The Thinking in English Conversation Club takes place every TUESDAY and THURSDAY at 12pm, 6pm, and 9pm UK time! You can find more details on how to participate on Patreon and Discord!
This week the ‘Thinking in English’ Community is talking about why we should visit your city or region.
Many people travel to far away countries, regions and cities as tourists. Tourism industries make up huge parts of some countries’ economies and many people rely on tourists for their incomes.
But what about your home town, city or region? What are the best (and worst!) things to do, see and eat where you live? Join us this week in the Conversation Club to share your thoughts on your own home city or region’s tourism!
Here are 10 conversation questions to get you talking about why we should visit your city or region.
Conversation Questions: Why Should We Visit Your City/Region?
1. Choose one word to describe your home town, region or city. Explain your choice.
2. What is the biggest tourist attraction in your city/region?
3. What food should tourists try if they visit your city/region?
4. Which activities would you recommend to someone that visits your city/region?
5. What is there to do in the evening or at night in your city/region?
6. What is the best time of year to visit your city/region, does the season matter?
7. What is the most overrated attraction in your city/region? What are the tourist traps?
8. What is the most underrated attraction in your city/region? What are the hidden gems?
9. Does your city/region have too many, or too few tourists?
10. “Mass tourism is slowly destroying our cultural heritage”
How much do you agree or disagree with this statement?
Vocabulary List:
- Tourist attraction
- a place that people visit for pleasure and interest, usually while they are on holiday.
- Season
- one of the four periods of the year; spring, summer, autumn, or winter.
- Overrated
- If something or someone is overrated, that person or thing is considered to be better or more important than they really are:.
- Tourist trap
- a crowded place that provides entertainment and things to buy for tourists, often at high prices.
- Underrated
- better or more important than most people believe.
- Hidden gem
- Something possessing a value or beauty that is not well known.
- Heritage
- features belonging to the culture of a particular society, such as traditions, languages, or buildings, that were created in the past and still have historical importance.
Model Answers:
B1 (Intermediate) Model Answers
Vocabulary:
- Vibrant
- energetic, bright, and full of life or excitement.
- Atmosphere
- the character, feeling, or mood of a place or situation.
- Landmark
- a building or place that is easily recognized, especially one that you can use to judge where you are.
- Monument
- a structure or building that is built to honour a special person or event.
- Authenticity
- the quality of being real, accurate or true.
- Charm
- a quality that makes you like or feel attracted to someone or something.
- Souvenir
- something you buy or keep to help you remember a holiday or special event.
Q1. “I would say “vibrant“. It’s a lively and energetic place with a lot of things happening. There are always events, festivals, and cultural activities taking place, which add to the vibrant atmosphere. The city is filled with many different people and a mix of different cultures, making it an exciting place to live.”
Q4. “If someone visits my city, I would recommend them to explore the historical landmarks and monuments. They can visit the famous museums, take a walk in the beautiful parks, and try local food at the traditional restaurants. Exploring the local markets is also a must, as they offer a so many products and a chance to experience the local culture.”
Q7. “The most overrated attraction in my city is the “Big City Mall”. It’s mostly filled with chain stores without the authenticity and charm of the local markets. As for tourist traps, there are some street vendors and tour guides who may try to overcharge tourists or sell low-quality souvenirs. It’s important to be careful and do some research before buying anything.”
B2 (Upper Intermediate) Model Answers
Vocabulary:
- Cobblestone
- a rounded stone used on the surface of an old-fashioned road.
- Architecture
- the art and practice of designing and making buildings.
- Immerse
- to become completely involved in, or surrounded by something.
- Scene
- a particular area of activity and all the people or things connected with it.
- Venue
- the place where a large or important event happens.
- Cozy
- comfortable and pleasant, especially (of a building) because of being small and warm.
- Ambience
- the character of a place or the quality it seems to have.
- Tucked away
- hidden or difficult to find.
- Indulge
- to allow yourself or another person to have something enjoyable, especially more than is good for you.
Q2. “The biggest tourist attraction in my city is the historic Old Town. It’s a charming area with cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and ancient architecture. The Old Town is filled with historical sites, such as cathedrals, castles, and museums. It’s a must-visit for anyone who wants to immerse themselves in the rich history and culture of the city.”
Q5. “One popular option is to explore the local nightlife scene. There are many bars, clubs, and live music venues where you can enjoy a night out with friends. Additionally, my city has theaters that offer performances, such as plays, musicals, and concerts. For those who prefer a more relaxed evening, there are cozy cafes and restaurants where you can enjoy a nice meal or have a cup of coffee while enjoying the city’s ambiance.”
Q8. “The most underrated attraction in my city is the lesser-known neighborhood of Little Italy. It’s a hidden gem tucked away from the main tourist areas. Little Italy is known for its authentic Italian cuisine, charming streets, and cozy cafes. It’s a great place to wander around, explore the local shops, and indulge in delicious Italian dishes. The atmosphere is vibrant, and it offers a unique cultural experience that is often overlooked by visitors.”
C1 (Advanced Level) Model Answers
Vocabulary:
- Speciality
- a product that is extremely good in a particular place.
- Delve
- to search, especially as if by digging, in order to find a thing or information.
- Essence
- the basic or most important idea or quality of something.
- Mild
- not violent, severe, or extreme.
- Bloom
- When a flower blooms, it opens or is open, and when a plant or tree blooms it produces flowers.
- Stroll
- to walk in a slow relaxed way, especially for pleasure.
- Festivity
- the parties, meals, and other social activities with which people celebrate a special occasion.
- Moderate
- neither small nor large in size, amount, degree, or strength.
- Amenity
- something that is intended to make life more pleasant or comfortable for the people in a city, or other place.
- Enrich
- to improve the quality of something by adding something else.
Q3. “If tourists visit my region, they should definitely try the local specialty dish called “Paella”. It’s a traditional dish that has been passed down through generations and represents the authentic flavours of the region. The dish is known for its unique blend of spices, fresh seafood, and amazing taste and colour. It’s a must-try for anyone who wants to delve into the local culinary scene and experience the true essence of the region.”
Q6. “The best time of year to visit my city is during the spring season. The weather is pleasant, with mild temperatures and blooming flowers all around. It’s a great time to explore the outdoor attractions, stroll through the parks and gardens, and enjoy the atmosphere. Additionally, various cultural events and festivals take place during this time, offering visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the local traditions and festivities.”
Q9. “My region attracts a moderate number of tourists. It strikes a balance between being popular enough to offer a range of tourist amenities and attractions, yet not overly crowded. This allows visitors to explore the area comfortably without feeling overwhelmed by large crowds. The presence of tourists contributes to the local economy and cultural exchange, enriching the overall experience for both visitors and residents.“
See you all at this week’s conversation club!
