Nick: Hi, Chau. How are things?
Chau: Good. Have you made up your mind about where to go on holiday?
Nick: Well, I’ve narrowed it down to two countries - my first choice is France and my second is Japan. What do you think?
Chau: Well, France is one of the largest countries in Europe. Since we’ve got a four-week summer holiday, you could go on a cycling tour of the country or go on a package tour.
Nick: No, I’m not into package tours. I’d like to visit the Alps, and climb Mont Blanc - the highest mountain in Western Europe. I’d also love to explore Paris, and go sightseeing in the historic city of Versailles.
Chau: Sounds exciting! I think it’s quite warm there, much warmer than in Britain. I can just picture you, tanned and relaxed, tasting delicious local specialities like frogs’ legs and snails!
Nick: Ha ha! That’s not really my cup of tea. Perhaps I should go to Japan and stay at a seaside resort, eating sushi and sashimi every day! Anyhow, Japan is only my second choice.
Chau: Right. So what do your parents think about your plans?
Nick: Oh, they’re cool. I’m glad that they let me make my own decisions.
Chau: Lucky you. Whatever you decide, you’ll have a good time.
Nick: So what about you? Planning anything?
Chau: Well, my family... (fades out)
* Find a word / phrase in the conversation that means.
1. made a decision: – ………………………………
2. reduced it: – ………………………………
3. a trip where your travel and hotels are arranged for you: – ………………………………
4. move around and discover things: -………………………………
5. something you don’t really like: – ………………………………
** True (T) or False (F).
……06. Chau and Nick are going to have their winter holiday.
……07. A package tour is not interesting to Nick.
……08. Chau is teasing her friend about eating frogs’legs.
……09. Nick has decided to stay at a seaside resort in Japan.
……10. Nick’s parents are very controlling.
*** Answer the following questions.
11. What does “Oh, they’re cool” mean?
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
12. What is the weather like in France in the summer?
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
13. What would Nick like to do in France?
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
14. What wouldn’t Nick like to do in France?
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
15. How do we know that Chau’s parents don’t allow her as much freedom as Nick’s parents?
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
