Vocabulary Lessons

"Household Chores"


Doing housework is just a part of life that most people don't enjoy, but they realize it has to be done. Some people hire home cleaning services; the rest of us just do it ourselves. Listen to the words below and consult a dictionary if you need a definition. Write a sample sentence for each word to learn how it is used in context. You can use the Internet to find such sentences or related information.

Listening Exercise

A. Listen to the recording and answer the questions.

  1. clean off the table (also, "clean the table off")
  2. clean up the room
  3. dust the furniture
  4. fix up the apartment
  5. hang up the suit
  6. make the bed
  7. mop the floor
  8. pick up the clothes
  9. polish the furniture
  10. put away the books
  11. set the table
  12. sweep up the mess
  13. take out the trash
  14. throw out the garbage
  15. tidy up the closet
  16. turn off the light
  17. vacuum the floor
  18. wash the clothes
  19. wash down the walls
  20. watch the kids


It's my job to _______ the table before dinner with utensils, cups, and napkins.

Please ______ now. The garbage truck will be coming down the street at any minute.

You need to ______ if you're not going to read them. They're scattered all over your floor.

Follow-Up Activity

Who does the housework in your family? Do men, women, and children share in the household chores? Do you think children should be required to do housework in order to receive allowance?