In this lesson you will ...

Call a repair service or landlord

about a repair
Vocabulary & Expressions Grammar Item

landlord to exterminate Causative (passive form): to have

faucet (tap UK) locksmith something done; to get something done.
to drip electrical For example: We have to have the leak
checked. We had to get the faucet
a small fortune electrician replaced.
to solve repair person
drain (n.) handyperson
clogged set-top box
light switch to (re)set
leak (n., v.) to plug in
banging (noise) to unplug
insect water heater
ant to be on the blink

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Warm-up Call a repair service or landlord about a repair

– The faucet in the bathroom is dripping.

– What, again? I just fixed it.
– Well, I think we need to get someone to look at it. The
whole thing might need to be replaced.
– You know, if I call a plumber, it’s going to cost a small
fortune.
– Maybe, but at least the problem will be solved.

Tip! faucet
tap

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Vocabulary & Expressions Call a repair service or landlord about a repair

Who should we call?

1. a drain is clogged a. a locksmith

2. a light switch doesn’t work b. a painter
3. paint is cracked and chipped c. a plumber
4. the roof is leaking d. a roofer
5. the washing machine makes a banging noise e. an appliance repair person
6. there are ants everywhere f. an electrician
7. you can’t lock your door g. an exterminator

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Grammar Call a repair service or landlord about a repair

When will you have it repaired?

Causative (passive form)

The landlord had someone repair the washing machine.

→ He had the washing machine repaired.
We are going to get some painters to repaint the kitchen.
→ We are going to get the kitchen repainted.

– When will you get the refrigerator fixed? – This carpet is so dirty! I think we need to
We’ve been waiting for days! have it cleaned.
– I talked to the repairperson. She said – OK. There’s a carpet cleaning service at
she can’t come until Monday morning. the shopping center. I’ll give them a call.

Your turn!

1. We would like to have someone repair the window for us.

→ .

2. They are getting someone to clean their carpet this weekend.

→ .

3. The owner will have the painters paint the apartment.

→ .

4. I got the landlord to replace the stove and the fridge.

→ .

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Grammar (continued) Call a repair service or landlord about a repair

5. We should have an electrician check our light switches.

→ .

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Listening Call a repair service or landlord about a repair

1• 2
What’s the problem?

A. Tiffany
1. Who did Tiffany call? 

2. What was the problem with her TV? 

3. How was the problem fixed? 

 

B. Arthur
1. Who did Arthur call? 

2. What is the problem with the water heater? 

3. How will the problem be fixed? 

 

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Performance Call a repair service or landlord about a repair

You are renting an apartment. You have a problem at your place. Write some details about the
problem.
 
The problem: 
Possible cause of the problem (if known): 

Other information / details: 

 
With your partner, decide whether you will be calling a landlord or a repair service.
Then make your call.

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Online Practice – Credits Call a repair service or landlord about a repair

  ONLINE PRACTICE 

Unit Photo Credits (listed from beginning-to-end, left-to-right English 6 Complete

within this unit): iStockphoto, iStockphoto, iStockphoto ©2020 Berlitz Languages, Inc. All rights reserved.

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Images Call a repair service or landlord about a repair

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Images Call a repair service or landlord about a repair

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Images Call a repair service or landlord about a repair

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