4e: Holiday plans

1 Warm-up

Look at the advertisement below and discuss.

If you were interested in this holiday, what else would you like to know?

I would like to know how much money it costs and more information about the hotels in general.

How would you contact this travel agency?

I'd send them a letter to the address provided.

2 Listen

Listen to a man calling S.A. Winter Travel Agency for some information and complete his notes.

Weekend price: SAR1,500 per person
Special
offer: Group of 11: 20% cheaper
Resorts in Abha
Lesson with instructor: lasts 2 hours
costs SAR80

Speak and Write

A. Below is an e-mail Matthew Fox sent to S.A.
Winter Travel Agency. Read it and answer the questions. When it is possible, underline parts of the letter to justify your answers.

1. Is Matthew writing to someone he knows?

No, he isn't.

2. Where did he find the advertisement?

In a local newspaper.

3. Why is he writing this e-mail?

To ask for more information.

4. How many questions does he ask?

Five

5. Which words/phrases does he use to list his questions?

Firstly, Also, Furthermore, lastly.

6. What features make this e-mail semi-formal?

The following features: a. the tone is not formal, but not over- friendly either, b. it has an appropriate greeting and signing off remarks. it uses semi formal language, d. it uses indirect questions.

B. Read the information below. Then read the direct questions 1-4 and form indirect questions.

1. How much does it cost?
Would you please inform me how much it costs?

2. Where is the indoor swimming pool?
Do you know where the indoor swimming pool is?

3. How many rooms have air-conditioning?
Can you tell me how many rooms have air-conditioning?

4. What type of extreme sports will I be able to do there?
Could you let me know what type of extreme sports I will be able to do there?

D. Below are parts of a semi-formal e-mail. Not all the words/phrases are appropriate. Rewrite them in an appropriate style.

1. Dear Mr Jones,

2. I saw your advertisement in a magazine and I would like some information.

3. Lastly, could you please send me some photographs?

4. I look forward to hearing from you.

Many thanks,

Bill Dale

E. ROLE PLAY
Go to page 63.

A: Tomkins Travel Agency, Alex speaking, how may I help you?

B: Yes, hi. I'm interested in the Margarita Island summer breaks and would like to find out more information.

A: Of course. What would you like to know?

B: First of all, you mention that the prices are unbelievable. Can you be more specific?

A: That depends on how many days you want to book a holiday for.

B: I see. Well, what's the cost for one week?

A: That would be about 300 euros.

B: Really? That's not bad.

A: It's really good, actually. When do you want to go?

B: In August. Are there any special offers then?

A: Hmm... no, unfortunately. August is a busy month.

B: I see. You mention extreme sports in your advertisement. Which sports are offered at the resorts?

A: Lots. Scuba-diving, jet skiing, hang-gliding...

B: Oh, excellent. And what's the minimum age for these sports?

A: 18.

B: OK, then. Thanks very much for all your help.

A: My pleasure.

F. Look at the advertisement on page 63 and write an e-mail to Tomkins Travel Agency to ask for information about the holiday. Follow the plan in activity C.

Dear My Frank Smith,

I saw your advertisement in a local magazine and I am writing to ask for more information about the summer breaks on Margarita Island.

First of all, I was wondering about the cost. Can you tell me how much one week's stay would cost?

Furthermore, we are thinking of going to the island in August. Are there any special offers then? In your advertisement, you mention extreme sports.

Which exactly are available? What is more, can you tell me what the minimum age for sports is? My two young sons are joining me so I would like to know.

Thank you for your time. Please send me a reply as soon as possible.

Best wishes,

Mike Saget.