TOUR AGENT (American, Male): Grand Canyon Travels. How may I help you?
WOMAN (American): Yes, hello. I’m travelling in Arizona from New York this month, and I really would like to see the Grand Canyon.
TOUR AGENT: You don’t want to miss it. Where are you staying in Arizona? Are you closer to Las Vegas or Phoenix?
WOMAN: Las Vegas. I was in Phoenix last week.
TOUR AGENT: That makes it easier. Most of our tours depart from Las Vegas. Do you know what kind of tour you want to take?
WOMAN: Um, I’m not sure what you mean.
TOUR AGENT: There are helicopter tours, airplane tours, bus tours…
WOMAN: I see. Well, what do you recommend?
TOUR AGENT: There are different advantages to each. Obviously if you have the money the helicopter and airplane tours are pretty neat. The helicopter tour flies you over the Central Grand Canyon and the North Rim. Absolutely stunning views. And because the helicopter can only fit up to four people, it’s quite an intimate tour as well.
WOMAN: That sounds great. But how is it different from the airplane tour?
TOUR AGENT: The airplane tour covers a bit more territory, for one. You depart from the South Rim and fly over the Central Grand Canyon, the North Rim, the Kaibab Plateau, the Imperial Point, and the Dragon Corridor.
WOMAN: That’s a lot.
TOUR AGENT: Yep. The planes also fit more people, up to 10. So if you are traveling in a group, that’s a better option.
WOMAN: OK. I suppose you won’t see that much taking a bus, huh?
TOUR AGENT: Well, on the contrary, the bus tours are great because you get to stop and walk around at various points. It’s a truly different feeling to smell the air and be sitting above such a vast canyon.
WOMAN: I’m sure.
TOUR AGENT: But you only cover one section of it on a bus tour. So, you could do the South Rim tour, the West Rim tour…just one corner at a time.
WOMAN: Got it.
TOUR AGENT: Of course, a bus tour is a lot cheaper because there are 30 people per trip, so it’s really about your priorities.
WOMAN: Right. I’d have to think about it.
EXAMINEE GETS A 30 SECOND BREAK TO REVIEW THE QUESTIONS FOR THE SECOND PART OF DIALOGUE A
WOMAN: Speaking of cost, I’d like to know how much it is per person for the helicopter, airplane, and bus tours.
TOUR AGENT: Let’s see… One person for the helicopter tour is $159 plus tax. The airplane tour is $139 per person, and the bus tour is $65.
WOMAN: I’m surprised the airplane tour is cheaper than the helicopter one. It covers so much more ground.
TOUR AGENT: Yes, but it also has a higher passenger capacity, so it can charge less per person.
WOMAN: Do those costs include insurance?
TOUR AGENT: No. Insurance can be purchased separately, and that runs between $15 and $35 depending on what kind of package you get.
WOMAN: OK. Uh, what about meals? Are there meals included?
TOUR AGENT: The airplane and helicopter tours include a packed lunch. There are both meat and vegetarian options available.
WOMAN: Great. At what times do the tours take place?
TOUR AGENT: Uh, for the helicopter and airplane tours, they depart once during the day and once just before sunset. So, 11 a.m. and then again at 4 p.m.
WOMAN: All right.
TOUR AGENT: But the bus tours depart every hour until around 5 p.m.
WOMAN: OK, but how long do the tours last?
TOUR AGENT: Two hours each for the helicopter and airplane tours, and three hours for bus tours.
WOMAN: I think I’ll do an airplane tour tomorrow, if possible.
TOUR AGENT: Sure. The daytime or sunset one?
WOMAN: Daytime, please.
TOUR AGENT: And your name?
WOMAN: Sara Henderson. H-E-N-D-E-R-S-O-N.
TOUR AGENT: Great. I have you down. So you’ll need to show up at our Las Vegas office at 318 Birch Avenue by 10:30.
WOMAN: OK. I’ll be there.