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Welcome! Use this board to discuss the ongoing group activity. Read the extract and answer the questions after a brief discussion with your group.

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In your own words, explain what the writer means by describing the forest as a “magical retreat.”

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In your own words, explain what the writer means by describing the forest as a “magical retreat.”

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1. In your own words, explain what the writer means by describing the forest as a “magical retreat.”

2. Identify and explain the effect of the figurative language in this phrase: “a symphony of birds chirping.”

3. Choose two details from the extract that suggest peace and calmness, and two that suggest adventure or excitement. Give reasons for your choices.

4. How do you think the writer felt during their visit to the Enchanted Forest? Use words or phrases from the extract to support your answer.

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Sample Travel Writing - An enchanted forest

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1. In your own words, explain what the writer means by saying Kyoto “seamlessly blends the old with the new.”

2. Identify and explain the effect of the figurative language in this phrase: “a sensory overload with its vibrant stalls.”

3. Choose two details from the extract that suggest peace and tranquility, and two that suggest energy or excitement. Give reasons for your choices.

4. How do you think the writer felt about their trip to Kyoto? Use words or phrases from the extract to support your answer.

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Sample Travel Blog - Exploring the Hidden Gems of Kyoto

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1. What does the writer mean by “a magical retreat”?

In saying “a magical retreat,” the writer means that the forest feels like a special, almost unreal escape from daily life. It’s not just peaceful and beautiful — it feels enchanted or dreamlike, like stepping into a fairy tale where one can relax and feel wonder.

2. Effect of the figurative language: “a symphony of birds chirping”

This phrase uses metaphor by comparing the sound of birds to a symphony, which is a musical performance. It suggests that the chirping birds weren’t just background noise — they created a harmonious, beautiful sound that added to the magical and peaceful feeling of the forest.

3. Two details that suggest peace and calmness:

“Soaking in the peaceful ambiance” — This directly describes a calming experience.

“Sparkling streams” — The imagery of clear, gently flowing water suggests serenity.

Two details that suggest adventure or excitement:

“Zip-lining and rock climbing” — These are thrilling, high-energy activities.

“Explorer in a mystical land” — This suggests a sense of discovery and excitement.

4. How did the writer feel during their visit to the Enchanted Forest?

The writer felt amazed, peaceful, and deeply moved by the experience. Phrases like:

“A feast for the eyes and soul”

“Truly unforgettable”

“Escape the ordinary”
…all show that the forest left a strong emotional impact and brought both joy and awe.

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Kyoto Travel Blog Questions (Sample Blog)

Since I don’t have the exact blog text, I’ll respond based on the general themes often found in these travel blogs. If you have the full Kyoto blog text, feel free to paste it!

1. What does “seamlessly blends the old with the new” mean?

This means that in Kyoto, traditional elements like temples, shrines, and historic architecture coexist naturally with modern features like tech, fashion, or shopping areas. There’s no harsh contrast — everything fits together smoothly.

2. Effect of the figurative language: “a sensory overload with its vibrant stalls”

This is a hyperbole and vivid imagery. It suggests that the marketplace is bursting with colors, smells, sounds, and flavors — so much that it overwhelms the senses (in a good way), showing how lively and stimulating the place is.

3. Two details suggesting peace and tranquility:

“Quiet temple gardens” — Suggests calm, reflective spaces.

“Traditional tea ceremonies” — Usually slow, peaceful, and meditative.

Two details suggesting energy or excitement:

“Bustling markets” — Indicates fast-paced, crowded, and exciting places.

“Neon-lit city streets” — Suggests a vibrant, energetic atmosphere at night.

4. How did the writer feel about their trip to Kyoto?

The writer likely felt impressed, fascinated, and appreciative of the cultural richness. Phrases like:

“A city of contrasts”

“Unforgettable experience”

“Every corner tells a story”
…show that the writer was emotionally moved and captivated by Kyoto’s unique charm.

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Aaron and Cruz- Enchanted Forest Q1 and Q2

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Aaron and Cruz- Enchanted Forest Q1 and Q2

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1. A retreat is a time away in a quiet and secluded place where you can relax. The author describes the forest as the perfect place, even likening it to "stepping into a fairy tale." He says this as the forest has many "magical" features of nature's beauty, and its tranquility and calmness make it the best place for a retreat.

2. The figurative language used is onomatopoeia (chirping) and personification, as the birds are described as a symphony. It uses auditory and visual imagery to allow the reader to visualize a group of birds chirping musically in unison, which creates a calm and soothing atmosphere.

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the writer means that the forest is special and a place where you can go relax and get away from their busy lives .

This phrase compares and tells us that the birds chirping sounds like music and it is making the reader imagine how it beautiful and magical the forest feels

Peace and calmness: lush greenery – this makes the forest feel calm and peaceful

Peace and calmness: The crystal-clear water cascaded down rocks, creating a mesmerizing display of nature’s beauty. – the smooth flow of water gives a peaceful and calming image.

Venture and excitement: I felt like an explorer in a mystical land – this shows the adventure and excitement of discovering new things.

Venture and excitement: every step unveiling new wonders – this makes the forest feel full of surprises and exciting discoveries.

The writer felt amazed and happy. Words like new wonders feast for the eyes and soul and magical retreat show that the visit made them feel joyful, peaceful, and excited at the same time.

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1. “Seamlessly blends the old with the new”

The writer means Kyoto combines its ancient traditions and landmarks with modern amenities so that the past and present exist together in harmony.

2. “A sensory overload with its vibrant stalls”

This figurative language shows how overwhelming, colourful, and lively the market felt. It suggests the stalls attacked all the senses with smells, sounds, and sights.

3. Peace and tranquility:

“A deep sense of tranquility and awe” → shows calm and peaceful atmosphere.

“The gentle rustling of leaves and the play of light and shadow” → creates a soothing, quiet scene.
Energy and excitement:

“Bustling markets” → suggests noise, movement, and excitement.

“A sensory overload with its vibrant stalls” → shows a lively, energetic market full of colours and smells.

4. Writer’s feelings about Kyoto:

The writer felt the trip was special and unforgettable. They describe it as “an unforgettable journey” and say “Kyoto truly is a treasure trove of unforgettable memories”, showing admiration and joy.

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1. By “magical retreat,” the writer means the forest feels special and enchanting, like stepping into a fairytale world that takes you away from stress and daily life.

2. The phrase “a symphony of birds chirping” compares the sound of birds to a musical orchestra. It makes the reader imagine harmony and beauty, adding to the magical feel of the forest.

3.

Peace and calmness:

“The scent of pine trees filled my senses” suggests relaxation.

“Soaking in the peaceful ambiance” shows calmness by the waterfall.

Adventure or excitement:

“Zip-lining and rock climbing” thrilling and energetic activities.

“I felt like an explorer in a mystical land” shows excitement and discovery.

4. The writer felt amazed and joyful during the visit. Phrases like “a feast for the eyes and soul” and “truly unforgettable” show deep happiness, while “world of wonder” shows awe and fascination.

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1.By describing the forest as a "magical retreat," the writer is emphasizing how the place offers a unique, transformative experience that stands apart from the ordinary. The term "magical" suggests that the forest has an almost otherworldly charm, where natural beauty, tranquility, and adventure all blend together.

2.The phrase “a symphony of birds chirping” uses metaphor as its figurative language. By comparing the birds' chirping to a symphony, the writer elevates the natural sound of the birds to something more grand, harmonious, and beautiful.

The effect of this metaphor is to convey the idea that the birds' songs are not just random, simple sounds, but rather a well-orchestrated and pleasing collection of noises, much like the instruments in a symphony.

3. Details Suggesting Peace and Calmness:

1. "The crystal-clear water cascaded down rocks, creating a mesmerizing display of nature's beauty."

This detail suggests calmness because the imagery of clear water flowing smoothly creates a peaceful, serene scene. The word "mesmerizing" implies that the experience is so beautiful it captures your full attention, inducing a sense of stillness and calm.

2. "I spent hours just sitting by the water, soaking in the peaceful ambiance."

This directly conveys peace and relaxation. The writer spent a long time "soaking in" the atmosphere, which implies a feeling of contentment and tranquility. The word "peaceful ambiance" reinforces this sense of calm.

4.4. How the Writer Felt During Their Visit:

The writer likely felt a deep sense of awe, contentment, and satisfaction during their visit. Words and phrases like "mesmerizing display," "soaking in the peaceful ambiance," and "truly unforgettable" suggest that the writer was deeply moved by the beauty and tranquility of the place.