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A1 Level 3

Learning Activity 2

Traveling around the world

Platform learning time: 20 hours

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Welcome again, dear apprentices!

My name is Steve and Im going to guide you through this learning activity, in which
you are going to learn how to talk about trips and travel experiences taking into
account schedules and probabilities, and under the basis of proper time and place
representations. Lets have fun in Lets have fun in this new adventure trip.

Hurry up!

Communicative Result 1
My first trip abroad
Material source:
How to plan a trip

Task 1: Learning about the Inca Empire

Task 2: Planning a trip abroad

Task 3: A dream vacation

Task 4: The trips and adventures of a famous explorer

Task 5: Talking about vacation plans with my e-classmate

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Task 6: Lets challenge our grammatical and lexical knowledge

Do you know how to plan a trip? You are planning a trip, but you dont know
where to start? Read the following magazine article about how to plan a trip.
Then, do the exercises about the text.

How to plan a trip

Planning a trip is something that can be done spontaneously. The purpose of a
trip may change according to different circumstances. Sometimes, you travel for
fun and adventure, and sometimes you do it for work and business. Here, we are
going to give you some tips you can take into account when planning a trip:

1. Choose a location: do some research on the internet and discuss the location
with the relatives or friends you are going to travel with. Take a look at photos,
posters, videos, etc., that may give you an idea about the different possibilities
you have. Ask other people who have travelled there, if possible, for useful
advice. Keep in mind weather conditions, activities to do, culture, language
and currency.
2. Make a schedule: take into account transportation, free time activities and
the time the trip is going to take. Remember that activities vary according
to specific times of the day. Make a list of places of interest you want to visit,
including restaurants and museums. Do not forget to allocate enough time for
each activity, because something unexpected may happen.
3. Make a packing checklist: it is important to consider what you are going to take
in your bag before you leave. Take into account aspects such as transportation,
weather, how long the trip is, the kind of clothes you will need, medications,
snacks, electronic devices, toiletries, books, travel guides, dictionaries, maps
and identification documents.
4. Set a budget: the resources you will need to afford your expenses are
very important. The aspects you have to consider are plane tickets; hotel
accommodation, transportation during the trip, tourism expenses, gifts and
other expenses. Remember that if you book ahead, you can save some money.

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Now, answer the following questions about the text:

1. When choosing a location for a trip it is recommended to:
A. Choose a place by pointing your finger randomly at a map.
B. Take the first flight in the morning without considering where you are going.
C.To do some research on the internet and discuss the location with trip
partners.

2. According to the text, some general tips for planning a trip are:
A. Choose a budget, buy tickets online, book a hotel and rent a car.
B. Choose a location, make a schedule, make a packing checklist and set a
budget.
C. Choose a location, make a budget, make a packing checklist and make a
savings plan.

3. When making a schedule, remember that activities vary according to specific

times of the day.

True

False

4. The verb afford, in the sentence the resources you will need to afford your
expenses are very important, may be replaced by:
A. Pay
B. Distribute
C. Allocate

5. When making a schedule it is not necessary to create a list of places of interest

to visit, since the best idea is to go sightseeing as you wish.

True

False

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Task 1:
Learning about the Inca Empire
Your first task is to watch and listen to some videos about Peru. Then, download
and complete the associated worksheet, and send it through the corresponding
link to the evidences folder within the platform. Do not forget to download the
checklist with the criteria to assess your listening comprehension skills. Lets get
busy! Click on the links below to study some support material:

Introductory video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ax30DnDLkOA

Video material http://www.eslwriting.org/4612/esl-listening-machu-picchu/

Worksheet http://www.eslwriting.org/wp-content/machu-picchu-video.pdf

Learning about the Inca Empire Checklist

Task 2:
Planning a trip abroad
You were invited to spend your vacation in Peru and you need to plan your trip.
Based on the materials below and the materials from the previous task, write a
packing list, a schedule and a budget for your trip. After completing the task, send
it through the corresponding link to the evidences folder within the platform. Take
into account the checklist with the criteria to assess your writing abilities.
Have a nice trip!

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Click on the links below to study some support material:

Future forms http://www.englishpage.com/verbpage/simplefuture.html

Sightseeing vocabulary 1 http://www.learnenglishfeelgood.com/

travelenglish/english-for-sightseeing-new2.html

Sightseeing vocabulary 2 http://www.learnenglishfeelgood.com/

travelenglish/english-for-sightseeing-new3.html

How to plan a trip 1 http://www.wikihow.com/Plan-a-Trip

How to plan a trip 2 http://www.dollartimes.com/download-and-print/files/

travel-budget-worksheet-by-dollartimes.pdf

Modals and adverbs of probability http://www.examenglish.com/

grammar/b1_may_might.htm

Planning a trip abroad Checklist

Task 3:
A dream vacation
When we want to go on vacation, we sometimes ask our friends for advice on
where to go. Imagine you have a friend who needs to make a decision about where
to spend his/her vacation, so he asks you to give him / her advice about a tourist
location. Create a presentation about an ideal place for vacation, highlighting
interest places, activities and cultural issues. Schedule an interview with your tutor
to talk about your product. The interaction tool for the interview is established by
the tutor. Remember to take into account the materials below. Do not forget to
download the checklist with the criteria to assess your performance.
Enjoy your vacation!

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Click on the links below to study some support material:

Travel destinations http://www.elllo.org/english/Games/G069-Travel.htm

Conditionals 1 http://www.englishclub.com/grammar/verbs-conditional_5.
htm

Conditionals 2 http://elt.oup.com/student/solutions1stedition/preint_unit_
page/unit6/grammar/exercise2?cc=us&selLanguage=en

Conditionals 3 http://www.englishclub.com/grammar/verbs-conditional_2.
htm

Conditionals 4 http://www.perfect-english-grammar.com/first-conditionalexercise-1.html

Planning a trip abroad Checklist

Task 4:
A famous explorer adventures
How much do you know about famous explorers? Do you know any of them? What
can you tell us about their trips and adventures? Your task now is to read an article
about the life of a famous explorer by clicking on the link named The life of a
famous explorer. Then, complete the proposed activities and send them through
the corresponding link to the evidences folder within the platform. Do not forget
to download the checklist with the criteria to assess your reading abilities.
Lets go ahead!

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Click on the links below to study some support material:

The life of a famous explorer http://www.abcteach.com/free/r/rc_

biography_marcopolo_upperelem.pdf

The present perfect http://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/en/grammarreference/present-perfect

A famous explorer adventures Checklist

Task 5:
Sharing my vacation plans
Have you already planned your next vacation? Where are you going? Who are you
going with? Your last task is to schedule an interview with an e-classmate about
your plans for your next vacation. To do so, first take a look at the support material,
get together with your e-classmate and record an interview: ask and answer
questions about the locations you want to go to, the places of interest you want
to visit and the activities you want to do.

Then, upload your video into a webpage like YouTube or Vimeo and send the link
to your instructor through the evidences folder within the platform. Do not forget
to download the checklist with the criteria to assess your speaking abilities.
Lets continue!

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Click on the links below to study some support material:

Vacations video http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_

embedded&v=cejAJafvwKo

Travel vocabulary http://www.esl-lab.com/vocab/v-travel.htm

Hotel vocabulary http://www.esl-lab.com/vocab/v-hotel.htm

Talking about vacation plans with

my e-classmate Checklist

Task 6:
Knowledge test 3.2.1

Dear apprentices,
We are about to finish this first part,
Its time to take a test to review some basic grammatical and lexical items, and to
improve the English language abilities you have worked on up to this first part.
To complete this task, go to the Tests & Exams section in the platform and take
the Knowledge test 3.2.1. to assess your knowledge about the following topics:
modals and adverbs for probabilities; transportation; present perfect; present,
past and future integrated; zero and first conditional.
Good luck!
Knowledge test 3.2.1

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Dear apprentices,
We are halfway through this learning activity. Up to this point, you can:

Ask and answer questions (in oral and written form) about travel experiences
taking into account time, place and personal perception details

Present tourist and business trip experiences in relation to specific times,

places and personal perceptions

Identifying times, places and personal perceptions under the basis of proper
listening techniques

Communicative Result 2
Material source: World traveler
Task 1: Writing about a memorable trip
Task 2: Sharing your travel experiences
Task 3: Top travel destinations post
Task 4: Traveler questionnaire
Task 5: Have you been busy these days?
Task 6: Test your knowledge

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Lifetime travel experiences

Material Source:
World Traveler
Watch and listen to the following conversation between Bob and his teenage
daughter, Annie. Bob will talk about some of his most memorable travel
experiences as both of them look at an old Photo Album. Be ready to answer some
questions after listening to the dialogue.

Bob: Home, sweet home!

Annie: Hi, Dad! You are coming home earlier than expected. How was your trip to
Peru? Tell me all the details!
Bob: Hi, sweetie! The trip was very fun and exciting, but Im completely exhausted.
I bought a lot of nice souvenirs for you and your mom. I will show you later.
Bob: How was school today? Interesting? Boring? Any assignments to do?
Annie: It was fine, dad. Mrs. Johnson, our Social Studies teacher, asked us to write
a report on our last vacation. I have been looking for some pictures of our last trip
to the Amazon since I got home from school. I want to write about it.
Bob: Lets look for some pictures then. That trip was such an unforgettable
experience that If we have the chance to go back there this year, we certainly will.
Annie: That sounds great! I hope we can go back there soon!
Annie: This is awesome, dad! You have amazing pictures of all your trips. I didnt
know you had been in so many places.
Bob: Sweetie, I have been to almost every continent in the world. My job as a
training manager requires me to train people all over the world. That is why the
company I work for usually sends me over to different places in order to train
managers. I really enjoy this job because I can go anywhere, make a lot of friends
and explore different cultures.

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Bob: Look! This picture was taken at the pyramids, in Egypt. I must confess that
I had never ridden a camel before, I was scared to death, but I rode that animal
without hurting myself. It was a very exciting experience.
Annie: Thats cool, dad. Im really surprised!
Annie: I have read about those pyramids in my Social Studies class. They look
marvelous. Where else have you been, dad?
Bob: I have been to a lot of places such as Italy, Japan, and Russia among others.
Venice, in Italy is a beautiful destination. If one goes there during the spring, one
can enjoy the Venice Carnival and its wonderful events.
Annie: Look at this picture! You looked very funny in that outfit, dad. Where did
you take this picture?
Bob: That was in Africa during a safari trip three years ago. Africas landscapes are
incredible; I had never seen a place like that before. The weather is nice, the locals
are very friendly and kind, and the atmosphere is so welcoming. I really loved it.
Bob: Im going to India next week and Im staying there for five days. I have never
been to India before so Its going to be a memorable trip for sure.
Annie: Can you take me with you in your next trip, dad? Please, please, please. I
have never been abroad.
Bob: If you get a good mark on your report, I will take you with me sweetie. We
could have a great time together in India.
Annie: Thanks, dad! This is going to be the best report ever. Lets get busy!

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Lifetime travel experiences

Comprehension questions
A. Based on the dialogue you just watched answer the following questions. Choose
the best option for each question.

1. Where was Bob before coming home?

a. He was in a meeting with his boss.
b. He was on a trip to Peru.
c. He was at the supermarket buying some groceries.
d. He was at a restaurant having lunch with some friends

2. What does Annie have to do for her Social Studies class?

a. She has to do some research about The Amazon
b. She has to write an essay about her hobbies
c. She has to write a report on her last vacation.
d. She has to make a poster about her favorite writer.

3. Why Bob travels so frequently?

a.He has friends all over the world.
b. He likes to get to know new cultures from different countries.
c. He goes to different countries to practice extreme sports.
d. He works training people all over the world.

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4. How did Bob feel about his trip to Africa?

a. Pleased
b. Disappointed
c. Frustrated
d. Unsatisfied

5. How long will Bob stay in India?

a. 2 days
b. Two weeks
c. 5 days
d. A month

Task 1

A memorable trip report

Now, it is time for you to share your travel experiences; to do so, explore the
materials below and write an article about your most memorable trip including
details about weather, destination, transportation, local people, accommodation,
the activities you did and your general impression of it. Take into account the
Guiding questions and dont forget to add some nice pictures of your destination.
After completing your task, send your paper to your instructor through the
corresponding link in the evidences folder within the Platform. Remember to
download the checklist with the criteria to assess your reading and writing abilities.
Lets get started!

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Click on the links below to study some support materials:

Travel experiences 1 http://voices.yahoo.com/my-best-travelexperience-5080613.html?cat=16
Travel experiences 2 http://tradingplacesglobal.wordpress.com/2012/07/10/
my-top-12-lifetime-travel-experiences/
Simple past http://www.englishpage.com/verbpage/simplepast.html
Adjectives: -ed and -ing endings 1 http://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/en/
grammar-reference/adjectives-ending-ed-and-%E2%80%93ing
Adjectives: -ed and -ing endings 2 http://www.better-english.com/grammar/
adjing.htm
Adjectives: -ed and -ing endings 3 http://www.englishexercises.org/
makeagame/viewgame.asp?id=2255

A memorable trip report Checklist

Task 2:
Unforgettable memories
Bringing back old memories from our travel experiences can be an interesting and
amusing topic for a conversation between friends, co-workers or family members.
Get together with a classmate to prepare and record a conversation where you
both talk about your travel experiences in or outside the country.

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Take turns to ask and answer questions, participating equally. Prepare the audio
file, upload it into a webpage like YouTube or Vimeo and send the link to your
instructor through the corresponding section in the evidences folder within the
platform. Dont forget to download the checklist with the criteria to assess your
speaking abilities.
Do your best!
Click on the links below to study some support materials:

Video- Travel Experience: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0GzTQurak5Y

Simple past / Present perfect 1 http://www.englishpage.com/verbpage/
presentperfect.html
Simple past / Present perfect 2 http://www.englishpage.com/verbpage/verbs5.
htm
Traveling in South America http://www.elllo.org/english3/0851/T866-Jeff-Lima.
htm
Pronounciation: -ed endings: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hsfhCa0YidM

Unforgettable memories Checklist

Task 3:
Top travel destinations post
Nowadays, it is very common to find on the internet many travel-sharing websites
where people can post their reviews, comments or travel tips. In this websites
we can find information related to our destinations such as accommodation or
entertainment activities.

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Your task is to explore the materials below, choose a destination you have
already visited and write a short review to post in a travel-sharing website.
Participate in your class forum by posting your review and commenting on other
classmates reviews. Dont forget to download the checklist with the criteria to
assess your performance and writing abilities.
Enjoy your trip!
Click on the links below to study some support materials:

Old Bogot http://www.tripadvisor.com.ar/ShowUserReviews-g294074d550644-r154969359-Old_Bogota_La_Candelaria-Bogota.html#REVIEWS

Expressing opinions http://www.vocabulary.cl/Lists/Opinions.htm
Adjectives for places 1 http://www.englishexercises.org/makeagame/
viewgame.asp?id=7711
Adjectives for places 2 http://www.mml.cam.ac.uk/aspects/assets/abm33/
places.htm

Top travel destinations post Checklist

Task 4:
Traveler questionnaire
Have you ever been abroad? Have you ever travelled on a boat? How many
places in Colombia have you visited? Have you ever had a difficult situation when
travelling? Lets find out if you are a trip lover or a kind of stay-at-home person
when it comes to planning a vacation. It is time to put into practice all you have
learned so far.

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Your task is to schedule a session using the established means to participate

in an oral interview with your instructor about your travel experiences and
preferences. Click on the link below and prepare your answers to the questions
presented in the questionnaire, including as many details as possible. Dont
forget to download the checklist with the assessment criteria for this task.
Good luck!
Click on the link below to study a support material:
Traveler questionnaire http://teach-this.com/Holidays_and_Travel/Holiday%20
Conversation%20Questions.pdf

Traveler questionnaire Checklist

Task 5:
I deserve that trip
An NGO has been organizing a Citizen of the year contest and wants to reward a
good citizen with a trip to Paris in France. They will pay for all the expenses but you
need first to justify why you deserve to go on that trip.
Record a video of you explaining to the NGO why you think you deserve to go
to France. Include as many details as possible about all the activities you have
been doing or working on lately to help your community. Upload your video into
a website like YouTube or Vimeo and send the link to your instructor through the
evidences folder in the platform.
Dont forget to download the checklist with the criteria to assess your speaking
abilities. Hurry up! France is a great destination and there are many people
competing for that chance to go there.

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Click on the links below to study some support materials:

Present perfect / Present perfect continuous 1 http://www.englishpage.com/
verbpage/verbs7.htm
Present perfect / Present perfect continuous 2 http://www.englishpage.com/
verbpage/presentperfectcontinuous.html
Present perfect / Present perfect continuous 3 http://www.youtube.com/
watch?v=EDMBr_4ojvU
Present perfect / Present perfect continuous 4 http://www.englishpage.com/
verbpage/verbs8.htm

I deserve that trip Video Checklist

Task 6:
Knowledge test 3.2.2
Very well done,
dear apprentice!
Now that you have gone through the whole activity, its time to check your
understanding of all the contents you have learned up to this point. To carry out
this task, go to the Tests & Exams section in the Blackboard platform and take
the Knowledge test 3.2.2 to assess your knowledge about the following topics:
tense integration, present perfect and present perfect continuous, past perfect
and adjectives for expressing personal perceptions, and hotel and traveling
expressions.
Knowledge test 3.2.2.

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Well done, dear apprentices!

You have completed this learning activity. Up to this point, you can:

Ask and answer questions (in oral and written form) about travel experiences
taking into account time, place and personal perception details

Present tourist and business trip experiences in relation to specific times,

places and personal perceptions

Identify times, places and personal perceptions under the basis of proper
listening techniques

Further Material
Check the information of the following external links, which can help you to
reinforce the contents of this activity:
Listening:
In the following link, you can find a set of podcasts and activities from the British
Council to practice elementary listening skills: http://learnenglish.britishcouncil.
org/en/elementary-podcasts
Grammar:
In the following link, you can find a quick grammar reference from the British
Council, with brief explanations on common topics and interactive activities:
http://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/en/quick-grammar
Vocabulary:
In the following link, you can find an elementary vocabulary exam from
Cambridge University: http://www.cambridge.org/other_files/Flash_apps/
inuse/EVUElementaryTest/EVUElementaryIndex.htm

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In the following link, you can find elementary vocabulary exercises

from Oxford University Press: http://elt.oup.com/student/englishfile/
elementary/b_vocabulary/?cc=global&selLanguage=en

Pronunciation:

In the following link, you can find elementary pronunciation exercises

from Oxford University Press: http://elt.oup.com/student/englishfile/
elementary/c_pronunciation/?cc=global&selLanguage=en

Further Material
Check the information of the following external links, which can help you to
reinforce the contents of this activity:
Listening:
In the following link, you can find a set of podcasts and activities from the British
Council to practice elementary listening skills: http://learnenglish.britishcouncil.
org/en/elementary-podcasts
Grammar:
In the following link, you can find a quick grammar reference from the British
Council, with brief explanations on common topics and interactive activities:
http://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/en/quick-grammar
Vocabulary:
In the following link, you can find an elementary vocabulary exam from
Cambridge University: http://www.cambridge.org/other_files/Flash_apps/
inuse/EVUElementaryTest/EVUElementaryIndex.htm

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