Tag: travel

The London Underground

B1 – Intermediate

Here’s an interesting history about the train network in London. Read the article and study the highlighted words. Be ready to answer discussion questions.

http://www.english-online.at/travel/london-underground/london-tube.htm

Discussion Questions:

  1. In your own words, retell the story behind the London Underground. How was it used during the Second World War?
  2. How reliable is the train network in your country?
  3. Does your train network have its own history? An architectural value? Talk about it.
  4. What monuments in your city or country have been restored over the years? How important are these monuments?
  5. What other historical places do you find interesting and intriguing?

Ancient Mummy Wearing Adidas Boots

B1 – Intermediate

We have heard many stories and have watched a number of films about time travel. But is time travel really possible?

Read the article below about a mummy wearing a specific footwear that has made many people think about time travelling.

http://www.breakingnewsenglish.com/1604/160415-time-travel.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you think this story is believable? Why or why not?
  2. If given a chance, would you time travel? Why or why not?
  3. Which period of time would you like to go back to? Why?

Top Cities to Visit

B1 – Intermediate

There are many cities in the world that most people like to visit. Perhaps you’ve been to one of them.

It is very important to know some information you can use if you’re planning your next out-of-the-country trip.

Listen to the audio and read the transcript about the top 25 cities to visit.

http://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/top-25-cities-to-visit-in-the-world/2760339.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. Which of the cities in the article have you been to? Talk about your experiences there.
  2. Which ones do you want to visit one day and why?
  3. Which cities are the easiest and hardest for you to visit and why?
  4. What is your ultimate dream destination? Why do you want to visit this country so much?
  5. What are some of the best things to do when someone visits your city/country?

The Coldest City on Earth

B2 – Upper Intermediate

We sometimes travel to places to be able to experience a different kind of weather. Going to the beach to experience warmth during the winter. Or travelling to somewhere cold to beat the heat of summer.

The article below tells of a city about 450 kilometers south of the Arctic Circle that experiences winter for 8 months with temperatures of up to -50° C.

http://www.english-online.at/news-articles/travel/yakutsk-coldest-place-on-earth.htm

Discussion Questions:

  1. In your own words, tell me something about Yakutsk and how it was founded. How do people live there?
  2. What’s the coldest temperature you have ever experienced?
  3. How do you deal with the cold weather?
  4. Would you be interested in visiting Yakutsk?

*Here’s a site you can go to view pictures of Yakutsk: Yakutska in Russia

20 English Words to Not Say When Travelling

Obama

C1 – Advanced

If you are a frequent traveler or you are involved in the e-commerce industry and have an international clientele, better know these English words to avoid unintended double entendre.

Avoid These 20 English Words When in Other Countries

Discuss:

1. Aside from the ones mentioned in the article, do you know of other English terms that should be avoided when travelling?
2. When you travel to a foreign country do you use English or do you use the language of the country?
3. Are there some Spanish words that foreign people often misuse?

Spain’s Best Museums

B2 – Upper Intermediate

On top of most tourists’ destination in Spain are Galleries like Prado and Reina Sofia. But there are still a whole lot more to see. The not-so-famous museums in Spain deserve to be paid a visit. Here are top ten of them.

https://www.thelocal.es/galleries/Culture/spains-best-museums

Discussion Questions:

1. What’s the best/most interesting museum you’ve ever been to?
2. What do you like most and least about museums?
3. Do you think it should be free to enter museums?
4. If you had lots of money to start your own museum, what would you exhibit in it and what would you call it?

Walk or Cycle for ‘a Happier Commute”

B1 – Intermediate

Walking or cycling to work instead of driving a car can improve feelings of health and happiness. Click on the title to know more about alternative ways of commuting. Be ready to answer some discussion questions.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/language/wordsinthenews/2014/09/140915_witn_cycling.shtml

Click on the title to listen to the report:

http://http-ws.bbc.co.uk.edgesuite.net/mp3/learningenglish/2014/09/bbc_witn_cyclists_report_140915_witn_cycling_report_au_bb.mp3

Discussion Questions:

  1. How do you get to work?
  2. Do you think it is better to walk, to take your bike or to travel by public transport to work? Explain.
  3. What kind of exercise routine do you have?
  4. What do you do stay healthy and happy?