My Trip to Arizona, Part 2
Vocabulary
Read each word out loud.
sanctuary
/ˈsæŋktʃuˌɛɹi/
noun
a place of refuge for wounded wildlife to heal and recover; a safe space
Example:
The injured bird was taken to a wildlife sanctuary where it could rest and heal.
simultaneously
/ˌsaɪməlˈteɪniəsli/
adverb
two or more things happening at the same time
Example:
I accidentally made plans with two friends simultaneously and now I have to choose.
shroud
/ʃɹaʊd/
verb
to cover something like a blanket or cloth
Example:
The trees have shrouded the hiking trail in shade.
migration
/maɪˈɡɹeɪʃən/
noun
the movement of animals from one location to another during season changes
Example:
Watching the migration of birds is interesting because they fly in large groups.
metamorphosis
/ˌmɛtəˈmɔɹfəsɪs/
noun
the process of transformation from immature form to adult form in animals or insects
Example:
Once the caterpillar finishes its metamorphosis, it will be a butterfly.
dome
/doʊm/
noun
a half sphere shape
Example:
The library in my city just installed a large, dome-shaped greenhouse in their garden.
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My Trip to Arizona, Part 2
While I was visiting my friend in New River, Arizona, I discovered this place called Arizona Boardwalk. It was a collection of tourist traps, which normally aren’t that fascinating, but this one held a special secret. It houses the largest butterfly sanctuary in the United States, called Butterfly Wonderland. As soon as I learned that, I knew I had to see it for myself.
A few weeks after discovering it, I finally got the opportunity to visit. There were so many species of butterflies, more than I ever imagined seeing at once. The sanctuary was beautiful too. It was filled with trees and plants and shrouded in a clear, dome-shaped roof that flooded the space with light while simultaneously protecting the butterflies. It was like being outside in the wild, yet we were indoors. There was even a small river that cut through the middle of the sanctuary with a bridge for you to cross it.
While we were there, we learned all about the migration patterns of the butterflies and even watched as some emerged from their chrysalises. When I was in elementary school, we did an experiment with caterpillars where we took care of them and fed them until they went through metamorphosis. So this wasn’t my first time watching a butterfly emerge from a chrysalis, but it’s definitely something that will never get old. Each time you witness it, you’re reminded of just how incredibly fascinating nature can be.
I’ll always remember my time at Butterfly Wonderland. If you ever find yourself in Arizona, I highly recommend visiting. You won’t be disappointed.
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Conversation Practice
Working with a tutor? Try asking or answering these questions out loud with them.
Working alone? Try speaking your answers out loud or write them in the lesson discussion below.
1. Have you ever visited a butterfly sanctuary before?
2. Are there any animal sanctuaries in your city or country?
3. Have you ever watched a butterfly emerge from its chrysalis?
4. Describe a trip you have taken in the past that left you feeling amazed and fascinated by nature.
5. What is one tourist attraction in your country that you always recommend to visitors?
Written by:
Thomas
Lesson updated:
October 9, 2026