1. Writing a Travel Blog Entry
Step Ahead
Book 4A Unit 3
Writing a Travel Blog Entry
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2. the factors affecting the writing of a travel blog entry
In this lesson, you will learn about:
the factors affecting the writing of
a travel blog entry
the organisation of a travel blog entry
the features of a travel blog entry
the writing process

3. What factors affect the writing of a travel blog entry?

4. i.e. What is the text type? e.g. a travel blog entry
The style and structure of writing is affected by three factors:
Genre
i.e. What is the text type? e.g. a travel blog entry
Audience
Purpose
i.e. Who will read my writing?
e.g. web surfer
i.e. Why am I writing?
e.g. to share a travel experience

5. a travel blog entry web surfers classmates
What is the genre for this writing task?
a travel blog entry
Who is the audience for this genre?
web surfers
classmates

6. to share a travel experience
What is the purpose of the travel blog entry?
to share a travel experience
to record what happened in the trip
to express how you feel about the trip

7. Exercise 1
Tick the sentence below which most likely comes from a travel blog entry. 
1. Statistics show that the number of tourists visiting the country dropped by 5% last year. 
2. We’ve just moved into a new flat in Sunnydale estate which consists of a luxurious resident club. 
3. The major road in National Park will reopen this weekend after maintenance work is completed. 
4. Though the day was hot, the beach was just gorgeous and the waves were perfect for surfing.
4. Though the day was hot, the beach was just gorgeous and the waves were perfect for surfing.

8. What does a travel blog entry include?

9. date of writing a title an opening details of event(s)
A travel blog entry includes:
date of writing
a title
an opening
details of event(s)

10. include the name of the tourist destination
Title:
include the name of the tourist destination
 indicates the place visited
e.g.
Xi’an – The Capital of the Great Kingdom
 shows the feature of the place
 indicates the place visited
e.g.
Biking through Ireland on your taste buds
 shows what you did on the trip 

11. state the place you visited
Opening:
state the place you visited
highlight some interesting features about the place
Last summer, we visited Switzerland and indulged in a land of lush green hills, beautiful lakes, snow-covered Alps, melting glaciers, cute-looking villages, cows with bells, rich chocolates and picture-perfect postcard scenery all around. And of course clouds and some rain too!
e.g.

12. report your travel experience
Details of event:
report your travel experience
share your opinions about any aspects of the trip
e.g.
It took us a long time to reach our hotel in downtown Manila. The traffic was terrible, but we made it just in time for Michelle’s diving course.
Fact
e.g.
The lake, the villages on the hills, the lush greenery and the cloudy weather combined to make for a memorable cruise.
Opinion

13. What are the main features of a travel blog entry?

14. past tense to describe events and feelings
In a travel blog entry, we use:
past tense to describe events and feelings
informal language to add a level of intimacy
unique personal experiences to attract readers

15. We use past tense to describe events and feelings:
e.g.
We drove to the main expressway and headed for the city of Medan. On the way, we found a bird’s nest house and stopped there to see how the nests were harvested and watched the skilful workers manipulating the nests.
e.g.
I liked the elephants the best. They looked so cute with pink spots on their ears!

16. We use informal language to add a level of intimacy:
e.g.
What a perfect coincidence!
e.g.
Our schedule had to be put off after the heavy rain.
e.g.
Paula and I wanted to go dancing by the bonfire, but Mum was too tired, so we decided to call it a day.

17. factual details are the same, but personal feelings are different
We use unique personal experiences to attract readers:
factual details are the same, but personal feelings are different
to inspire your readers, think about your own feelings and experience
use colourful phrases to express your distinctive ideas

18. Exercise 2
Choose the best word to complete the sentences.
head
haunting
tears
horizons
imagine
eyes
(1) Visiting the British Museum has really broadened my __________.
(2) My _________ popped out of my __________ when I saw the female tamer lying inside the crocodile’s jaws.
(3) I must say bungee jumping has brought me the most ____________ and breathtaking experience in life.
(4) You can’t ___________ what a tiny hotel room we had in Tokyo!
(5) Seeing every member reaching the mountain top after a few hours of climbing, my eyes filled with ___________.
horizons
eyes
head
haunting
imagine
tears

19. The Writing Process 19

20. How do I generate ideas for a travel blog entry?

21. destination type of trip duration companion(s) attraction event(s)
Make a list of basic information about the trip:
destination
type of trip
duration
companion(s)
attraction
event(s)

22. Use note sheets to keep track of details:
Place name: _______________________________
Type of holiday: ___________________________
Interesting things about the place: ____________
__________________________________________
Events: ___________________________________
Feelings: __________________________________
Good/Bad memories: _______________________
________________________________

23. Details of travel events
Use mind maps to help you list out details to be included in the travel blog entry:
Click the subgroup for more ideas.
rainfall
itinerary affected
temperature
weather
history
activities
culture
scenery
cost
food quality
cuisine/restaurant
Details of travel events
attraction
dining
companion
feeling
identity
interaction
memory
enjoyable
unforgettable
awful

24. Common activities with ‘go’ + ‘-ing’ used in a travel blog entry:
Vocabulary
Common activities with ‘go’ + ‘-ing’ used in a travel blog entry:
Land
Air
Water
backpacking
cycling
hitchhiking
kickboxing
sightseeing
rock climbing
air racing
ballooning
bungee jumping
parachuting
paragliding
rafting
rowing
sailing
scuba-diving
skiing
snorkeling
wind-surfing 24

25. How do I write a travel blog entry?

26. Pre-writing Drafting Editing Proofreading
-brainstorm ideas using mind maps, tables, etc.
-note down ideas, vocabulary 
Drafting
-use a flow chart to outline your writing plan
-draft your writing 
Editing
-re-read and examine your draft
-correct for ideas, organisation, style 
Proofreading
-proofread for spelling, grammar, punctuation
-correct any mistakes 
Finished product

27. Three factors affect writing: genre
Summary:
Three factors affect writing:
genre
audience
purpose
Organisation of a travel blog entry:
date of writing
a title
an opening
details of event

28. Features of a travel blog entry: past tense
Summary:
Features of a travel blog entry:
past tense
informal language
unique experience
Generate ideas using:
lists
note sheets
mind maps

29. The writing process: pre-writing drafting editing proofreading
Summary:
The writing process:
pre-writing
drafting
editing
proofreading

30. Step Ahead
Book 4A Unit 3
The End