Sample Response
Noisy
Neighbours
Learn how to discuss apartment living, complain politely, and handle conflicts without ruining your relationships.
They are driving me up the wall.
It’s been a long day, I am exhausted.
Warm-up Questions
What do you like about your neighborhood?
Are you on good terms with your neighbours?
In your opinion, what makes a good neighbour?
Useful Expressions
Native speakers use these idioms and phrases to describe annoyances and conflicts.
1. Extreme Annoyance
- • “He’s a pain in the neck.”
- • “My little brother is driving me up the wall.”
2. Describing the Situation
- • “Modern recording studios are fully soundproof.”
- • “It’s been a long day, I am exhausted.”
- • “They are total party animals.”
3. Taking Action
- • “At first, I just let it slide.”
- • “I didn’t want to ruin our relationship.”
- • “You don’t need to jump down my throat.”
Idiom Check
Tap the cards to reveal what these common phrases actually mean.
A pain in the neck
Someone or something that is extremely annoying.
“Washing dishes every day is a pain in the neck.”
Jump down my throat
To react aggressively and angrily to something someone says.
“I just asked a question, don’t jump down my throat!”
Let it slide
To choose to ignore a mistake or bad behavior.
“He was late, but the boss let it slide this time.”
Story & Dialogue
My Experience
I moved into my second apartment last September. A few days later, two college students from upstairs knocked on my door. They asked for a bottle of water and invited me to hang out at their place.
Since I was free, I went with them, and we had a great time chatting. I thought they were going to be awesome neighbors. But soon, I found out they were total party animals. Every night turned into a disaster for me — it honestly felt like Korean students never sleep!
At first, I just let it slide because I didn’t want to ruin our relationship. But eventually, I decided to speak up …
The Confrontation
Got it. We’re good now?
Do you think they actually stopped after that?
Conflict Practice
Let’s Chat
Are there any laws in your country that forbid people from making too much noise?
Do you think it’s best to call the police when your neighbors are very noisy? Why or why not?
How do you usually react when someone disturbs your sleep?
Have you ever had to complain to a neighbor? What happened?
Do you prefer living in an apartment or a house? How does it affect noise levels?
Is it common in your culture to be friends with your neighbors, or do people keep to themselves?