Inside The Most Expensive Neighborhoods of Singapore | Insider Business

Inside The Most Expensive Neighborhoods of Singapore | Insider Business
Quizzed ESL Activities

Good Class Bungalows (GCBs) in Singapore

  • GCBs are the most expensive homes in Singapore, selling for tens of millions of dollars.
  • They are rare, with only 2,500 to 2,800 GCBs on the island, and are highly sought after.
  • The government owns 90% of the land in Singapore, making private land scarce and valuable.
  • GCBs have strict building rules, including a minimum land size of 1,400 square meters and a maximum of two stories.
  • Only Singaporean citizens can own GCBs, and they are generally only affordable for the top 3-5% of the population.
  • The prices of GCBs continue to rise due to supply and demand, with some areas seeing a 600% increase in price per square foot in just one year.
  • The rising cost of GCBs reflects a wider trend of increasing cost of living in Singapore, making it a concern for the affordability of private properties for younger generations.


Term Definition Example Usage
Good Class Bungalows (GCBs) High-end residential properties in Singapore, known for their exclusivity and high value. The GCBs in Singapore are highly sought after by wealthy individuals and families.
Supply and Demand The relationship between the amount of a product or service available and the amount that people are willing to buy. The rising prices of GCBs in Singapore are a result of the imbalance between supply and demand.
Affordability The ability to pay for something, especially housing. The rising cost of GCBs in Singapore raises concerns about the affordability of private properties for younger generations.
Exclusivity The quality of being exclusive or limited to a select group of people. The GCBs in Singapore are known for their exclusivity, making them highly sought after by wealthy individuals and families.
Land Scarcity A situation where there is not enough land available for development or use. The government owns 90% of the land in Singapore, making private land scarce and valuable.
Citizen A person who has the rights and privileges of a country, especially by being born there or having been naturalized. Only Singaporean citizens can own GCBs, making them a rare and exclusive opportunity.
Top 3-5% A small percentage of the population with the highest income or wealth. GCBs are generally only affordable for the top 3-5% of the population in Singapore.
Price Per Square Foot A measure of the cost of an area of land or property, usually expressed in units of currency per square foot. Some areas in Singapore have seen a 600% increase in price per square foot in just one year.
Trend A general direction or movement in which something is developing or changing. The rising cost of GCBs reflects a wider trend of increasing cost of living in Singapore.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bw-HJ-SUfUs


Vocabulary Quiz: Good Class Bungalows (GCBs) in Singapore

  1. What does the word “scarce” mean in the context of the passage?
    • Abundant
    • Rare
    • Expensive
    • Valuable
  2. What is the meaning of “sought after” in the passage?
    • Highly priced
    • In high demand
    • Rarely found
    • Difficult to maintain
  3. What does “affordable” mean in the context of the passage?
    • Cheap
    • Reasonably priced
    • Expensive
    • Unavailable
  4. What is the meaning of “reflects” in the passage?
    • Causes
    • Shows
    • Hides
    • Ignores
  5. What does “concern” mean in the passage?
    • Problem
    • Worry
    • Solution
    • Benefit

Answer Key

  1. b) Rare
  2. b) In high demand
  3. b) Reasonably priced
  4. b) Shows
  5. b) Worry

The Use of Passive Voice in Context


Explanation
The passive voice is used to emphasize the action’s recipient rather than the doer. In the given text, we can see the passive voice used in sentences like “GCBs are sold”, “GCBs are owned”, and “the prices of GCBs are seeing a 600% increase”. The passive voice is used to focus on the GCBs, which are the main topic of the text, rather than the people or entities performing the actions. This construction is often used in formal or informative writing to present information in a more objective tone.

Quiz Time!

Choose the correct answer to complete each sentence:

1. The new employee ____________________ by the HR manager yesterday.

A) was interviewed B) interviewed C) has been interviewing D) is interviewing

2. The new policy ____________________ by the company’s CEO last week.

A) was announced B) announced C) has been announcing D) is announcing

3. The new product ____________________ by our team of experts.

A) is developed B) develops C) has been developed D) was developed

4. The company’s profits ____________________ by 20% last year.

A) increased B) are increasing C) have been increased D) were increased

5. The new employee ____________________ to the marketing team yesterday.

A) was assigned B) assigned C) has been assigning D) is assigning

Answer Key

1. A) was interviewed

2. A) was announced

3. C) has been developed

4. D) were increased

5. A) was assigned

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