In this activity, you will practice your reading skills and expand your vocabulary by working with a text about life in Bilbury, a small English village. Read the text carefully. For each definition, write the correct word from the text.
The paragraph number in brackets will help you find where the word is located.
Bilbury, a small village in the English countryside, could not be more different from a global city like Singapore. Here, the cost of living is remarkably low, and life moves at a slower, more economical pace. Residents often comment that their modest salary stretches further in Bilbury than it ever would in a large city. Groceries are affordable at the local shop, public services charge minimal fees, and even housing is reasonable enough that many families own their homes without ever taking out a large mortgage.
Because expenses are limited, budgeting is far less stressful. People still open bank accounts and keep track of their income, but the amounts involved are smaller and easier to manage. It is unusual to see anyone broke at the end of the month, because daily necessities do not drain money the way they do in urban centers. Instead of living off instant noodles to save money, students can afford fresh produce from the market, and a meal at the pub rarely costs more than a few pounds.
Housing illustrates the difference clearly. In Bilbury, putting down a deposit on a house is achievable for many young couples, and monthly loan payments, if needed at all, are modest compared to city mortgages. There are no queues for tiny apartments, no overpriced rent, and no competition to secure accommodation. Families often invest in renovating older houses rather than chasing brand-new ones, and many even make a profit by selling their homes later, since countryside property values rise steadily.
The relaxed approach to money also influences attitudes. People are rarely accused of being stingy, because generosity is affordable. Neighbours lend tools or share garden vegetables without expecting anything in return, and social life doesn’t depend on expensive entertainment. Instead, residents hunt for bargains at local fairs, waste little on unnecessary luxuries, and agree that what something is worth is measured more in quality of life than in price.
Bilbury may lack the glamour of designer shops and international services, but for many, this simplicity pays off. A balanced budget is easy to maintain, and the low cost of living allows residents to enjoy peace of mind. In a world where so many people struggle with high expenses, Bilbury stands out as proof that financial comfort does not always require a high income – it simply requires living in a place where money is not the center of every decision.
Because expenses are limited, budgeting is far less stressful. People still open bank accounts and keep track of their income, but the amounts involved are smaller and easier to manage. It is unusual to see anyone broke at the end of the month, because daily necessities do not drain money the way they do in urban centers. Instead of living off instant noodles to save money, students can afford fresh produce from the market, and a meal at the pub rarely costs more than a few pounds.
Housing illustrates the difference clearly. In Bilbury, putting down a deposit on a house is achievable for many young couples, and monthly loan payments, if needed at all, are modest compared to city mortgages. There are no queues for tiny apartments, no overpriced rent, and no competition to secure accommodation. Families often invest in renovating older houses rather than chasing brand-new ones, and many even make a profit by selling their homes later, since countryside property values rise steadily.
The relaxed approach to money also influences attitudes. People are rarely accused of being stingy, because generosity is affordable. Neighbours lend tools or share garden vegetables without expecting anything in return, and social life doesn’t depend on expensive entertainment. Instead, residents hunt for bargains at local fairs, waste little on unnecessary luxuries, and agree that what something is worth is measured more in quality of life than in price.
Bilbury may lack the glamour of designer shops and international services, but for many, this simplicity pays off. A balanced budget is easy to maintain, and the low cost of living allows residents to enjoy peace of mind. In a world where so many people struggle with high expenses, Bilbury stands out as proof that financial comfort does not always require a high income – it simply requires living in a place where money is not the center of every decision.
1. Something that is not too expensive and can be bought without financial difficulty. (Paragraph 1)
The appropriate term is: "".
2. To follow or monitor something carefully so you always know its current state. (Paragraph 2)
The appropriate term is: "".
3. Something bought for less money than its usual or expected price. (Paragraph 4)
The appropriate term is: "".
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