From the following list of claims select the ones you find most controversial. Then try to defend or reject each claim.

 

1. To travel is to go through a gradual state of nerve wrecking.

 

2. Mass tourism is a force for environmental destruction.

 

3. The future lies with air transport. It's the quickest and most reliable way of travelling.

 

4. A good traveller does not depend on weather.

 

5. Hitch-hiking is a great activity, educational and entertaining at the same time.

 

6. The best time for tavelling is summer.

 

7. Films you see influence where you go on holiday.

 

8. Going abroad on holiday is very different from staying there for a long time.

 

9. Most women travel just because they want to show how much expensive clothes they have.

 

10. Travel in small or large groups is better than individual travel.

 

 

DISCUSSION POINTS

1. A lot of young people in the West spend a lot of time travelling. Some of them say, ‘Before I decide which college to attend or take a full-time job I prefer to go on a trip because it can be an adventure or a new beginning leading to new experiences.’ 

    Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of this approach. Do young people in Russia think in the same way?

 

2. The saying goes ‘Travel broadens the mind’. Do you agree or disagree with it? Use specific examples to support your answer.

 

3. Some people prefer to go abroad or to a far-away place in their own country for a holiday. Others choose to spend their holiday in the area where they have lived for a long time or at least for a number of years.

Which of the two ways of spending a holiday do you prefer? Why?

4. Do you agree or disagree with the saying ‘When in Rome, do as the Romans do’?

5. You have enough money and enough time to go on a journey. Which of the following parts of the world would you choose - Europe, North America, Asia, Africa? Use specific reasons and details to support your answer.

6.   What is important for you? Put the following in order of importance, and add other aspects which are important for you while travelling: trying to escape personal problems; new knowledge; chance of meeting interesting people; trying to escape routine living; new impressions
and sensations. Use specific reasons to support your answer.

TASKS FOR WRITING

Main writing form: Letter of Complaint

When you arrive in a foreign country, you must fill in a form. Forms do not ask questions, but they ask for information.

1. First name 2. Surname 3. Date of Birth 4. Country of Origin 5. Present Address 6. Marital Status 7. Occupation

Fill in the form. (This should be done in block letters).

A Letter of Complaint

 

The purpose of a letter of complaint is to complain about a specific problem.

 The reason for the letter of complaint is stated in the first sentence. It depends upon whether you want to complain in a mild or strong manner.

 

E.g. I am writing to complain about the tour I purchased from your agency (Mild);

 

E.g. I was shocked by the inferior quality of the food which I was served in your hotel (Strong);

 

    To give reason(s) for a complaint you should use linking words:

 

E.g. Even though I called the manager...

A suggestion or request is included in the conclusion:

 

E.g. I hope this matter will be resolved (Mild).

E.g. I insist that you give my money back at once (Strong).

 

Paragraph plan for letters of complaint:

1. Salutation (Dear Sir, Madame, Manager, etc.);

2. Paragraph 1 (reasons for writing);

3. Paragraphs 2, 3 (complaint with justification);

4. Final paragraph (closing remarks);

5. Name (Yours faithfully (sincerely)...