Mixer #5 | Intermediate B1

The City vs. The Country

Listen to six people discuss where they would rather live.

Jeyong, Korea
speakerI like living in cities more than the country because I like the crowndiness of people all busy walking around and especially like going to clubs, being with many people and talking to new people is something that I live very much.

Al, England
speakerI think ideally I'd like to do both, so have, be rich and have a house in the country and and a house in the city and spend my weekdays in the country, in a stone house, and go to the city on weekends and party.

Joel, America
speakerWell, I've lived in very big cities for most of my life: Tokyo, Bangkok, Los Angeles, and now is the first time ever that I've lived in the country and I'm finding that I like it a lot better. I have time to do things that I could never do in the city, like play guitar or even read the news, and I'm enjoying a peaceful lifestyle a lot more than the busy city life.

Martin, United States
speakerIf I wanted to live in the city or country, I'd have to say nowadays, in the city. I grew up in the country in a very small farm and it was kind of boring. I enjoyed the clean air and the wildlife around but it was boring. The city is much more exciting and a lot more to do and see and experience, so by and large, the city for me is the way to go.

Mitchell, United States
speakerI would rather live in the countryside because I'm from the islands and and everythings more peaceful, relax, and time seems to go by slowly. Compared to the city, it seems like every one is in a rush, moving around fast, trying to get things done as soon as possible, that's why I'd rather live in the countryside.

Shuan, Canada
speakerI think that living in the city would be so much better than living in the country. I like being active, and I like going out so living in the country would be, I would think, boring, compared to the city.

Answer these questions about the interview.
Learn vocabulary from the lesson!

crowdedness

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I like the crowdedness of the city.

Actually, the correct form of the adjective is 'crowded'.  When a place is crowded, it means that there are many people in a small area.  Notice the following:

  1. The beach is always crowded during the summer.
  2. My girlfriend hates crowded places.

party

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I go to the city to party.

Here, party is a verb, an action.  When you say you are going to party, it means that you are going out to have fun; usually dancing, drinking, karaoke, or other social activities.  Notice the following:

  1. We always party on weekends.
  2. I used to party a lot in college, but not anymore.

nowadays

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Nowadays, I want to live in the city.

The word 'nowadays' is used to talk about modern times.  Notice the following:

  1. Nowadays, teenagers download most of their music.
  2. The city used to be safe, but nowadays, it's become dangerous.

wildlife

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I enjoyed the wildlife around, but it was boring.

Wildlife means animals that are in nature. Wildlife can be birds, monkeys, or even elephants and tigers.  Dogs and cats are not wildlife.  Notice the following:

  1. Nowadays, much of the world's wildlife must be protected.
  2. Many tourists travel to Africa to observe the amazing wildlife.

by and large

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By and large, the city is the way to go.

The phrase 'by and large' is a way of saying 'in general'. It is a way of making a concluding statement.  Notice the following:

  1. By and large, it is expensive to live in most big cities.
  2. By and large, it is cheaper to study in Australia than in the US.

Vocabulary Quiz

crowdedness • partying • nowadays
wildlife • by and large
  1. I'm tired because I was up late last night.
  2. it is almost impossible to keep in contact with others if you don't have the internet.
  3. Most of the time I don't mind using public transportation, but sometimes the is very stressful for me.
  4. national travel is really cheap in Laos.
  5. The biggest reason he wants to go to Alaska is to see .

One Minute English Video

Speakers
Mixer Video #05
Do you prefer the city or the country?

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