
Pre-reading Questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- What comes to mind when thinking about taking care of a home?
- Which room at home feels the most important to keep clean or organized? Why?
Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- maintenance /MEYN-tuh-nuhns/
[noun] – the act of keeping something in good condition
Office maintenance is necessary to prevent equipment failure. - inspection /in-SPEK-shuhn/
[noun] – a careful check to find problems or risks
A safety inspection is required before opening a new factory. - fixture /FIKS-cher/
[noun] – a piece of equipment fixed in one place
Lighting fixtures are checked regularly in public buildings. - moisture /MOIS-cher/
[noun] – a small amount of water or wetness
Excess moisture can damage stored food products. - upkeep /UHP-keep/
[noun] – the act of keeping something in good condition over time
Road upkeep is necessary to prevent traffic accidents.
Article Reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
Many households set goals each year related to health, organization, and financial stability, and home care has become an important issue in housing discussions. In recent years, housing researchers in the United States have reported that most existing homes are expected to remain in use for several decades. This situation increases the need for regular maintenance. National housing studies from the 2020s show that adults spend most daily hours inside residential spaces, which has raised concerns about indoor safety and environmental quality. Housing health experts state that routine home care supports physical well-being, protects property value, and helps reduce long-term repair costs. Poor maintenance has become a common problem in older housing areas, especially in regions affected by extreme weather conditions.
Home care includes daily tasks and seasonal inspections that reduce risks and improve living conditions. Housing specialists recommend cleaning ventilation filters, checking heating and cooling systems, and inspecting plumbing and electrical fixtures throughout the year. These actions help limit damage caused by temperature changes, moisture, and air pollution. Recent developments in home technology, including smart thermostats and digital air-quality monitors, have made indoor monitoring easier. Research from home inspection organizations reports that preventive maintenance can lower major repair costs by up to 30 percent. However, many households face challenges when trying to manage time and budget for regular upkeep. Experts explain that delayed maintenance can worsen small problems and increase health risks.
Home care includes daily tasks and seasonal inspections that reduce risks and improve living conditions. Housing specialists recommend cleaning ventilation filters, checking heating and cooling systems, and inspecting plumbing and electrical fixtures throughout the year. These actions help limit damage caused by temperature changes, moisture, and air pollution. Recent developments in home technology, including smart thermostats and digital air-quality monitors, have made indoor monitoring easier. Research from home inspection organizations reports that preventive maintenance can lower major repair costs by up to 30 percent. However, many households face challenges when trying to manage time and budget for regular upkeep. Experts explain that delayed maintenance can worsen small problems and increase health risks.
Comprehension Questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them based on the article.
- What goals do many households set each year?
- What topic has become an important issue in housing discussions?
- What do housing researchers in the United States say about existing homes?
- Why is regular maintenance becoming more important?
- Where do adults spend most of their daily hours, according to housing studies?
Discussion Questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you helped with home care or cleaning at home? If so, what task do you usually help with? If not, what task would be easy to try?
- Have you used any technology at home to control temperature or air quality? If yes, how does it help daily life? If not, how could this technology be useful?
- Do you agree that regular maintenance helps keep homes safe?
- How can daily tasks help reduce bigger problems later?
- Why can delayed maintenance cause higher costs and health risks?