How to Buy a $1 Vacation Home in Italy

This idea became a viral sensation a few years back when it got started. The target market? Americans with money to burn and time to spare. Seemingly, it has worked, creating jobs in small towns across Italy, preserving old buildings instead of tearing them down and giving a select few a taste of the idyllic Tuscan countryside. In theory, we are invited to buy a house in a small Italian village for just $1. What a nice headline! But what’s the catch? That’s for you and your students to discuss.

Warm-up question: Read the title of the worksheet and answer this question: What’s the catch? Make a list as a class of what your students believe “the catch” might be.
First viewing: No subtitles. Ask the question: What from our list was mentioned in the video?
Vocabularay: Quickly review the vocabulary in the top right of the worksheet with students.
Second viewing: With subtitles.
Listening comprehension questions: Put students in pairs for 20 minutes to discuss the questions.
Speaking activities: In new pairs, students complete the speaking activity together for 20 minutes.
Group activity: Put students in groups of 3-4 where they will complete the group activity. Then, each group will present their findings to the class.