General English Level 4
Version 2.1
© 2004 acl Pty Ltd
GELEV4 Unit 02 Topic 05.doc
UNIT 02 Keeping fit TOPIC 05 Have you ever tried ...?
READING 01 Have you ever tried ... ?
Ming writes a letter to his friend Sam, to tell him about his rock climbing trip to
Black Mountain.
Dear Sam
How are things with you? How are your studies? Is your family all well, and especially
that lovely sister of yours?
You won't believe what I have been doing! Do you remember how I don't like heights?
Well, I've been rock climbing and abseiling! Yes, it's hard to believe, isn't it?
You see I'm now a member of the Adventure Sports Club. I've already been white
water rafting and scuba diving. So I thought it was time to face my fear of heights. I'd
thought I'd start with rock climbing. Next, I'll try skydiving!
A group of us went by bus to this really beautiful place called Black Mountain, and we
stayed overnight in tents. I slept really well on the first night but in the morning I was
quite nervous. Steve was our instructor, and he told me to relax because climbing is
really very safe.
There is some special climbing equipment and Steve explained how to use it. He also
said always to look ahead, and to put my arms and feet out in front to touch the wall if I
fell! He made it sound safe and easy, so I decided to try it!
It was thrilling! I soon understood what to do and stopped being frightened. When we
had all climbed up to the top, we abseiled again. That was even more fun! I can't wait
to do it again!
Have you ever tried rock climbing and abseiling? Did you enjoy it? Have you ever done
any other adventure sports?
Hey, why don't you come next time there's a trip? Then we can try skydiving together
too!
Bye for now
Ming
WRITING 02 A reply to Ming
Here is your chance to write about adventure sports.
1. Reply to Ming's letter.
2. Answer the questions in the letter.
3. If you have never tried an adventure sport and don't want to try, give
reasons. (See activities 02 and 03 Expressing doubts.)
Here is the start of the letter. You finish it!
Dear Ming
It sounds very exciting …
74