General Listening Quiz

Finding budget plane tickets, hotels, and tour packages is not difficult in Tokyo, Japan. However, after you arrive, you still need to find your way around the city, especially like one as big as Tokyo. Buses and trains are very popular.

In your country, what are two of the most common ways to get around? Do foreigners visiting your country have a difficult time using public transportation in major cities? Why or why not?

1. 1. It’s fun to explore a new city when you travel.
   2. You should always visit the most famous landmarks in a new city.
   3. It’s important to use a map or GPS when sightseeing in a new city.
   4. Trying local food is an important part of sightseeing.
   5. You can see everything in a city in just one day.
   6. It’s better to travel to a new city with friends or family.
   7. Walking is the best way to see a new city.
   8. It’s important to take pictures when sightseeing in a new city.
   9. Traveling to a new city is more fun if you learn about its history first.
   10. It’s okay to get lost in a new city, as long as you stay safe.

“golden opportunity” = wonderful opportunity
“Going to Europe is a real golden opportunity to see the world.”

Listen to the recording and answer the questions. (See transcript)

Here are some words and expressions that appear in the recording:

• destination (noun): the place to which you are going
  – It took four hours to arrive at our destination.
• yen (noun): the money system of Japan
  – I need to exchange some money for yen so I can pay for some things in cash in Japan.
• platform (noun): a raised area where you can get on and off a train
  – Please meet me on the platform 15 minutes before the train is scheduled to leave.
• no problem (expression): another way to say, “You’re welcome” or “It isn’t a bother.”
  – No problem. I’m happy to help.

Do the vocabulary quizzes with the words from the conversation for more practice:

• Mixed-Up Sentence  | Gap-fill Exercise | Sentence and Vocabulary Matching

What are some ways you can prepare before you travel to another country? Where do you stay in a city like Tokyo, Japan? What are the good points of staying in a big hotel or a small traditional inn? How do you get around the city: by taxi, by bus, or on foot? Which is the easiest way to get around? Which is the cheapest? Discuss your ideas.

Imagine that you have $3,000 to take a three-week vacation to one or more of these cities: New York City, Tokyo, or London, and one city of your choice. Use the internet to find the cost of airfare and train/subway travel to get there. Compare prices from different travel companies.