Speaking : Check out

Answer the following questions :

1. Have you traveled abroad? Where have you been? If you haven't been overseas, which country would you most like to visit?
2. Where did you go on your last trip? Talk about where you went and what you did.
3. What is the best place for a vacation in your country? Why is it good?
4. What is the longest time you have been away from home? Did you feel homesick?
5. How long should a vacation be? How long does it take you to really relax?
6. What forms of transportation do you prefer to use when you travel?

Match the related choices.

1. I need to travel.

Model Dialog
Listen as the teacher reads the model dialog.
(Scenario – A couple living in NYC are talking about taking a trip.)

Zeus: I’ve been cooped-up in this city too long. I’ve got itchy feet.
Medusa: You can say that again. Let’s set out for the beach.
Zeus: The beach sounds good. We can head down Highway 1 and go to Siesta Beach.
Medusa: What do you say we stop at a hotel for a night?
Zeus: Ok, but I want to check out early so we aren’t stuck in traffic.
Medusa: That’s OK with me. Too bad we don’t have a magic carpet. We would get to the beach faster.
Zeus: If we had a magic carpet, I’d take you to a magic land.
Medusa: That’s sweet of you, but knowing our luck, the magic carpet would break down and we would have to walk.
Zeus: Let’s hope our luck is with us this weekend. I really need to get away.
Medusa: I know what you mean. We’ve been working too hard. It’s time we got away.

Read the following reading passage, and answer the questions.
Use the words provided below each question.

How to Check Out
Checking out should be an easy process. After packing your luggage, check your room to make sure you haven’t forgotten any belongings.
If the housekeeping service was good, it’s customary to offer a tip, about one to two dollars for each night. Many hotels set their checkout times between 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Guests are required to check out before this time. At the front desk, give your key card to the guest services agent. The agent will consult the computer to identify any charges for hotel services you used. This can include phone calls, movies, or mini-bar items.
The agent will give you a bill. Check it thoroughly to make sure that you understand the room charges. Depending on the country, you may also be charged a service tax. For guests who need a fast checkout, hotels provide a keycard drop box. The service is for guests who had their credit cards preauthorized. All expenses will be charged to your credit card, and the hotel will send you a receipt via mail or email. A late checkout is possible. You must call the front desk to request this. Many hotels will grant your request if the hotel isn’t fully booked. You may have to pay a late fee. If you celebrate a special occasion or attend a business conference, hotels will frequently offer complimentary late checkout. Continental breakfasts are also common. They are sometimes free and normally served between 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. The timing helps guests get up early and check out immediately after breakfast.

customary: commonly practiced, used or observed
consult: to ask the advice or opinion of
preauthorize: to give legal authority in advance
receipt: a written proof of having received something
grant: to agree to carry out
complimentary: given free as a courtesy
Continental breakfast: a light meal offered at a hotel

1. According to the reading passage, how can you check out?
pack, belonging, front, key card, bill, charge
Your answer may begin like: First, pack your bag and make sure you don’t leave any of your belongings behind, and then ....

2. When do you think is the ideal checkout time, and why?
late, guest, early, busy, inconvenient, management, uncomfortable

Your answer may begin like: Later, the better, I think. The current checkout time, often 11:00 a.m. to noon, is way too early. Earlier checkout time is ....