Life in the jungle

1.- Introduction to lesson

In this lesson, we are going to talk about what it is like to live in the jungle. We are also going to examine the present perfect simple and the present perfect continuous.

1.1.- Look at the following pictures and answer the following questions:

• What do you think you would find the most difficult if you lived in the jungle?
• What kinds of problems do you think people face living in the jungle?

2.- Key Vocabulary

Before carrying out the listening, please learn the following words.

• Base camp: campamento base
• Hole: agujero
• Flies: moscas
• Insect repellent: repelente para insectos
• Bites: picaduras
• Marks (on the skin): marcas
• Leech: sanguijuela
• To deal with: manejar

3.- Listening

3.1.- You are going to listen to Amanda Jones, who has spent a total of three months living in the jungle. Say whether the following statements are true or false. Correct the false statements.

Sonido

4.- Your turn…

Answer the following question out loud giving as much detail as possible.

• Would you like to spend four months living in the jungle? Why/Why not?

5.- Language Focus – Present Perfect Simple and Present Perfect Continuous

5.1.- Tapescript

Interviewer

Let me introduce you to Amanda Jones who has just returned from spending three months in the jungle. Amanda, tell us about your experience.

Amanda

Well, when I was offered the opportunity to go to Borneo for three months to research a new species of butterflies, I immediately jumped at the opportunity. What an exciting experience, I thought to myself. We caught a plane to the nearest airport and then it took us six hours in a car to get to the base camp.

The base camp was quite basic. There were two fresh water showers for ten of us and they were with limited water and one toilet (which wasn’t really a toilet but more like a hole in the ground), there were a couple of tents and a small campfire.

The first month was the most difficult. Because of the heat and humidity, there were flies and mosquitoes everywhere. They were constantly attacking, no matter how much insect repellent I had on. There were even sweat bees which drunk the sweat on your face, arms or any part of your leg which wasn’t covered. This new situation took a while to get used to.

I remember one day I counted fifty seven mosquito bites. I’ve had bites before but these were different, they were the itchiest bites I’ve ever had. They were so itchy that all I wanted to do was scratch. I still now, two months later, have the marks from some of the bites.

My worst experience has got to be when I want for a swim in a nearby river. It was such a hot day and the water looked so clear, I just jumped in. After about ten minutes, I began to notice these black things on my legs. I looked more closely at them, only to find out they were leeches! I tried pulling them off but I couldn’t. I had to get some of the camera crew to help me.

I’ve been in the jungle for four months and today I’m going home. I can’t wait to get back home. I’ve been having dreams of getting home for weeks now. I am really looking forward to seeing my family, especially my mum and also my best friends. The first day back I’m going to have a nice long hot shower and spent the evening eating Chinese food. It was a fantastic experience but I wouldn’t want to repeat it!

5.2.- In the text, there are four different examples of the present perfect simple and present perfect continuous.

Find the four examples in the tapescript.

(Para ver la solución hacer doble click en texto; un click vuelve a posición original)

6.- Use of the present perfect simple and present perfect continuous

You have now identified four examples of the present perfect simple and present perfect continuous.

6.1.- Match the examples with the correct rules.

a) Let me introduce you to Amanda Jones who has just returned from spending three months in the jungle.

b) I’ve had bites before but these were different, they were the itchiest bites I’ve ever had.

c) I’ve been in the jungle for four months and today I’m going home.

d) I’ve been having dreams of getting home for weeks now.

(Para ver la solución hacer doble click en texto; un click vuelve a posición original)

6.2.-Controlled Practice

What would you ask in these situations? Use the present perfect simple or the present perfect continuous.

7.- Free Practice - Your turn…

Answer the following questions out loud giving as much detail as possible.

• Have you ever been to a tropical country? If yes, where?
• Have you ever been bitten by mosquitoes? If yes, how did you feel?
• How long have you been studying English? Give details about your course
• How long have you been doing this course? Have you enjoyed it?