Phonetic exercises

Exercise 1. Pronounce the words, observe the rules of pronunciation of the stressed vowels

[ei] train, save, freight, plane, sailor, weigh, weight, station, railway

[ai] flight, time, light, price, private, dining-car

[ju:] queue, reduced, duty

[au] announce, announcer, announcement

[o:] beforehand, porter

[u] put, book, booking-office

[Λ] luggage, customs, upper, adjust, comfort, country

[a:] fast, pass, compartment, harbour, bath, fasten, guard, charge

[ǽ] passenger, land, taxi, passage, cabin, altitude, platform, transport, carriage

[u:] through, screw, movement

[ə:] reserved, berth, journey, turn, return, purpose

[εə] air, fare, therefore, airport

Exercise 2. Pronounce the words, observe the rules of pronunciation of the consonants.

[k] class, card, comfort, comfortable, cabin, carriage, captain, compartment, anchor, conveniences, crowd, quite, request

[∫] ship, distinguished, well-wisher, sufficient, destination, information, international, limitation, officials, vaccination

[] passenger, agency, luggage, baggage, just, enjoy, voyage, register

[h] harbour, huge, height, porthole, hungry, hints, handbag, prohibited

[t∫] reach, choice, departure, watch, check

Lexical exercises

Exercise 1. What do we call …?

1. a place where passengers can wait for the train’s arrival

2. a place where passengers can leave their luggage

3. a place where we can buy railway tickets

4. a place where we can have a snack

5. a train that stops at all stations

6. a train that takes us to the place of destination and we needn’t change it

7. a train that stops only at the larger stations

8. a person who helps us with our luggage

9. a person who is in charge of the railway service at the station

10. a person who travels

11. a van on which the porter puts the luggage

12. a ticket which is valid (действителен) only for one direction

13. A ticket which is valid for both directions

For your answer use the model: We call this ….

Exercise 2. Using phrases from Ex.1 say:

Who is a porter?

a station master?

A passenger?

A conductor?

What is a booking-office?

a waiting room?

an express?

a luggage van?

a through train?

a stopping train?

a single ticket?

a return ticket?

a truck?

Exercise 3. Substitute the words of the opposite meaning for the underlined words.

1. The jet plane took off exactly on time. 2. I have come to the airport to meet my friends returning from Moscow. 3. Before the plane took off the stewardess asked the passengers to fasten the belts. 4. One by one the passengers were leaving the plane. 5. Our seats were in the rear part of the plane. 6. The landing was perfect. 7. We got tickets for the plane on the day of departure.

Exercise 4. Insert prepositions and adverbs wherever necessary.

1. Flying is quite safe and very convenient as the company takes a good care … their passengers. 2. I think the plane is going to take .., you’d better fasten your seat belt. 3. “No smoking” and “Fasten your belts” have been lighted … …. the pilot’s cabin. 4. How long shall we be …? 5. When you fly abroad you must pass … customs. 6. If the weather keeps nasty our flight may be put … or cancelled. 7. Passengers are not allowed to have bulky and heavy things … board a plane. 8. The stewardess greeted the passengers and showed them … their seats.

Exercise 5. Complete the following sentences.

1. When we came to the railway station we saw … . 2. If you did not book your ticket beforehand you will have to … . 3. It takes you much time to travel by a stopping train because … . 4. If you don’t like queuing up at the booking-office you can … . 5. The announcer has called our flight, let’s … . 6. Flight 242 to Odessa is put back because of … . 7. Fasten your belts, the plane … . 8. Passengers must have their luggage … . 9. No, you won’t have to pay extra, your luggage … . 10. We are flying at … . 11. When the plane hit an air-pocket … . 12. Travelling by air saves us … .

Exercise 6. Fill in the gaps with the suitable prepositions: a) for (2); b) by; c) through (2); d) as; e) at (2); f) of; g) off; h) in.

Many years ago, while I was travelling (1) Europe (2) train I had the chance to visit most (3) the major European capitals and admire the fantastic scenery. One day, (4) the train was passing (5) the French countryside it suddenly stopped (6) a small picturesque village because of engine problems. While we were waiting (7) the train to be repaired, we got (8) to do some sightseeing (9) a couple of hours. I went to a cozy restaurant where I enjoyed some wonderful local cuisine and tasted some exquisite French wine. (10) the end, I didn’t mind the delay (11) all.

Exercise 7. Choose the most suitable word from the bracket:

The first time I (a-visited, b-stayed) Golden Beach I was on holiday with my family. A friend of ours (a-told, b-advised) us that it was the best beach in the (a-area, b-world). When we (a-came, b-arrived) we saw hundreds of people (a-laying, b-lying) on the beach (a-enjoying, b-entertaining) the sunshine. We were a bit (a-moved, b-disappointed) as we didn’t (a-expect, b-realize) it was going to be (a-filled, b-crowded). We had been searching for fifteen minutes before we (a-usually, b-actually) found a (a-strip, b-spot) to sit down. We put our things down and (a-climbed, b-relaxed). We had been sitting (a-in, b-on) the sun for about an hour when we suddenly realized we were getting (a-ready, b-sunburnt). So we decided to go for a swim. The water was so (a-wet, b-refreshing) that we swam for an hour. After that we went to the bar for a snack. Much to our (a-excuse, b-surprise) when we got back to our (a-spot, b-strip) all of our things were stolen.

Text 1

Americans and Travel

Exercise 1. Read the text and match each paragraph with its heading

Headings:

1. The Americans are a mobile nation.

2. Nature fascinates and attracts the Americans greatly.

3. Travelling overseas.

A. Americans also enjoy international travel. In almost every European city you may find an American traveler. Since the 1950s, more and more middle class Americans have made their way to Europe. Americans view the “Old World” with much respect and interest. The reason for this is simply that the majority of the population in the USA come from some European country. Usually these travelers are young and they have a Eurail Ticket (a special rail pass that allows about a month’s worth of unlimited travel) and they often stay in youth hostels. The young American travelers are adventurous and eager to meet new people.

B. Although many families enjoy spending their holidays at home, the majority of them like travelling. They may do something simple and low in budget, like rent a cabin in the wilderness or near the seaside. They might also go to one of the many campgrounds that dot the USA. Overall many Americans strive to simply “get away from it all” (from the routine). One popular method to escape the stress is to visit national parks, such as Yellowstone or the Grand Canyon. Hiking and path finding become more popular each year. The feeling of being alone with nature is something that is indescribable to most.

C. Americans enjoy travelling greatly. Most Americans embrace it as no other nation can. The reason for this is the average American moves at least ten times in his/her lifetime. Mobility and being on the road create a wonderful sensation to the American people. It is also true that American history can be viewed through a lens that examines movement (especially westward).