English Podcast: Exploring Nature: Parks and Trails | 🎧 English on the Go! | Beginner



TRANSCRIPT

1. INTRODUCTION TO THE EPISODE

Host (Brian): Welcome to English on the Go, where you can learn everywhere and speak everywhere! I'm your host, Brian. Today, we're going to talk about exploring nature, especially parks and trails. We'll learn useful words to describe outdoor places and activities. Whether you love hiking, picnicking, or just enjoying fresh air, this episode will help you talk about your outdoor adventures in English!

Host (Brian): Spending time in nature is a wonderful way to relax and stay healthy. Parks and trails offer many activities like walking, hiking, bird watching, and having picnics. Different parks have different features - some have lakes or rivers, others have forests or gardens. Today, we'll learn how to describe these places and talk about outdoor activities in English.


2. PRE-LISTENING QUESTIONS

Host (Brian): Before we start our conversation, think about these questions:

Host (Brian): Do you like spending time outdoors?

Host (Brian): What's your favorite outdoor activity?

Host (Brian):  Is there a park near your home?

Host (Brian): Keep these questions in mind as we listen to today's conversation!


3. MAIN CONVERSATION


Host (Brian): Now, let's listen to a conversation between Maria and David. They're talking about their recent visits to different parks and trails.

Maria: Hi David! How was your weekend?

David: Hi Maria! It was great! I went to Green Valley Park yesterday. Have you been there?

Maria: No, I haven't. What's it like?

David: It's beautiful! There's a long walking trail through the forest. The trees are very tall, and there are lots of birds and squirrels.

Maria: That sounds nice! Is it easy to walk there?

David: Yes, the main trail is flat and wide. But there are also some smaller trails that go up the hill if you want more exercise.

Maria: Are there places to rest?

David: Yes, there are benches along the trail, and they have picnic tables near the entrance. There's also a map at the start of each trail.

Maria: That's good to know. I like to take breaks when I go hiking. Did you see any interesting animals?

David: Yes! I saw three deer early in the morning, and many different birds. There's even a small lake where you can watch ducks.

Maria: Wow! I love watching wildlife. Last week, I went to City Park. They have a beautiful garden with lots of flowers.

David: Oh, I know City Park! Did you use the fitness trail?

Maria: Yes! I tried the exercise stations along the trail. It was fun! They also have a playground for children.

David: That's right. And there's a nice café near the park entrance where you can get water or coffee.

Maria: Yes, I got an ice cream there after my walk. It was perfect because it was a hot day.

David: Would you like to go hiking at Green Valley Park with me next weekend?

Maria: That's a great idea! Maybe we can have a picnic there too?

David: Sure! I'll bring sandwiches, and you can bring drinks and snacks.

Maria: Perfect! I can't wait to see the forest and the lake.

David: Me too! Just remember to wear comfortable shoes and bring a hat. Sometimes there's not much shade on the trail.

Maria: Thanks for the tip! It's going to be a fun adventure!

Host (Brian): What a nice conversation about exploring parks and trails! Did you notice how Maria and David described the different features of the parks and made plans to go hiking together? Let's learn some important words and phrases they used.



4. VOCABULARY ANALYSIS

Host (Brian): Let's look at some key words and phrases from the conversation:

  1. Trail: A path through natural areas. Example: "A long walking trail through the forest."

  2. Wildlife: Animals living in nature. Example: "I love watching wildlife."

  3. Flat: Level, not steep. Example: "The main trail is flat and wide."

  4. Shade: An area protected from direct sunlight. Example: "There's not much shade on the trail."

  5. Exercise stations: Places along a trail with equipment for exercise. Example: "I tried the exercise stations along the trail."

  6. Entrance: The way into a place. Example: "There's a nice café near the park entrance."

  7. Hiking: Walking for a long time in nature. Example: "Would you like to go hiking with me?"

  8. Picnic tables: Tables for eating outdoors. Example: "They have picnic tables near the entrance."

  9. Comfortable: Feeling good, not causing pain. Example: "Remember to wear comfortable shoes."

  10. Adventure: An exciting experience. Example: "It's going to be a fun adventure!"

Let’s listen to the conversation one more time to pick up on any details you might have missed!


5. QUIZ

Host (Brian): Let's test what you learned! We'll give the answers at the end of the episode.

  1. What animals did David see at Green Valley Park?
    a) Only birds
    b) Deer, birds, and ducks
    c) Just squirrels

  2. What does City Park have?
    a) A fitness trail and garden
    b) A lake and forest
    c) Mountains and rivers

  3. What did Maria get at the café?
    a) Coffee
    b) Water
    c) Ice cream


6. POST-LISTENING QUESTIONS

Host (Brian): Think about these questions:

Host (Brian): Which park would you prefer to visit - Green Valley Park or City Park? Why?

Host (Brian): What would you bring with you for a day at the park?

Host (Brian): What's your favorite outdoor activity?

Host (Brian): Do you prefer walking on flat trails or hiking up hills?

Host (Brian): Practice answering these questions in English!


7. CONCLUSION

Host (Brian): Now, let's check the quiz answers:

  1. What animals did David see at Green Valley Park? The correct answer is b) Deer, birds, and ducks

  2. What does City Park have? The correct answer is a) A fitness trail and garden

  3. What did Maria get at the café? The correct answer is c) Ice cream

Host (Brian): Thank you for listening to English on the Go! Today we learned how to talk about parks, trails, and outdoor activities. Remember to use these new words and phrases when you talk about your own outdoor adventures!

Host (Brian): Don't forget to download the free vocabulary list . Next time you visit a park or go hiking, try describing what you see in English.

Host (Brian):  See you next time on English on the Go, where you can learn everywhere and speak everywhere!



8. VOCABULARY SUMMARY TABLE

Word/Phrase

Part of Speech

Definition

Example Sentence

Synonyms

Trail

Noun

A path through nature

The hiking trail goes through the forest.

Path, track

Wildlife

Noun

Animals living in nature

We saw lots of wildlife in the park.

Animals, creatures

Flat

Adjective

Level, not steep

This trail is flat and easy to walk.

Level, even

Shade

Noun

Area protected from sunlight

Let's rest in the shade of this tree.

Cover, shelter

Hiking

Verb

Walking in nature

We go hiking every weekend.

Trekking, walking

Entrance

Noun

Way into a place

Meet me at the park entrance.

Gateway, entry

Comfortable

Adjective

Feeling good, not causing pain

These shoes are very comfortable for walking.

Pleasant, cozy

Adventure

Noun

Exciting experience

Going to new trails is always an adventure.

Journey, expedition

Picnic

Noun

Outdoor meal

Let's have a picnic in the park.

Outdoor lunch

Wildlife

Noun

Animals in nature

We saw beautiful wildlife on our hike.

Fauna, animals




EXERCISE

EXERCISE 1: Fill in the Blanks

Instruction: Listen to the conversation and fill in the blanks with the appropriate words.

Host (Brian): Now, let's listen to a conversation between Maria and David. They're talking about their recent visits to different parks and (1)__________

 Maria:  Hi David! How was your (2)__________

 David: Hi Maria! It was great! I went to Green Valley Park yesterday. Have you been there? 

 Maria:  No, I haven't. What's it (3)__________

 David: It's beautiful! There's a long walking (4)__________ through the forest. The trees are very tall, and there are lots of birds and squirrels. 

 Maria:  That sounds nice! Is it easy to (5)__________ there? 

 David: Yes, the main trail is flat and wide. But there are also some smaller trails that go up the hill if you want more (6)__________

 Maria:  Are there places to (7)__________

 David: Yes, there are benches along the trail, and they have picnic tables near the entrance. There's also a (8)__________ at the start of each trail. 

 Maria:  That's good to know. I like to take (9)__________ when I go hiking. Did you see any interesting animals? 

 David: Yes! I saw three deer early in the morning, and many different birds. There's even a small (10)__________ where you can watch ducks. 

 Maria:  Wow! I love watching (11)__________. Last week, I went to City Park. They have a beautiful garden with lots of flowers. 

 David: Oh, I know City Park! Did you use the fitness trail? 

 Maria:  Yes! I tried the exercise stations along the trail. It was (12)__________! They also have a (13)__________ for children. 

 David: That's right. And there's a nice café near the park entrance where you can get water or coffee. 

 Maria:  Yes, I got an ice cream there after my walk. It was perfect because it was a (14)__________ day. 

 David: Would you like to go hiking at Green Valley Park with me next (15)__________

 Maria:  That's a great idea! Maybe we can have a (16)__________ there too? 

 David: Sure! I'll bring sandwiches, and you can bring drinks and (17)__________

 Maria:  Perfect! I can't wait to see the (18)__________ and the lake. 

 David: Me too! Just remember to wear comfortable (19)__________ and bring a hat. Sometimes there's not much shade on the trail. 

 Maria:  Thanks for the (20)__________! It's going to be a fun adventure! 

Host (Brian): What a nice conversation about exploring parks and trails! Did you notice how Maria and David described the different features of the parks and made plans to go hiking together? Let's learn some important words and phrases they used.


EXERCISE 2: True, False, Not Given

Instruction: Read each statement carefully and mark it as True, False, or Not Given based on the conversation.

  1. Green Valley Park has a walking trail through a desert.

  2. The smaller trails at Green Valley Park go uphill.

  3. There are no maps at the start of the trails in Green Valley Park.

  4. David saw deer and squirrels at Green Valley Park.

  5. City Park has a garden with many flowers.

  6. Maria used the fitness trail at Green Valley Park.

  7. The café at City Park serves only coffee.

  8. David suggests wearing a hat for extra shade at Green Valley Park.

  9. Maria has been to Green Valley Park before.

  10. Maria and David plan to hike at Green Valley Park next weekend.



EXERCISE 3: Multiple Choice Questions

Instruction: Choose the correct answer for each question based on the information from the conversation.

  1. Where did David go over the weekend?
    a) City Park
    b) Green Valley Park
    c) Blue Ridge Park
    d) Mountain Trail

  2. What is the main feature of the trail at Green Valley Park?
    a) It is narrow and rocky.
    b) It has exercise stations.
    c) It is flat and wide.
    d) It has no shade.

  3. What did David see early in the morning at the park?
    a) Ducks and geese
    b) Three deer
    c) A fox
    d) A bear

  4. What feature does City Park have?
    a) A small lake
    b) A garden with flowers
    c) A waterfall
    d) A picnic area

  5. What did Maria try at City Park?
    a) The playground
    b) The café
    c) The exercise stations
    d) The forest trail

  6. Why did Maria get ice cream after her walk?
    a) She wanted to cool down on a hot day.
    b) She was tired from hiking uphill.
    c) It was the only snack available.
    d) David recommended it.

  7. What does David suggest Maria should bring to Green Valley Park?
    a) Sunglasses and a camera
    b) Water bottles and sunscreen
    c) Comfortable shoes and a hat
    d) A backpack and binoculars

  8. What is near the entrance of City Park?
    a) A café
    b) A fitness trail
    c) A small lake
    d) Benches

  9. What kind of animals did David see near the lake?
    a) Squirrels
    b) Ducks
    c) Deer
    d) Foxes

  10. What are Maria and David planning to do at Green Valley Park next weekend?
    a) Take photos of wildlife
    b) Have a picnic and go hiking
    c) Explore the playground
    d) Visit the café


EXERCISE 4: Matching Information

Instruction: Match each phrase to the correct point made by the speakers (Maria or David) in the conversation.

Phrase

Speaker (Maria or David)

"I saw three deer early in the morning."


"There’s a nice café near the park entrance."


"I like to take breaks when I go hiking."


"The main trail is flat and wide."


"Last week, I went to City Park."


"Maybe we can have a picnic there too?"


"There are lots of birds and squirrels."


"I got an ice cream there after my walk."


"I tried the exercise stations along the trail."


"Wear comfortable shoes and bring a hat."



EXERCISE 5: Sentence Rearrangement

Instruction: Rearrange the jumbled sentences to form coherent statements related to the conversation.

  1. I went to Green Valley Park yesterday.

  2. Along the trail, there are benches and picnic tables.

  3. There’s a small lake where you can watch ducks.

  4. The trees are very tall, and there are lots of birds.

  5. David suggested bringing drinks and snacks for the picnic.

  6. Maria loves watching wildlife during her walks.

  7. The fitness trail at City Park has exercise stations.

  8. There’s a nice café at the park entrance.

  9. Maria and David plan to go hiking next weekend.

  10. Wear comfortable shoes and bring a hat for the hike.



EXERCISE 6: Choose the Correct Word

Instruction: Fill in the blanks with the correct word from the options provided.

  1. David went to Green Valley Park (yesterday / last week / tomorrow).

  2. The main trail is (rocky / flat / steep) and wide.

  3. There are benches and picnic (tables / trails / gardens) near the entrance.

  4. David saw three (ducks / squirrels / deer) early in the morning.

  5. Maria visited City Park (last week / yesterday / next month).

  6. At City Park, there is a fitness trail with exercise (stations / maps / benches).

  7. Maria got an ice cream after her (picnic / walk / hike).

  8. They’re planning a picnic with sandwiches, drinks, and (snacks / coffee / juice).

  9. Maria loves watching (wildlife / gardens / flowers) while hiking.

  10. David reminded Maria to wear (comfortable / new / hiking) shoes.


EXERCISE 7: Sentence Reordering

Instruction: Put the sentences in the correct order to recreate a summary of the conversation.

  1. Maria and David discussed their visits to parks over the weekend.

  2. David described the trails, animals, and features of Green Valley Park.

  3. Maria shared her experience at City Park and using the fitness trail.

  4. They talked about the café near the park entrance.

  5. David suggested they go hiking at Green Valley Park together.

  6. Maria liked the idea and suggested having a picnic.

  7. David offered to bring sandwiches and reminded Maria to bring drinks and snacks.

  8. He also recommended wearing comfortable shoes and a hat.

  9. Maria expressed excitement about seeing the forest and lake.

  10. They agreed it would be a fun adventure.


ANSWER KEY

EXERCISE 1: Fill in the Blanks

  1. trails

  2. weekend

  3. like

  4. trail

  5. walk

  6. exercise

  7. rest

  8. map

  9. breaks

  10. lake

  11. wildlife

  12. fun

  13. playground

  14. hot

  15. weekend

  16. picnic

  17. snacks

  18. forest

  19. shoes

  20. Tip

Exercise 2: True, False, Not Given

  1. False

  2. True

  3. False

  4. True

  5. True

  6. False

  7. False

  8. True

  9. False

  10. True

Exercise 3: Multiple Choice Questions

  1. b) Green Valley Park

  2. c) It is flat and wide.

  3. b) Three deer

  4. b) A garden with flowers

  5. c) The exercise stations

  6. a) She wanted to cool down on a hot day.

  7. c) Comfortable shoes and a hat

  8. a) A café

  9. b) Ducks

  10. b) Have a picnic and go hiking

Exercise 4: Matching Information

Phrase

Speaker (Maria or David)

"I saw three deer early in the morning."

David

"There’s a nice café near the park entrance."

David

"I like to take breaks when I go hiking."

Maria

"The main trail is flat and wide."

David

"Last week, I went to City Park."

Maria

"Maybe we can have a picnic there too?"

Maria

"There are lots of birds and squirrels."

David

"I got an ice cream there after my walk."

Maria

"I tried the exercise stations along the trail."

Maria

"Wear comfortable shoes and bring a hat."

David

Exercise 5: Sentence Rearrangement

  1. I went to Green Valley Park yesterday.

  2. Along the trail, there are benches and picnic tables.

  3. There’s a small lake where you can watch ducks.

  4. The trees are very tall, and there are lots of birds.

  5. David suggested bringing drinks and snacks for the picnic.

  6. Maria loves watching wildlife during her walks.

  7. The fitness trail at City Park has exercise stations.

  8. There’s a nice café at the park entrance.

  9. Maria and David plan to go hiking next weekend.

  10. Wear comfortable shoes and bring a hat for the hike.

Exercise 6: Choose the Correct Word

  1. yesterday

  2. flat

  3. tables

  4. deer

  5. last week

  6. stations

  7. walk

  8. snacks

  9. wildlife

  10. comfortable

Exercise 7: Sentence Reordering

  1. Maria and David discussed their visits to parks over the weekend.

  2. David described the trails, animals, and features of Green Valley Park.

  3. Maria shared her experience at City Park and using the fitness trail.

  4. They talked about the café near the park entrance.

  5. David suggested they go hiking at Green Valley Park together.

  6. Maria liked the idea and suggested having a picnic.

  7. David offered to bring sandwiches and reminded Maria to bring drinks and snacks.

  8. He also recommended wearing comfortable shoes and a hat.

  9. Maria expressed excitement about seeing the forest and lake.

  10. They agreed it would be a fun adventure.




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