Notice: Did you know you can get an instant definition of any word on this page, just by double-clicking on it?

Try it now! Double-click any word on page to see the definition!

image
Views #1269 | Intermediate (B1)

Hometown Critique

Vesna talks about what she likes and dislikes about her town in Croatia.

Karlo: So Vesna, as I understand you live in Croatia, where are you from? What do you like and dislike about your place?

Vesna: Yes, I live in Croatia, in a city named Pula. It is situated in the Istrian peninsula and it's the biggest city in Istria. It counts a population of around 60,000. What I like about Pula is the fact that it's perfectly sized, it's not too big nor too small. And it has all of the civilisation benefits as any Western European city. For example, in the area of education and culture, there is a university, a theater, a cinema, a great number of galleries, museums, libraries, there are some historical sites and so on. Then for example, in the health area, there is a hospital, a number of private clinics, dentist offices, ambulances and pharmacies and so on. There are places to go such as restaurants, bars, exhibitions, concerts, especially in the summer, during various festivals, sport, gastronomic, musical, dance and theatrical events. Also Pula is surrounded by the Adriatic sea, so you can always go to the ... you can always go to the beach or to one of the many beaches, to sunbathe or go fishing or sailing. If you prefer the land you can take a field trip to the surrounding places and discover there, natural and other attractions. Altogether I really love living here.

Karlo: Okay. You only told me about your positive sides of living in Pula, what about your dislikes?

Vesna: Well, like any other place there is no perfection. The downside is that we have a huge traffic problem I would say, especially lately due to some construction projects. So I recommend using public transportation whenever possible or simply going by foot. Some people might say that Pula doesn't exactly have a wild nightlife, but I don't consider it a downside, rather a peaceful alternative to some other tourist destinations. So that's it.

Karlo: Okay, thanks Vesna.

Vesna: Thank you.

Answer these questions about the interview.
Audio Lessons about Phrases and Vocabulary

situated

notesIt is situated in the Istrian peninsula.

'Situated' expresses that something exists in a certian place. Notice the following:

  1. There are many trees situated on campus.
  2. My house is situated on a hill.

the fact that

notesWhat I like about Pula is the fact that it's perfectly sized.

We use the phrase 'the fact that' to bring extra attention to what is being said. Notice the following:

  1. I love the fact that it is free.
  2. She hates the fact that we have to wear a uniform.

Altoghter

notesAltogether I really love living here.

'Altogether' shows the combined affect of a group of items. Notice the following:

  1. There are altogether 30 people in class.
  2. I run, dance, and swim. Altogether, they help me stay very fit.

surrounding

notesYou can take a field trip to the surrounding places.

The surrounding area is the area that circles an area. Notice the following:

  1. There are many farm in the surrounding area.
  2. We have lots of parks in the surrounding area.

due to

notesWe have a traffic problem due to some construction projects.

'Due to' means 'because of' and shows the cause of something. Notice the following:

  1. We cancelled the game due to the rain.
  2. She quit her job due to the long hours she had to work.

Vocabulary Quiz

situated • the fact • altogether
surrounding • due to
  1. There is lots of nature in the area.
  2. There are three vacation packages.
  3. My house is near a river.
  4. We left early due to that we had work the next day .
  5. The company went out of business low sales .

Bình luận (0)

Michael Gough
Michael Gough
Michael Gough
Michael Gough
Michael Gough
Michael Gough
Michael Gough
Michael Gough
Michael Gough
Michael Gough
Michael Gough
Michael Gough
Michael Gough
Michael Gough
Michael Gough
Michael Gough
Learning English Everyday