Script:
TUTOR: Interesting. Right, let’s look at the content of your proposal now.
SANDRA: Did you find it comprehensive enough?
TUTOR: Well, yes and no. You’ve listed several different topics on your contents page, but I’m not sure they’re all relevant.
SANDRA: No? Well, I thought that from the perspective of a field trip, one thing I needed to focus on was the sandstone plateaux and cliffs themselves. The way they tower up from the flat landscape is just amazing. The fact that the surrounding softer rocks were eroded by wind and rain, leaving these huge outcrops high above the plain. It’s hardly surprising that tourists flock to see the area.
TUTOR: Well, yes, I’d agree with including those points ...
SANDRA: And then the fact that it’s been home to native American Navajos and all the social history that goes with that. The hardships they endured trying to save their territory from the invading settlers. Their culture is so rich - all those wonderful stories.
TUTOR: Well, I agree it’s interesting, but it’s not immediately relevant to your proposal, Sandra, so at this stage, I suggest you focus on other considerations. I think an indication of what the students on the trip could actually do when they get there should be far more central, so that certainly needs to be included and to be expanded upon. And I’d like to see something about the local wildlife, and vegetation too, not that I imagine there’s much to see. Presumably the tourist invasion hasn’t helped.
SANDRA: Okay, I’ll do some work on those two areas as well. But you’re right, there’s not much apart from some very shallow-rooted species. Although it’s cold and snowy there in the winter, the earth is baked so hard in the summer sun that rainwater can’t penetrate. So it’s a case of flood or drought, really.
TUTOR: So, I understand. Now, before we look at everything in more detail, I’ve got a few factual questions for you. It would be a good idea to include the answers in your finished proposal, because they’re missing from your draft.
SANDRA: Fine.
TUTOR: So, you mentioned the monoliths and the spires, which was good, but what area does the tribal park cover? Do you know?
SANDRA: 12,000 hectares, and the plain is at about 5,850 metres above sea level. Larger than I expected. Okay. Where’s the nearest accommodation?
That’s a practical detail that you haven’t included. Have you done any research on that?
SANDRA: Yes. There’s nowhere to stay in the park itself, but there’s an old trading post called Goulding quite near. All kinds of tours start from Goulding, too.
TUTOR: What kind of tours?
SANDRA: Well, the most popular are in four-wheel drive jeeps - but I wouldn’t recommend hiring those. I think the best way to appreciate the area would be to hire horses instead and trek around on those. Biking is not allowed and it’s impossible to drive around the area in private vehicles. The tracks are too rough.
TUTOR: Okay, lastly, what else is worth visiting there?
SANDRA: There are several caves, but I haven’t looked into any details. I’ll find out about them.
TUTOR: Okay, good. Now what I’d like to know is ...
Choose the correct answer.