Visiting Greece British English Teacher

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GENERAL ENGLISH · GENERAL ISSUES · UPPER-INTERMEDIATE (B2-C1)
VISITING
GREECE
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1 Warm up
Read the questions below and choose the correct answer.
1. What is the currency of Greece?
a. Euro b. Drachma c. Pound
2. What is the capital city?
a. Thessaloniki b. Athens c. Patras
3. Which of these is not a Greek island:
a. Corfu b. Crete c. Corsica
4. What colours are featured on the Greek flag?
a. blue and white b. red and white c. black and white
Answer the questions below.
1. What climate do you associate with Greece?
2. What do you know about Greece’s ancient or modern history?
3. Do you know any famous Greek people?
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UPPER-INTERMEDIATE (B2-C1)
VISITING GREECE
2 Visual Guide
Part A: Match the pictures of Greek landmarks and icons to the descriptions below.
1) feta 2) ouzo 3) moussaka
4) Greek Orthodox Church 5) taverna 6) Greek alphabet
7) Parthenon 8) Samariá Gorge 9) Parnassus
1. a mountain range in Central Greece
2. a type of Greek cheese made from sheep’s milk (or a mixture of sheep’s and
goat’s milk)
3. a dish made from layers of aubergine and meat with cheese on top
4. a café or restaurant
5. a strong alcoholic drink from Greece, and usually drunk with water
6. twenty-four letters used in the Greek language, starting with alpha and
ending in omega
7. a former temple dedicated to the Greek goddess Athena
8. a national park on the island of Crete
9. an organisation of several different religious groups, including the church of

Greece
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VISITING GREECE
Part B: The following words will be heard in the video you are about to watch. Choose the best word
to label each picture.
ancient ruins cliff facade monastery pillar summit
1. 2. 3.
4. 5. 6.
3 Focus on vocabulary
Part A: Match the words to their definitions.
1. speckled (adj) a. something that you give your time and energy to
2. pursuit (n) b. represent an idea or quality exactly
3. embody (v) c. a very important part of something
4. soar (v) d. among the best, most expensive, etc. examples of something
5. jut (v) e. under, or in a lower position than, something
6. beneath (prep) f. come out further than surrounding objects
7. top-end (adj) g. something (such as a large building) that you can see clearly from
a distance and that helps you to know where you are
8. mainstay (n) h. covered with small marks or spots
9. landmark (n) i. (of a building or landmark) be very high

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VISITING GREECE
Part B: Choose a word from part A to fill in the gaps.
1. When visiting one of Greece’s many islands, you are likely to see sandy beaches
with small stones.
2. If you wish to experience fine Greek cuisine, consider visiting one of Athens’
restaurants.
3. The Acropolis is probably Greece’s most famous . Using it as a reference point can
help you to find your way around Athens.
4. Greeks have grown olive trees since ancient times, and olive oil is still a of Greek
cuisine.
5. The tallest building in Athens, Athens Tower, 103 metres above the ground.
6. Greece offers a wide range of outdoor for active people; you can even enjoy
mountain skiing with a sea view!
7. In 2001, a 2,500-year-old ship was discovered the sea near the island of Kythera,
Greece.
8. The Greek mainland out from southern Europe into the Mediterranean Sea.
9. For some people, the idea of spending a week on a Greek island the idea of the
perfect holiday.
Part C: Answer the questions below.
1. What outdoor or indoor pursuits do you enjoy?

2. What (if anything) are the mainstays of your country’s cuisine?
3. What embodies your idea of a good holiday?

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VISITING GREECE
4 Listening for the main idea
You are going to watch a video about visiting Greece. Watch for the first time and tick which subjects
are mentioned.
1. Greek myths
2. Life in Athens
3. Parnassus
4. Sunsets
5. Ancient Greek philosophy
6. Cost of accommodation
5 Listening comprehension
Watch the video again and choose the correct answers.
1. Greece balances its past, present and future in a way that is...
a. completely unique.
b. not done by many other countries.
c. typical of European countries.
2. According to the narrator, who is attracted to the Acropolis?
a. older people
b. tourists
c. people of all ages
3. The narrator believes you will never forget the first time...
a. you see the Meteora.
b. you visit Athens.
c. you take a trip to a Greek island.
4. Where is described as the centre of the ancient Greek world?
a. the Acropolis
b. Delphi
c. Santorini

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VISITING GREECE
5. In Santorini, it’s possible to enjoy the sunset...
a. without many people around you.
b. only in a crowd.
c. between May and August.
6. What two advantages of visiting Greece in April or September are given?
a. It will be cooler and less crowded.
b. It will be cooler and cheaper.
c. It will be cheaper and less crowded.
7. In Greece, the network of bus services...
a. covers only cities.
b. can transport you to small villages.
c. is not recommended.
6 Focus on vocabulary 2
Now read the transcript of the video and find a word which means ...
1. whitened (para 1)
2. representing the perfect example (para 2)
3. towards the sky (para 3)
4. several (para 3)
5. a mix of different things (para 5)
6. is full of (para 5)
7. travelling from one island to another (para 7)
8. charming (para 8) – (2 different words)
Transcript

HEAAADERLOGORIGHT
VISITING GREECE
1. Experience endless miles of *aquamarine coastline, sun-bleached ancient ruins, strong

feta and stronger ouzo. It’s easy to understand how so many myths of gods and giants
*originated in this vast and varied landscape. With wide-open skies and a sea speckled
with islands, Greece balances its past, present and future in a way managed by few other
countries. The result is a nation with endless cultural pursuits.
2. The reason the Acropolis remains the quintessential landmark of Western civilization: it
is spectacular. The Acropolis embodies a *harmony, power and beauty that speaks to all
generations.
3. You’re not likely to forget the first moment the magnificent Meteora comes into view:
soaring pillars of rock that jut heavenward, and a handful of monasteries at the summit.
4. Arrive early to catch the magic of the sun’s rays pouring over the *sanctuary of Athena
Pronea at Delphi, the centre of the ancient Greek world.
5. Life in Athens is a magnificent mash-up of the ancient and the modern. Beneath the
*majestic facades of landmarks, the city teems with life and creativity.
6. There’s more to Santorini than sunsets, but this remarkable island shaped by the fire of
prehistoric eruptions has made the celebratory sunset its own. You can catch the sunset
without the crowds from almost anywhere along the cliff edge.
7. High season runs May through August. Milder temperatures and fewer crowds can be
found in April and September. Travel costs in Greece can range from less than 60 euros
a day if you enjoy a dorm bed and street stall meals to over 150 euros a day for top-end
hotels and excellent dining. Buses are the mainstay of land transport with a network that
reaches out to small villages. Island-hopping requires a *multitude of ferries.
8. Greece doesn’t disappoint. The ruins really are that spellbinding, the seafood that fresh,
local music that enchanting and the brown sugar sand truly is that soft.
Glossary
aquamarine (adj.) - pale blue-green in colour

originate (v) - happen or appear for the first time
harmony (n) - a state of peace
sanctuary (n) - safe place where people in danger can stay and be protected
majestic (adj.) - impressive because of its size or beauty
multitude (n) - an extremely large number

HEAAADERLOGORIGHT
VISITING GREECE
7 Focus on vocabulary
Part A: Fill in the gaps with the words below to create definitions for each vocabulary item.
aggressive or unfriendly a special event attached to a ring in a slow, relaxed way

more than enough parents and children respected for something with people
1. sieve (n): a tool made of a net , used for separating larger pieces
of something from smaller pieces
2. stroll (v): to walk somewhere
3. extended family (phrase): a family group that includes not only but
also uncles, aunts, grandparents etc
4. festivities (n): the activities that are organised to celebrate
5. hostility (n): feelings or behaviour
6. renowned (adj.): famous and
7. abundance (n): a large quantity that is .
8. inhabited (adj.): living there
Part B: Fill in the gaps with words from part A.
1. While making tsoureki (Greek Easter bread), I put the flour through a before adding
it to the other ingredients.
2. Greece has an of ancient monuments and historical sites; it’s important to choose
carefully.
3. Ropoto is an abandoned town in central Greece. It was until 2012 when a natural
disaster forced the residents to leave.
4. Socrates, Aristotle and Plato are three of the most ancient Greek philosophers.
5. After a busy day of sightseeing, I relaxed by along the beach and enjoying a glass
of ouzo.
6. I’m visiting Crete with my this summer to celebrate my grandmother’s birthday.
Three generations of people will be there.
7. Every year, Greece celebrates a carnival known as Apokreas. include dancing and
parades.
8. The Greek fans showed no towards the player, even though he had chosen to
play for a different country.
Part C: Answer the following questions:
1. Think of an important celebration in your country /culture. What festivities are associated with
this occasion?
2. When you visit a new place, do you enjoy strolling around looking at things, or do you prefer doing
things at a faster pace? Why?
3. What is there an abundance of in your country?

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VISITING GREECE
8 Skim reading
Match the following paragraph titles to the paragraphs (A-F) in the article on page 10. Two are not
needed.
1. Early beginnings
2. An ancient competition
3. Eating well and enjoying the sun
4. Nature and natural wonders
5. Hopping between islands
6. Learning about Greek gods and legends
7. Supporting relatives across generations
8. The importance of religion
9 Reading comprehension
Answer the following questions.
1. What do Greek people usually call the country where they are from?
2. How many Greek islands have people living on them?
3. In the past, how often was meat eaten in a Mediterranean diet?
4. What example is given of an older generation supporting a younger one?
5. Why must you pay attention to the date if you want to experience Easter in Greece?

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VISITING GREECE
Welcome to Greece
Experience natural wonders, ancient monuments, and fantastic food, all at your own pace
A.
Although the country’s official name is Hellenic Republic, most of its citizens refer to it as Hellas or Hellada. Greek
legend claims that the world was created by passing soil through a sieve, with the stones remaining in the sieve
being used to build Greece! Looking at a map, it’s easy to understand why. Greece has more than 2,000 islands,
of which about 170 are inhabited. Santorini, Mykonos, Crete, Rhodes and Corfu are five of the most popular.
B.
Over 80% of Greece’s land is mountainous. The country is also extremely rich in wildlife, claiming 6,000 native
plants and an abundance of animal species. Natural features like the volcanic rocks of Falakro (on Limnos), the
Samaria Gorge (on Crete) and the Blue Caves of Zakynthos (on Zakynthos) are popular destinations.
C.
Greeks spend a lot of time outside, appreciating the Mediterranean climate. In many places, the tradition of the
volta is still followed: at sunset, people can be seen strolling up and down the main street or, on the islands,
along the shore. Greece is renowned for its healthy Mediterranean diet based on vegetables, fruit, olives, olive
oil, cheese, bread, and seafood. Meat was traditionally a luxury consumed only on special occasions but is more
present in modern diets. There’s more to Greek cuisine than moussaka, and food lovers should not be disappointed.
D.
Greek society is also famous for its strong family structure, and the vast majority of the country’s businesses
are still family-run. The extended family, and the obligation placed on family members to support one other, is
extremely important. For example, married couples may live with their in-laws until they can find or afford their
own housing. In most cases the elderly are looked after by younger relatives; there are hardly any care homes in
Greece.
E.
Virtually all of the population belongs to the Church of Greece (Greek Orthodox Church), with Easter being the
most important religious and family festival. Many people return to their hometowns for the traditional festivities,
which include a church service on Saturday evening and lighting the Holy Fire at midnight on Easter morning.
Visitors interested in witnessing this aspect of Greek culture should bear in mind that, due to following a different
calendar, Easter takes place at a later date than in other European nations.
F.
Ancient Olympia grew to be the most celebrated site of Ancient Greece, and the birthplace of the Olympic Games.
The first games were held in 776 BCE, and the very first race was won by Coroebus of Elis, a cook! In the early
days of the Olympics, Greeks across the known world would be reunited every four years, even during times of
war. All hostilities would be temporarily forgotten. Olympia remains a powerful landmark which can be visited
today.
source: welcome-to-greece.com

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VISITING GREECE
10 Talking point
Discuss the following questions.
1. What places mentioned are you interested in visiting? Why?

2. How does the importance of extended family in Greece compare with your culture?
3. Could you follow a Mediterranean diet? How would it differ from what you usually eat?
4. Do you enjoy watching the Olympic Games? How do you think the original Olympics compared
to the modern ones?
5. Have you ever been island-hopping? If so, describe your experience. If not, what do you think the
advantages (and disadvantages) of this type of holiday would be?
11 Optional extension: English words with Greek roots
Part A: Prefixes. Many common prefixes used in English come from the Greek language. Read the
example and choose the Greek meaning of the prefix.
against – alone – small – many - far
Prefix Meaning Example
anti- James is quite antisocial; he

1
doesn’t like spending time
with people.
tele- Advances in
2
telecommunication have
helped us to communicate
with people all over the world
more easily.
mono- The woman gave an extremely

3
long monologue about the
company. I think she didn’t
want anybody else to speak.
poly- Corinne is a polyglot. She

4
speaks five languages fluently
and is learning another two!
micro- Greece generally enjoys warm

5
Mediterranean weather, but it
has several microclimates due
to its mountainous landscape.

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VISITING GREECE
Part B: Choose the correct prefix to complete the words.
1. To help find lost animals, vets can insert a 2mm chip containing the owner’s data under
an animal’s skin.
2. Theo lives hundreds of miles from his company’s office. He commutes from his home,
contacting the office by phone and video call.
3. The man was bitten by a dangerous snake; fortunately, an dote was available to help his
body fight the venom.
4. That company has polised the market, making it very difficult for other companies to sell
their products.
5. Rectangles, squares and other four-sided shapes are examples of gons.
Part C: Match the words to their definitions.
1. monologue (n) a. have or take control of the largest part of something so

that other people are prevented from sharing it
2. antisocial (adj) b. a very small part of a computer which stores information
or does calculations
3. microchip (n) c. work at home and communicate with your office by
phone or email
4. polyglot (n) d. the technology of sending signals, images and messages
over long distances by radio, phone, television, satellite,
etc.
5. telecommute(v) e. a substance that controls the effects of a poison or
disease
6. antidote (n) f. a flat shape with three or more straight sides
7. polygon (n) g. a person who can speak or use several languages
8. microclimate (n) h. not wanting to spend time with other people
9. monopolise (v) i. a long speech by one person during a conversation that

stops other people from speaking or expressing an
opinion
10. telecommunication (n) j. the weather in a particular small area, especially when
this is different from the weather in the surrounding area

HEAAADERLOGORIGHT
VISITING GREECE
Part D: Find more words with these prefixes. Use a dictionary to help you.
anti- tele- mono- poly- micro-
Examples of other Greek words:
• logos - word
• phonos - sound
• gramma - writing
• scopos – watcher
• bios - life

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TEACHER MATERIALS · UPPER-INTERMEDIATE (B2-C1)
VISITING GREECE
Transcripts
4. Listening for the main idea
Speaker: Experience endless miles of *aquamarine coastline, sun-bleached ancient ruins, strong
feta and stronger ouzo. It’s easy to understand how so many myths of gods and giants
*originated in this vast and varied landscape. With wide-open skies and a sea speckled
with islands, Greece balances its past, present and future in a way managed by few other
countries. The result is a nation with endless cultural pursuits.
Speaker: The reason the Acropolis remains the quintessential landmark of Western civilization: it
is spectacular. The Acropolis embodies a *harmony, power and beauty that speaks to all
generations.
Speaker: You’re not likely to forget the first moment the magnificent Meteora comes into view:
soaring pillars of rock that jut heavenward, and a handful of monasteries at the summit.
Speaker: Arrive early to catch the magic of the sun’s rays pouring over the *sanctuary of Athena
Pronea at Delphi, the centre of the ancient Greek world.
Speaker: Life in Athens is a magnificent mash-up of the ancient and the modern. Beneath the
*majestic facades of landmarks, the city teems with life and creativity.
Speaker: There’s more to Santorini than sunsets, but this remarkable island shaped by the fire of
prehistoric eruptions has made the celebratory sunset its own. You can catch the sunset
without the crowds from almost anywhere along the cliff edge.
Speaker: High season runs May through August. Milder temperatures and fewer crowds can be
found in April and September. Travel costs in Greece can range from less than 60 euros
a day if you enjoy a dorm bed and street stall meals to over 150 euros a day for top-end
hotels and excellent dining. Buses are the mainstay of land transport with a network that
reaches out to small villages. Island-hopping requires a *multitude of ferries.
Speaker: Greece doesn’t disappoint. The ruins really are that spellbinding, the seafood that fresh,
local music that enchanting and the brown sugar sand truly is that soft.
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VISITING GREECE
Key
1. Warm up
5 mins.
Students work in pairs or small groups to discuss what they already know about Greece.
The Drachma was the currency used in Greece until 2002. Corsica is a French island.
It may be interesting to mention that a large number of common English words have Greek roots: democracy,
dinosaur, idiot and economy to name a few!
1. a. 2. b. 3. c. 4. a.
1. Greece has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters.
2. Many historians consider Ancient Greece to be the birthplace of Western civilization. Greek civilization has
had a major influence on language, politics, philosophy, art, and architecture in other countries. More recently,
students may associate Greece with its widely reported financial crisis.
3. Students may be familiar with some famous philosophers such as Aristotle, Plato or Socrates. Some well-known
celebrities have Greek heritage, for example actresses Jennifer Aniston and Tina Fey have a Greek parent.
2. Visual Guide
12 mins.
Part A introduces students to some Greek landmarks and icons, and Part B provides a visual guide for some words
which will be heard in the video.
In part B, clarify the definition of facade as "the front of a building" and monastery as "a building in which monks
(= members of a male religious community) live together".
Part A
1. Parnassus 2. feta 3. moussaka

4. taverna 5. ouzo 6. Greek alphabet
7. Parthenon 8. Samariá Gorge 9. Greek Orthodox Church
Part B
1. ancient ruins 2. pillar 3. monastery 4. summit 5. cliff 6. facade
3. Focus on vocabulary
10 mins.
Students work in pairs for part A, then complete part B individually before the discussion in part C.
Pay attention to vowel sounds in pursuit and jut. Ensure speckled is pronounced with only two syllables and the
correct syllable stress.
Part A
1. → h. 2. → a. 3. → b. 4. → i. 5. → f. 6. → e. 7. → d. 8. → c. 9. → g.
Part B
1. speckled 2. top-end 3. landmark

4. mainstay 5. soars 6. pursuits
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VISITING GREECE
7. beneath 8. juts 9. embodies
4. Listening for the main idea
5 mins.
Students work individually, then check their answers in pairs.
1. ✓ Greek myths
2. ✓ Life in Athens
4. ✓ Sunsets
6. ✓ Cost of accommodation
5. Listening comprehension
1. b. 2. c. 3. a. 4. b. 5. a. 6. a. 7. b.
6. Focus on vocabulary 2
5 mins.
Ask students to read the transcript and find the word (individually or in pairs). Elicit answers.
1. sun-bleached 2. quintessential 3. heavenward

4. a handful of 5. mash-up 6. teems with
7. island-hopping 8. enchanting and spellbinding
7. Focus on vocabulary
10 mins.
Students work in pairs for part A, then complete part B individually before the discussion in part C.
Pay attention to vowel sounds in stroll and sieve, and ensure renowned is only pronounced with two syllables.
Part A:
1. attached to a ring 2. in a slow, relaxed way

3. parents and children 4. a special event
5. aggressive or unfriendly 6. respected for something
7. more than enough 8. with people
Part B:
1. sieve 2. abundance 3. inhabited 4. renowned

5. strolling 6. extended family 7. Festivities 8. hostility
8. Skim reading
5 mins.
Students individually read the article and match the titles to the paragraphs. Encourage them to read quickly.
9. Reading comprehension
10 mins.
Students read the article again and answer the questions individually before discussing the answers in pairs.
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VISITING GREECE
Part 1:
1. Hellas or Hellada.
2. Only 170 are inhabited.
3. It was traditionally a luxury consumed only on special occasions.
4. Married couples may live with their in-laws until they can find or afford their own housing.
5. Easter takes place at a later date than in other European nations.
10. Talking point
10mins.
Students discuss subjects from the article and video, and talk about what they would like to see and do if they
visited Greece.
11. Optional extension: English words with Greek roots
Part A:
1. against
2. far
3. alone
4. many
5. small
Part B:
1. micro 2. tele 3. anti 4. mono 5. poly

Part C:
1. → i. 2. → h.
3. → b. 4. → g.
5. → c. 6. → e.
7. → f. 8. → j.
9. → a. 10. → d.
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GENERAL ENGLISH · GENERAL ISSUES · UPPER-INTERMEDIATE (B2-C1)

Read the questions below and choose the correct answer.

1. What is the currency of Greece?

a. Euro b. Drachma c. Pound

2. What is the capital city?

a. Thessaloniki b. Athens c. Patras

3. Which of these is not a Greek island:

a. Corfu b. Crete c. Corsica

4. What colours are featured on the Greek ﬂag?

a. blue and white b. red and white c. black and white

Answer the questions below.

1. What climate do you associate with Greece?

2. What do you know about Greece’s ancient or modern history?

3. Do you know any famous Greek people?

FOOOOTERRIGHT Learn without forgetting! 1/13

1) feta 2) ouzo 3) moussaka

4) Greek Orthodox Church 5) taverna 6) Greek alphabet

7) Parthenon 8) Samariá Gorge 9) Parnassus

1. a mountain range in Central Greece

8. a national park on the island of Crete

9. an organisation of several diﬀerent religious groups, including the church of

FOOOOTERLEFT Learn without forgetting! 2/13

ancient ruins cliﬀ facade monastery pillar summit

Part A: Match the words to their deﬁnitions.

2. pursuit (n) b. represent an idea or quality exactly

3. embody (v) c. a very important part of something

5. jut (v) e. under, or in a lower position than, something

6. beneath (prep) f. come out further than surrounding objects

9. landmark (n) i. (of a building or landmark) be very high

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Part B: Choose a word from part A to ﬁll in the gaps.

Part C: Answer the questions below.

1. What outdoor or indoor pursuits do you enjoy?

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4 Listening for the main idea

5. Ancient Greek philosophy

Watch the video again and choose the correct answers.

b. not done by many other countries.

c. typical of European countries.

2. According to the narrator, who is attracted to the Acropolis?

c. people of all ages

a. you see the Meteora.

b. you visit Athens.

c. you take a trip to a Greek island.

4. Where is described as the centre of the ancient Greek world?

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5. In Santorini, it’s possible to enjoy the sunset...

a. without many people around you.

c. between May and August.

6. What two advantages of visiting Greece in April or September are given?

a. It will be cooler and less crowded.

b. It will be cooler and cheaper.

c. It will be cheaper and less crowded.

7. In Greece, the network of bus services...

a. covers only cities.

b. can transport you to small villages.

2. representing the perfect example (para 2)

3. towards the sky (para 3)

5. a mix of diﬀerent things (para 5)

7. travelling from one island to another (para 7)

8. charming (para 8) – (2 diﬀerent words)

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