Active Skills for Reading 2 (Unit 2: Going Abroad)


Safe Travel

Real Life Skill

Reading and Understanding Immigration Forms

A Match each question on an immigration form with the information you need to provide.

1. given name







2. gender







3. marital status







4. occupation







5. citizenship







6. permanent address







7. date of birth







8. surname







B Complete the form with information about yourself.

What Do You Think?

  1. Do you read blogs written by other travelers before going on holiday? Did you find them useful?
  2. Where have you traveled? Which place did you feel safest? Why?
  3. What would you do if you were in trouble in a foreign country?
Sample Answers

1. Yes, I read travel blogs and find them very useful for tips on places to visit and local customs.
2. I have traveled to Japan, South Korea, and Thailand. I felt safest in Japan because it's very orderly and safe.
3. I would contact the local embassy, ask for help from police, and try to reach out to local friends or acquaintances.

Safe Travel

Many travelers feel nervous about going to a new and unfamiliar place. If you plan your trip carefully and learn to take precautions, you can relax and enjoy yourself.

Check Your Paperwork1

While you prepare for your departure, make sure your paperwork is organized. You'll want to check the dates on your visas and passport. Having an important document expire before or during your trip is the last thing you want to happen. Be sure to get an international driver's license if you plan to drive while you are abroad. Also, do some research on the local currency. Some countries like Jamaica and —use more than one currency. It's best to know how and when to use each.

Mind Your Health
If you need to take medication along, keep it in its original container. If you are carrying prescription2 drugs, bring a letter from your doctor in case customs officials question you at your destination. Also, make sure that you travel with proper medical insurance so that if you are sick or injured while traveling, you will be able to get treatment.

Pay Attention
As a tourist, you'll probably stand out on the street. Unlike local people, you'll carry guide books, refer to maps, take photos, and look up at buildings. Because of this, you may appear vulnerable. Stay safe by keeping one eye on the amazing sights and the other on your personal items.

When you get into a taxi, make sure there is a meter3 and that it is turned on. If there is no meter, agree on a price before starting out. Your guides recommend protecting your luggage in busy transportation areas by always keeping it in front of you or between your legs. Also, if you are going anywhere that requires purchasing tickets, be sure to buy them at an authorized location. Never purchase tickets on the street, as these are often overpriced, fake, or expired.

Learn About the Locals
It's always a good idea to buy a guidebook and a map, and read about the local culture of the country you will be visiting. For example, it's important to know that in India you should use the right hand to eat, or to give and accept things. In Thailand, it's rude to point with your feet at someone or something. Also, try to learn a few basic words and phrases of the local language. Don't assume that everyone will speak your language or that they will understand English.

If you have trouble communicating, look for students and young people who might speak a foreign language. And remember to smile. It's the friendliest and most sincere form of communication, and is understood everywhere in the world!

1 Official documents like forms and reports are all paperwork.
2 A prescription is a medicine that a doctor has told you to take.
3 A meter is a machine that measures and records the amount of something.

Chapter - 2: Vocabulary Skill - The Prefix pre-

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