See the world from home

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Read the following story by Pattarawadee Saengmanee from the Bangkok Post. Then, answer the questions that follow.


We're once again stuck at home and spending all day in front of a computer while the country fights against the third wave of Covid-19. For those browsing the internet and daydreaming about travel, taking virtual tours may be the answer.

Officials have joined IT companies, artists and specialists to boost tourism on online platforms to keep connected with travellers from around the world.

Recently, Hong Kong launched the "City In Time" project which uses augmented reality (AR) and multimedia technologies to bring its rich history back to life.

Using AR technology and sound effects, a smartphone is turned into a magical window that transports visitors back to the old days and shows the island's changes over time.

Meanwhile, the Singapore Tourism Board and Airbnb have teamed up on a programme called  Singapore Virtual Trips. The project provides online experiences such as an eco-friendly tour at Gardens by the Bay's Cloud Forest, a virtual visit to the Peranakan Museum, and a behind-the-scenes peek into the rich history of the Old Kallang Airport.

Teleporting to Egypt, the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities has introduced several virtual tours to give visitors a glimpse of ancient pyramids, tombs and historical sites such as the tomb of Menna, the Red Monastery and the Mosque-Madrassa of Sultan Barquq.

Wear a VR headset and imagine that you're standing in Cairo to explore the private tomb of Menna, which was built over 3,000 years ago. Next, pop to Giza Plateau which is home to the tomb of Queen Meresankh III, the granddaughter of a king who built the Great Pyramid.

Back in Thailand, continue your virtual journey through the AR Smart Heritage application, created by the Department of Fine Arts. It features more than 30 popular tourist attractions in several historical parks.

The highlights include Wat Si Chum, which is situated in Sukhothai Historical Park. It houses a gigantic sitting Buddha statue called Phra Achana and murals on its ceiling.



Section 1: Write the correct answer in the space provided.
1. Which country’s tour has a 3,000-year-old tomb? …………….
2. Which city’s tour has sound effects? …………….
3. Which programme has eco-friendly tours? …………….
4. Which city’s tour shows changes over time? …………….
5. Which country’s tours show ceiling murals?…………..
6. Where is a queen’s tomb? …………….

Section 2: Read the following passage. Then, fill in the blanks with the correct words from the choices given.
Featuring …7… animations and special sound effects to provide an immersive visual and audio experience, visitors can …8… their own walking tour. Download the City In Time app or …9… the website with the same name to check out 28 …10… tourist spots in Hong Kong.
 
7. __A. live             __B. lively                __C. living
8. __A. arranged             __B. arrangement           __C. arrange
9. __A. download            __B. visited               __C. browse
10. __A. popular            __B. popularity                __C. populous

       
Section 3: Find words that match the following definitions.
11. done using computer technology and not involving people going somewhere ……………
12. using a combination of moving and still pictures, sound, music and words ……………
13. a large stone structure or room where someone is buried ……………
14. a painting done on a wall or building …………

Answers: 1. Egypt. 2. Hong Kong. 3. Singapore Virtual Trips. 4.Hong Kong. 5. Thailand. 6. Giza Plateau. 7. b. 8. c. 9. c. 10. a. 11. virtual. 12. multimedia. 13. tomb. 14. mural.