6. Speaking Practice

A. Here is a list of good driving habits. What do you think is the most important to a driver and what is the least important. Put the following in order (from 1 to 8). Discuss your answer with a partner and explain your order.

1. It is dangerous to drive too close to the car in front of you. If it stops suddenly, you may not be able to brake in time and you will crash into it.

2. Overtake the car in front of you with great care. When you are absolutely sure that the road ahead is clear, change lanes, accelerate and overtake quickly.

3. The speed limit is for normal conditions. If the weather is bad, you should drive under the speed limit. Never drive over the speed limit.

4. Children get run over because they run out into the street without looking. When you see children playing, you should slow down and drive very carefully.

5. If you have to park on a hill, put the handbrake on. Also, put the car in gear (not neutral) and turn the front wheels towards the side of the road.

6. Use your rear-view mirror frequently to see what the traffic is doing on the road behind you. Good drivers look in their rear-view mirror at least once every five seconds.

7. Keep your car in good condition. Check often to see whether you have enough oil in your engine, enough air in your tyres and enough water in your radiator. Make sure all your lights (headlights, sidelights and indicators) are working. Only drive with brakes that are in good condition.

8. Always wear your seat belt. You do not want to go through the windscreen if the car stops suddenly.

1. _______ 2. ________ 3. _______ 4. _______

5. _______ 6. ________ 7. _______ 8. _______

B. Think about

1. At what age can people drive in your country? Can you drive?

2. What sort of car would you like to drive and why?

3. Do you have to wear seat belts in your country? Do you think this is a good

law?

4. What happens to drivers who break the law in your country?

Unit five. Buses

Pre-reading Activity

• When did you travel by bus last?

• How much did you spend on bus tickets?

• Approximately how many kilometres have you travelled by bus?

Make sure you know these words:

short hop – подорож на невелику відстань

hail – визнавати як добре

board a bus – сідати в автобус

in good time – своєчасно

LT – London Transport

1. Read the text The Buses

The bus is ideal for short hops (a cheap fare for short journeys on most bus routes). The top of a double-decker has been hailed as one of the best ways to see the city centre. Most London buses are red, some are in different colours, but they will display the sign: ‘London Transport’.

The famous red buses offer extensive services throughout the capital and there is a frequent and reliable privately-run sightseeing service.

With 17,000 bus stops all over London, you are rarely more than a minute walk from one. You can board at two types of bus stops:

compulsory – buses will automatically stop, unless they are full,

request – buses will only stop if you put out your arm in good time.

When you board a bus, take a seat if one is available or hold on tight.

You pay the bus driver (or conductor) or show a Travelcard. Busses have a similar fare system to the Underground.

When you want to leave the bus ring the bell once, unless a ‘bus stopping’ sign is lit. Buses offer a friendly, personal and safe service; nearly all vehicles have video cameras on board. All buses are No Smoking. Never get on or off an open platform bus except at a bus stop and always wait until the bus has stopped. Be careful when crossing the road as buses sometimes travel in special road lanes against the traffic flow.

Special ‘N’ numbered Night Buses run through the night – some follow daytime routes, others have their own routes. Fares are slightly higher than on day buses and you cannot use a One Day Travelcard, LT Card or One Day Bus Pass. There are no child fares on Night Buses (or any bus after 22:00). All Night Buses pass through Trafalgar Square and serve theatres, cinemas and entertainment areas.