There are a number of beautiful national parks in the Mountain West of the United States including Zions National Park, Arches National Park, and Mesa Verde. What things do you consider most when planning a vacation to this area? Rank the ideas below from most important to least important:

• ___ price of trip
• ___ destination
• ___ accommodations
• ___ sites and attractions
• ___ length of stay
• ___ travel companions
• ___ language(s) spoken at destination

HELPFUL TIP: If you want to see some natural wonders of the world, then visit Utah. No matter where you go, you can experience great outdoor activities at every turn.

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II. Listening Exercises [Top]

Listen to the conversation by pressing the "Play Audio" button and answer the questions. Press the "Final Score" button to check your quiz.

Loading the player ... [ What are these different audio choices? ]

[ Other Audio Options: Play RealMedia | Play Window Media ]

1. What image does the announcer create for the listener in his opening comments about Utah in the radio commercial?
A. the beauty and grandeur of the state
B. the historic significance of this area
C. the safety and comfort of the region

2. From what you hear in the ad, what is one activity that is NOT mentioned about the backpacking trip?
A. hiking
B. whitewater rafting
C. studying ancient history

3. What is one thing that the tour does NOT include?
A. transportation in Utah
B. equipment for the hiking adventure
C. entrance fees

4. Which picture best portrays the geography of Little Wild Horse Canyon?
A. Picture 1
B. Picture 2
C. Picture 3

<<< Picture 1 | Picture 3 >>> Picture 2

5. If you wanted to participate in the next tour on August 30th, by what date would you have to make the reservation?
A. August 1st
B. August 17th
C. August 23rd

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Score =
Correct answers:

Listen to the conversation again as you read the Quiz Script.

III. Vocabulary Activities [Top]

Review the key vocabulary from the conversation:

[ Why do these? ]

• Mixed-Up Sentence
• Sentence and Vocabulary Matching
• Text Completion Quiz

IV. Post-Listening Exercises [Top]

Describe a trip that you have gone on with in the last year or so? Where did you go? What did you do and see? What is your image of the perfect vacation? Think about cost, destination, hotels, and your travel companions. Would you rather travel within in your country or abroad? Discuss your ideas and reasons with a partner.

V. Online Investigations - [ What's This? ] [Top]

Adventure vacations have become very popular around the world (including Utah), and such trips can include river rafting, canyoneering, rock climbing, hiking, and skiing. However, not all companies provide the same services. Investigate two such companies that provide adventure tours and compare their services based on the experience and reputation of the company, range of services and travel options, ease and availability of trips, price, and even the refund policy.

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[ What's This? ]

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