Checking in

Clerk: Next, please!

Mrs Brown: Here’s my ticket, flight DL 33 206 to New York.

C.(taking the ticket and looking at the computer screen): Everything’s OK. Would you like an aisle or a window seat?

B.: Window seat, please.

C.: Smoking or non-smoking section?

B.: Non-smoking. I gave up smoking years ago.

C.: Good idea!... Here’s your ticket and boarding pass. Your flight departs from gate G5 on the upper level.

B.: Where do I have my luggage inspected?

C.: The luggage inspection area is right in the centre of the hall. Anything else I can do for you?

B.: Well, in fact there is one other thing. How do I go about changing planes at Frankfurt?

C.: Oh, that’s easy. The first thing you have to do is listen to what the flight attendant will say on the PA system; make sure you remember the gate number, OK?

B.: Yes.

C.: Fine! Now the next thing you do when you get off the plane is go to the gate. At the gate you will have your luggage inspected.

B.: All my luggage?

C.: Only your carry-on luggage. The rest will go directly to the plane. After you’ve done that, you can either stay in the waiting area or go shopping, but after that they will want to look through your luggage once more. Do you see what I mean? You’ll have your passport and ticket checked again. So be careful to have them handy. Is that clear?

B.: Absolutely! Thank you!

Task 5. In the dialogue find the expressions the clerk uses to give instructions and to check Mrs Brown’s understanding. Study the two lists of expressions used to give instructions and check understanding.

Giving instructions: First you…, then you… . It’s like this: first you… . This is how you do it: you … . You should follow this procedure: … . The first thing you have to/should do is … . The next thing you do is … . After you’ve done that, you … . Then you … . finally, you … .

Checking understanding: Do you follow me? Are you with me? Do you see/know what I mean? I hope that’s clear? Does that make sense? OK?/Right? Do I make myself clear?

Take turns giving instructions to your fellow students on the following matters; make sure that he/she has understood.

1. how to order an airplane ticket; 2. how to confirm his/her flight; 3. how to get to the airport by public transport; 4. what to do with his/her luggage at the airport; 5. how to change planes.

After each item, let him/her repeat the instructions as a coherent story.

In pairs, work out a set of instructions for each of the activities listed below, then explain to another pair how to do one of these activities, answering all their questions. Let them offer the instructions to the rest of the class and give your opinion. Then swap roles.

1. how to make a long-distance call;

2. how to make a good cup of tea/coffee;

3. how to cook your favourite dish;

4. how to use a microwave.

Task 6. Read the following dialogue. When does Dr Brown have to be at the airport?