Instructions
Read the travel brochure about Peru carefully. Then, complete the activities below to analyze how it works and practice your own persuasive writing skills.
Part 1: Understanding the Structure
A well-written brochure has a clear structure to guide the reader. Let's break this one down.
- What is the main purpose of this text? (Circle the best answer)
a) To provide a detailed history of Peru.
b) To persuade people to book a tour in Peru.
c) To compare the mountains and the rainforest. - How is the main body of the text organized to make it easy for readers to find information?
- Each tour description provides key details to help the reader choose. What three pieces of information are consistently given for each of the four main tours?
1. _________________________
2. _________________________
3. _________________________
Part 2: The Power of Persuasive Language
Travel writing uses exciting vocabulary and specific sentence patterns to make a destination sound irresistible.
- Find five powerful adjectives in the text used to describe the places, food, or experiences.
- The brochure often speaks directly to "you." For example: "A short flight from Cusco takes you from the Andes..." Why is this an effective technique for advertising?
- Analyze this sentence from the Cusco Tour: "Spend four days enjoying the unique Spanish and local Indian culture..." What feeling or idea does the word "unique" create for the potential tourist?
Part 3: Background Research and Comprehension
The brochure mentions several specific cultural and geographical features. Use the text and a quick internet search to answer the following questions.
- According to the text, what is special about the Inca's "dry stone method of building"?
- On the Lake Titicaca tour, what are the islands and homes of the Uros people made from?
- Research Challenge: What was the Inca Empire, and roughly when did it exist (according to the text)?
Part 4: Grammar Spotlight - Imperative Verbs
An imperative verb is used to give a command or an invitation. Brochures use them to invite the reader to take action. For example: "Come and experience what Peru has to offer..."
- Find two more examples of sentences that start with an imperative verb in the brochure.
1. ___________________________________________________________
2. ___________________________________________________________
Part 5: Your Turn to Be the Travel Agent
Using what you've learned, write a new travel brochure for a tour along China's Grand Canal. Your tour will visit four cities. You can invent the details.
Your brochure must include:
- A short, exciting introduction to the Grand Canal tour.
- Four separate tour descriptions for four different cities along the canal (e.g., Beijing, Suzhou, Hangzhou, Yangzhou).
- For each city, include the tour duration and a description of key activities.
- Use the techniques you analyzed: speak directly to "you," use powerful adjectives, and start some sentences with imperative verbs (like Discover, Explore, Taste, Wander).
- A concluding sentence and a call to action (e.g., "Contact us to book your adventure!").
My Grand Canal Adventure Brochure
Answer Key
Part 1: Understanding the Structure
- b) To persuade people to book a tour in Peru.
- The text is organized into separate paragraphs, each describing a different, specific tour package. This allows readers to easily compare options.
- (Any three of the following) Tour name/destination, duration (number of days), main activities/highlights, mode of transportation.
Part 2: The Power of Persuasive Language
- Answers will vary. Possible answers include: short, amazing, unique, ancient, excellent, beautiful, new.
- It makes the experience feel personal and helps the reader imagine themselves on the trip. It speaks directly to them, making the invitation feel more exclusive and real.
- The word "unique" suggests that the experience is one-of-a-kind and cannot be found anywhere else, making it seem more special and valuable.
Part 3: Background Research and Comprehension
- The stones were cut so perfectly to size that nothing was needed to hold the walls together.
- They are made of water plants from the lake.
- The Inca Empire was a large empire in South America. According to the text, Cusco was its capital from the 13th until the 16th century.
Part 4: Grammar Spotlight - Imperative Verbs
- Answers will vary. Possible answers:
1. "Spend four days enjoying the unique Spanish and local Indian culture..."
2. "Enjoy the beautiful countryside as you spend a day driving..."
Part 5: Your Turn to Be the Travel Agent
Answers will vary significantly. A successful answer should follow all instructions. Below is a sample to show a possible structure and style.
Example Answer:
Come and discover the ancient wonders of China's Grand Canal! This incredible waterway has connected the country for centuries, and now it's your turn to explore its most stunning cities.
Beijing Imperial Tour
Spend two days exploring the northern start of the canal in China's historic capital. You will visit the magnificent Forbidden City and enjoy a relaxing boat ride on Kunming Lake at the Summer Palace.
Suzhou Garden Tour
This three-day tour takes you to the "Venice of the East." Wander through the city's world-famous classical gardens, cross ancient stone bridges, and admire the delicate art of silk making.
Hangzhou Paradise Tour
Enjoy two days in what ancient poets called "paradise on earth." Cycle along the beautiful West Lake, taste delicious local Longjing tea, and witness a spectacular nighttime water show.
Yangzhou Culture Tour
Spend a day discovering the rich history of this merchant city. Explore the tranquil Slender West Lake and marvel at the ingenious architecture of the Geyuan Garden.
From imperial palaces to poetic landscapes, the Grand Canal offers an unforgettable journey. Visit our website to book the adventure of a lifetime!