds.
• Bookcase - bookcase.
• Bedside-table - bedside table.
• Picture – picture.
• Telephone - telephone.

Here are a few more words that we will need to compose the next text.

• To watch - watch.
• Movie - film.
• News - news.
• To decorate - to decorate.
• To remind – remind.
• To go to sleep/bed – to go to bed.
• A lot of - a lot.
• Necessary - necessary.
• To relax - relax, rest.
• To switch on – turn on.
• Items – items.
• To let - allow.

Disposition of rooms – arrangement of rooms

Text

Let's see how you can write a description of your home in English. In the next example we will focus more on the rooms in the house.

The living-room and kitchen are on the first floor. The stairs lead from the living-room to the second floor. There are bedroom, bathroom and study upstairs. I like to sit on the sofa and watch news or movies on TV in the living room after work. The big clock on the wall reminds me when it is already late and when I have to go to bed. I have decorated walls of the living-room with a mirror and some pictures. Before going to sleep I like to read some books lying in the bed. I have a lot of book in my bookcase, I keep on the bedside table those which I read. In the morning I take shower and check my e-mail. My computer is on the desk in my study. The study is not very big but it has all necessary items for my work. The window faces the garden and when my eyes are tired from the computer I look at the trees and let my eyes relax. I switch on the lamp on the desk when it is still dark in the morning. Then I usually go to the kitchen and open the refrigerator where I always keep apple or orange juice.

The living room and kitchen are on the ground floor. A staircase from the living room leads to the second floor. On the top floor there is a bedroom, bathroom and study. I like to sit on the couch and watch TV in the living room after work. The big clock on the wall reminds me when it's late and when it's time for me to sleep. I decorated the living room walls with a mirror and some paintings. Before going to bed, I like to read books while lying in bed. I have a lot of books in my bookcase, the ones I read I keep on my bedside table. In the morning I take a shower and check my email. My computer is on the desktop in my office. The office is not very big, but it has all the necessary items for my work. The window overlooks the garden and when my eyes get tired from the computer, I look at the trees and give my eyes a rest. When it is still dark, I turn on the lamp on the table. Then I usually go to the kitchen and open the refrigerator, where I always keep apple or orange juice.

With this video you can practice your pronunciation by naming rooms and parts of the house:

A couple of years ago my family and I moved into a new house. It is a nice two-storeyed brick building with a green roof and a tall chimney. The house is surrounded with a spacious garden where we plant fruit, vegetables and flowers.

The ground floor of the house is much busier than the first one. Here you can find a hall, a large living-room with a fireplace, a cozy dining-room connected with a kitchen, a bathroom. The unique feature of the ground floor and the real pride of our house is its winter garden where tropical kinds of plants and flowers grow all year round. We should be grateful to our mother for this garden which is the most beautiful corner in the whole house. Undoubtedly, she has a green thumb.

The first floor is a calm and quiet place. There are three small bedrooms, a library, a bathroom and a balcony upstairs. The library is equipped with lots of bookshelves, two comfortable armchairs, a desk and an office chair. In the bedrooms there are beds, wardrobes, mirrors. When the weather is fine we bring chairs and a table to the balcony and enjoy warm evenings outside.

A couple of years ago our family moved to a new house. It's a nice two-story brick building with a green roof and a tall chimney. The house is surrounded by a spacious garden where we grow fruits, vegetables and flowers.

The first floor is much busier than the second. Here you will find an entrance hall, a large living room with a fireplace, a cozy dining room connected to the kitchen, and a bathroom. A unique feature of the first floor and the real pride of our house is the winter garden, where tropical species of plants and flowers grow all year round. For this garden, which is the most beautiful corner of our house, we should be grateful to our mother. Undoubtedly, she knows how to grow plants.

The second floor is a calm and quiet place. Upstairs there are three small bedrooms, a library, a bathroom and a balcony. The library is equipped with many shelves, two comfortable armchairs, a desk and an office chair. The bedrooms have beds, wardrobes, mirrors. When the weather is nice, we take the chairs and table out onto the balcony and enjoy the warm evenings outdoors.