Unit 27: Do you think...?
- Comparing and contrasting alternatives
- Giving reasons for choices

Part 1
Vocabulary
Check the travel options that you prefer.
Do you prefer…? | |
to see the big tourist attractions | |
to go off the beaten path | |
to lounge around | |
to take a guided tour | |
to explore on your own | |
to plan and book things in advance | |
to keep your options open | |
to splurge | |
to stick to a budget | |
a bed and breakfast | |
a hostel | |
a luxury hotel | |
a budget hotel |
Sample answer
Do you prefer...? | |
to see the big tourist attractions | ✓ |
to go off the beaten path | |
to lounge around | ✓ |
to take a guided tour | |
to explore on your own | |
to plan and book things in advance | |
to keep your options open | ✓ |
to splurge | |
to stick to a budget | |
a bed and breakfast | |
a hostel | |
a luxury hotel | ✓ |
a budget hotel |
Sharing your travel preferences with your teacher.
Sample Conversation
A: I like to see the big tourist attractions when I travel. For example, when I went to Shanghai, I went in the Pearl TV Tower to look out over the area.
B: I like to lounge around. My favorite vacation was when I went to a beach resort and didn’t do anything for a whole week.
Part 2
Conversation
Listen and answer 2 questions.
1. Where are May and Alicia?
2. What options do they discuss and prefer?

Alicia & May
Transcript
Alicia: I’m so glad we came to London. It’s such a beautiful city.
May: It really is. I can’t wait to explore!
Alicia: What do you feel like doing? Do you want to take a guided tour or explore on our own?
May: Oh, I’d rather explore on our own. Guided tours are too crowded.
Alicia: I agree. Hm…what should we have for breakfast?
May: Do you think we should splurge or stick to our budget?
Alicia: I think it makes sense to splurge. I mean, you only live once!
May: Well, that’s true.
Example answer
- May and Alicia are in London.
- They discuss guided tours, exploring on their own, splurging, and sticking to their budget. They prefer to explore on their own, and they decide to splurge.
Practice the conversation with teacher
Listen. Write the three extra sentences you hear in the conversation. Practice the new conversation.
Alicia: I’m so glad we came to London. It’s such a beautiful city.
May: It really is. I can’t wait to explore!
Alicia: What do you feel like doing? Do you want to take a guided tour or explore on our own? _________________.
May: Oh, I’d rather explore on our own. Guided tours are too crowded.
Alicia: I agree. Hm…what should we have for breakfast?
May: Do you think we should splurge or stick to our budget? _________________.
Alicia: I think it makes sense to splurge. I mean, you only live once!
May: Well, that’s true. _________________.
Answers
Alicia: I’m so glad we came to London. It’s such a beautiful city.
May: It really is. I can’t wait to explore!
Alicia: What do you feel like doing? Do you want to take a guided tour or explore on our own? There’s a bus tour that starts at noon.
May: Oh, I’d rather explore on our own. Guided tours are too crowded.
Alicia: I agree. Hm…what should we have for breakfast?
May: Do you think we should splurge or stick to our budget? There’s a bus tour that starts at noon.
Alicia: I think it makes sense to splurge. I mean, you only live once!
May: Well, that’s true. In that case, let’s go shopping after breakfast!
Part 3
Language Booster
Notice the ways we compare and contrast alternatives and give reasons for our choices.
Comparing and contrasting alternatives
- What do you feel like doing? Do you want to take a guided tour or explore on our own?
- Do you think we should splurge or stick to our budget?
- Which do you want to do, make reservations in advance or keep our options open?
Giving reasons for choices
- I’d rather explore on our own. Guided tours are too crowded.
- I think it makes sense to splurge. I mean, you only live once!
- It would probably be a good idea to make reservations in advance. We’ll be travelling during the busy tourist season, and the hotels might fill up.
Imagine you are on vacation. Ask your teacher what he or she feels like doing today. Offer two choices.
Example conversation
A: What do you feel like doing? Do you want to see a movie or hang out at the mall?
B: I’d rather hang out at the mall. I need to buy a new pair of sneakers.
Part 4
Pronunciation: Linking with -s
Listen to the sentences. Notice the link between the words that end with -s and the words that follow them.
I think we should keep our options open.
Guided tours are too crowded
The hotels might fill up.
Let’s make reservations in advance.
Ask your teacher what he or she feels like doing today, like you did in Language Booster section, part B. This time, pay attention to linking words that end in -s.
Sample answer
A: What do you feel like doing today? Do you want to take a guided tour?
B: Um, guided tours are too crowded. I’d rather explore on our own.
Part 5
Speak with confidence
Write three alternatives for things that people might do on vacaction.
Alternative 1: ____________________________________________________________.
Alternative 2: ____________________________________________________________.
Alternative 3: ____________________________________________________________.
Sample answer
Alternative 1: Relax on the beach and enjoy the sunshine.
Alternative 2: Go hiking and explore nature trails.
Alternative 3: Visit historical landmarks and museums.
Questions & Answers
Teacher: "What are some things people might do on vacation?"
Student: "People might go sightseeing and visit famous landmarks, like historical sites or natural wonders."
Teacher: "That sounds exciting! What else can people do during their vacation?"
Student: "Some people prefer to relax at the beach or stay at a resort. They enjoy sunbathing, swimming, and taking a break from their busy lives."
Teacher: "Great! Are there any adventurous activities that travelers might try?"
Student: "Yes! Some travelers love adventure activities like hiking, scuba diving, or even skydiving. It depends on what kind of experience they’re looking for."
Teacher: "That’s true! Do you prefer relaxing vacations or adventurous ones?"
Student: "I like a mix of both. I enjoy exploring new places, but I also like having time to relax and enjoy the scenery."