Learning English isn’t just about mastering grammar and vocabulary—it’s also about using the language naturally in real-life situations. However, textbook phrases often sound too formal and are far from what people actually say in daily life. To speak fluent and natural English, you need to be exposed to real-world conversations. In this edition, we’ve selected commonly used expressions in social, work, and travel situations to help you avoid 'textbook English' and learn the expressions native speakers actually use. Here’s the content of this unit, Real-Life English Unit 24: Neighborhood, so you can get closer to everyday English! Unit 24: Neighborhood Part One: Expressions 1. What sort of public transportation is nearby? 2. The schools in this area are very good. 3. Here’s my card. 4. How’s safe is this area? 5. Do you live nearby? 6. We caught a guy a couple of months ago. 7. Let me think about it. 8. What can I do for you? 9. Who do I call for trash collection? 10. Just leave the stuff by the curb. Part Two: Dialogues 1. Conveniences A: Well, this is certainly a nice place, Mr. Taylor. What sort of public transportation is nearby? B: Please, call me John. Well, there’s a subway stop and bus station just around the corner. Do you have children? A: Yes, two. B: Well, in that case, the schools in this area are very good. A: We send our kids to private school, but that’s good to know too. B: Oh, well. As far as other conveniences in the neighborhood, there’s a grocery store just up the block, and there’s lots of little shops nearby. A: Great. Well, we’ll have to think about it, but the place looks great. B: Here’s my card, just give me a call if you’re interested. A: Oh, this place is really nice, Mr. Taylor. What sort of public transportation is nearby? B: Call me John. Well, there’s a subway stop and a bus station nearby. Do you have children? A: Yes, two. B: The schools in this area are excellent. A: We send them to private school, but it’s still good to know. B: Also, there’s a grocery store on the block and plenty of small shops around. A: Great! We’ll think it over, but it seems great. B: Here’s my card. Let me know if you’re interested. 2. Security A: How safe is this area? B: Well, you should lock the doors and turn the security system on when you leave, but it really isn’t too bad. A: Really? Do you live nearby? B: Yes, I live about two blocks north. I’ve never had any problems, although there have been a few break-ins recently. A: Hmm. B: The security system should take care of that, though. The subway entrance is not far from here. A: That’s true. Is the neighborhood trying to do anything about the security? B: Well, we’ve set up a neighborhood watch program. We caught a guy a couple of months ago. A: All right, well, let me think about it. A: Is this area safe? B: Well, make sure to lock the doors and activate the security system when you leave, but it’s not too bad. A: Really? Do you live around here? B: Yes, I live just a couple of blocks north. I haven’t had any issues, though there were a few break-ins recently. A: I see. B: But the security system should cover that. The subway station is close by. A: True. Is the neighborhood doing anything to improve security? B: We’ve implemented a neighborhood watch program. We actually caught someone a couple of months ago. A: Alright, I’ll think about it. 3. Community Services A: Hi, John, this is Mary, your tenant in Lincoln Park. B: Oh, hi, Mary, what can I do for you? A: I was wondering when trash collection day is. B: It’s on Tuesdays and Fridays. A: Great. B: You could save a couple of dollars by taking it to the dump yourself, though. A: Oh, okay. Where’s that? B: It’s on the corner of that street. A: Thanks. Who do I call for trash collection? B: Just leave the stuff by the curb. The company will send someone next month to give you the bill. A: Alright, thanks a lot. B: No problem. Part Three: Substitution Drills 1. A: What sort of (public transportation/ shopping/ parking) is nearby? B: There’s a subway stop just around the corner. 2. A: The schools (in this area/ in the neighborhood/ in this community) are very good. B: That’s good to know. 3. A: Here’s my (card/ business card/ name card). B: Great, thanks. 4. A: How safe is this area? / Is this area safe? / How secure is the neighborhood? B: It’s very safe. 5. A: Do you live (nearby/ near here/ close by)? B: Yes, I live up the block. 6. A: We caught a (guy/ man/ burglar) a couple of months ago. B: Oh, I see. 7. A: (Let me/ Allow me to/ Give me some time to) think about it. B: Alright. 8. A: (What can I do for/ How can I help/ May I help) you? B: I need to... 9. A: Who do I call for (trash/ garbage/ refuse) collection? B: Just leave the stuff on the curb. 10. A: Just leave the stuff (by the curb/ on the sidewalk/ in the gutter). B: Okay. Part Four: Monologue The value of a home or apartment is affected by the neighborhood it’s in. If it’s a safe and wealthy neighborhood with lots of conveniences, the prices will be high. If it’s dangerous and far from shopping and public transport, the price will be lower. People look for conveniences in cities, such as shopping centers, public transportation, parking, restaurants, and nightlife. If they have children, parks and schools are important as well. Most neighborhoods are safe, though some can be dangerous, especially at night. Many young people who want to live in the city often choose a more dangerous area to save money. This has helped develop poorer parts of cities in recent years, as young people bring money into the neighborhood. Part Five: Vocabulary and Phrases - convenience: amenities, handy facilities - bus station: bus stop - security system: protection system - tenant: renter, lessee - trash: waste, garbage - dump: landfill - around the corner: nearby This concludes the content of Real-Life English Unit 24: Neighborhood. We hope it will help you in your language learning journey!