The U.S. National park system How much do you
know about our national parks? Can you name the
oldest park, the largest park, or the most popular
park? Here are some interesting facts about our
National Park System. There are more than 350
national parks and park areas in the U.S. The oldest
national park is Yellowstone National Park in
Wyoming. It opened in 1872. Today, California has
the largest number of national parks and historic
places, including Yosemite National Park. Yosemite
is famous for its waterfalls; it has some of the
highest waterfalls in the world. The most popular
national park in 2005 was Great Smoky Mountains
National Park in North Carolina and Tennessee.
Millions of people visit national parks every year to
enjoy hiking, camping, and swimming, or just to see
the country's most interesting sights. Plan to visit a
national park!
Vocabulary
Go skating
Play softball
Go camping
Go fishing
Go hiking
Go biking
Life stories
my weekend This weekend, I'm going to relax and spend time
with my friends. On Friday night, we're planning to go to our
favorite restaurant, Laura's. They have the best Salvadoran and
Mexican food in the city. Then we're going to go to the movies. I
got to choose the movie. It's a mystery from the 1920s, and it
sounds really good. I know we'll have a great time. On Saturday,
I'm going to clean my apartment. That's not fun, but it's
important. Then I'm going to go biking in the park with my
sister. It's good exercise, and it's cheaper than an exercise class!
We're going to cook dinner together, and some friends are
going to eat with us. On Sunday, I'm going to go shopping with
my roommate, and then watch a DVD in the evening. I have big
plans for this weekend!
Grammar
5. The Town Mall Theater is the largest theater in the city.
4. I saw it six times! The first time was the best but I loved it every time.
3. Luckily, it wasn't a serious earthquake.
2. Do you know Li Tam? She was the most famous actress in it.
6. Their tickets are the cheapest in the city, too.
1. Fish in Water was the funniest movie this year.
Everyday conversation
3. A: Did you watch the basketball game on TV yesterday? B: No, I didn't. How was it? A: I think it was
the most exciting game this year. B: Agh! I was working, so I didn't watch it. I'll watch next week.
Question 3: What was his opinion of the basketball game?
2. A: What did you do with your children last weekend? B: We went to a children's concert at the
science museum. A: Was it interesting? B: Yes. It was my son's first concert, and he thought it was
great. Question 2: What was her son's opinion of the concert?
1. A: I saw the new science fiction movie, Star Danger Two, this weekend. B: Really? How was it? A:
Not bad. I thought Star Danger One was better. B: Well, people said it was the best movie of the year
last year. Question 1: What was the best movie of the year last year?
4. A: We ate at the new Japanese restaurant in our neighborhood last night. B: Did you like it? A: The
food was boring. I think the restaurant on First Street is better. B: It's fantastic, but it's the most
expensive restaurant in the city! Question 4: What does she think about the Japanese restaurant on
First Street?