PRE-READING:

Look at the title and predict the main ideas of the article. Then, write down three wh-questions about the text.

Example: What could you do on a vacation at home?

WHILE READING:

Set a time limit to read this article. An average reader can read at the speed of 250 words per minute. Note down your reading speed regularly to check your progress.

SKIMMING:

Within the time limit, read and summarize the main ideas of the paragraphs with your own words. Do not worry about unfamiliar vocabulary.

Staycation – Vacation at Home

Can’t afford to go on holiday? Take a “staycation” – a vacation at home.

A recent study shows American families are not travelling much this year. Rising gas and food prices, along with job insecurity and a struggling economy, mean thousands of people choose to stay close to home, instead of hopping on a plane or driving somewhere.

Retailers see Americans buying a lot less than normal, as people have less money to spend. National department store chains such as Wal-mart and Target are pushing low-cost vacation activities along with the traditional barbecue and camping equipment sold this time of year. Both stores have launched summer ad campaigns that focus on fun in the backyard.

But even with low-cost staycation, many Americans are watching their wallets. Those backyard barbecues cost 6% more this year than last year. However, people are spending more money on home decorating, retailers report. And they buy items like scented candles and plants – things to make staying home more pleasant. At least you can be surrounded by beautiful things on your staycation.

Word count: 177

SCANNING: Use your notes to identify where you can find the answers to the questions you have made in the pre-reading stage.

POST-READING:

Glossary:

Pay attention to how the words are combined with other words in context. Do not learn the meanings of the words without sentences. Vietnamese should be the last resort after you have tried all the learning strategies. 

• A struggling economy (noun): an economy in difficulty, with financial problems (Kinh tế khó khăn) 

• To hop (verb): to jump, to enter (Nhảy lên)

• A retailer (n): a shop, a shop owner, or a business (or business person) that owns a number of shops (Bán lẻ)

• A department store chain (n): a group of large department stores (building with many shops) under common ownership/ management (Chuỗi cửa hàng)

• To push (verb): to promote (Đẩy mạnh)

• A backyard (n): an area next to a house where children can play, dogs live, people have BBQ, etc. (Sân sau)

• A getaway (n): a short holiday (Kỳ nghỉ ngắn)

• To watch your wallet (expression): to be careful about the amount of money you spend (Chi tiêu cẩn thận)

• Scented (adjective): with a nice fragrance (smell) (Thơm lừng)

• A candle (noun): a wax stick that burns slowly and creates light (Đèn cầy) 

Grammar:

Word focus

It is very fashionable to create words from new phenomena such as “Staycation” made from stay (at home) and vacation.

Can you think of any more words like this in English or in your own language?

Discussion:

Find a study friend and work together asking and answering these questions. Then, summarize the story to each other (in English of course). Try to use the vocabulary learned in the article in speaking and writing your summary.

Choose the correct definitions of words and expressions from the article.

1. A struggling economy. Is this an economy in difficulty or it is a positive description?

2. A department store chain. What’s a chain?

3. A backyard. Which two words is this noun composed of? Do you know what either word means? Clue: it’s connected to the house.

4. A weekend getaway. Which two words is this noun composed of? Do you know what either word means? Can it be a verb? How is it used as a verb?

5. To watch your wallet. Do you think this is literal or figurative? Why would you be “watching your wallet”?

This material is provided by the Australian Centre for Education and Training (ACET).