“Conversation Starter Lesson Series: Intermediate” is designed for intermediate-level ESL learners who want to improve their fluency and confidence in speaking English.
Each lesson includes an engaging reading material with audio, vocabulary and expressions, comprehension questions, and discussion questions to be used for one to one class, group class, or self-study for both online and offline classes.
Unit 9: Travel and Culture
Story 01: Traveling
Key Lesson Vocabulary & Expressions: Look over and review before proceeding.
- Iconic
- Day trip
- Landmark
- Invigorating
- Hiccups
- Adventure
- Cuisine
- Language barriers
- Breathtaking
- Ways of life
Read or Listen to the following passage:
I recently returned from a European vacation, and it was an incredible experience. During my trip, I visited several countries, including France, Italy, and Spain.
In France, I visited Paris and saw the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, and Notre-Dame Cathedral. I also took a day trip to Versailles to see the palace and gardens.
In Italy, I spent time in Rome, Florence, and Venice. I visited iconic landmarks such as the Colosseum, the Vatican, and the canals of Venice. I also tried many delicious Italian dishes, such as pizza, pasta, and gelato.
In Spain, I spent most of my time in Barcelona, where I saw the famous architecture of Antoni Gaudi, including the Sagrada Familia and Park Guell. I also visited the beach and enjoyed the local cuisine.
One of the most memorable experiences of my trip was hiking in the Swiss Alps. The views were breathtaking, and the fresh mountain air was invigorating.
Overall, my trip was amazing, and I learned a lot about different cultures and ways of life. While there were a few hiccups, such as a delayed flight and some language barriers, these challenges only added to the adventure.
Comprehension Questions:
- Which countries did the narrator visit on their European vacation?
- What landmarks did the narrator see in Paris?
- What types of food did the narrator try in Italy?
- What was the most memorable experience of the narrator’s trip?
- Did the narrator encounter any problems during their trip?
Conversations Starters:
- What has been your favorite travel destination so far? Why did you enjoy it?
- Do you prefer to travel alone or with others? Why?
- What is your favorite way to travel (e.g. by plane, train, car, etc.)? Why?
- What is your biggest travel-related pet peeve?
- What is the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done while traveling?
- Do you think it’s important to learn some of the local language before traveling to a foreign country? Why or why not?
- What are some of the benefits and drawbacks of traveling to popular tourist destinations?
- What is something you always make sure to pack when traveling?
- What is a place you’ve always wanted to visit but haven’t had the chance to yet? Why do you want to go there?
- What advice would you give to someone who is planning their first big trip?
