Setting: Sunday afternoon at a coffee shop. Maya has to move out of her apartment in three weeks, and she is stressed about finding a new place. Her friend Sam, who just moved last month, is helping her compare listings on her phone. (About 5 minutes of pair speaking practice.)
Maya: I can't believe I have to move in three weeks. I haven't found anything yet!
Sam: Relax. I was in the same panic last month, and it worked out. What are you looking for?
Maya: Something with more space than my current place. My studio is so small I can touch both walls at once.
Sam: (Laughs) Okay, so a one-bedroom at least. What's your budget?
Maya: Around $1,600 a month. And I really want a balcony this time.
Sam: A balcony is nice, but it usually means higher rent. Are you willing to pay more for one?
Maya: Maybe a little more. I want somewhere I can drink coffee in the morning.
Sam: Fair. Look at this listing: one-bedroom, spacious living room, big windows, $1,550. The location is convenient too — near the train.
Maya: "Convenient location" — that means close to everything, right? But does it have parking? I have a car now.
Sam: It says "carport included." That's like a covered parking spot, but with open sides. Better than street parking.
Maya: Hmm. What about this one? It's charming — brick walls, high ceilings — and only $1,450.
Sam: Charming usually means old. Check the appliances. Old buildings sometimes have the original stove from 1970.
Maya: Good point. It says "new refrigerator" but nothing about the washer and dryer.
Sam: Always ask. I toured a place with the most beautiful kitchen, and then found out there was no washer and dryer at all.
Maya: Ugh, I hate laundromats. Okay, next: a condo in a gated community with a pool and tennis courts. $1,700.
Sam: Over budget — and condos in gated communities often have extra monthly fees. Did you check?
Maya: You're right, there's a $150 fee. So it's really $1,850. Too much.
Sam: What matters most to you — space, location, or price? You can't have the most of everything.
Maya: Honestly? A quiet place with air conditioning. My studio has no AC and last summer was terrible.
Sam: Then skip anything without it. Here's one: two-bedroom, air conditioning, bathtub, $1,600. A little farther out, though.
Maya: A bathtub! I haven't had a real bath in years. But "farther out" — how far?
Sam: Twenty minutes by train. Less convenient, but you get more rooms for the money.
Maya: And the security deposit? Some places ask for two months. That's a lot of cash up front.
Sam: This one asks for one month. That's normal. Just make sure you get it back — take photos when you move in.