Hibiscus Teach

Everyday English · Travel

Your Trip, Your Choice

A hilltop temple, an evening spectacle and a waterfall swim. Discover three experiences, then agree on one with a travel partner.

B1+–B2 · B2 stretch20–25 minutes3 short clipsAnswers and models

Created by Denis M., British English teacher.

A short extension to Iceland: Is It Worth the Hype? You can also start here without the PowerPoint.

Try the activities, then check your answers.

On a day out, would you choose culture, wildlife or relaxation? Give your first choice and one reason in 20 seconds.

Watch only the three selected sections. They begin after the opening part of the original compilation. The activity cards below are fictional planning choices, not current travel offers. Press play in each player to begin its selected section.

The climb and the view

What effort is involved, and what makes the visit rewarding?

Selected section 1:13–2:00 · 0:47Watch on YouTube ↗

On YouTube, stop at 2:00.

Check your listening · 3 questions

Answer key and explanations

A steep flight of steps. They react to the steep steps before reaching the temple.
The details in its design. The traveller draws attention to the detail visible all around the temple.
They feel there is more out there to discover. The final reflection is about experiences they have not yet discovered. It expresses curiosity.

Keep talking · 30 seconds

Would a beautiful view make a steep climb worth the effort for you? Give a reason in 30 seconds.

It would be worth the effort if… / I’d rather…

See a model response

It would be worth the effort if we had enough time to stop and enjoy the view. I’d rather take a slower walk than rush to the top.

Solo: add one condition that could change your answer. Tutor: What would make the climb less appealing?

An evening spectacle

Notice when the event happens and how the visitors react.

Selected section 2:00–2:53 · 0:53Watch on YouTube ↗

On YouTube, stop at 2:53.

Check your listening · 3 questions

Answer key and explanations

To caves outside the city centre. The narration places the caves on the outskirts of the city.
Every evening. The narration describes an event that happens every evening.
They seem amazed by a natural event. Their exclamations and comments communicate surprise and admiration.

Keep talking · 30 seconds

Recommend this experience to someone who enjoys wildlife. Give one reason and one planning question in 30 seconds.

You might enjoy… / We’d need to check…

See a model response

You might enjoy the cave because watching the bats emerge looks extraordinary. We’d need to check what time to arrive for the evening spectacle.

Solo: answer your own question with “We don’t know yet, so…”. Tutor: What might put someone off this activity?

Time to slow down

Look beyond the setting. What do the travellers value about this moment?

Selected section 2:53–3:37 · 0:44Watch on YouTube ↗

On YouTube, stop at 3:37.

Check your listening · 3 questions

Answer key and explanations

Relax after travelling. They welcome a chance to relax and reset after time on the road.
Lots of fish. The fish are part of their surprised and playful reaction to the water.
Spending time together and having fun. The traveller emphasises shared time, laughter and enjoyment.

Keep talking · 30 seconds

What could make an ordinary afternoon a highlight of your holiday? Speak for 30 seconds.

The highlight might be… / What matters to me is…

See a model response

The highlight might be a quiet afternoon by the water with a friend. What matters to me is having time to talk and unwind.

Solo: give a real or imagined example. Tutor: Can a free activity be more memorable than an expensive one?

Recommend without taking over

Give your preference and a reason, acknowledge your partner’s concern, then suggest a workable change.

RecommendI’d go for the temple because I enjoy architecture.

Respond and adaptI see your point about the climb. How about taking it slowly?

Use “I’d rather + base verb”: “I’d rather visit the waterfall.” Use “How about + -ing”: “How about leaving earlier?”

Speak now: In 30 seconds, name your first choice. Imagine a different preference and respond politely.

Solo: say it aloud twice, improving one detail. Tutor: ask the learner to explain their choice.

One afternoon, one shared decision

Fictional planning cards. Your partner wants to relax and dislikes strenuous activity. You want an experience you will remember. Choose one option together.

TempleCulture and a panoramic view. Many steep steps.

Bat caveAn unusual wildlife spectacle. You need to plan around the evening.

WaterfallTime beside the water. Your partner can relax without swimming.

Your speaking challenge · 60 seconds

Make a 60-second pitch. Give two reasons, acknowledge one concern and suggest a compromise. Your partner then responds.

I’d go for… because… / I take your point about… / How about…?

See a model response

I’d go for the waterfall because we could unwind and enjoy the setting together. I take your point about not wanting to swim. How about spending time beside the water instead? We could still make it a memorable afternoon.

Solo: record both sides, then state the agreement. Tutor: raise one practical objection and ask the learner to adapt. B2 stretch: explain what you are giving up and why the compromise is reasonable.

Mastery check · 3 questions

Choose one answer for each question. Check your answers to see an explanation.

1. Choose the natural sentence.I’d rather visiting the temple.I’d rather visit the temple.I’d rather to visit the temple.

2. Your partner dislikes steep climbs. Which reply helps you decide together?I see your point. How about choosing an activity with less climbing?That is irrelevant. We are going.You must like the same things as me.

3. Which sentence offers a real compromise?Let’s ignore your preference.All three options are identical.Let’s go to the waterfall, but spend time beside the water instead of swimming.

Answer key and explanations

I’d rather visit the temple. “Would rather” is followed by the base form of the verb: visit.
I see your point. How about choosing an activity with less climbing? This acknowledges a concern and proposes an alternative. It moves the discussion towards agreement.
Let’s go to the waterfall, but spend time beside the water instead of swimming. The destination stays the same, but the activity changes to take the partner’s preference into account.

After the mastery check, repeat your opening answer. Use one expression more precisely this time.

Take these words on your next trip

Practise 15 useful expressions from our Japan, Iceland, Barra and Asia lessons. Study the whole set, or focus on the words you need.

Open Essential Travel Vocabulary →