“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 02: International Festivals
Key Lesson Vocabulary & Expressions: Look over and review before proceeding.
- Studying abroad
- Festival
- International
- Lederhosen
- Dirndls
- Floats
- Marching bands
- Immersion
- Bratwurst
- Atmosphere
Read or Listen to the following passage:
During my semester studying abroad in a foreign country, I had the opportunity to attend and participate in a famous international festival known as Oktoberfest.
Oktoberfest is a two-week-long festival that takes place in Munich, Germany every year. The festival is primarily known for its celebration of beer and German culture, with various events and activities taking place throughout the city.
One of the most memorable experiences of the festival was attending the opening day parade. The streets were filled with people dressed in traditional German clothing, including lederhosen and dirndls. There were floats, marching bands, and horse-drawn carriages all decorated in the colors of the Bavarian flag.
After the parade, my friends and I visited one of the many beer tents set up around the festival grounds. The tent was crowded, with people standing on benches and singing along to traditional German songs. We enjoyed some of the local beer and food, such as pretzels and bratwurst, while taking in the lively atmosphere.
Overall, Oktoberfest was an incredible experience that allowed me to immerse myself in German culture and make new friends from around the world.
Comprehension Questions:
- What is Oktoberfest, and where does it take place?
- What is the festival primarily known for?
- What was the most memorable part of the festival for the narrator?
- What did the narrator and their friends do while at one of the beer tents?
- How did the narrator feel about their experience at Oktoberfest?g their trip?
Conversations Starters:
- What is your favorite international festival, and why?
- Have you ever attended a famous international festival? If so, which one(s)?
- Do you think it’s important for people to experience different cultures through festivals and celebrations? Why or why not?
- What are some common themes or traditions that you see in festivals from different cultures?
- What are some challenges or drawbacks of attending large festivals or events?
- Do you think international festivals can help promote tourism and boost local economies? Why or why not?
- What is the role of music and dance in international festivals?
- How have international festivals evolved over time, and what impact has technology had on them?
- What are some lesser-known international festivals that you would like to attend?
- What advice would you give to someone who is attending an international festival for the first time?meone who is planning their first big trip?
