U2 | L1 Interactive Resource
Nivel C1
English Course
A Traveler’s Struggle in Medellín
Liam, an adventurous Australian backpacker, arrived in Medellin, Colombia, excited to explore its rich culture and breathtaking landscapes. However, his journey took an unexpected turn when he suffered from food poisoning after dining at a local restaurant. Alone and feeling weak, he soon realized that no one around him spoke English, making it difficult for him to seek help.
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The Language Barrier
Liam tried to explain his condition to the restaurant staff, but his limited Spanish made communication nearly impossible. He gestured, pointed at his stomach, and used basic words, but no one fully understood him. Frustration and panic set in as he felt his symptoms worsening.
Seeking Medical Help
Desperate, Liam stumbled onto the street, hoping to find someone who could help. A passerby noticed his distress and called an ambulance. However, the paramedics also struggled to communicate with him. They asked questions in Spanish, but Liam could only respond with confused nods and simple phrases like "No entiendo" (I don’t understand).
The Hospital Experience
At the hospital, Liam faced another challenge. The doctors needed information about his medical history, allergies, and what he had eaten. Without proper communication, diagnosing and treating him would be more complicated. He wished he had learned some essential Spanish phrases before his trip.
The Police Officer’s Reflection
Captain Bahamón, a local police officer, visited Liam in the hospital after hearing about his ordeal. He realized how vulnerable foreign tourists could be without a common language. He started thinking about ways to improve communication and safety for international travelers in Medellin.
The Challenge of Asking for Information
After being discharged from the hospital, Liam wanted to learn more about his condition and how to prevent another incident. However, asking for detailed information in a foreign language proved to be a real challenge.
At the Pharmacy
Liam entered a pharmacy to buy some probiotics and rehydration salts. He tried asking the pharmacist in English, but she only spoke Spanish. He pointed at his stomach and said, "I need medicine for food poisoning." The pharmacist looked confused. Realizing he needed to be more specific, he tried again:
"Do you have anything for nausea and dehydration?"
Clarifying Instructions
The pharmacist handed Liam some medicine but started explaining the dosage in rapid Spanish. Liam caught a few words but wasn’t sure about the details. He politely asked:
"Can you repeat that more slowly, please?"
Seeing his confusion, the pharmacist wrote down the instructions. Liam then asked:
"How often should I take this?"
By using simple, clear questions, he was able to understand the information.
Confirming Hotel Arrangements
Back at his hostel, Liam wanted to extend his stay but wasn’t sure about room availability. He approached the receptionist and asked:
"Is there a room available for two more nights?"
When the receptionist checked and nodded, Liam followed up with:
"How much will it cost per night?"
He realized that asking clear and precise questions made communication smoother.
Giving and Understanding Additional Information
Now that Liam had learned to ask for information more effectively, he also needed to understand and provide details clearly. This was especially important when dealing with locals who spoke limited English.
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Asking for Directions
Liam wanted to visit Comuna 13, a famous cultural district in Medellin. He asked a street vendor:
"How can I get to Comuna 13?"
The vendor, struggling with English, answered with a mix of Spanish and gestures. Liam needed to confirm, so he repeated:
"So, I take the subway to San Javier and then a bus?"
The vendor nodded, and Liam realized how repeating and confirming details could prevent misunderstandings.
Helping Another Traveler
At the hostel, Liam met a German traveler who was also struggling with Spanish. The traveler asked:
"Where can I find an ATM nearby?"
Liam, now more confident in giving directions, responded:
"There’s one two blocks away, next to a supermarket. Turn right at the corner and walk straight."
By giving clear, structured directions, he helped someone else to avoid the same confusion he had faced.
Understanding Local Advice
A friendly taxi driver gave Liam a safety tip:
"Don't carry your phone in your hand on the street."
Liam, unsure of the meaning, asked:
"Do you mean I shouldn’t hold my phone while walking?"
The driver confirmed, and Liam thanked him, realizing that paraphrasing was a great way to check understanding.
The Importance of Clear Communication
Liam had learned a valuable lesson: communication is not just about speaking but also about ensuring both parties understand each other. This became especially evident when he needed to clarify a misunderstanding at his hostel.
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A Booking Confusion
Liam had extended his stay for two nights, but when he returned to his room, he found his belongings at the reception. Confused, he asked the receptionist,
"Why is my luggage here?"
The receptionist checked the records and answered:
"Your booking was only for one more night, not two."
Realizing there had been a miscommunication, Liam showed the email confirmation and asked,
"Can we fix this? I still need a room for tonight."
By calmly clarifying the issue, he was able to solve it quickly.
Confirming Local Customs
That evening, Liam joined a group tour. Before entering a historical site, the guide mentioned a cultural rule in Spanish that Liam didn’t fully understand. He asked,
"Could you explain that again in simpler words?"
The guide smiled and said,
"Sure! In this place, taking photos is not allowed inside the chapel."
Liam thanked him and realized how important it was to double-check cultural rules.
Emergency Communication
Later that night, Liam felt unwell again and decided to call a doctor recommended by the hostel. Over the phone, he struggled to explain his symptoms, so he used a key strategy:
"I had food poisoning yesterday. I still feel weak and dizzy. Should I see a doctor?"
The doctor advised him to drink more fluids and rest. By structuring his sentences clearly, Liam got the advice he needed.
Planning the Next Adventure
After recovering from his food poisoning incident, Liam was eager to explore more of Medellin. However, to make the most of his trip, he needed to ask the right questions when gathering information about tours and attractions.
Asking About a Tour
Liam visited a travel agency and asked,
"What tours do you recommend for a solo traveler?"
The agent gave him several options, but Liam needed more details. He followed up with:
"How long does the tour last?" and "What’s included in the price?"
By asking specific questions, he ensured he had all the information before making a decision.
Understanding the Itinerary
Liam chose a tour to Guatapé, a colorful town near Medellin. Before booking, he asked:
"Does the tour include a boat ride?"
The agent nodded, adding, "Yes, and also a guided visit to El Peñol."
"So, we will visit Guatapé, take a boat ride, and climb El Peñol, right?"
Clarifying details helped him feel confident about his choice.
Packing for the Trip
The agent advised Liam to bring comfortable shoes and sunscreen. Liam asked,
"Will it be very hot during the day?"
The agent answered,"Yes, but it can get windy near the lake."
"How much will it cost per night?"
Liam appreciated the advice, realizing that asking about weather conditions could make his experience more comfortable.
Describing a Trip Experience
Liam was excited to explore Guatapé. Throughout the day, he practiced describing his experiences in English to share them with fellow travelers and remember key moments.
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Arriving in Guatapé
When Liam got to Guatapé, he was amazed by the colorful houses and vibrant streets. He turned to another traveler and said,
"This town is incredible! The buildings are so bright and full of murals."
The traveler nodded and asked,
"Have you ever seen a place like this before?"
Liam thought for a moment and answered,
"Not really. It reminds me of some small towns in Australia, but the colors here are unique!"
Climbing El Peñol
Later, Liam faced the challenge of climbing the 740 steps of El Peñol, a massive rock with a panoramic view at the top. Halfway up, he laughed and told a group,
"This is tougher than I expected! But the view worth it."
Once at the summit, he took a deep breath and said,
"Wow! The landscape is breathtaking. You can see the lake, the hills, and the entire valley from here."
Talking About Local Food
For lunch, Liam tried bandeja paisa, a traditional Colombian meal. As he ate, he told his guide,
"This is delicious! The mix of beans, rice, and plantains is perfect."
The guide smiled and asked,
"Do you like Colombian food?"
Liam responded enthusiastically,
"Absolutely! Except for that one restaurant where I got sick."
(They both laughed.)
Sharing Travel Experiences
After his trip to Guatapé, Liam wanted to share his adventure with friends and fellow travelers. He realized that describing a trip effectively meant going beyond simple facts and capturing emotions, impressions, and personal highlights.
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Posting on Social Media
Liam uploaded a photo of the Guatapé streets on Instagram and captioned it:
"Exploring the most colorful town in Colombia! Every street feels like a work of art. If you're ever in Medellin, don’t miss this place!"
A friend commented,
"What was the best part of the trip?"
Liam replied,
"Definitely climbing El Peñol! The view from the top is unreal."
Recommending a Tour
Back at the hostel, another traveler asked,
"Did you enjoy Guatapé? Would you recommend the tour?"
Liam nodded enthusiastically and said,
"Absolutely! The town is beautiful, the boat ride is relaxing, and the climb up El Peñol is challenging but rewarding. Totally worth it!"
He added,
"Just bring sunscreen and water—the sun can be intense."
Talking About Unexpected Moments
Later, Liam sat with a group of backpackers and shared a funny story:
"So, I thought I was ready for the hike up El Peñol... but after 300 steps, I was out of breath! Luckily, I met a local vendor selling coconut water halfway up. That saved me!"
Everyone laughed, and another traveler said,
"That’s what makes trips memorable—the little surprises!"
Understanding Local Rules and Obligations
During his stay in Medellin, Liam realized that every place had its own rules, especially when it came to safety, public spaces, and cultural rules. He learned that asking about obligations was essential to avoid misunderstandings.
Asking About Hostel Rules
Liam wanted to invite some new friends to his hostel for a small gathering. Before doing so, he asked the receptionist,
"Am I allowed to bring visitors to my room?"
The receptionist answered,
"No, guests are not allowed in the rooms, but you can meet them in the common area."
Liam thanked her and thought, "Good thing I asked!"
Public Transport Etiquette
While taking the subway, Liam noticed a sign but didn’t fully understand it. He asked a local,
"Do I have to give up my seat if someone needs it?"
The local smiled and explained,
"Yes, it’s mandatory for elderly people, pregnant women, or people with disabilities."
Liam nodded and made sure to follow the rule.
Safety Precautions
Before heading to Comuna 13 for a graffiti tour, Liam asked his guide,
"Is it necessary to go with a tour, or can I visit alone?"
The guide responded,
"It’s not mandatory, but it’s highly recommended for safety and a better experience."
Liam decided to join the tour, realizing that not everything was an obligation, but some rules were worth following.
Expressing Obligation and Non-Obligation
As Liam became more comfortable communicating in Medellin, he realized that expressing obligation and non-obligation was essential, not only to understand rules but also to give advice to other travelers.
Listen to audios
Talking About Visa Requirements
Explaining Safety Rules
Giving Advice on Local Laws
Talking About Preferences in Daily Life
As Liam became more comfortable interacting with locals and fellow travelers, he realized that discussing likes and dislikes helped him to connect with others. Whether talking about food, activities, or experiences, knowing how to express preferences made conversations more engaging.
Listen to audios
Asking About Food Preferences
Discussing Music Tastes
Sharing Opinions on Activities
Expressing Likes and Dislikes
As Liam continued his journey, he learned that expressing his preferences made conversations more interesting and personal. He discovered new ways to say what he loved and what he couldn’t stand.
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Talking About Favorite Foods
At a street food stand, Liam tried arepas for the first time. Excited, he told the vendor,
"I absolutely love this! It’s crispy on the outside and soft on the inside."
The vendor smiled and asked,
"Do you like empanadas too?"
Liam hesitated and answered,
"Not really, I don’t like fried food that much."
Expressing Dislike for an Experience
One evening, Liam went to a crowded nightclub with some friends. After an hour, he turned to his friend and said,
"I really don’t enjoy places that are too loud and crowded."
His friend nodded and said,
"Me neither! Let’s go somewhere more relaxed."
Describing Travel Preferences
At breakfast, another traveler asked Liam,
"Do you like traveling alone or with a group?"
Liam thought for a moment and said,
"I prefer solo travel because it gives me more freedom. But sometimes, I enjoy traveling with friends too."
Giving Opinions About Likes and Dislikes
Liam realized that simply saying "I like" or "I don’t like" wasn’t always enough. He wanted to express his opinions in more detail to make conversations richer and more engaging.
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Comparing Two Experiences
Explaining a Dislike
Justifying a Preference
