Learning Objective: This is a reading and comprehension and conversation class. At the end of the session, the participants are expected to be able to practice reading properly, enhance comprehension and recall and answer the questions about the article.



For centuries hotels have been thinking of different and novel ways to attract guests. A free this or a complimentary that can be the difference between someone thinking their hotel stay was mediocre or superlative. A new survey reveals that the twenty-first century guest needs free Wi-Fi Internet access to make his or her stay complete. According to Hotels.com, hotel guests much preferred to be connected in their rooms than have the little luxuries such as Italian espresso coffee makers, video game consoles or a gym to work out in. Of 415 people who responded to the website's survey, more than 38% said free Wi-Fi was a must when deciding where to book a room. Just under a third of respondents said they wanted it to be a standard amenity at hotels. Many people are tired of paying the often exorbitant charges to get online.

Taylor L. Cole, director of public relations and social media for Hotels.com, said the results of the survey were as he expected: "Given the explosion of mobile use in the past few years, it is no surprise that travellers are requiring free and fast Wi-Fi," he said. He added that: "Many guests never travel without their tablets, smartphones and laptops. It's as intuitive as packing a toothbrush. Guests use these items in their rooms to plan activities for the next day." Internet these days is seen as an automatic freebie in many parts of the world. Charging for it is like asking guests to pay for water. Countries with a strong focus on attracting business clientele and higher end travellers are leading the way in providing free Wi-Fi. The United Arab Emirates is one destination where it is unlikely that Wi-Fi will be added to your hotel bill. Other countries are quickly following suit.



Acivity Proper

1. FREE WI-FI: Are you in favor or not?


2. CHAT: Choose a word which you are most confident to explain.

centuries / novel ways / mediocre / connected / coffee makers / book a room / online / public relations / survey results / laptops / intuitive / freebies / clientele / amenity


3. HOTELS: How could you make them better?


Improve… ------- Current problems ------- Improvements

Wi-Fi
room service
the rooms
check-in
bathrooms
booking


4. HUMAN RIGHT: Students A strongly believe free Internet access is a human right; Students B strongly believe otherwise.

What is your stand?


5. FREEBIES: What are the best freebies?

Wi-Fi
desserts
songs
English lessons
phone calls
T-shirts
advice
transport




"Online activities, the mp3 and printable handouts are available for this lesson at http://www.breakingnewsenglish.com"