Reading At the Railway Station

It's common knowledge that nowadays people travel a lot. They travel on business and for pleasure, about the country and abroad. Those who wish to travel have at their disposal various means of transport: express trains and big ships, cars and jet airliners.

Although we all agree that the future belongs to the air trans­port, the railway is still one of the most popular means of commu­nication. Of course, if people are short of time and have to travel a long distance they usually travel by air. But if they have time they prefer to go by train.

With a train you have speed, comfort and pleasure combined. From the comfortable corner seat of a carriage you have a splendid view of the countryside. If you are hungry you can have a meal in the dining-car and if the journey is long you can have a comfortab­le bed in a sleeper.

A big railway station is a very busy and interesting place. Let's imagine that we are at one of them.

There are a lot of platforms at which trains come in and go out. A train is standing at one of the platforms ready to leave. The porters are very busy carrying luggage to the train or pushing it on their trucks. On another platform a train has just come in. Some passengers are getting out, others are getting in. Those who ha-

ven't got their tickets in advance are waiting in queues at the booking-office. At the bookstalls people are choosing books, maga­zines and newspapers for the journey. At the cloak — room some people are leaving and taking their luggage.

There are a lot of notices in a big railway station. You may see ENTRANCE and EXIT. There is also a WAITING-ROOM where you can relax until it is time to board your train. If you are hungry or thirsty you'll go to the REFRESHMENT ROOM.

If you don't know the number of the platform from which your train leaves, look for the notices ARRIVALS and DEPARTURES. They will tell you the number of the platform.

When you arrive in a large town you may leave your heavy luggage at the station. In this case you will look for the CLOAK ROOM or LEFT LUGGAGE OFFICE.

You will also see the notice BOOKING OFFICE. This is where you buy your ticket. If you don't know the time or the platform your train leaves from you'll go to the INQUIRY OFFICE or the INFORMATION BUREAU.

Self check

/. Fill in the gaps with prepositions where necessary: Mr Dobson is fond... travelling. He thinks there is nothing like travel... board... the train.

Last week Mr Dobson went... Dublin... business. He travel­led... train. He arrived... the station an hour... the departure....his arrival... the station he bought some newspapers and a magazine... the newsagent's and went... the waiting-room to wait... his train. He was reading a newspaper when he heard the loudspeaker: "Attention, please! The train... Dublin is leaving... platform I." Mr Dobson put his newspaper... his briefcase, got up and went... his platform. He found his carriage and boarded... the train. He had a comfortable night... the train and reached... Dublin... 8 a. m.

//. Translate into English:

— Добрый день!

— Добрый день. Чем могу быть полезна?

— Есть ли поезда на Москву сегодня?

— Да, есть два ночных поезда.

— Когда они отправляются?

— В 9 и 11 часов.

— Когда поезд, который отправляется в 9 часов, прибывает в Москву?

— В 7 часов утра.

— Это время меня устраивает. Есть ли билеты на этот поезд?

— Да, есть несколько билетов первого класса.

— Мне повезло.

Fluency

/. Answer the questions:

How often do you travel by train? Do you enjoy travelling by train? Why/Why not? What do you like or dislike about large stati­ons? When did you last travel by train? Where did you go? Did you book a ticket in advance? How much did it cost? Did you travel by an express or a stopping train? You didn't have to change trains did you? What time did the train leave? When did you arrive at the station? Did you travel light or heavy? What did you do after you boarded the train? Did you have a lower or an upper berth? Which berth do you prefer? How much did the bedding cost? How did you spend the time during the journey? Did you like the conductor? Was he/she very helpful? Did you get off the train on your way to X? When did the train arrive in X? How long did you stay in X? What was your journey back like?

//. Speak on:

a) your last journey by train

b) the local railway station

///. Discuss the following:

1. A big railway station is the best place to spend a spare hour.

2. There is nothing like travelling by train.

IV. Act out the following situations:

1. An English colleague of yours wants to go to Moscow to take part in an exhibition. Не/she asks you about trains to Moscow. You've been to Moscow many times and give him/her all the necessary information.

2. You are on business in London. Soon you are going to return to your native country. You phone the railway-booking agency to inquire about the time-table and tickets.

3. You are on board the train Minsk-Moscow. There is an En­glishman/Englishwoman in your compartment. In an hour you are busy talking.

V. Write about a journey by train that impressed you greatly.

UNIT 18 TOPIC: TRAVELLING BY AIR

COMMUNICATION: INTRODUCTIONS

TEXT. AIR TRAVEL

When travelling by air you have to get to the airport early in order to check in about an hour before your flight. If you have a lot of luggage, you can put it on a trolley and push it to the check-in desk where someone will check your ticket and weigh your luggage. If you have excess luggage, it can be expensive. Your heavy lug­gage is put on a conveyer belt and carried away. A light bag is classified as hand luggage and you can take it with you on the plane. An immigration officer looks at your passport and a security guard checks your hand luggage before you go into the departure lounge to wait till your flight is called. If you want to, you can buy some cheap duty free goods here. Then you see on the departures board or hear an announcement that you must board your plane. You go through the departure gate, then there is sometimes a secu­rity check before you actually enter the plane When all {he passen­gers are on board and when the captain and his crew are ready in the cockpit, the plane begins to taxi to the end of the runway. Final­ly, permission is received from the control tower and the plane moves faster and faster in order to take off.

Flying is fun. I like being in a big airliner with the cabin crew (stewards and stewardesses) looking after me. They walk up and down the aisle bringing meals and drinks; and if the flight is going through some turbulence, they warn everybody that it might be a bit bumpy and ask us to fasten our seat-belts. On a long flight I like listening to music through the headphones available to all passen­gers, and sometimes I have a sleep. I enjoy it all so much that I never want the plane to land.

Comprehension

/. Listen to the text and answer the questions:

Why do passengers have to come to the airport an hour before the departure? What does a passenger do if he/she has a lot of lug­gage? What do you have to do if you have excess luggage? Where do passengers wait for their plane? What happens when all the passengers are on board? Does the writer like travelling by air? Why? How does he while away the time during the flight?

//. Read the text and analyse its language peculiarities. Do some exercises in the next section to remember them.

Special Difficulties

/. Respond to the following:

e.g. A: He learnt to cook in Paris. Were you surprised?

B: No. He went to Paris to learn to cook, (slight stress on "went") or B: No. He went to Paris in order to learn to cook, (slight stress

on "order")

He... Were you surprised?

1. met Bill in Edinburgh 2. sold his pictures in London 3. opened a bank account in Switzerland 4. painted a portrait in Rome 5. learnt to fly in Australia 6. played tennis in Florida 7. climbed mountains in Wales 8. skied in Norway 9. watched the penguins in the Antarctic 10. dived for treasure in the Mediterranean 11. had an eye operation in Russia 12. gave a concert in Munich 13. studied judo in Japan 14. wrote a book in Seville 15. photographed lions in Africa.

e.g. A: I had a lovely time yesterday. I wrote letters all day. B: Do you really enjoy writing letters? I had a lovely time yesterday. I... all day. 1. washed windows 2. peeled potatoes 3. mended socks 4, ironed shirts 5. polished the silver 6. played with the children 7. practised the piano 8. worked in the garden 9. cooked 10. baked 11. watched cricket

e.g. A (in tones of sympathy): You have to make beds, I suppose. B: Yes, but I like making beds! You have to... 1 suppose.

1. do housework 2. live economically 3. shop around 4. look after the children 5. help them with their homework 6. read to them 7. an­swer their questions 8. attend their school concerts 9. give child­ren's parties

e.g. A: Do you want to make a speech? B: No, I want you to make a speech. Do you want to...

1. lead the deputation 2. receive the mayor 3. speak first 4. introduce the speakers 5. sign the cheque 6. attend the conference 7. give a talk 8. make the arrangements 9. fix a date 10. organize the reception 11. open the champagne

Text Exercises

/ Ask questions on the text. II. Retell the text.

///. When did you last travel by air? Where did you fly? When did you come to the airport for registration? What was the registra­tion like? Did the plane take off on time? Did you have a good flight? How did you while away the time during the flight? How long did your flight last? When did the plane land at X?

Conversation Practice

/. Listen to the conversations, ask and answer questions, role-play the conversations:

Booking Airline Tickets

— I want to fly to Geneva on or about the first.

— I'll just see what there is.

— I want to go economy and I'd prefer the morning.

— Lufthansa Flight LH 203 leaves at 9.20.

— What time do I have to be there?

— The coach leaves for the airport at 8.15.

2. — I'd like to book a flight to Munich for Monday the tenth.

— I'll have a look in the time-table for you.

— I'll need an economy class open return.

— KLM have got a DC-9 leaving at 9.25.

— What else ought I to know?

— The latest time of reporting is 8.35 at the airport.

3. — What flights are there from London to Vienna tomorrow?

— If you'd like to take a seat, I'll find out for you.

— I'd like to travel first class, please.

- BEA flight BE 502 takes off from Heathrow at 9.25 and flies direct.

— What time have I got to get there?

— You'll have to be at West London Air Terminal by 8.10 at the latest.

4.— Are there any planes to Zurich on Sunday?

— If you'll excuse me for a second, I'll check.

— By the way, I don't want a night flight.

— There's a plane at 9.20.

— When am I supposed to check in?

— You must be at the airport before 8.35.

Situations: 1. You've come to the booking-office to book a flight to Moscow. The clerk is ready to help you. 2. You want to fly to London at the end of the month. You are phoning the booking-office to inquire about the time-table and tickets.

Checking in

1. Mr Dobson: Can I check here for the British Airways flight to

New York?

Clerk: Yes, sir. May I see your ticket and passport?

Mr Dobson: Here you are.

Clerk: That's fine. Can you put your suitcase on the

scales, please?

Mr Dobson- Of course. How much does it weigh?

Clerk: 23 kilos. I'm sorry, but you'll have to pay excess

baggage charge.

Mr Dobson: Oh! It's only three kilos overweight.

Clerk: Yes, sir... that's £6... Thank you. Would you like to

go through to the departure lounge?

Questions: Where is Mr Dobson flying? What does the clerk ask him to do? How much does Mr Dobson's lug­gage weigh? How much does he have to pay for the excess luggage?

2. Mr Nelson: Is this Mercury Airlines counter? Clerk: Yes, it is. May I help you?

Mr Nelson: I'd like to check my reservation for today's flight to Mexico City.

Clerk: May I see your ticket and passport?

Mr Nelson: Is eveiything in order?

Clerk: Yes, it is. Where is your baggage?

Mr Nelson: It's over there.

Clerk: Very well. It weighs exactly thirty pounds.

Mr Nelson: Do I get a baggage check?

Clerk: Yes, you do. Here it is. Now go to gate number se-

ven. Your flight number is 326.

Mr Nelson: What time does the plane leave?

Clerk: At 4 30.

Mr Nelson: Excuse rne. Is this gate seven?

Official: Yes, it is. We are boarding the plane at any mo­ment.

Mr Nelson: Why! I'm right on time!

Mr Nelson: May I take any seat?

Stewardess: Yes, any seat not marked "reserved".

Mr Nelson: When do we take off?

Stewardess: In about five minutes No smoking, please.

Mr Nelson: Miss! Do we land in Washington? Are we landing now?

Stewardess: Yes, we are. Please, fasten your belts.

Here, let me help you. There! Mr Nelson: Thank you.

Stewardess: You are welcome. Well, here we are. Questions: What place does Mr Nelson want to check his reser­vation to? Are his ticket and passport in order? How much does his baggage weigh? What time does the plane leave? What seat did the stewardess tell him to take? Where did they land?

Situation: You are registering for the 10 o'clock flight to Wa­shington at Sheremetyevo Airport.

In the Departure Lounge

("British Airways Flight 179 to New York is now boarding at

Gate 4")

Mr Dobson: Excuse me...

Woman: Yes?

Mr Dobson: I didn't hear that announcement. Which flight did

they call?

Woman: Flight 179 to New York... are you going there? Mr Dobson: Yes. Woman: So am I... Gate 4 is this way... follow me!

Security Check

Officer: May I search you, sir? It's just a security check.

Mr Dobson: Of course.

Officer: Thank you. Oh, what's this in your pocket?

Mr Dobson: Oh, yes... I'm sorry. It's just a metal comb.

Oficcer: Hmm... May I see it, sir?

Mr Dobson: Certainly.

At the Customs

Officer: Are these two bags al! you have, sir?

Mr Green: Yes, they are all I have.

Officer: Have you anything to declare?

Mr Green: I am sorry but I don't know what I am allowed.

Officer: Will you read this notice carefully?... Well, have you got anything to declare?

Mr Green: Yes, I've got some presents. I've got a bottle of brandy and some cigarettes.

Officer: Will you show them to me?

Mr Green: Yes, here they are.

Officer: Oh, yes, only a bottle of brandy. You are allowed that. Now these boxes of cigarettes. That's more than I can allow you free. I'm afraid you'll have to pay some duty on them. I'll tell you how much in a moment. But first let me see rnside your bags.

Mr Green: Here they are.

Officer: Thank you, sir. Everything's all right. Nothing is more dutiable. Welcome to our country!

Mr Green: Thank you.

Questions: How many bags has Mr Green got? Has he got anything to declare? What will he have to do? 2. Officer: Okay, bags on the table, please... uh-huh. How long are you planning to stay?

Tourist: Four weeks.

Officer: Do you have anything to declare?

Tourist: What?

Officer: Alcohol, cigarettes,...

Tourist: No.

Officer: Any meat, fresh fruit, plants?

Tourist: Uh, no.

Officer: Open your suitcase, please. Any gifts?

Tourist: Excuse me?

Officer: Are you bringing any gifts into the country?

Tourist: No, huh-uh.

Officer: Uh-huh. What's in the bottle?

Tourist: Uh, hand lotion.

Officer: Okay, that'll be okay. Here's your form.

Tourist: Uh, what should I do with it?

Officer: See that officer over there by the gate? He'll take it.

Tourist: Thank you very much.

Questions: What does the customs officer ask the tourist to do? What questions does he ask? Does the tourist have anything to declare? How long is he going to stay in the country?

Situation: You are flying to Washington. At the moment you are going through the customs inspection.

On Board the Plane

1. "Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. Captain Gibson and his crew welcome you aboard British Airways Flight 178 to New York. We're now flying at a height of 30 000 feet. Our speed is approximately 600 miles an hour. We'll land in New York in five and a half hours. The temperature in New York is now minus 3 C. In a few minutes you'll be able to see the Irish Coast. Our stewards and stewardesses will serve lunch in half an hour."

Questions: Who welcomes the passengers on board the plane? At what height and speed are they flying? When will the plane land in New York? When will lunch be served?

2. "Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. On behalf of Captain Sonnleitner and his crew I should like to welcome you aboard this

Swissair DC-9 aircraft. Our flying time to Geneva will be appro­ximately an hour and twenty minutes during which we shall be serving you with light refreshments. Please place your light hand luggage in the overhead rack, observe the no smoking signs, fasten your seat belts and ensure that your seats are in the vertical positi­on for the take off. For your safety and comfort during the flight you are requested to read the safety instructions which you will find in front of your seat."

"Ladies and gentlemen, may I have your attention, please. In a few minutes we shall be arriving at Geneva airport. Will you please return to your seats, place them in the vertical position, fasten your seat belts and observe the no smoking signs. Please, remain seated until the aircraft has come to a complete halt and remember to take all your hand luggage with you. We hope you ha­ve had a pleasant flight and that we shall soon have the pleasure of welcoming you aboard again. Thank you."

Down to Earth

"Your attention, please! British Airways regrets to announce the cancellation of Flight BA 564 to London due to technical difficulties. Will all the passengers now awaiting the departure of this flight please contact the British Airways ground hostess at the informa­tion desk in the transit lounge. Will passengers who are booked on this flight from Geneva and are now waiting in the departure loun­ge, also go to the information desk in the transit area. A ground hostess is waiting by Gate No I to escort you. Thank you!"

Socializing (Introductions)

a) How to approach the person you are meeting:

It's (Mr Brown), isn't it?

(Mr/Mrs/Miss Smith)?

Excuse me, are you (Mr Thompson)?

b) How to reply:

Yes, that's right.

Yes?

Yes, that's right. And you must be (Mr Williams).

c) How to introduce yourself:

I'm (Charles Brown). My name's (Sally Kent).

I'm so pleased to meet you.

I've been looking forward to meeting you. I'm (Tom Smith).

So glad to meet you.

d) How to respond and reply to an introduction:

How do you do. (formal) Hello, (less formal)

e) How to introduce someone who is with you:

May I introduce my girlfriend/boyfriend, Janet/James.

And this is my wife/husband.

Meet my business colleague, Tom Williams.

/. Listen to the conversation, ask and answer questions, role-play the conversation:

In the Hall of the Airport

Simon: Excuse me.

Mr Gibson: Yes?

Simon: It's Gibson, isn't it?

Mr Gibson: Yes, that's right.

Simon: So glad to meet you. I'm Simon Steel. How do you do?

Mr Gibson: How do you do? It was nice of you to meet us.

Simon: It's a pleasure.

Mr Gibson: And this is my wife Sally.

Mrs Gibson: How do you do, Mr Steel?

Simon: How do you do? Did you have a good flight?

Mrs Gibson: Yes, pretty good, thanks. But I must say I don't think

I'll ever get used to flying. Simon: Well, if you'd like to follow me, I've got a car waiting

outside.

Mr Gibson: Yes, certainly. Thank you.

Simon: Now, let me help you with your bags, Mrs Gibson.

Mrs Gibson: Thank you. They are a bit heavy. Simon: Right. This way. It's not very far.

Questions: Who met the Gibsons at the airport? How did Mrs Gibson like the flight? What did Simon offer her?

//. Act out the following situations:

1. You are in the foyer of the airport. Suddenly you hear an announcement that your flight is delayed. Act out a conversation with an airport official. Find out why there is a delay and how long you are going to wait. Ask what the airline is going to do about

meals and hotel accomodation if the plane is delayed for a long time.

2. You are asked to meet Jonathan Williams, an American journalist. You've never met him before, you've only seen a photo­graph of his. The plane has just landed and you approach someone who looks like Williams. But you address the wrong man. At last you notice him. You introduce yourself and ask him about the jour­ney. You've got a car waiting and take Mr Williams to the hotel.

Listening What a Way to Start a Holiday!

When Wilson got to the airport, his flight was already being called over the loudspeakers. The day before he had cancelled his ticket for a morning flight and had booked an afternoon flight instead. He had to go to the reservations desk to collect his new ticket.

He apologized for being late. The reservations clerk smiled and began to look through the reservations in front of her. Then her smile disappeared and she began to look worried.

"Your ticket doesn't seem to be here," she said. "Let me check it with the computer."

The computer clicked and whirred and lights began to flash. Just then, his flight was called a second time. Wilson became very nervous. Finally the girl looked up.

"There's been a mistake. Your new ticket was sent to you by post. That's why it isn't here," she said. It took her only a short time to write out a new one. Wilson managed to catch the plane just befo­re it took off. "What a way to start a holiday!" he thought.

Questions: What was happening when Wilson got to the airport? What had he done the day before? Why did the clerk begin to look worried? What happened then? Why wasn't Wilson's ticket there? What happened at the end?

First Flight

Five tourists walked slowly across the airfield where a very small aircraft was waiting for them. The plane was used on local flights and had only two engines.

The passengers got into the plane and sat down.

"Fasten your seat belts, please," the air hostess said. An old lady turned to the air hostess. "Please help me with the belt," she asked "I have never been on an aeroplane before and I feel rather nervous."

"Don't worry," -the air hostess said kindly. "These planes are the safest in the world " Then the hostess went round with a tray of sweets. She offered a sweet to each of the passengers. "Take one of these," she said to the old lady. "It will help you to swallow."

Suddenly the plane began to shake and to rattle. It moved quickly down the runway and slowly climbed into the air. When the plane was in the air, the hostess went to the old lady again. "Didn't the sweet help you to swallow?" she asked.

"No, I'm afraid it didn't," the old lady answered. "But it took my mind off the plane. May I have another one, please?"

Questions: How many tourists were going to travel? What did the air hostess tell the passengers to do? Why couldn't the old lady fasten her seat belt? What did the hostess give each passenger? Why did the air hostess give sweets to the passengers? How did the sweet help the lady?

A Smuggler

Sam Lewis was a customs officer. He used to work in a small border town. It wasn't a busy town and there wasn't much work. The road was usually very quiet and there weren't many travellers. It wasn't a very interesting job, but Sam liked an easy life. About once a week he used to meet an old man. His name was Draper. He always used to arrive at the border early in the morning in a big truck. The truck was always empty. After a while Sam became suspicious. He often used to search the truck but he never found anything. One day he asked Draper about his job. Draper laughed and said: "I'm a smuggler."

Last year Sam retired. He spent his savings on an expensive holiday. He flew to Bermuda and stayed in a luxury hotel. One day he was sitting by the pool and opposite him he saw Draper drinking champagne. Sam walked over to him. Sam: Hello, there! Draper: Hi!

Sam: Do you remember me? Draper: Yes... of course I do. You're a customs officer. Sam: I used to be, but I'm not any more. I retired last month.

I often used to search your truck... Draper: But you never found anything. Sam: No, I didn't. Can I ask you something? Draper: Of course you can. Sam: Were you a smuggler? Draper: Of course I was.

Sam: But... the truck was always empty. What were you smuggling?

Draper: Trucks!

Questions: What was Sam's job? Where did he work? Was his, job interesting? Who did he use to meet once a week? Why did Sam become suspicious? What did he ask Draper one day? What did Sam do last year? Where did he spend his holiday? Who did he meet at the hotel? What did he learn?

Reading But You Said...

Marion: Good afternoon.

Travel

Agent: Good afternoon, madam.

Marion: I'm interested in the holiday in Saint Cuthbert.

Agent: Ah, yes... the Caribbean! I can recommend it highly.

Marion: Can you tell me a little more about it?

Agent: Of course, madam. It's an excellent package holiday. You'll travel on a scheduled flight. You'll be met at the airport and taken to your hotel. You won't have to pay airport taxes. They are included in the price. The hotel is very near the beach, and it's got a swimming pool and a discotheque. It's a very modern hotel, it was built last year. The restaurant's superb, and drinks are very cheap in Saint Cuthbert. Oh, and you can walk to the sea in two minutes.

Marion: Hmm... it sounds good. I'd like to make a reservation.

Agent: One moment, madam and I'll get you a booking form. Marion paid a deposit and booked the holiday. Two months

later she was in Saint Cuthbert. But she was disappointed. When

she returned to England, she went to see the travel agent.

Agent: Ah! It's Miss Ward. Did you have a good holiday?

Marion: No, I certainly did not have a good holiday.

Agent: Oh, I'm very sorry to hear that. What was wrong?

Marion: Well, when I arrived in Saint Cuthbert, I had to spend four hours at the airport... you said that we would be met, and we weren't. You also said we would be taken to the hotel. We weren't and the taxi cost about £12. You told me that airport taxes were included. In fact I had to pa\ £10.

Agent: Oh, dear... you had a very bad start. But the hotel was nice, wasn't it?

Marion: No, it was not! You said it was very modern. You were quite right. They hadn't finished building it! We couldn't sleep because the workmen were working all night.. on

our balcony! You said it had got a swimming pool. It had... but it was empty. And the restaurant.. the restaurant ser­ved fish every night.

Agent: Oh, dear..

Marion: You said that the hotel was near the beach, and that we could walk to the sea in two minutes.

Agent: Couldn't you?

Marion: Well, yes... we could... but there was an oil refinery bet­ween the hotel and the beach, and it took half an hour to walk round it.

Agent: Oh, I'm really terribly sorry. We really didn't know... I'm afraid we're unable to give you a refund, but we can give you a ten per cent discount on next year's ho­liday....

Marion: Next year! Next year I'm staying in England!

Self check

/. Use the proper tense forms:

Yesterday afternoon I (go) to the airport to meet Pierre who. (come) to Paris to spend a few days with me. I (arrive) at the air­port at two o'clock, (go) to a waiting room and (sit) down. When it (announce) that the plane (be) an hour late, I (decide) to go for a walk. I (just, walk) away from the building, when I (see) an old friend coming towards me. We (talk) for a moment, then (go) to the bar, where we (have) a few drinks. Suddenly I (remember) Pierre. We (rush) to the information desk. I (tell) that the plane from Paris (arrive) 40 minutes earlier. I (hurry) out of the buil­ding, (get) into my car and (drive) away quickly. When I (arrive) home I (find) Pierre sitting on his suitcase outside my front door.

//. Translate into English:

— Доброе утро! Скажите, пожалуйста, есть ли рейс на Лондон 25 октября?

— Да, есть два рейса —утром и вечером.

— Когда утренний рейс?

— В 6 часов утра.

— Нет, это слишком рано. У меня будет бессонная ночь, если я полечу этим самолетом. Когда вечерний рейс?

— В 8 часов вечера.

— Когда самолет прибывает в Лондон?

— В 10 часов.

. — Это время меня устраивает. Есть ли билеты на этот рейс?

— Да, есть несколько билетов первого класса.

— Пожалуйста, один билет туда и обратно. Я возвращаюсь 30 октября.

Fluency

/. Answer the questions:

Do you like travelling by air? Why/Why not? Is there an airport in your native city/town? Is it far from the city/town? How can you get there? How long does it take you to get there? What is the air­port like? What do you like or dislike about it? When do passengers have to arrive at the airport for registration? What is registration like? How much luggage can a passenger take without extra pay? Who informs passengers about flights? Are flights often cancelled in this country? Can you say why? Is there a security check before you board the plane? Who takes you on board the plane? What are the duties of a stewardess? When are passengers requested to fa­sten their seat belts? Do they serve meals on board the plane? Can passengers smoke during the flight? Do you get airsick when on a plane?

When did you last travel by plane? Where did you fly? How did you get to the airport? When did registration begin? What was it like? Did you have excess luggage? Was your flight cancelled? What did you do after you had registered your ticket and luggage? Was your journey pleasant? When did your plane land in X? What did you do on your arrival in X?

Have you ever travelled abroad? Where/When? What is the procedure of going through immigration and customs? Did you ha­ve any dutiable articles? Did you declare them? Did the customs officials examine your luggage? Did you enjoy your trip? Why/ Why not? How long did your trip last?

//. Speak on:

a) your last flight

b) your trip to a foreign country

c) the local airport

d) your experience of booking a flight

///. Travelling by train and travelling by air. Their advantages and disadvantages. Discuss.

IV. Act out the following situations:

1. Your friend has just returned from his/her trip abroad. Ask him/her about the journey and the usual routine at the cus­toms.

2. You are on board a TU-134 to Dehli. The stewardess is ready to answer your questions about the flight.

3. You are in Washington on business for your firm. You want to go to New York to take part in an exhibition there. You've just come to the booking agency to book a train ticket, but there are no

train tickets available. You don't like flying but you'll have to travel by plane. There is a morning and a late flight to New York.

Writing I. Report the information from the letter:

One morning Mrs Morrison received a letter from her sister who lives in Melbourne, in Australia, telling her about plans to visit England:

My dear Mabel,

Just a short note to tell you that I have decided to come over to England to spend a few weeks in the old country. It will be marvel­lous to see you and little Margaret again. (I suppose she must be really grown up now!)

My plans-are as follows: I'm taking a flight from Sydney on November 20th. It's the night flight on Thursday evening and I'm flying with Air India. I don't know the exact time of arrival at Lon­don airport but I'll send you a telegram as soon as I find out.

I have arranged to stay at the Royal Tower Hotel which is in Knightsbridge, near Harrods.

I really am looking forward to seeing you both. Love,

Alice.

//. Write a similar letter.

HI. Write about an air trip you enjoyed.

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