Vacations Across America - Role-Play Worksheet

Role-Play Activity:  Is Mount Rushmore Worth the Trip?
Have a discussion with your group about whether Mount Rushmore is worth visiting. Each person plays a different role and shares their opinion using information from the article.

1. Choose one of the following characters:

• A student who loves history.
  
• A nature lover.
  
• A skeptical friend who wants “real adventure.”

2. Read the article "Mount Rushmore Travel Guide" again and take short notes to help you prepare. Think about:
a. What would your character like most about Mount Rushmore?
b. What might they dislike or find boring?
Use specific facts from the article to support your opinion.

3. Role-play the discussion. Share your opinions and try to convince each other.
Make sure everyone: 

• Speaks at least twice.
• Responds to others (“I see your point, but …”).

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Toolbox
As someone who loves …, I think …
Mount Rushmore has …, which is perfect for …
I’m not sure it’s exciting enough because …
In my opinion, Mount Rushmore is a good place to visit because …
I think this place is interesting for people who enjoy …
For someone like me, who loves …, it’s perfect because …
I don’t really like …, so I’m not sure I would enjoy it.
That’s a good point, but I still prefer …
I agree with you about …, but I also think …

Agreeing 
I agree with you on that point. 
I think we can both agree that ... 
Definitely!
Absolutely! 
I have the same opinion as you on that.
Disagreeing
I'm afraid I don’t really agree.
I totally disagree with you on that point. 
You are wrong to say that …
That’s not quite right!
I don't think you and I have the same opinion on this issue.
I have a completely different opinion on that.
I don't see it that way.
I see what you're saying, but …
I agree to some extent, but …
There is some truth to what you’re saying but don’t you think that …
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4. Quick group reflection.
a. As a group, answer: Would we like to go to Mount Rushmore or not? Why?
b. Be ready to share a short sentence with the class summarizing your group’s decision.

5. Fill in your "Personal Recap Chart."