Bungalows gain popularity in Japan

Nick's ESL News Lessons

A printable worksheet for news-based English conversation classes.

Date: 2026/07/11

Difficulty: Upper Intermediate B2

PDF: Bungalows gain popularity in Japan

Vocabulary Match

bungalows •• housework
reflects •• ease
convenience •• shows
chores •• single-storey houses
efficiently •• admired
praised •• effectively

Vocabulary Answers

bungalowssingle-storey houses
reflectsshows
convenienceease
choreshousework
efficientlyeffectively
praisedadmired

Article

Although bungalows cost about the same as two-storey houses, they are becoming increasingly popular in Japan. Experts say the trend reflects major changes in modern family life. With fewer children and more couples working full-time, many buyers prefer the convenience of having every room on one floor. Parents can keep an eye on young children while doing household chores, and a single robot vacuum cleaner can clean the whole house on its own.

One family in Chiba also praised their home's high ceilings, which let in plenty of natural light and allow a single air conditioner to cool the house efficiently.

Quiz

  1. Why are bungalows becoming popular in Japan?
  2. What do experts say about the trend?
  3. How do bungalows help parents with young children?
  4. What feature of the Chiba family's home do they appreciate?

Quiz Answers (examples)

  1. Bungalows are becoming popular in Japan because they offer convenience with every room on one floor.
  2. Experts say the trend reflects major changes in modern family life.
  3. Bungalows help parents keep an eye on young children while doing household chores.
  4. The Chiba family appreciates their home's high ceilings.

Conversation

A:Have you heard about the new bungalow trend in Japan?
B:Yeah, I heard they're really convenient for families.
A:Exactly! You can watch the kids while doing chores.
B:Plus, a single robot vacuum can clean the whole place!
A:I know, right? And those high ceilings are amazing.
B:Totally, they make the house so bright and cool!

Discussion

  1. Would you prefer to live in a bungalow or a two-storey house? Why?
  2. Do you think high ceilings make a big difference in a home? How so?
  3. How do you think modern technology, such as robot vacuum cleaners, changes family life?
  4. What features would you want in your dream home?

Source Material

https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20260710/p2a/00m/0li/003000c

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