1. An Email from a Friend – Read an email about a trip and answer questions about the itinerary.

Topic: An email about a trip

Objective: Help the student practice reading comprehension by answering questions based on the details of an email about a trip itinerary.

Step 1: Reading Passage – Email from a Friend

Subject: My Upcoming Trip to Vancouver

Hi [Your Name],

I hope you’re doing well! I wanted to share my travel plans with you for my upcoming trip to Vancouver. I’ll be flying out next week and thought I’d give you my itinerary in case we can meet up.

Here’s the plan:

• Day 1 (Monday): I’ll arrive in Vancouver around 3 PM. After checking into my hotel, I’ll probably just relax and explore the neighborhood. In the evening, I might grab dinner at one of the local restaurants.
• Day 2 (Tuesday): I’ve booked a guided tour of Stanley Park in the morning. After lunch, I’m planning to visit the Vancouver Aquarium. I’ve heard it’s amazing! In the evening, I might walk around the downtown area to see some of the landmarks.
• Day 3 (Wednesday): I’ll spend the day at Granville Island. I’ve read that it’s a great place to shop for unique souvenirs and try some local food. I’m looking forward to the market there.
• Day 4 (Thursday): I’ve saved Thursday for the Capilano Suspension Bridge. I’m a little nervous about it, but I’ve heard the views are spectacular. If I’m feeling brave, I’ll also try the Cliffwalk!
• Day 5 (Friday): This is my last full day, and I’m planning to visit the Museum of Anthropology. I’m very interested in learning about the local indigenous cultures. I’ll spend the rest of the day packing and maybe do some last-minute shopping.

I’m really excited about the trip and can’t wait to see Vancouver. If you’re free any of those days, let me know, and we can meet up for coffee or lunch. Hope to see you soon!

Take care,
Sarah

Step 2: Comprehension Questions

After reading the email, answer the following questions based on the itinerary provided by Sarah:

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What is Sarah planning to do on her first day in Vancouver?
   a) Visit Stanley Park
   b) Go on a guided tour
   c) Relax and explore the neighborhood
   d) Visit Granville Island
2. Which of the following places is Sarah visiting on Tuesday afternoon?
   a) Granville Island
   b) Vancouver Aquarium
   c) Capilano Suspension Bridge
   d) Museum of Anthropology
3. What activity is Sarah nervous about on Thursday?
   a) Visiting the Aquarium
   b) Walking around downtown
   c) Crossing the Capilano Suspension Bridge
   d) Visiting the Museum of Anthropology
4. Which day does Sarah plan to visit Granville Island?
   a) Monday
   b) Tuesday
   c) Wednesday
   d) Thursday
5. What will Sarah do on her last full day in Vancouver?
   a) Visit Stanley Park
   b) Shop at Granville Island
   c) Visit the Museum of Anthropology
   d) Try the Cliffwalk

Short Answer Questions

6. What is Sarah planning to do on Monday evening?
   (Write your answer below)
7. What specific tour has Sarah booked for Tuesday morning?
   (Write your answer below)
8. Why is Sarah interested in visiting the Museum of Anthropology?
   (Write your answer below)
9. What does Sarah want to do after crossing the Capilano Suspension Bridge, if she’s feeling brave?
   (Write your answer below)
10. What day does Sarah plan to spend at Granville Island, and what activities is she looking forward to there?
    (Write your answer below)

Step 3: Answer Key

1. c) Relax and explore the neighborhood
2. b) Vancouver Aquarium
3. c) Crossing the Capilano Suspension Bridge
4. c) Wednesday
5. c) Visit the Museum of Anthropology
6. Sarah is planning to have dinner at a local restaurant on Monday evening.
7. Sarah has booked a guided tour of Stanley Park for Tuesday morning.
8. Sarah is interested in learning about local indigenous cultures, which is why she plans to visit the Museum of Anthropology.
9. Sarah plans to try the Cliffwalk after crossing the Capilano Suspension Bridge, if she’s feeling brave.
10. Sarah plans to spend Wednesday at Granville Island. She’s looking forward to shopping for unique souvenirs and trying local food at the market.

Step 4: Vocabulary & Definitions

Here are some difficult words and phrases from the email:

1. Itinerary: A detailed plan or schedule of a trip.
   • Example: “Before going on vacation, I always prepare an itinerary to make sure I visit all the important places.”
2. Guided Tour: A tour led by a guide who explains the places visited.
   • Example: “We took a guided tour of the city to learn more about its history.”
3. Explore: To travel around a place to discover new things.
   • Example: “I love exploring new neighborhoods when I visit a city.”
4. Landmarks: Well-known buildings or places that are important or famous.
   • Example: “The Eiffel Tower is one of Paris’s most famous landmarks.”
5. Souvenirs: Things bought or kept to remember a place or event.
   • Example: “I always buy souvenirs to remind me of the places I visit.”
6. Cliffwalk: A type of walkway along a cliff, usually built for viewing purposes.
   • Example: “The Cliffwalk offers breathtaking views, but it can be a bit scary.”

Step 5: Selfie Assignment

Assignment:
Write a brief email to a friend, sharing your travel plans to a city or place of your choice. Use the structure of Sarah’s email as a guide: describe your daily plans, places you want to visit, and activities you are excited about. Record a short video (1-2 minutes) explaining your itinerary as well.