Interviews

Intermediate

Have you ever been camping, and is so, what was your experience like?

1. Where did you go camping?
2. What was the place like?
3. Who went with you on this trip?
4. What activities were available in that area?
5. How did you prepare your food?
6. Where did you sleep?

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

rolled into one (idiom): (several things or people) combined into one similar thing
– This park is an entertainment center, educational center, and relaxation spa all rolled into one.

desolate (adjective): empty of people in a barren or inhospitable state
– We were surprised by the desolate landscape of the desert.

amazing (adjective): breathtaking, surprising, stunning
– We really enjoyed the amazing views of the mountains on our last trip.

Now, watch the interview and answer the comprehension questions. You can also turn on the automatically-generated captions for the video once you start it.

Randall: In this video, Emily and I are going to be talking about our, well, our favorite or worst camping experience. Emily, we’ve done this over and over again over the years, but can you think about probably the best and or worst camping experience of your life, whether it be with family or other?

Emily: My favorite camping experience . . . They really all kind of roll into one memory-wise of just being little and going to Goblin Valley with my . . . with you. You’re my dad. And just that time that we spent together. Uh, so it’s not one specific camping experience. It’s just kind of the accumulation of camping experiences. My worst camping experience would probably be the time I rolled a four-wheeler.

Randall: Okay, so you’re . . . We were on a family outing. It was a camping experience, and you were riding a four-wheeler, and it tipped over.

Emily: Basically. I rolled it, yeah.

Randall: Rolled it and you mentioned also about Goblin Valley. For those that are not aware, how would you describe Goblin Valley? Because we live in Utah. Utah is a desert. It’s the second driest state in the United States.

Emily: It’s a giant, desolate valley filled with sandstone formations that are played on, and you can explore them. You could spend days there and not explore everything. It’s, it’s amazing.

Randall: And I know we’ve been with your son, my grandson. I think he really enjoys that . . . getting out. I think it’s a wonderful place for families to be.

Review the state park that Emily mentions in the interview. What features of the area interest you most? What things don’t appeal to you personally?

> Go to the park’s Web site.

The following activities deal with related topics to give you additional language practice.

• Desert Life
• Hiking Adventures
• Hiking Safety
• Mountain Hiking
• National Parks
• Utah Travel