English Learning for Beginners: Traveling Abroad

Dialogue

Alice: Oh, hi Bob! You look surprised to see me here.

Bob: Alice! Wow, you look like you just ran a marathon, or maybe you’re planning one? What’s up?

Alice: Ha! Even better. I’m planning my dream trip abroad!

Bob: A trip abroad? That sounds fancy! Where are you going? To Mars?

Alice: Not Mars, silly! I’m thinking… Italy! Imagine, pizza, pasta, ancient ruins!

Bob: Italy! Wow! Are you rich now? Or did you win the lottery?

Alice: Nope, just saving every penny! And I found some super cheap flight tickets! It’s my big adventure.

Bob: Cheap flights to Italy? That sounds suspicious. Did you check the airplane’s age? Is it made of cardboard?

Alice: Very funny! It’s a reputable airline! And I’m just going with a backpack. No fancy suitcases for me.

Bob: A backpack? So you’re packing your whole house in there? Don’t forget your toothbrush! And your passport!

Alice: Of course! Passport, tickets, toothbrush, and my lucky travel gnome! He needs to see the world.

Bob: A travel gnome? Okay, that’s new. Are you going to eat a lot of gelato?

Alice: Absolutely! Gelato for breakfast, lunch, and dinner! And maybe learn some Italian. “Ciao!”

Bob: “Ciao!” Be careful not to get lost. What if you try to order a pizza and accidentally order a hat?

Alice: (Laughing) I’ll try my best! I have a translation app! Wish me luck!

Bob: Good luck, Alice! Bring me back some Italian snacks, okay? No gnomes.

Alice: Deal! Maybe a mini gnome for you, Bob! Just kidding! See you when I get back!

Current Situation

Traveling abroad is becoming easier and more popular today! Many people dream of visiting new countries to see famous places, try delicious food, and learn about different cultures. To travel internationally, you usually need a passport, and sometimes a visa, which is a special permit from the country you want to visit. Some people travel with a big suitcase, and some, like Alice, prefer a small backpack to save money and travel light. It’s an exciting way to see the world and make new memories!

Key Phrases

• What’s up?: A casual way to ask “How are you?” or “What’s happening?”
  Hey, Mark! What’s up? How was your weekend?
• Dream trip abroad: A trip to another country that you have always wanted to take.
  My dream trip abroad is to see the Great Wall of China.
• Sounds fancy: Used to describe something that seems expensive, luxurious, or special.
  You’re flying first class? That sounds fancy!
• Saving every penny: To save as much money as possible, typically for a specific goal.
  I’m saving every penny to buy a new laptop.
• Cheap flight tickets: Inexpensive airplane tickets.
  I found some cheap flight tickets, so I can visit my family next month.
• Reputable airline: An airline that has a good and trusted reputation.
  Always choose a reputable airline for safety and good service.
• Go with a backpack: To travel using only a backpack, usually implying light and budget travel.
  For my trip around Southeast Asia, I’m just going with a backpack.
• Don’t forget!: An imperative (command) to remind someone about something important.
  Don’t forget your keys before you leave!
• Absolutely!: Used to express strong agreement or confirmation, meaning “yes, definitely.”
  “Are you coming to the party?” “Absolutely!”
• Try my best: To make the greatest possible effort.
  I don’t know the answer, but I will try my best to find it.
• Wish me luck!: A request for someone to hope for your success.
  I have a big exam tomorrow, wish me luck!
• Bring me back (something): To ask someone to buy or get something for you from their trip.
  When you go to Paris, please bring me back a small Eiffel Tower souvenir.
• Deal!: A casual way to say “I agree” or “It’s a promise.”
  “If you help me, I’ll buy you dinner.” “Deal!”

Grammar Points

1. Present Continuous for Future Plans

We often use the present continuous tense (subject + am/is/are + verb-ing) to talk about plans or arrangements for the future, especially when they are already decided or scheduled.

• I’m planning my dream trip abroad. (This plan is already in progress or decided.)
• Where are you going? (Asking about a future travel destination that is likely planned.)
• I’m just going with a backpack. (Describes a planned method of travel.)

Example:
I am meeting my friend for dinner tonight. (The meeting is planned.)
She is visiting her grandparents next weekend. (The visit is arranged.)

2. Imperatives (Commands and Instructions)

Imperatives are used to give commands, instructions, or make requests. For positive commands, we use the base form of the verb. For negative commands, we use “Don’t” + base verb.

• Don’t forget your toothbrush! (Negative command/reminder)
• Be careful not to get lost. (Positive command/advice)
• Bring me back some Italian snacks. (Positive request)
• Imagine, pizza, pasta, ancient ruins! (Positive invitation to think)

Example:
Close the door.
Don’t touch that.
Please sit down.

3. Basic Question Words (Who, What, Where)

These words help us ask for specific information.

• What: Asks about things or actions.
  • What’s up? (What is happening?)
  • What if you try to order a pizza and accidentally order a hat? (Asking about a possible scenario)
• Where: Asks about a place or location.
  • Where are you going? (Asking about the destination)

Example:
What is your name?
Where do you live?

Practice Exercises

Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks

Complete the sentences using words from the dialogue or key phrases.

1. I am _______ my next holiday to Japan.
2. She is _______ every penny for a new car.
3. _______ your passport when you travel!
4. My trip to Paris _______ fancy!
5. Can you _______ some chocolate for me?

Exercise 2: Match the Questions and Answers

Match the questions on the left with the correct answers on the right.

Questions:

1. What’s up?
2. Where are you going?
3. Are you saving money?
4. Can you bring me a souvenir?

Answers:

1. Yes, I’m saving every penny!
2. I’m going to France!
3. Sure, deal!
4. I’m just planning my weekend.

Exercise 3: Make a Sentence

Create a sentence using the given words. Use the present continuous for future plans where appropriate, or an imperative.

1. You / plan / a trip / to Spain (using present continuous)
2. Don’t forget / your camera
3. I / wish / you / luck

Answers

Exercise 1 Answers

1. I am planning my next holiday to Japan.
2. She is saving every penny for a new car.
3. Don’t forget your passport when you travel!
4. My trip to Paris sounds fancy!
5. Can you bring me back some chocolate for me?

Exercise 2 Answers

1. 1 – D
2. 2 – B
3. 3 – A
4. 4 – C

Exercise 3 Answers (Possible Answers)

1. You are planning a trip to Spain.
2. Don’t forget your camera!
3. I wish you luck!