English For Today chapter 11: A Holiday Trip

A Holiday Trip

1.1 Look at the pictures. Do you know the places? In pairs, share what you know about the places.

Figure

Labels: a, b, c, d Description: Four pictures labelled a, b, c and d. (a) A tall, pointed, conical monument standing by water. (b) A long, low, arched brick building with domed corner towers, beside a large tree. (c) Green hills and terraced fields under a sunrise sky, with trees in the foreground. (d) A sandy beach with waves, a boat at sea, and people under coloured umbrellas near tall trees.

1.2 Ask and answer the following questions in pairs/groups.

a) Have you ever visited a relative's or friend's house or a tourist spot?

b) Where did you go?

c) When did you go there?

d) Who did you go with?

e) How did you travel to get there?

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1.3 Tarek has recently visited the Safari Park with his parents. He has written a letter to his friend Salma about it. Read the letter.

Lalbagh, Gazipur 18 May, 2026

Dear Salma,

Hope you are doing fine. I am writing you to share how I have enjoyed my holiday.

Recently, I have visited the Safari Park in Gazipur. My parents were with me. We started our journey early in the morning. After arriving there we collected our tickets at the entry gate. The park authority arranged a minibus with fence to visit around the park. As the bus was moving, we spotted the lions relaxing on the grass. We found the elephants spraying water with their trunks. We saw many colourful birds. I took pictures with the birds.

I have enjoyed the day. I wish you could have been there with me. I have written a short article on my visit. I have drawn some pictures as well. My mother has suggested to publish it in the newspaper. My father has printed some nice pictures of the tour. I have made a photo album with them.

I would love to share with you when you will come. See you soon!

Your friend, Tarek

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2.1 Ask and answer the following questions in pairs.

a) Where did Tarek visit with his parents?

b) What types of animals did they see in the Safari Park?

c) What were the elephants doing?

d) How did they visit around the park?

e) What did Tarek do after returning from the trip?

3.1 Language Focus: Present Perfect Tense

In the letter, Tarek used the following sentences—

• Recently, I have visited the Safari Park with my parents.
• I have written a short article on my visit.
• I have drawn some pictures as well.

By using the words have visited, have written, have taken, Tarek described some of his recent activities. We use the Present Perfect Tense to describe the action that has happened recently.

We use the past participle form of verbs in the present perfect tense. Look at the following examples of past participle form of verbs.

We use the following structure for Present Perfect Tense:

• I have finished my homework.
• She has done her morning exercise.

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3.1.1. Complete the following sentences using present perfect tense.

a) We ________(find) the pen on the table.

b) She ______(invite) all her friends.

c) He _________(finish) his work.

d) They _______(buy) a toy from the fair.

e) The story is interseting. I__________(enjoy) it.

4.1 In small groups, plan a visit to a favourite place near your school. Use the plan organiser below.

Figure

Labels: Visit to ....................; Date; Time; Permission from teacher/parents; Participants; Transport; Food and Drinks; Photoghaphy; Safety: First Aid Box Description: A central oval labelled "Visit to ...................." with eight rounded boxes joined to it by lines: Date, Time and Permission from teacher/parents above; Participants on the left and Transport on the right; Food and Drinks, Photoghaphy and Safety: First Aid Box below.

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4.2 You have visited your favourite place according to your group plan. Now, describe how you have planned this trip following the cues. Use present perfect tense where needed.

a) What date have you decided to visit?

b) When have you decided to start your journey?

c) Who have you invited to join?

d) Who has arranged the transport?

e) Who has distributed food and drinks?

f) What things have you taken for safety?

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