Cultural notes

Despite the size of the U.S., it is easy to travel from state to state by taking the extensive interstate system. Interstate highways crisscross America from north to south and east to west. If you're driving from coast to coast, you should allow several weeks so you can see the sights along the way.

Travel agencies can help you plan your trip and make hotel or motel reservations for you. Some agencies, like the AAA, specialize in automobile travel. One of their services is to plan a driving trip for you. They will put together an itinerary along with maps and recommendations about interesting sights you may want to see. Unlike travel agencies, AAA requires that you join their organization, so you can take advantage of such services as trip planning, insurance, etc.

Despite the high quality of interstate highways in the U.S. you should be careful not to drive too fast. Most highways are patrolled by police with radar.

Action

AAA AGENT: Good morning. Can I help you?

YOU: I'm trying to figure out the best way to get to Washington, D.C.

AAA AGENT: Are you driving or flying?

YOU: I'm driving. My car's parked outside.

AAA AGENT: You have two options. The first is to take Interstate 85 north through Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Virginia.

YOU: What's the other option?

AAA AGENT: You could also take I-75 north through Georgia into Tennessee. In Tennessee, you pick up I-81 which will take you into Virginia. You then take I-66 to Washington.

YOU: Is there a difference in distance between the two?

AAA AGENT: I-85 is somewhat shorter, but it's not as scenic, and there's usually a lot more traffic.

YOU: How do I pick up I-85 in Atlanta?

AAA AGENT: Just head north on the freeway until you reach the I-285 beltway. Then follow the signs.

YOU: By the way, do you have any information about the Washington, D.C. area?

AAA AGENT: Sure. Here's a packet of brochures. Do you need a hotel reservation?

YOU: No thanks. I've already made one.

Lesson 18 «Buying Gas»

Vocabulary

ahead (prep.)

attendant (noun)

away (adv.)

be able, you'll (to be able, fut.)

becoming (pres. part.)

check (inf., to check)

cleaning (pres. part., to clean)

Notice the polite request, "Would you mind cleaning...?" You can begin a request for almost anything with "Would you mind..." followed by the "-ing" form of the verb. (E.g.: "Would you mind doing this for me?" "Would you mind filling up my car?")

collect (inf., to collect)

complicated (adj.)

Synonyms include "confusing," "complex," "difficult," and "puzzling."

curious (adj.)

even though (conj.)

"Although" can be used in place of "even though."

fill up! (imp., to fill up)

When talking about the levels of such things as liquids or numbers ("temperatures," "stock market," etc.), use the constructions: "to be up" (or "high") and "to be down" (or "low"). (E.g.: "The Stock Market is up right now." "In the winter, temperatures are down." "The water in your radiator is up.")

great (adj.)

low (adj.)

marked (adj.)

mind (to mind)

miss! (imp., to miss)

A negative imperative form is used in this dialogue (i.e., "Don't miss the Smithsonian."). To make a negative of the imperative form, simply begin with "don't" ("do not"). (E.g.: "Don't leave now!" "Don't be rude!")

museums (noun, pl.)

oil (noun)

peek (noun)

Even though you can also say "take a look," "peek" underscores one's curiosity.

quart (noun)

reading (pres. part., to read)

research (noun)

safe (adj.)

service station (noun as adj.)

Or "gas station." Most gas or "service stations" along major interstates are also "convenience stores," meaning that they stock basic food and drink items, along with "snacks" for the road. Service stations with a "garage" where you can get your car repaired are becoming quite a rarity. Also, gas stations nowadays tend to be more and more "self-service" than the "full service" one in the dialogue.

Smithsonian (prop. noun)

super unleaded (prop. noun)

A type of gasoline which is higher in "octane" and more expensive than "regular."

tires (noun, pl.)

One can have tires with "low pressure" meaning that they require air from an "air pump." To get a "flat" or a "flat tire" while driving requires "changing the tire" with a "jack" and a "tire iron."

West Coast (prop. noun)

whether (conj.)

while (conj.)

windshield (noun)

Story

As you leave Atlanta, you decide to stop for gas. You are becoming more and more curious about the envelope your aunt's attorney gave you. Even though you have a lot of driving ahead of you before you get to Washington, you must take a peek. You open the envelope marked "Washington" and start reading while the service station attendant approaches.