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Write about your Experiences

Practice telling a story about your experiences.

1. Discuss
Discuss the following with a partner.

1. What is your favorite way to travel? Why?

2. How do you feel before a plane flight or long trip?

3. How do you feel about:

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a. turbulence? b. security checks? c. waiting in a line? d. airplane food?

2. Reading
A. Read about Ken’s first trip abroad.

My first trip abroad was to Auckland, New Zealand. It was about ten years ago and I went with three friends. Plane
tickets were very expensive so before we went I got a part-time job at a restaurant to save money. It was a long flight,
about 12 hours from Japan, but it was relaxing and the food was surprisingly delicious. I was very excited because it
was my first time abroad.

We stayed at a backpackers in the city center because it was cheaper than a hotel.
Every morning we went to the beach to relax and play volleyball with the local people
we met, then in the afternoon we went sightseeing. One friend and I went to Rotorua
city by bus, but two of my friends stayed in Auckland to spend more time there.

In Rotorua, we met a kind family and they took us to a traditional Maori village. We
explored natural hot springs and saw a huge geyser. We also watched a traditional
Maori performance and learned a lot about their culture. Then they invited us to stay
with their family so we stayed with them for a few days. I really enjoyed my time
there. It was a fantastic trip and I want to return one day to see my new friends again!
Pohutu Geyser, Rotorua, New Zealand

B. Answer the questions about Ken’s trip.

1. Who did Ken go to New Zealand with? 3. What did he do in Rotorua?

2. Who did he meet? 4. Did he enjoy his trip?

3. Linking Words
A. Review the linking words in bold in the story. Decide the following.

Which linking word is used: 3. to add information?

1. to talk about a reason? 4. to say what happens after?

2. to talk about a consequence? 5. to connect ideas that contrast?

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 B. Find and circle one more example of each linking word in the story.

C. Circle the correct alternative to complete the sentences.

1. It was my first time abroad because / so I was very excited.

2. I didn’t eat the food on the plane then / so / because it wasn’t delicious.

3. The food was terrible so / then / but I was hungry when we landed.

4. I really enjoyed my time there so / because / then I want to go back.

5. I went to a museum then / so / because I had lunch with a friend.

6. The restaurant was fully booked so / because we ate lunch in the park and / because / so it was wonderful.

4. Writing
A. Read the questions you might ask someone about a trip.

1. Where did you go? 4. What did you do before you left? 7. What did you do there?

2. When did you go there? 5. Why did you go there? 8. How did you feel?

3. Who did you go with? 6. How long did you stay? 9. How was your trip?

B. Complete the sentences about your last trip or use your imagination. Refer to the
questions above for help.

1. On my last trip, I went to

2. I went there (when)

3. I went there (with who)

4. Before I left, I

5. I went there because I wanted

6. I stayed for

7. I

8. I felt

9. My trip was

C. Ask your partner the questions in Part 4A. Respond with your answers in Part 4B.

D. Use your completed sentences in Part 4B to write a story about your last trip. Be sure to
use linking words and include how you felt.

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