Navigate A2 | Elementary

Reading Challenge Day 3:
How My Life Has Changed

I used to work on cruise ships as a musician. I travelled a lot! I spent the month before the first lockdown in four continents! I used to get up really early, drive to the airport and fly to a port across the world and get on a ship just to get to work! Then I used to spend between three and fourteen days on the ship. The ships were great. The food was excellent, and the staff were brilliant. The ship stopped at fantastic places, and I often used to spend the afternoon at the beach drinking cocktails or sightseeing. But there were disadvantages too. I often didn’t know anyone on the ship. But the passengers all knew me, and they used to talk to me every time I left my cabin. I didn’t have any privacy. Of course, I had to chat to them politely even when I wasn’t in the mood.

But now, everything has changed. The cruises aren’t running now, and I don’t know when they will run again, and I’ve been in my flat for a year. I never used to spend much time here, and I haven’t spent a whole year in England for over twenty years! But I’ve enjoyed it. I bought a bike last year, and I’ve found some great beach cafes that I never used to know about. I also bought a campervan, and I drove around the coast. I always used to prefer beaches in the Caribbean and the Mediterranean to British beaches. The weather is much better for a start! But I found some beautiful places last year. I could park on the beach in some places and run straight into the sea! They were much less touristy and more peaceful than the places where the cruise ships go.

I’m spending a lot more time alone now. I didn’t use to be alone much when I was working. But since the pandemic started, I have developed new relationships with people who I didn’t use to know very well. I always used to prefer the company of entertainers and people who like to travel. I used to think that people with normal jobs were boring. But since last year, I’ve got to know some really interesting, strong, kind and caring people! So that’s been really valuable.

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Reading Challenge Day 2:
Three experiences I have had

Dear Sir / Madam,
I would like to apply for the job of tour leader for your Overland Africa tours. I have had lots of useful experience for this role.

I have spent five months backpacking around Africa. In 2018, I visited Ethiopia, Kenya and Tanzania. I used local transport and organised my own accommodation, food and visas. I enjoyed meeting local people, learning about local traditions and visiting natural parks. I read and learned a lot about the culture and wildlife, and I even learned some Swahili and Afrikaans. This trip taught me to be independent and to organise travel arrangements.

I have also worked as a leader at a children’s summer camp in the south of England. I worked there in 2017. I led activities for children aged 9-12, including football, climbing and campfire songs and games. For this work, I received training in climbing instruction and first aid. During this time, I developed many useful skills. For example, I had to ensure the children were always safe and happy. I learned how to be helpful and positive, and I also learned ways to entertain people and help them make friends when they are with strangers.

Finally, I have completed the Active Youth Challenge. I did this while I was at high school in 2016. To complete this challenge, I firstly had to volunteer with a local organisation. I helped at a social club for the elderly, where I chatted and played games with the members. The experience taught me to be patient and friendly. Secondly, I had to learn something by myself. I learned car mechanics. This taught me some useful, practical skills. Thirdly, I organised a four-day camping and hiking trip in the Scottish mountains with other students from my school. This experience taught me about camping equipment and how to deal with problems like bad weather and getting lost.

I believe I have lots of useful experience to work as an Overland Tour Guide. I would love the opportunity to tell you more about my skills at an interview.
Yours faithfully,
Nicholas Rigby

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No guys, we don't quit 💯