US Highway Billboard English Lesson: The Lonely Pony Express

Taking a road trip, or long driving journey, is an American tradition. Drivers on the highways of the United States pass hundreds of billboards. These advertisements communicate a message in a very short amount of time. They also present an opportunity for teaching and practicing English! For instance:

Here are some English exercises based on this billboard.

1. What does it mean to explore? Use “explore” in a sentence.
2. Describe the scenery in the picture. What part of the US do you think is shown here?
3. What does it mean to be “lonely”? How can a road be “lonely”?
4. What is a pony? (Hint: it’s a young animal. But which one?) Do you know words for other baby animals?
5. In the 19th century, mail was delivered by people riding horses known as the “Pony Express.” What does the Pony Express have to do with “the Loneliest Road in America?” What is being advertised on this billboard?