EF C1.1 p 133. Travel and Tourism. Speaking. Word formation. Sample Answer

1. How can travel broaden our mind? 

2. What impact does tourism have on an area?

 

Eva: Hey, Mark! How are you doing?

Mark: Hi, Eva! I’m doing great, thank you. Just got back from my trip to the Scottish Highlands. It was utterly brilliant!

Eva: Oh, that sounds pretty (1)_______________ (AMAZE)! I’ve always fancied a visit to Scotland. What was it like?

Mark: It was absolutely (2)________________ (BREATH)! I decided to go off the (3)____________ (BEAT) track and explore some of the more (4)___________________ (SECLUDE) areas. The landscapes were so (5)_______________ (SPOIL) and (6)______________(PICTURE), (7)___________ (LIKE) anything I’ve ever seen before.

Eva: Blimey, that sounds like a proper adventure. I’m fed up with touristy spots; they can be so (8)_________________ (CROWD) and (9)_____________ (SOUL).

Mark: Spot on! That’s why I opted for more remote locations. It really allowed me to connect with nature and (10)___________ (CHARGE) my batteries.

Eva: I totally get that. I recently went on a trip to Italy, and while places like Rome and Venice were (11)__________________ (STUN), they were also (12)_______________ (CHOCK) with tourists, which was somewhat (13)______________________ (OVERWHELM).

Mark: I can imagine. It’s a shame when beautiful places become (14)_____________ (RUN) with visitors and lose their charm. Did you manage to find any (15)_______________ (HIDE) gems while you were there?

Eva: Fortunately, yes! I stumbled upon this quaint little village (16)_______________ (NESTLE) in the Tuscan countryside. It was so charming and authentic, in contrast to the more spoilt areas.

Mark: That sounds lovely. It’s those (17)_________________ (FREQUENT) spots that often leave the biggest impression on us, don’t you think?

Eva: Absolutely! They offer a glimpse into the true essence of a place, away from the hustle and bustle of mass tourism.

Mark: Couldn’t agree more. So, do you reckon travel has the power to (18)______________ (BROAD) our minds and (19)__________________ (RICH) our lives?

Eva: Definitely. Experiencing different cultures and environments opens our eyes to new perspectives and ways of life. It’s like a journey of self-discovery.

Mark: I couldn’t have put it better myself. Travelling allows us to break out of our comfort zones and embrace new experiences, (20)____________________ (ULTIMATE) shaping who we are as individuals.

Eva: Exactly. And I think it’s important for us to be (21)________________ (MIND) travellers, respecting the places we visit and their communities.

Mark: I think we're on the same page here. Sustainable and responsible tourism is key to preserving the beauty and (22)____________________ (AUTHENTIC) of destinations for generations to come.

Eva: You took the words right out of my mouth, Mark. It’s been great discussing this with you. Thanks for sharing your (23)________________ (SIGHT)!

Mark: (24)________________ (LIKE), Eva! It’s always a pleasure to (25)______________ (CHANGE) thoughts with someone who shares a passion for exploration and discovery

 

 

 

KEY

1. amazing

 

 

 

2. breathtaking 

 

 

3. beaten 

 

 

4. secluded

secluded/sɪˈkluːdɪd/ quiet and private.

E.g.

 a secluded garden/beach/corner 

We managed to find a secluded spot for our picnic

 

 

 

5. unspoilt

unspoilt: beautiful because it has not been changed or built on.

E.g.

unspoiled countryside 

It’s a country of stunning landscapes and unspoiled beaches. 

 

 

 

6. picturesque 

 

 

 

7. unlike 

 

 

8. overcrowded 

 

 

 

9. soulless

soulless: not having any attractive or interesting qualities that make people feel happy. Depressing.

E.g.

They live in soulless concrete blocks.
A soulless city of grey concrete 

 

 

 

10. recharge

 

 

 

11. stunning

 

 

 

12. chock-a-block

chock-a-block (with something/somebody) very full of things or people pressed close together.

E.g.

The shelves were chock-a-block with ornaments. 

It was chock-a-block in town today (= full of people) 

13. overwhelming

overwhelming: very great or very strong; so powerful that you cannot resist it or decide how to react.  Having such a great effect on you that you feel confused and do not know how to react. Sp. abrumador.

E.g.

She found the city quite overwhelming when she first arrived.

The evidence against him was overwhelming. 

The overwhelming majority of those present were in favour of the plan. 

an overwhelming sense of loss 

She had the almost overwhelming desire to tell him the truth. 

You may find it somewhat overwhelming at first. 

There was overwhelming support for our policies.

14. overrun

overrun: if a place is overrun by unwanted things or people, they spread over it in great numbers. Sp. infestar.

be overrun by/with something 

E.g.

a tiny island overrun by tourists 

The house was overrun with mice

15. hidden

 

 

 

16. nestled

nestle: + adv./prep. to be located in a position that is protected, sheltered or partly hidden. Sp. recogerse.

E.g.

The little town nestles snugly at the foot of the hill 

17. unfrequented

unfrequented: not often visited by many people.

E.g.
an unfrequented spot

18. broaden

 

 

 

19. enrich

 

 

 

20. ultimately

ultimately: in the end; finally.

E.g.
A poor diet will ultimately lead to illness.
He is ultimately responsible for the actions of the rebels he leads.
Ultimately, you'll have to make the decision yourself. 

21. mindful

mindful: remembering somebody/something and considering them or it when you do something
SYNONYM conscious. Sp. consciente.

E.g.

mindful of somebody/something 

mindful of our responsibilities

Mindful of the danger of tropical storms, I decided not to go out.

mindful that… 

She is mindful that the election result was very close last time. 

22. authenticity

 

 

 

23. insights

insight: an understanding of what something is like. Knowledge and understanding. Sp. conocimiento.

E.g.
There are many valuable insights in her book.
His work offers several useful insights.
insight into something 

The book gives us fascinating insights into life in Mexico.
I hope you have gained some insight into the difficulties we face 

 

 

 

24. Likewise

 

 

 

25. exchange

Speaking Questions

 FILE 1. WE ARE FAMILY / A JOB FOR LIFE

DIALOGUE

1   What kind of work would give you job satisfaction? Why?

2   Are you a planner or would you say you’re more spontaneous? Give examples.

3   What activities or experiences would you put on your bucket list? Why?

4   Do you have any particular talents or skills? What? / Why?  

5   Have you inherited any family traits? If so, what? If not, which three adjectives best describe your personality?

6   Which person has inspired you the most?

7   When you argue with friends or family, what do you argue about?

8   Why is it important to do the things you enjoy regularly?

9   Which three adjectives best describe your personality?

10   What kind of work would give you job satisfaction?

MONOLOGUE. PARTNER A

1   ‘It’s more important to have job satisfaction than a high salary.’

2   ‘It is not possible to be both successful and happy.’

3   ‘Most people’s personalities do not change as they get older.’

MONOLOGUE. PARTNER B

1   ‘It’s OK to tell a white lie now and then.’

2   ‘You can easily tell someone’s personality type just by looking at their social media profiles.’

3   ‘Your social status and wealth are the best indicators of your personal success.’

FILE 2. DO YOU REMEMBER…? / ON THE TIP OF MY TONGUE

DIALOGUE

1   How do you think you’ll use English in future?

2   Why is it important to let children enjoy being children?

3   What’s your favourite memory of your childhood? 

4   Do you have a favourite word, phrase, or idiom in English? Which? Why? 

5   Did you have a favourite book or author when you were a child? Which? Who? Why?

6   What do you remember about the holidays you had when you were a child?

7   Why do you think native English speakers often don’t learn new languages?

8   How important is it to read in childhood? Explain.

9   What can you remember about the teachers you had when you were a child?

10   Why is it important for children to play?

MONOLOGUE. PARTNER A

1   ‘Physical (paper) books will soon be a thing of the past.’

2   ‘The English language will not be as important in the future as it is now.’

3   ‘I remember many stories from my childhood.’

MONOLOGUE. PARTNER B

1   ‘When learning a language, you should always try to sound exactly like a native speaker.’

2   ‘Children today have too much freedom.’

3   ‘It’s important to keep the culture of traditional storytelling alive.’

FILE 3. A LOVE-HATE RELATIONSHIP / DRAMATIC LICENCE

DIALOGUE

1   What is the best way to resolve a conflict between friends or family members?

2   Do you have any aversions? If so, to what? Why?

3   What historical event would you make a movie about if you could?

4   Do you think dating apps which show what others hate would be effective? Why / Why not? 

5   Is it ever justified to take revenge on someone?

6   Which historical movies have you seen and enjoyed?

7   How do you usually relax?

8   Why do you think directors change historical facts when they make films?

9   What is the best way to end a toxic friendship?

10   When did you last get someone a present? What did you get? Why?

MONOLOGUE. PARTNER A

1   ‘It’s important to date someone who is interested in the same things as you.’

2   ‘It does not matter if a historical film, drama series, or novel is factually inaccurate.’

3   ‘There is never a good way of ending a relationship.’

MONOLOGUE. PARTNER B

1   ‘Online dating is a good way of meeting new people.’

2   ‘Conflict can always be avoided if there is good communication between those involved.’

3   ‘Historical films and TV drama series should always be factually accurate.’

FILE 4. AN OPEN BOOK / THE SOUND OF SILENCE

DIALOGUE

1   Which noises do you find most annoying? Why?

2   Would you flick to the end of a book to check the ending? Why / Why not?

3   What is your view on the value of silence?

4   Do you spend much time reading? Why / Why not? 

5   What challenges might there be when translating a book? Why?

6   What kind of books interest you the most?

7   Are there any sounds you particularly like? Why?

8   In what situations would you talk to strangers?

9   If you wrote a book, what kind of book would it be?

10   What do you do to get some peace and quiet?

MONOLOGUE. PARTNER A

1   ‘Translators should try to exactly reproduce what the original author has written.’

2   ‘It is best to read reviews of a book before buying it.’

3   ‘In modern life, it is very hard to get to know new people.’

MONOLOGUE. PARTNER B

1   ‘You should stop reading a book if you don’t enjoy the first chapter.’ 

2   ‘Silence is essential for a healthy mind.’

3   ‘Watching a foreign film with subtitles is less enjoyable than watching a film in your own language.’

FILE 5. NO TIME FOR ANYTHING / NOT FOR PROFIT?

DIALOGUE

1   What would you most like to be able to buy?

2   Which modern gadget do you find the most useful? Why?

3   Would you say your life is too busy? Why / Why not?

4   Amongst your friends, what is considered to be most important: money, social status, family, environment, or something else? Give reasons and examples. 

5   What do you wish you had or hadn’t done in the last five years?

6   Do you support any small or local businesses? Why / Why not? 

7   Why is it important to keep a budget?

8   Is there anything about modern life that you can’t accept? Why?

9   What kind of multitasking do you do? How easy do you find it?

10   What is the general attitude towards money in your country?

MONOLOGUE. PARTNER A

1   ‘In future, everyone will live an anti-capitalist lifestyle.’

2   ‘It’s better to be busy than have too much time to kill.’

3   ‘It’s important for me to save money for my retirement.’

MONOLOGUE. PARTNER B

1   ‘In order to have an exciting life you should be prepared to live beyond your means.’

2   ‘Today, young people are encouraged to be too materialistic.’

3   ‘Technology has had a negative effect on communication between people.’

FILE 6. HELP, I NEED SOMEBODY! / CAN’T GIVE IT UP

DIALOGUE

1   How many hours do you spend on social media per day? What do you do?

2   If you had to have a long-distance relationship, do you think it would last? Why?

3   What makes you cringe? Why?

4   What causes you stress, and how do you deal with it? 

5   Have you ever read a self-help book? If so, what about? If not, why not?

6   What, in your opinion, are the main causes of stress in modern society?

7   Which aspect of your life would you like to improve?  Why?

8   Do you do any extra-curricular activities? If so, what / why? If not, why?

9   If you could only keep one personal possession, what would it be? Why?

10   What are the main problems caused by our dependence on technology?

MONOLOGUE. PARTNER A

1   ‘Addictions are the greatest problem in society today.’

2   ‘Exams are the best way of measuring a student’s progress.’

3   ‘It is better to keep your problems to yourself rather than share them with friends and family.’

MONOLOGUE. PARTNER B

1   ‘Long-distance friendships and romantic relationships are destined to fail’

2   ‘Self-help guides are a waste of time and money.’

3   ‘It is better to keep your problems to yourself rather than share them with friends and                        family.’

FILE 7. AS A MATTER OF FACT… / A MASTERPIECE?

DIALOGUE

1   Can you describe an artwork or artist you admire? Say why you like it / them.

2   Which law would you most like to abolish?

3   On holiday would you rather visit a natural landscape or a city attraction? Why?

4   What’s your favourite food like in terms of looks, taste, and texture? Do you make it or buy it? 

5   Have you ever taken part in a quiz? If so, how did you do? If not, would you like to? Why / Why not?

6   What rules do you have: at school/college, at home? Do you agree with them? 

7   Describe your most recent experience of art. Where was it? What did you think of it? 

8   Can you describe a traditional dish (from any country). What is it like in terms of looks, taste and texture?

9   Is there anything you think that cannot be considered art?

10   Do you think most people live within the laws, or break them?

MONOLOGUE. PARTNER A

1   ‘Public money should not be spent on public art when there are many more important causes which need funding.’

2   ‘People don’t need lots of laws in order to behave well.’

3   ‘Everyone ought to spend time in a museum or art gallery at least once a month.’

MONOLOGUE. PARTNER B

1   ‘Attendance at school should be voluntary rather than compulsory.’

2   ‘Laws are more about government control than keeping the public safe.’

3   ‘People who can’t appreciate art are missing something very important in life.’

FILE 8. THE BEST MEDICINE? / A ‘MUST-SEE’ ATTRACTION

DIALOGUE

1   Which part of the world would you most like to visit? Why?

2   Which place in your own country would you most recommend to visitors? 

3   What are the benefits of vaccinating children? 

4   Would you consider trying something like aromatherapy, hypnotherapy, or acupuncture? Why / not?

5   Have you ever been delayed at the airport? If so, for how long? Why?

6   Which part of the world would you most like to visit? 

7   Can you describe a local tourist attraction? Why is it popular? 

8   Have you ever used alternative medicine? If so, how effective was it? If not, would you consider using it?

9   How healthy is your lifestyle? Could you improve it?

10   Have you ever had problems with transport or connection on a journey? What happened? Why?

MONOLOGUE. PARTNER A

1   ‘Social prescribing is just a way for doctors to reduce their own workloads.’

2   ‘Tourist numbers at famous attractions should be restricted in order to ensure buildings, monuments, and natural landscape are not damaged by crowds.’

3   ‘It is very hard to have a healthy lifestyle in the modern world.’

MONOLOGUE. PARTNER B

1   ‘It’s as interesting to travel in your own country as it is to travel abroad.’

2   ‘I would use alternative medicine if modern medicine didn’t work.’

3   ‘Tourism does more harm than good to communities and the environment.’

FILE 9. PET HATES / HOW TO COOK, HOW TO EAT

DIALOGUE

1   What is your ideal meal at a restaurant? Why?

2   What type of diet do you have? Why?

3   What are the most common dishes in your country?

4   Have you ever had a pet? If so, what? If not, would you like one?

5   Why is it important to learn about animals and their behaviour? 

6   How good are you at cooking? 

7   How do you prepare your favourite food?

8   How would you describe your diet? Would you consider changing it? Why/why not?

9   Which animal frightens you the most? 

10   What do you think of animal rights in your country?

MONOLOGUE. PARTNER A

1   ‘Shopping locally is the only way to ensure food security and sustainability.’

2   ‘Animals should not be bred in captivity.’ 

3   ‘Growing and cooking food should be an important part of the curriculum in all schools.’

MONOLOGUE. PARTNER B

1   ‘Frozen and convenience foods have been a terrible invention.’

2   ‘Too many animals are kept in unsatisfactory conditions for our entertainment (i.e. zoos, aquariums, pets).’

3   ‘Cooking is not something that I enjoy doing.’

FILE 10. ON YOUR MARKS, SET, GO! / NO DIRECTION HOME

DIALOGUE

1   If you went to live in another country, what would you miss most?

2   Is there anything you have loved or hated after returning home from another place? What? Why?

3   Can you describe in detail how to play a sport or game or do an exercise activity?

4   Would you fancy living abroad or travelling long-term? If so why / where? If not, why not?

5   Do you enjoy watching sports? Why / Why not?

6   What reasons might people have for leaving their native country?

7   What do you like most about professional sports?

8   Which sports are the most popular in your country? Why?

9   Which sport would you most like to be good at? 

10   What is your idea of a good workout? Why?

MONOLOGUE. PARTNER A

1   ’Paying for intensive exercise classes is a waste of time and money.’

2   ‘Money has a negative effect on competitive sports.’

3   ‘Immigrants bring many benefits to the countries they immigrate to.’

MONOLOGUE. PARTNER B

1   ‘There’s no reason to travel abroad when you can spend time exploring your own country.’

2    ‘Sport and/or outdoor activities are an essential part of my life.’

3   ‘I feel I would have better life opportunities if I immigrated to another country.’