General Listening Quiz

Many people travel to new places during their summer vacations. Some go on cruises; other people visit the beach. However, other people like to spend time near home and just relax where they are. How about you? What are some activities you like to do during your vacations?

1. 1. Summer vacations are more important for relaxation than for learning.
   2. Traveling during summer vacations is always better than staying home.
   3. Summer camps are more beneficial than family trips.
   4. People spend too much money on summer vacations.
   5. Summer vacations are a waste of time if you don’t travel far.
   6. Students should work or volunteer instead of taking a summer vacation.
   7. Technology ruins the experience of summer vacations.
   8. Summer vacations are more enjoyable in nature than in cities.
   9. Planning vacations in advance is better than spontaneous trips.
   10. Summer vacations should focus on experiences, not material souvenirs.

“drive someone up the wall” = to annoy or bother someone a lot
“My brother kept talking in his sleep during our vacation, and that drove me up the wall.”

“hit the road” = to begin or start your travel
“Hey. We need to hit the road before 5:00 a.m. if we want to arrive at mom’s house by noon.”

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

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

• time off (noun): vacation time away from work
  – I don’t have much time off to travel during the summer break.
• to have something in mind (verb): to think about or plan to so something
  – Do you have a plan in mind for the weekend
  I don’t have particular food in mind for the party. I think anything is probably fine for most people.
• tender (adjective): delicate; also, very loving
  – It is a very tender time for the family because of their father’s passing.
• wimp (adjective): a person who does not have courage or is afraid (negative meaning)
  – Don’t be such a wimp. You need to try new foods. You can’t avoid them when you travel overseas.
• pleasant (adjective): nice or comfortable
  – The walk along the beach was very pleasant. We enjoyed the cool breeze and the sound of the waves.

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

• Mixed-Up Sentence  |  Sentence and Vocabulary Matching

Describe a vacation you took by yourself or with family and friends. Where did you go and what did you do? What did you enjoy most about the trip?

Use the internet to find a good place to take a vacation and find information to answer these questions:

• What place did you choose to research?
• What is the best way to get there and how much does it cost to travel?
• What are two places to stay in this area (e.g., hotel, bed and breakfast, campground, etc.) and how much does it cost each night?
• What activities are available nearby? How much do these attractions cost?