Places: Pronunciation, Dictation, and Conversation

Pronunciation

Instructions: The contractions ‘isn’t’ is formed by combining ‘is + not’ and the contraction ‘aren’t’ is formed by combining ‘are + not.’ Practice saying these contractions in the sentences below. Listen and Repeat.

Listen:

Listen and Repeat: 

1. The traffic isn’t bad today; it’s surprisingly smooth.
2. There aren’t many tourists in the city this season.
3. This isn’t the most famous building, but it’s my favorite.
4. The museums aren’t open late on weekdays.
5. Downtown isn’t very noisy; it’s actually quite peaceful at night.
6. There aren’t any skyscrapers in this part of the city.
7. The public transportation system isn’t complicated; it’s easy to use.
8.  Our city isn’t known for its architecture, but the parks are stunning.
9. The streets aren’t usually this quiet; it must be a holiday.
10. This neighborhood isn’t just historic; it’s full of life and culture.

Dictation

Instructions: You will hear a dialogue between two friends discussing their likes and dislikes about the city. Listen and fill in the blanks with the correct words.

Listen: 

Listen:  Two friends are talking about what they like and dislike about their city.

• A: I know you just moved here. How do you like it so far?
• B:  Yes, I have only been here two months. So far, there _______ so good things and some not so good things.
• A: That’s true. I think it is really difficult to _____________ this city.
• B: It is very hard. And biking ____________ either with all the cars, don’t you think?
• A: True, the traffic makes it hard. But the music ________ is good, isn’t it?
• B: It is. The jazz club ____________, it’s always full of songs. You were there last week, weren’t you?
• A: I was! It’s never boring. And the food trucks ____________.
• B: No, they aren’t bad at all. But eating there a lot ____________.
• A: No, they ___________, but the food tastes great. You’re going to the food festival this weekend, aren’t you?
• B: Yes, I am going! We can see ____________ there.

Listening Transcript:

• A: I know you just moved here. How do you like it so far?
• B:  Yes, I have only been here two months. So far, there are some good things and some not so good things.
• A: That’s true. I think it is really difficult to walk around this city.
• B: It is very hard. And biking isn’t easy either with all the cars, don’t you think?
• A: True, the traffic makes it hard. But the music at night is good, isn’t it?
• B: It is. The jazz club isn’t quiet, it’s always full of songs. You were there last week, weren’t you?
• A: I was! It’s never boring. And the food trucks aren’t bad.
• B: No, they aren’t bad at all. But eating there a lot isn’t cheap.
• A: No, they aren’t cheap, but the food tastes great. You’re going to the food festival this weekend, aren’t you?
• B: Yes, I am going! We can see each other there.

Conversation

Instructions: In pairs or small groups, discuss what there is and isn’t in a city near you. Talk about what you like and dislike about those features. Use “there is” and “there are” as well as “isn’t” and “aren’t” in your conversation.

Conversation Questions: 

1. What is there to do in the city that you enjoy?
2. What kind of entertainment is there? Are there any theaters or concert halls?
3. Are there parks or green spaces? What do you think about them?
4. Talk about the transportation options. What isn’t working well, and what is convenient?

Note for Instructors: Listen in on the conversations and offer pronunciation corrections as needed. Encourage students to use “isn’t” and “aren’t” naturally in their sentences and remind them of the contraction forms during the discussion.