Telling a short travel story and giving highlights
CEFR: B1
Read/Listen first
We left before sunrise for a quiet coastal town. The road was empty, and we made one short stop to stretch and grab warm coffee. In the afternoon we walked along the harbor and discovered a small fairground with a bright carousel turning slowly. I promised the kids we would try it later, but a cold wind picked up and the operator said it might close early. We took a few photos, compared the painted horses, and talked about what to do the next day. Back at our rental place we cooked a simple meal, shared stories from the drive, and made a short list for tomorrow. I wrote a few lines in my notebook so I would not forget the little details. Looking back, the best part was the slow pace: no traffic, no rush, time to talk, laugh, and plan what to see. It felt good to travel without pressure, just to be together and enjoy the moment.⚡ Learning goals
- Can describe a recent trip with simple time markers.
- Can sequence events and add short opinions about highlights.
- Can make small plans for the following day.
✨ Key language
- we made one short stop “We made one short stop near the highway.”
- it might close early “The ride might close early because of wind.”
- look back on the best part “Looking back, the slow pace was the best part.”
⚙️ Rules & Grammar — 4 Structures
1️⃣ Past simple with time markers
Rule: Use past simple to list finished actions with markers like yesterday, then, later.Examples: We left before sunrise; We walked along the harbor; We cooked a simple meal
Common pitfall + fix: Using present when actions are finished — Switch verbs to past simple with clear markers.
Choose the correct sentence.
Tip: Finished actions in the past use past simple.
Fill with the best answer: We ____ a short stop to get coffee.
Tip: Past simple form of make = made.
2️⃣ Would to talk about promises or intentions
Rule: Use would to report a past promise or intention.Examples: I promised we would try it; We said we would return; They thought it would rain
Common pitfall + fix: Using will after a past reporting verb — Backshift will to would after past reporting.
Which option reports a past promise correctly?
Tip: After a past verb, will often becomes would.
Fill with the best answer: The operator said the ride ____ close early.
Tip: Backshift: will → would.
3️⃣ Might for possibility
Rule: Use might to show a small possibility or uncertainty.Examples: It might close early; We might come back tomorrow; The wind might drop later
Common pitfall + fix: Overusing maybe with a full clause — Use might + base verb inside the clause.
Pick the best option: It ____ rain later.
Tip: Use might + verb without to.
Fill with the best answer: We ____ try the carousel tomorrow.
Tip: Might + base verb for possibility.
4️⃣ Looking back to highlight a conclusion
Rule: Use looking back to introduce a reflective comment on the experience.Examples: Looking back, the slow pace was the best part; Looking back, I learned a lot; Looking back, planning helped
Common pitfall + fix: Using look back when you mean remember — Use the -ing phrase to frame a summary opinion.
Choose the best sentence.
Tip: Use the -ing phrase with a comma.
Fill with the best answer: ____, the quiet roads were the best part.
Tip: Fixed -ing phrase + comma.
✍️ Vocabulary
harbor
Meaning: a sheltered area of water for boats.Synonyms: port, marina.
Chunk/Idiom: walk along the harbor.
Example: We walked along the harbor at sunset.
Morphology: noun.
Self-practice: Describe a place near the water you enjoy..
fairground
Meaning: an outdoor area with rides and games.Synonyms: carnival, funfair.
Chunk/Idiom: visit the fairground.
Example: We visited a small fairground.
Morphology: noun.
Self-practice: Name two rides you would try..
carousel
Meaning: a rotating ride with seats or horses.Synonyms: merry-go-round, roundabout.
Chunk/Idiom: try the carousel.
Example: The children tried the carousel.
Morphology: noun.
Self-practice: Say when a ride might close..
gust
Meaning: a sudden strong wind.Synonyms: blast, squall.
Chunk/Idiom: a gust of wind.
Example: A gust of wind shook the flags.
Morphology: noun.
Self-practice: Describe weather affecting plans..
pace
Meaning: the speed at which something happens.Synonyms: tempo, speed.
Chunk/Idiom: a slow pace.
Example: We enjoyed the slow pace.
Morphology: noun.
Self-practice: Compare slow and fast holidays..
notebook
Meaning: a small book for notes.Synonyms: journal, pad.
Chunk/Idiom: write in my notebook.
Example: I wrote in my notebook.
Morphology: noun.
Self-practice: Write two lines about a trip..
☁️ Examples (+ audio)
We left before sunrise and made one short stop.
The wind picked up, so the ride might close early.
We compared the painted horses at the fairground.
Looking back, the slow pace was the best part.
✏️ Exercises
Grammar
Choose the correct past form.
Tip: Past simple: made.
Backshift the promise correctly.
Tip: Past reporting verb → would.
Fill with the best answer:
It ____ close early because of the wind.Tip: Possibility with might.
Fill with the best answer:
____, the quiet streets were perfect for walking.Tip: Use the fixed phrase to reflect.
Vocabulary & Comprehension
Which word means a ride that turns?
Tip: Carousel = merry‑go‑round.
A sudden strong wind is a…
Tip: Gust is a short burst of wind.
Fill with the best answer:
We walked along the ____ at sunset.Tip: Place for boats.
Fill with the best answer:
I wrote a list in my ____.Tip: A small book for notes.
✅ Guided practice
Mini-dialogue:
A: How about the carousel before dinner?B: If it stays open, yes.
Why this matters:
Stories help us remember details. Linking events improves clarity. Planning builds confidence.Verb & Adjective Pack:
plan ahead — “Plan ahead to avoid stress.”keep promises — “Keep promises to build trust.”
slow down — “Slow down and enjoy the view.”
Try & compare:
Fill with the best answer: We ____ try the ride tomorrow if the wind drops.
Tip: Use might for small possibility.
Self-correction: Fix the sentence: We was walking along the harbor.
Tip: Past continuous uses were with we.
Practice aloud: Listen, repeat, then type the sentence.
Tip: Say the sentence smoothly without pauses.