Lesson made on January 29, 2025
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Reading Lesson:
A ski resort in Italy, Roccaraso, had a big problem when 10,000 extra visitors showed up in one day. This happened because an influencer, Rita De Crescenzo, posted videos on social media showing the snow and telling people to visit. Tour companies in Naples saw this as an opportunity and started offering cheap bus trips for only $20, which even included a sandwich. Soon, 220 buses and many cars filled the small town, causing huge traffic jams and blocking the roads.
On the ski slopes, things got out of control. Many visitors did not follow the rules. Some used strange objects, like frying pans, as sleds. Others started barbecues to stay warm or cook food. Many people left trash behind. The ski resort became so crowded that regular skiers and local people could not enjoy their time there.
The mayor of Roccaraso, Francesco di Donato, called it an “attack” on the town, and said that the large amount of people made it unsafe. Because of this, officials decided to limit the number of tour buses to prevent another disaster the next weekend.
Some visitors from Naples felt they were being treated unfairly. They thought the town did not want them there. But the mayor said the problem was not where the visitors came from—it was that too many people arrived at once, and there were not enough resources to handle them. He compared it to a soccer match, saying big crowds need good organization to keep everyone safe.
Comprehension Questions:
Speaking and Writing Activities:
– Discuss these questions with a partner or a small group.
– Choose one topic and write a response to it. Show your writing to a classmate or teacher.
- Have you ever been to a place that was too crowded? How did it make you feel?
- Imagine you are the mayor of Roccaraso. How would you solve the problem of too many visitors without making anyone feel unwelcome?
- Have you ever done something because you saw it on social media? Was it a good or bad experience?
More Reading Practice:
Roccaraso, Italy
Roccaraso is a small town in central Italy, located in the Abruzzo region. It sits in the Apennine Mountains at an elevation of about 1,250 meters. The town is known for its ski resorts, which attract visitors in the winter. The nearby mountains have many ski slopes and trails, making Roccaraso one of the most popular winter sports destinations in Italy. In warmer months, people visit for hiking and enjoying nature.
The town has a history that goes back many centuries. During World War II, it was heavily damaged, but it was rebuilt after the war. Today, it has a mix of old and new buildings, with hotels, restaurants, and shops that serve both residents and tourists.
Roccaraso has a cool climate, with snowy winters and mild summers. The local culture is influenced by traditional Abruzzese customs, including food made with local ingredients like cheese, pasta, and lamb. Festivals and events take place throughout the year, celebrating both history and seasonal traditions.
Naples
Naples is a large city in southern Italy, located on the coast of the Tyrrhenian Sea. It is one of the oldest cities in Europe, with a history that goes back more than 2,000 years. The city is known for its rich culture, historic buildings, and important landmarks. One of its most famous sites is the ancient city of Pompeii, which was buried by a volcanic eruption from Mount Vesuvius in the year 79.
The streets of Naples are full of life, with markets, cafes, and traditional shops. The city has many old churches, palaces, and castles that show its long and complex history. One of the most well-known places is the Royal Palace, which was once home to the rulers of Naples. There are also famous museums with art and artifacts from different time periods.
Naples is also known for its food, especially its pizza, which was first created there. Local dishes use fresh ingredients such as tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and seafood. The city’s climate is warm, with hot summers and mild winters, making it a popular destination for visitors. The coastline, with its views of the sea and nearby islands, adds to the beauty of Naples.
What are some negative aspects of TikTok?
TikTok, like many social media platforms, has some negative aspects that users should be aware of. One concern is that it can take up a lot of time. People can easily spend hours scrolling through videos, which can lead to less time spent on important activities like schoolwork, exercising, or socializing in person.
Another issue is privacy. TikTok collects a lot of data from users, including their location, browsing habits, and interactions with content. This data can be used to target ads or might be shared with other companies, which raises concerns about how personal information is handled.
Some videos on TikTok can be inappropriate or harmful. While there are rules about what should and shouldn’t be posted, not all content is carefully checked. This means that young users might come across videos that are violent, upsetting, or promoting unhealthy behaviors.
Lastly, TikTok can sometimes cause people to feel pressured to present a perfect image of themselves. The desire to gain likes and followers can lead to feelings of insecurity, especially among teenagers. This pressure can affect mental health and self-esteem over time.
Link: Photos of Roccaraso
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