“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 05: Landmarks and Historical Sites
Key Lesson Vocabulary & Expressions: Look over and review before proceeding.
- Landmark
- Historical site
- Awe-inspiring
- Fortifications
- Ingenuity
- Perseverance
- Sheer scale
- Breathtaking views
- National pride
- Cultural heritage
Read or Listen to the following passage:
I have been fortunate enough to visit many memorable landmarks and historical sites in my travels, but one that stands out to me is the Great Wall of China. I visited the wall during a trip to Beijing, and it was truly awe-inspiring to see in person.
The Great Wall is a series of fortifications that stretches across northern China, originally built to protect against invading armies. It is one of the world’s largest man-made structures and a testament to human ingenuity and perseverance. Walking along the wall, I was struck by the sheer scale of the structure and the breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.
In addition to its historical significance, the Great Wall is also an important cultural landmark in China. The wall has been a symbol of Chinese strength and unity for centuries, and it remains a source of national pride to this day.
Overall, visiting the Great Wall was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that I will never forget. It was a humbling reminder of the power of human achievement and the importance of preserving our cultural heritage for future generations.
Comprehension Questions:
- Where is the Great Wall of China located?
- Why was the Great Wall originally built?
- What was the narrator’s reaction upon seeing the Great Wall in person?
- What is the Great Wall a symbol of in Chinese culture?
- How did the narrator feel about the overall experience of visiting the Great Wall?
Conversations Starters:
- What are some famous landmarks or historical sites that you would like to visit one day?
- Have you ever visited a famous landmark or historical site? If so, which one(s) and what was your experience like?
- What are some historical sites or landmarks that are particularly important or significant in your country’s history?
- Do you think it’s important to preserve historical landmarks and sites for future generations? Why or why not?
- What are some challenges associated with maintaining and preserving historical landmarks and sites?
- How do you think tourism affects historical landmarks and sites?
- What are some of the benefits of visiting famous landmarks and historical sites?
- How do famous landmarks and historical sites contribute to our understanding of different cultures and societies?
- Have you ever had a negative experience while visiting a famous landmark or historical site? Can you describe it?
- What is your opinion on the commercialization of famous landmarks and historical sites?
