Unit 1
DIALOGUE I
Back from the Summer Camp
A: You know what? I've just come back from a wonderful summer camp.
B: You have? Where did you go?
A: Mount Tai.
B: I've been there too. It's one of China's most beautiful mountains. There're many scenic spots and places of historical interest. I was greatly impressed by its natural beauty when I took a study tour there two years ago.
A: It really is a very beautiful tourist attraction. But we went there as campers, not as tourists. It was a study programme organized by our local community committee.
B: I bet you had lots of fun there.
A: Yes, it was a wonderful experience. You know it was the first time I'd been to a summer camp in five years, and it brought back such sweet memories.
B: Were there any other camping groups when you were there?
A: Not when we arrived at the foot of the mountain. But soon we were joined by many similar camping groups from other cities. By the time we arrived at the campsite, night had fallen. And we were so happy to see that the campers who arrived there the day before were giving a performance by the campfire.
B: You remind me of my last trip there. I wish I had been there with you this time. What did you do at the summer camp?
A: Oh, lots of things. Most of the time we studied plants, rocks, insects... things like that. We also had lots of fun, hiking, climbing mountains, taking pictures...
B: I guess you had the life of a natural scientist.
A: And the life of an athlete, too.
B: I had a similar experience during the summer two years ago. I remember my summer camp was subdivided into what we called "hobby groups", such as the music group, the drama group, and the model aircraft and ship group. People sharing similar interests and hobbies worked together. Were there any hobby groups in your programme?
A: Yes, of course. We had a number of hobby groups for campers with varied interests. We called them "project groups" because each group worked on a particular project. At the completion of their projects, each group presented their "fruits" to all the campers. Some gave oral reports, some staged an exhibition, and others put on a performance.
B: You had a marvellous time this summer! Your story has really brought back happy memories of my own camping experience.