My Life in Downtown (A1)

Hello! My name’s Sarah, and I want to tell you about my life in the city center. I’ve got a nice apartment near Central Park. Our city’s downtown area has got many interesting places to visit.

My family’s house is close to mine. My father’s office is in a tall building, and he’s got many colleagues. He can speak three languages because he’s got clients from different countries, but he can’t speak Chinese yet. He’s got language classes every Monday evening.

I’ve got two brothers, Tom and Mike. Tom’s apartment has got a beautiful view of the park. He’s got a busy job at the bank, but he can find time for his hobbies. Mike hasn’t got his own place yet – he’s got a room in our parent’s house because he’s still a student.

Our neighborhood has got everything we need. We’ve got three supermarkets, two shopping centers, and the city’s best restaurant. The park’s entrance is just five minutes from my home. I can go jogging there every morning, but I can’t go when it rains.

My best friend Emma’s house is near the library. She’s got two cats and a small garden. Emma can play the piano beautifully, and she’s got music students. She hasn’t got much free time during the week, but we can meet on weekends. We’ve got many shared hobbies – we can cook, dance, and take photos together.

The city center’s buildings are very old. My grandmother’s stories about this place are fascinating. She’s got many photos of the old downtown, and she can remember how everything looked fifty years ago.

Our local sports center has got a swimming pool and gym. I can swim very well, but I can’t play tennis yet. The center’s instructors are very helpful. My brother Tom’s girlfriend is a trainer there, and she’s got many fitness classes.

The downtown’s transport system is excellent. We’ve got buses, trains, and a subway station. I can get anywhere in the city quickly, but I can’t drive – I haven’t got a driver’s license yet. My mother’s car is always available, but I prefer walking or taking the bus.

Have you got any favorite places in your city? Our downtown’s park has got my favorite coffee shop. The shop’s owner has got the best cakes in town. She can make amazing desserts, and she’s got customers from all over the city.

My weekend’s activities usually include:

• I can visit my family’s house for Sunday lunch
• I’ve got yoga classes on Saturday mornings
• Emma and I can go shopping at the center’s new mall
• We can visit the park’s outdoor cinema
• I can meet friends at the riverside’s restaurants

The city’s life is busy but exciting. I can’t imagine living anywhere else. I’ve got everything I need here – my family, friends, work, and favorite places.

Questions

1. Where has Sarah got her apartment?
2. How many languages can Sarah’s father speak?
3. How many brothers has Sarah got?
4. Has Mike got his own apartment?
5. What has Emma got at her house?
6. What can Emma do beautifully?
7. What has the local sports center got?
8. Can Sarah drive a car?
9. What has the coffee shop’s owner got in her shop?
10. What can Sarah do on weekends?