Lesson 6 of 13 · Intermediate · B1

Home, space, and household resources

Discuss how much you have, what you need, and how to use resources well.

1. Grammar: Quantifiers: much, many, enough, too much/many

Use many, a few, and too many with plural countable nouns: many cupboards. Use much, a little, and too much with uncountable nouns: much space. A lot of and enough work with both. A few/a little mean some; few/little without a can suggest less than needed. Furniture is uncountable: some furniture, not furnitures.

There are too many + plural noun. → There are too many boxes.
There is too much + uncountable noun. → There is too much furniture.
We have enough + noun. → We have enough storage.
How much space do you need? → I need a little more space.
How many shelves are there? → There are a few shelves.

Model conversation

A: Do you have enough storage in your kitchen?

B: Not really. There are too many boxes and not enough shelves.

A: What could you change?

B: I could donate a few things I do not use.

2. Useful words and verbs

Read each meaning and example. Make your own sentence, then try to use the word during the conversation.

store

to keep something until you need it

We store a few boxes under the bed.

reduce

to make something smaller in amount

We want to reduce our waste.

to use something with another person

We share a lot of household tasks.

donate

to give something to help other people

I can donate a few books.

storage

space used to keep things

There is not enough storage.

furniture

items such as tables, chairs, and beds

There is too much furniture in this room.

clutter

things lying around without a useful order

There is a lot of clutter on my desk.

waste

materials that are thrown away

We produce too much waste.

3. Conversation: 15 questions

Use complete sentences and add a reason or example when it fits. Open an answer starter if you need help. You may use imagined details.

Do you have enough storage at home?
Answer starter
We have / don’t have enough storage for …
How many shelves do you use for books?
Answer starter
I use … shelves. / I do not use any shelves for books.
Is there too much furniture in any room?
Answer starter
There is / isn’t too much furniture in …
How much space do you need for studying or working?
Answer starter
I need … space for …
Are there any things you have too many of?
Answer starter
I have too many … / I do not have too many things.
Do you have a few items you could donate?
Answer starter
I have a few … that I could donate.
How much clutter is on your desk or table?
Answer starter
There is a lot of / a little / no clutter …
Do you buy too much food sometimes?
Answer starter
I sometimes buy too much … / I usually buy enough …
What could help you reduce food waste?
Answer starter
We could reduce waste by buying …
Do you have enough containers to store food?
Answer starter
We have / don’t have enough containers …
How many household tasks do you share with other people?
Answer starter
I share … tasks. / I do not share any tasks.
Do you spend too much time cleaning?
Answer starter
I spend too much / enough / a little time …
How much water do you think your household uses?
Answer starter
We use a lot of / a little water when …
What do you need a little more of at home?
Answer starter
We need a little more …
What three changes could give you more space?
Answer starter
We could remove a few …, reduce …, and store …

4. Extend your answer

Choose three questions and answer again without the starters. Use at least three words from the word bank. Add a reason with “because,” an example with “for example,” or a contrast with “but.” Ask your partner one follow-up question.