Journey by Train

Warm Up: Discuss the question with your partner for five minutes.

1. Do you usually take the train?
2. How often do you take the train? Where do you go?

Reading:

Train journeys are a great way to discover the nature and people of a country. You travel at a slower pace. You see the cities, towns, and countryside. You meet and talk with many people. You try local foods.

Train journeys remind travelers about an older, more romantic way of travel too. There is the famous Orient Express, for example. It ran from Paris to Istanbul, and now runs from London to Venice and other cities in Europe. It is very luxurious. Or there is the Trans-Siberian Express. It runs more than 5000 miles from Vladivostok to Moscow, and it takes about one week!

Every continent and every country has a great train journey. Maybe you should take a train next time you travel.

Comprehension Questions: Answer the questions before/after your read the article.

1. Are train journeys a good or bad way to see a place? Why?
2. The article talks about two train journeys. Explain each journey.
3. Is the writer positive or negative about train travel? Why do you think so?

Discuss: Discuss these questions with a partner. Remember to support your answers.

1. Do you like train travel? Why/not?
2. Did you take the train in another country? Where did you go?
3. Do you want to take the Orient Express, Trans-Siberian, or another journey? Why/not?
4. What is the best way to travel? Why do you think so?

http://www.headsupenglish.com/index.php/beginner-english-students/beginner-mini-lessons/521-train-journeys

Internet Addiction

Warm Up: Discuss the question with your partner for five minutes.

1. How often do you use the Internet?
2. Why do you use the Internet? Please explain.

Reading:

Almost everyone uses the Internet these days. It's a very useful invention. In fact, some people think the Internet is the most important invention ever.

People surf the Internet for information, movies, and music. They study and read books. They play games. They talk with friends on social media websites like Facebook or Twitter.

However, some people are addicted to the Internet. In other words, they use the Internet too much and cannot stop. For these people, they don't go outside, do chores, or meet with friends because the Internet is more exciting. They feel uncomfortable when they cannot surf the Internet or check email. In fact, about 6% of people are addicted, and it is a very serious problem.

Are you addicted to the Internet?

Comprehension Questions: Answer the questions before/after your read the article.

1. What do some people think about the Internet?
2. How do people use the Internet?
3. For people who are addicted to the Internet, what problems do they have?

Discuss: Discuss these questions with a partner. Remember to support your answers.

1. Did you like this article? Why/not?
2. Are you addicted to the Internet? Why do/don't you think so?
3. Is the Internet the most important invention ever? Please explain.

http://www.headsupenglish.com/index.php/beginner-english-students/beginner-mini-lessons/537-internet-addiction