Video Guide
Level: P1
Focus on Vocabulary and suggestions
Universidad Estatal a Distancia
Vicerrectoría Académica
Dirección de Extensión Universitaria
Language Center - English Program
Costa Rica
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IWtA2c-l17g
A. BEFORE YOU WATCH
In pairs, answer the following questions:
-
Do you like traveling?
Where do you usually go?
- Talk about the places you usually visit. Think of places to go, things to do and
see.
- What about your town? What can you do there? What are some of your
suggestions?
How much do you know about your city? Town? Costa Rica?
B. VOCABULARY:
Get to know (verb): If you get to know someone, you find out what they
are like by spending time with them.
♦ to get to know sb
Distinguish (verb): To perceive as being different or distinct.
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Ethnic (adjective): relating to or characteristic of a people, especially a group
(ethnic group) sharing a common and distinctive culture,religion,language,or
the like.Referring to the origin, classification, characteristics, etc., of
such groups.
Devote(verb):to give up or appropriate to or concentrate on a particularpursu
it, occupation, purpose, cause, etc.: to devote one'stime to reading.
Feature(noun):something offered as a special attraction: This model has
several added features. A prominent or distinctive aspect, quality, or
characteristic: a feature of one's personality; a feature of the landscape.
Up to date (adjective): 1. Informed of or reflecting the latest information or
changes: an up-to-date timetable. 2. Being in accord with the latest ideas,
improvements, or styles: up-to-date technology; up-to-date fashions.
Export (verb): To send or transport (a product, for example) abroad,
especially for trade or sale.
Eradicate (verb):
to remove or destroy completely; extirpate: to eradicate small pox
throughout the world.
Literacy (noun): the ability to read and write. The ability to use language
proficiently.
C. WHILE YOU WATCH
C.1. Listen and take notes to answer the following questions:
1. What is the territory?
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
2. Where is it located?
__________________________________________________________
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3. What is the weather like?
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
4. How many species of flora and faura are there?
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
5. How much percent of the Costa Rican territory is devoted to the protection
of nature? How is it used?
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
6. How can Costa Rica be distinguished from any of the other countries in the
region?
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
7. What products does Costa Rica export?
__________________________________________________________
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C.2. Listen carefully and take notes to complete the following chart. Then,
compare your notes with a partner.
Places to visit
Things to do
Things to see
Extra Information
D. DISCUSSION
D.1. Based on what you have seen on the video and your point of view, discuss
(in small groups) the following questions with your partners.
-
What do you think are the most important attractions of Costa Rica?
Why?
What suggestions would you give to a person who is visiting Costa Rica
for first time?
What should this person do? What places should this person visit?
In your own words, What is Costa Rica like?
D.2. Role Play: In pairs or small groups, make some suggestions for someone
planning to visit your country for a long weekend.
Use phrases such as:




It’s a good idea…
You could…
How about…
Why don’t you…
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Practice your role play and present it for the rest of your class.
D.3. In small groups, plan a trip for a young marriage visiting Costa Rica. They
are from another country and they are staying for a week. They love extreme
activities and fresh air. They want to know more about Costa Ricans and visit
as many places as possible. Finally, present your ideas to your partners and
vote on the most interesting trip.
Here you have some more links related to traveling in Costa Rica; it can be
useful for students as well
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y6JhQy7xvW0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KYgtle7kXzw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t2tmuvalQ10
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5v_zzJabrhE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4vb-2XdsQyE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BHA2DSAluUc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d1HMix6oc-U (National Geographic,
Natgeotv.com)
Answer Key
C. WHILE YOU WATCH
C.1. Listen and take notes to answer the following questions:
1. What is the territory?
20.000 square miles
2. Where is it located?
In the middle of the Americas, in Central America. Between Nicaragua to the
north and Panama to the south.
3. What is the weather like?
Due to its tropical location the country has exceptional weather.
4. How many species of flora and faura are there?
500.000 species
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5. How much percent of the Costa Rican territory is devoted to the protection
of nature? How is it used?
25% of the Costa Rican territory is devoted to the protection of nature in areas
such as national parks, biological reserves; forest reserves and private manage
areas.
6. How can Costa Rica be distinguished from any of the other countries in the
region?
Smarter Infrastructure, Energy production, Harmony with nature, up to date
telecommunication system.
7. What products does Costa Rica export?
Electronic equipment, Fresh tropical flowers and fruits, textiles, Nontraditional products, bananas and gourmet coffee.
C.2. Listen carefully and take notes to complete the following chart. Then,
compare your notes with a partner.
Places to visit
Visit the different
volcanoes and
national parks
Visit the capital San
José and cold
mountains of
Heredia or the warm
mountains of
Alajuela
North and Pacific
region
Guanacaste
Middle Pacific
Manuel Antonio
Arenal Volcano
Caribbean region
Limón
Things to do
Sunbathe
Taste the typical food
Go dancing
Practice Golf, Canopy,
Horseback riding
Practice water sports
such as deep sea
fishing, sea kayaking,
surfing, Windsurfing
Hot Springs
Things to see
Colorful beaches
Flora and fauna
Forest
Magnificent night views
Birds
Green islands
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Extra Information
Spectacular beaches, exuberant national parks, exciting flora and fauna
Ticos have very diverse ethnic features, are helpful, educated and
spontaneous.
Multinational investments.
Strong democratic country.
Open economy.
There is a high literacy rate
Costa Rica has decreased the mortality rate to one of the lowest in Latin
America
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