B1 · 100 entries · Five themes

Repairs Maintenance and Household Problems

Created by , British English teacher.

Open a theme, then select a word or phrase for its meaning, example and pronunciation.

1. Faults and damage (20 entries)
  1. scratch
  2. rust
  3. leaking roof
  4. stain
  5. power cut
  6. blocked drain
  7. worn carpet
  8. broken hinge
  9. peeling paint
  10. loose fitting
  11. dripping tap
  12. cracked wall
  13. frozen
  14. puddle
  15. cracked screen
  16. water pressure
  17. dry spell
  18. heatwave
  19. loose hinge
  20. frost
Listen to these 20
2. Reporting a problem (20 entries)
  1. maintenance issue
  2. explain the fault
  3. fault report
  4. give details
  5. repair request
  6. location of the fault
  7. cause of the problem
  8. make an appointment
  9. report damage
  10. urgent repair
  11. arrange a visit
  12. describe the symptoms
  13. job number
  14. ask for a quote
  15. contact the landlord
  16. service a bike
  17. leave a repair request
  18. fix a puncture
  19. replace a battery
  20. fit a new lock
Listen to these 20
3. Trades and appointments (20 entries)
  1. handyman
  2. caretaker
  3. client
  4. builder
  5. maintenance team
  6. decorator
  7. appointment slot
  8. labour charge
  9. hourly rate
  10. mechanic
  11. shoe repair shop
  12. hardware shop
  13. cashier
  14. butcher
  15. server
  16. ticket inspector
  17. optician
  18. plaster
  19. pharmacy
  20. vet
Listen to these 20
4. Repair actions (20 entries)
  1. clear instructions
  2. chipped edge
  3. fasten
  4. loosen
  5. fit
  6. fill in
  7. install
  8. tighten
  9. drain
  10. sand
  11. unblock
  12. reconnect
  13. clean off
  14. wipe down
  15. wash out
  16. scrub
  17. straighten
  18. rub off
  19. wipe up
  20. rinse
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5. Checking the result (20 entries)
  1. fully repaired
  2. temporary fix
  3. remaining problem
  4. replacement part
  5. safety check
  6. spare part
  7. properly fitted
  8. confirm completion
  9. in working order
  10. secure fitting
  11. check for leaks
  12. check equipment
  13. loose handle
  14. ready for collection
  15. mend a zip
  16. check over
  17. broken strap
  18. maintain equipment
  19. measure twice
  20. operation
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