📌 A2EN

Backpacking Across Southeast Asia

A ready-to-use A2 English lesson — reading, questions and answer key, built by teachers on TeachIn.

This lesson has 3 sections in total — including the full answer key.

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📖 Reading

Last summer, Anna and her brother Tom went on holiday to a small village near the sea in Portugal. They stayed in a little white house with a garden full of orange trees. Every morning, they walked to the beach and swam in the warm water before breakfast. On the third day, something exciting happened. While they were walking along the beach, they saw an old fishing boat near the rocks. An old fisherman was fixing his net and he smiled at them. He asked if they wanted to go fishing with him the next morning. Of course, they said yes! The next day, they woke up very early, at five o'clock, and met the fisherman at the harbour. The sea was calm and the sky was pink. They didn't catch many fish, but Tom caught one big fish, and he was very proud of it. The fisherman cooked it for lunch, and it was delicious. After the trip, Anna and Tom visited the village market. They bought fresh fruit, some postcards, and a small gift for their mother. Anna also tried a local sweet called 'pastel de nata' for the first time, and she loved it so much that she bought six more to take home. On their last evening, they sat on the beach and watched the sunset. Tom said it was the best holiday of his life. Anna agreed, and she already wants to go back next summer. They are now saving money for the trip and planning to visit the fisherman again.

🗣️ Speaking — discussion

Context

Backpacking is an affordable way for young travelers to explore multiple countries with a small budget.
Southeast Asia—including Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos—is one of the most popular backpacking destinations in the world.
Backpackers typically stay in hostels, use public transport, and focus on authentic local experiences rather than luxury tourism.
The journey often involves challenges like navigating unfamiliar places, meeting other travelers, and adapting to different cultures.
Many backpackers say the experience changes their perspective on life and helps them build independence and confidence.

Themes

Adventure and Independence — Traveling on a budget and navigating unfamiliar places helps young people build confidence and discover their own strength. The journey often pushes travelers outside their comfort zone.
Cultural Exchange — Backpacking creates opportunities to meet local people, learn new customs, and understand different ways of living. These encounters often challenge stereotypes and build global awareness.
Budget Travel and Sustainability — Backpackers typically spend money in local communities and stay in smaller, family-run businesses rather than big hotels. This can support local economies while traveling responsibly.
Community Among Travelers — Hostels and travel routes create a social environment where solo travelers meet friends from around the world, creating lasting connections and shared memories.

Personal Response

Have you ever traveled with a backpack? What was your experience?
What is the most interesting place you have visited, and why did you enjoy it?
Would you like to go backpacking? What countries would you like to explore?

Themes & Ideas

Why do you think backpacking is popular with young people?
How can traveling to new places change a person's ideas and beliefs?
What is the difference between backpacking and staying in luxury hotels?

Critical Thinking

What are the advantages and disadvantages of backpacking alone?
How can backpackers respect local cultures while traveling?
Is backpacking a good way to learn about the world? Why or why not?

Cultural & Social Topics

How does backpacking tourism affect local communities in Southeast Asia?
What responsibilities do travelers have to the places they visit?
Are some tourist destinations becoming too crowded? What can be done about this?

🎭 Classroom activity

Pair students and have one person describe their ideal backpacking trip (destination, length, budget, activities) while the other asks follow-up questions. Switch roles and repeat. This practices both speaking fluently and asking clarifying questions in a realistic travel context.

✏️ Questions

Last summer, my family ___ (go) to Spain for two weeks.
While we ___ (walk) along the beach, we saw a beautiful sunset.
The airport in this city ___ (be) very busy every morning.
If it ___ (rain) tomorrow, we will stay in the hotel instead of visiting the old castle.
You ___ (must) show your passport at the airport before you fly to another country.
I have ___ (already) packed my suitcase for our trip to Italy tomorrow.
Where did Anna and Tom stay during their holiday?
- a) In a hotel near the harbour
- b) In a little white house with a garden
- c) In a flat above the market
- d) In a tent on the beach
What did the fisherman invite Anna and Tom to do?
- a) Go fishing with him
- b) Visit his family
- c) Help fix his house
- d) Sell fish at the market
What time did Anna and Tom wake up to go fishing?
- a) Five o'clock
- b) Seven o'clock
- c) Six o'clock
- d) Eight o'clock
Why was Tom proud during the fishing trip?
- a) He caught one big fish
- b) He cooked lunch for everyone
- c) He fixed the fisherman's net
- d) He steered the boat alone
What does 'it' refer to in the sentence: 'Anna also tried a local sweet... and she loved it so much that she bought six more'?
- a) The local sweet
- b) The gift for their mother
- c) The fresh fruit
- d) The postcard
What is the best summary of the final paragraph?
- a) Anna and Tom loved the holiday and want to return next summer
- b) Anna and Tom decided never to travel again
- c) Anna and Tom were disappointed with their holiday
- d) Anna and Tom moved to the village permanently