Listening

An Interview with a Famous Traveller

1. You are going to listen to an interview with a famous traveller. As the host of the talk-show says, “He has been everywhere and seen everything.”

· Where has he been, do you think?

· What has he done to become so famous?

· Write down your ideas.

Now listen to the beginning of the interview to see whether you have guessed correctly.

2. Richard Mills recalls the story of his rescue in the Sahara.

· Try to guess what happened in the Sahara and how Richard was rescued.

· In the story Richard uses several phrasal verbs. Listen to the story again and write them down. What do they mean? Now, tell the story of Richard’s Sahara rescue using the verbs.

3. In the second half of the interview Richard talks about his next expedition. What is it going to be, do you think?

Listen to the second half of the interview and take notes to make up its outline.

Outline

1) where?

2) preparations/ training

3) anticipated problems

4) equipment

5) how long will it take? pace?

6) food

7) photographs

8) book

Imagine that you are writing a short article about R. Mills’ polar expedition after he has returned. (Sum up everything you have learned about Richard’s next expedition. Why is it his most ambitious project so far?)

4. Recall what questions the host of the talk-show asked the traveller. Now, interview Richard Mills after he has returned from his polar expedition.

5. What sort of man is Richard Mills, do you think? What are famous travellers usually like? What makes them climb up Everest, cross the Sahara on foot or sail across the Atlantic in a rowing boat risking their lives and overcoming countless hardships?