Different Means of Travel

There is a conversation between three young men about advantages of various means of travel.

A: What is your favourite means of travel?

B: For me there is nothing like travel by air: it is more comfortable, more convenient and of course far quicker than any other way. There is none of the trouble of changing to another train. Besides, flying is a thrilling thing. Don’t you agree?

A: I think I should say a word or two for trains. With a train you have speed, comfort and pleasure combined. From the comfortable seat of a railway carriage you have a splendid view of the whole country side. If you are hungry, you can have a meal in the buffet-car, and if the journey is a long one you can have a wonderful bed in a sleeper. Besides, do you know any place that is more interesting than a big railway station? There is the movement, the excitement, the gaiety of people going away or waiting to meet friends. Here are the shouts of the porters as they pull luggage along the platforms to the waiting trains, the crowd queuing at the booking-office, the hungry and thirsty ones hurrying to the refreshment rooms before the train starts. No really! Do you know a more exciting place than a big railway station?

C: I do.

A: And that is?

C: A big sea port. For me there is no travel so fine as by boat. I love to feel the deck of the boat under my feet, to see the rise and fall of the waves, to feel the fresh sea wind blowing in my face and hear the cries of the sea-gulls. And what excitement, too, there is in coming into harbor and seeing all the ships, cargo ships, cruisers.

A: Well, I suppose that’s all right for those who like it, but not for me. I’m always seasick, especially when the sea is a little bit rough.

C: I’ve heard a good cure for seasickness is a small piece of dry bread.

A: Maybe; but I think a better cure is a large piece of dry land.

Notes:

there is nothing like – нет ничего лучше

a thrilling thing – захватывающее дело

the cries of sea-gulls – крик чаек

a good cure for seasickness is …. – хорошим средством от морской болезни является ….

Answer the following questions:

1. Why do some people like travelling by train?

2. What are the advantages of travelling by air?

3. What are the advantages of sea-voyage? What kind of people like travelling by sea?

Practice the conversations with a partner. Memorize and dramatize them.

At the railway station

Passenger: Good morning.

Clerk: Good morning, sir.

Passenger: I’ve found out from this time-table that there are several trains to Glasgow daily.

Clerk: Yes, quite so.

Passenger: Is there a second-class sleeper on the overnight express which leaves at 10.15 p.m.?

Clerk: Yes, the train has sleeping accommodation.

Passenger: What time does the train get to Glasgow?

Clerk: It’s due to arrive in Glasgow at 6.30 a.m. It usually runs on time.

Passenger: I’d like two tickets to Glasgow for tomorrow.

Clerk: Which train?

Passenger: The 20.15 express.

Clerk: Second-class?

Passenger: Yes, second-class sleeper.

Clerk: Single or return?

Passenger: Two return tickets, please.

Clerk: Just a minute. Let me see. Yes, I can give you two berths in one compartment. Here you are.

Passenger: Thank you.