Interviews

High-intermediate

1. Have you ever been to the state of Utah in the United States or heard about it before? What do you know about Utah as a travel destination?
2. What kinds of activities or places do you enjoy when you’re sightseeing in a new location? Are you more inclined towards outdoor adventures or exploring urban areas?
3. When you think of “sightseeing,” what are some of the first things that come to your mind? Are there any specific landmarks or natural wonders that you’d like to see when you travel?
4. Do you prefer visiting well-known tourist spots or exploring lesser-known, off-the-beaten-path places when you travel? Why?
5. Are you an “outdoorsy” person, meaning you enjoy activities like hiking, camping, or exploring nature? Why or why not?
6. Have you ever been to a national park? What was your experience like, and which national park did you visit?

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

sightsee (verb): visit and/or explore interesting places, especially as a tourist.
– We plan to sightsee around the city and visit all the famous landmarks during our vacation.

outdoorsy (adjective): having a preference for outdoor activities and spending time in nature.
– Being outdoorsy, she enjoys hiking, camping, and biking in the mountains.

deserty (adjective): Having characteristics or qualities associated with a desert, which is typically dry, barren, and sandy.
– The deserty landscape of the region is known for its extreme temperatures and arid conditions.

attractions (noun): places or things that are interesting and draw people’s attention or interest.
– The city’s attractions include museums, parks, and historical sites that appeal to tourists and locals alike.

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, Aubrey and I are going to talk about sightseeing in Utah, where we currently live. There’s certainly no matter what country you go to, no matter what city you go and visit, there’s going to be certain things that you should see and certain things that you could do. And Aubrey, when you think about Utah, what comes to mind?

Aubrey: As a local, I don’t find it that exciting.

Randall: Okay. Well, in the pictures we see . . .

Aubrey: But there are definitely places . . .

Randall: Right

Aubrey: . . . that are, are beautiful, right? You know, if you’re an outdoorsy person, Utah is a great place for you. Um, you got Southern Utah. You see up on the screen, there’s, uh, Delicate Arch. You can go to Zions [National Park]. Lots of beautiful deserty places. Um, if you go further north, you’ve got beautiful mountains, you’ve got ski resorts. Utah’s a great place if you’re outdoorsy.

Randall: Well, great. Thanks for sharing some of those thoughts on sightseeing in Utah.

1. What were some of the specific places or attractions in Utah that were mentioned in the interview as appealing for sightseeing? Which of these places would you be most interested in visiting and why?

2. Aubrey mentioned that she, as a local, didn’t find Utah particularly exciting for sightseeing. Do you think people who live in a place are less likely to appreciate its attractions? Why or why not?

3. The interview highlighted the contrast between the desert landscapes in Southern Utah and the mountainous regions in the northern part of the state. Which type of landscape do you find more appealing for sightseeing, and why?

4. Aubrey mentioned that Utah is a great destination for outdoorsy individuals. What are some outdoor activities you enjoy when you travel, and how do these activities enhance your travel experience?

5. Based on the interview, what are some factors that can make a destination attractive to travelers? How important is the variety of attractions, such as natural wonders and outdoor activities, when you choose a travel destination?

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

• Utah State Flower
• Utah Desert
• Utah Travel Ad
• Winter Camping