2 Work in groups and list some different means of transport. Then discuss these questions.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of each one for long or short distances?
How do you prefer to travel? Why?
3 Are these statements true or false in your experience?
1 Trains are more reliable than buses.
2 Train fares are more expensive than bus fares.
3 Train journeys are more interesting than bus journeys.
4 Cars are more convenient than buses.
5 Railway stations are nicer places than bus stations.
6 Travelling by plane is more comfortable than travelling by train.
7 Travelling by boat is cheaper than travelling by any means of transport.
4 Work in pairs. You will hear six short scenes. Say what happens in each one. Use the words in the box.
fill land pay stop check in drive off get in get on driver ticket seat petrol baggage platform passenger stewardess |
Example: The first scene takes place on a taxi stop. A taxi is coming to …
Reading
5 You will read an article about different kinds of vehicles. Before you read, discuss the following questions.
• What kind(s) of transport do you use when you travel for pleasure?
• Have you ever managed to go on board one of the largest liners? What did you see there?
6 Match the words in the box with their definitions (1-10).
bicycle landing-stage top deck bridge harbour steamer porter airfield crew pier |
1 It’s a large ship that uses steam to produce power.
2 It’s the outside top level of a ship that you can walk on.
3 It’s a wooden structure onto which passengers and goods are landed from boats.
4 These are people working on a ship, plane, etc.
5 It’s a structure built over a river, road, etc. that allows people or vehicles to cross from one side to the other.
6 It’s an area of water next to the land where the water is calm, so that ships are safe when they are inside it.
7 It’s a structure that is built out into the water so that boats can stop next to it.
8 It’s a place where planes can fly from.
9 It’s someone whose job is to carry traveller’s bags at railway stations, airports, etc.
10 It’s a two-wheeled vehicle that you ride by pushing its pedals with your feet.
7 Read the text then, for questions 1-5, choose the best answer, a, b, c or d.
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There are various means of transport at the disposal of those who travel either for pleasure or on business. If you don't like travelling on foot you can also use a bicycle or a motor-bike. With motor-car one can travel comfortably for long distances. You can also travel by sea and modern liners. They are very comfortable for the passengers.
Last Wednesday I went down to Belfast Docks to see my friend off to France on one of the largest liners. These steamers are huge indeed when you see them from the landing-stage.
I managed to go on board and have a look round. From top deck I could see the huge cranes lifting the cargo and depositing it in the holds. I saw members of the crew carrying out their duties in various parts of the ship while the captain watched the operations and gave his orders from the bridge. Then the siren sounded and the visitors left the ship. Finally the ship began to move off, and the passengers, leaning over the rails, waved good-bye tо their friends standing below. Slowly the ship left the harbour, passing beyond the pier and gradually disappeared in the distance.
You can go by air as well, as air ships can carry passengers to various parts of the world very quickly.
A few days later I myself had to go to New York. The journey was urgent and I went by air. I went to the airport by a special bus provided by the company. On the airfield we saw a large plane waiting for us. We climbed into it, and in some minutes it took off. Very soon we saw New York. It wasn't long before we arrived at our destination. The pilot made a perfect landing and we got out of the plane.
But a lot of people prefer travelling by train, too. Railway is still one of the most popular means of communication and it is cheap.
Now we are at a big railway station. There are many platforms at which trains come in and from which they go out. We see a train standing at one of the platforms. It is ready to leave. Some of the passengers are looking out of the windows. They are watching the late-comers who are hurrying and looking for empty seats. Many people have come to see their friends and relatives off. They say goodbye to each other, the porters are very busy. They are carrying luggage to the train or pushing it on their tracks. On one of the platforms a train has just come. Some passengers are getting out. This train has made a long journey. It's an express train. It doesn't stop at each station. There are other trains on the platform ready to leave. Some of them are stopping trains, some long distance and fast trains. People are hurrying in all directions. The station-master is in the office next to the booking-office.
Some people are choosing books, newspapers and magazines for the journey at the bookstalls. The refreshment rooms are crowded with people, who are having a hasty meal.
1 Someone could find out from this text
A how to reach France in the most comfortable way.
B how to carry passengers fast to various parts of the world.
C how to travel comfortably for long distances.
D a variety of travelling methods.
2 Last Wednesday the man went down to Belfast Docks
A to meet his friend.
B to go on board one of the largest liners.
C to say good-bye to his friend.
D to watch the crew’s operations.
3 What did the man do a few days later?
A provided a special bus to the airport.
B was waiting some minutes to climb into the plane.
C arrived in New York as quickly as he had done before.
D left for New York.
4 How many types of trains are mentioned in the text?
A one
B two
C three
D four
5 What is the writer’s attitude to travelling by train?
A It is convenient to watch the late-comers out of the windows.
B It is not expensive.
C There are too many platforms.
D You can choose any book you like at the bookstalls.