Федеральное агентство по образованию Омский государственный университет им. Ф.М. Достоевского
УДК 20 ББК 81.2Англ я 73 ...
212 downloads
274 Views
5MB Size
Report
This content was uploaded by our users and we assume good faith they have the permission to share this book. If you own the copyright to this book and it is wrongfully on our website, we offer a simple DMCA procedure to remove your content from our site. Start by pressing the button below!
Report copyright / DMCA form
Федеральное агентство по образованию Омский государственный университет им. Ф.М. Достоевского
УДК 20 ББК 81.2Англ я 73 П 83 Рекомендовано к изданию редакционно-издательским советом ОмГУ Рецензенты: канд. филол. наук Е.Г. Воскресенская, канд. пед. наук К.С. Пахомова
Путешествие
П 83 Путешествие=Travelling: учебное пособие по курсу «Практика устной речи» / сост. Т.П. Руденко. – Омск: Изд-во ОмГУ, 2006. – 182 с. ISBN 5-7779-0672-9
Travelling Учебное пособие по курсу «Практика устной речи» для студентов II курса факультета иностранных языков, III курса филологического факультета (специализация) и исторического факультета (отд. «Регионоведение»)
Пособие предназначено для развития навыков устной речи по теме «Путешествие». Особое внимание уделяется формированию навыков устной речи по актуальным аспектам, связанным с зарубежной поездкой. Обширный иллюстративный материал и кросс-культурная информация призваны помочь более эффективному усвоению материала, а также практически подготовить студентов к преодолению возможных сложностей, возникающих в ситуациях реального общения во время поездки за рубеж. Для студентов II курса факультета иностранных языков, III курса филологического факультета (специализация) и исторического факультета (отд. «Регионоведение»). УДК 20 ББК 81.2Англ я 73
ISBN 5-7779-0672-9 Изд-во ОмГУ
© Омский госуниверситет, 2006
Омск 2006 1
2
ПРЕДИСЛОВИЕ
Part 1
Цель данного пособия – формирование навыков устной речи через развитие навыков чтения, аудирования и письма по теме «Путешествие». Его основу составляют аутентичные и оригинальные материалы (тексты из пособий, журналов, рекламных проспектов, интернета), охватывающие самые важные стороны поездки за рубеж различными видами транспорта (поездом, самолетом, пароходом). Для развития навыков говорения система упражнений разработана на основе принципа ситуативности. В пособии представлен богатый иллюстративный и кросс-культурный материал для более эффективного знакомства с реалиями, имеющими отношение к поездке за рубеж. Пособие состоит из шести частей: первые пять имеют обучающий характер, последняя – “Test Yourself” – служит для оценки сформированности навыков речевой деятельности в ходе работы с ним. Части 1–5 представлены одной структурой (Warm-Up, Practice, Listening, Speaking Through Listening, Reading, Speaking Through Reading, Time for Fun, Useful Information) c небольшими вариациями (Video Viewing, Time to Sing), что облегчает и систематизирует работу с пособием. Пособие может быть использовано в качестве как дополнительного материала при изучении темы «Путешествие», так и базового учебного материала при работе над темами «Подготовка к путешествию» и «Типы путешествия». Пособие подготовлено в соответствии с учебной программой курса «Практика устной речи».
3
Making Plans and Arrangements
WARM-UP 1. Look at the pictures of different kinds of holiday. What type of holidaymakers (active, energetic, passive, enjoying luxury / comfort) do you think they would appeal to? Would you consider going on any of these holidays? Why?
4
2. Do the Personality Questionnaire and discuss its results with your partner(s). Say whether you agree or disagree with the personality features you are assigned. Ask for your partner(s) opinion about you.
1)
“a”:
2)
“b”:
A
3)
“c”:
4)
“d”:
B
C
Where do you like spending your holidays? 1) in the country 2) at the seaside 3) in the mountains 4) at a camping Who do you like going with? 1) your best friend 3) on your own
2) a group of friends 4) with your family
What do you hate doing on holiday? 1) being alone all the time 2) being in a crowd all the time 3) meeting new people every day 4) being with just your family
D How do you like having your meals on holidays? 1) cooking your own meals 2) having all the meals in the same 3) eating in different places café every day every day 4) going without regular meals E
What things do you enjoy doing in the afternoon? 1) lying in the sun all day long 2) bathing 3) walking 4) lying in bed reading
F
What things do you enjoy doing in the evenings? 1) going to a disco 2) listening to music on the radio 3) going to symphony concerts 4) having parties
What is your score? 2- b A 1- a 2- a B 1- d 2- d C 1- c 2- b D 1- d 2- d E 1- c 2- b F 1- a Add up the number of times you get mainly: 5
3- c 4- d 3- c 4- b 3- b 4- a 3- c 4- a 3- b 4- a 3- c 4- d score “a”, “b”, “c” or “d”. If you
You are shy. You find it difficult to have a lot of friends. You can enjoy the arts. You are serious, a master of your feelings. Your head rules your heart but you have a friendly nature. You are romantic and imaginative. You are kind and generous, but you find it difficult to make a lot of friends. You are a relaxed and happy person. You’re impatient, enjoy life and pleasures. You like to be the centre of attention.
PRACTICE Task I 1. Link the verbs in list A with suitable nouns in list B and check with your partner. Mind there is sometimes more than one answer. Make sentences with these collocations to better memorize them. A B
take skiing a tan
book catch a trip sightseeing a hotel a flight
set sail
board a ship
get a plane
go
2. In 1-9 below, there are sets of words which are easily confused with each other. Complete the passage by choosing one option from each set. 1 strangers foreigners aliens 2 historic historical 3 coast beaches shore 4 many much 5 sympathetic friendly 6 fewer less 7 trip journey voyage 8 hire rent 9 spend pass Not many (1) __________ are unfamiliar with Mallorca. Thousands of them have been flocking there over the last twenty years for their holidays. 6
It isn’t usually the (2) __________ monuments which attract them, but the sandy (3) __________ and hot Mediterranean sun. (4) __________ never venture beyond their hotel and the (5) __________ bar at the end of the street. Even (6) __________ pay the extra pesetas to take a boat (7) __________ around the island or visit an ancient archaeological site. The young and the more adventurous probably (8) __________ a motorcycle and set off for the less frequented beaches. As long as the sun shines, the exhausted city workers are more than happy to (9) __________ a couple of weeks improving their tans and sipping the local wine! 3. Things do happen and sometimes the holiday you were promised by the travel agency turns out to be something different. Read the text. Change the word in capitals to fit the sentence. Check with your partner(s). Dear Sir I have recently been on a two-week holiday with your company to the island of Thassos. I am sorry to say that it was (BAD) holiday I’ve ever had. Over the years I have been on many holidays to Greece, a country I have now come (KNOWLEDGE) quite well. I think I can (SAFE) say that, until this year, all of those holidays were wonderful. For example I once spent six weeks on Crete, which I had not visited before. I loved that holiday so much that I have returned every spring for the last four years. This year, however, was (DIFFERENCE). I honestly consider this to have been the worst holiday in my life. This is not the fault of Thassos: the fault lies entirely with your company whose (ABLE) to organize the simplest thing is quite unbelievable. As both the outward and return (FLY) were delayed for several hours, there was nobody to meet us at the airport or transfer us to our hotel, and when we (EVENT) did reach the hotel, we discovered it had been built over a mile from the beach. (READ) your brochure carefully, we feel this was not what we had expected.
7
Task II With your partner practise the following sentences. Trade roles.
A Talk on Travelling 1. Do you like travelling / to travel? like enjoy am fond traveling / to Yes, I of travel. am keen on 2. What / which ways of travelling are there? There are many ways of travelling: by train (by rail), by sea (by boat / ship), by air (by plane), by hitchhiking, rambling (on foot), by bus / by coach or in a car. 3. What / which way of travelling do you prefer / like best of all?
1. Вам нравится путешествовать?
Да, мне нравится / я люблю путешествовать. 2. Какие есть виды путешествия? Есть много видов путешествия: поездом, на корабле, самолетом, автостопом, пешком, автобусом или на машине. 3. Какой вид путешествия вы предпочитаете? Я предпочитаю / больше всего мне нравится путешествовать на… 4. Почему вы предпочитаете путешествовать …? Потому что: a) это самый быстрый и удобный вид (способ) b) если я устану или мне понравится окружающая природа / какое-то определенное место, я могу остановиться, где захочу c) по дороге я могу видеть и наслаждаться чудесными видами d) я могу встретиться и познакомиться со многими людьми f) я могу больше узнать о своей стране / других странах.
travby… (best eling on … of all) going in… 4. Why do you prefer travelling by / in / on …? Because: a) it is the quickest and the most convenient way of travelling b) if I feel tired or I like the scenery / a particular spot I can stop / set out wherever I want I prefer / like
c) I can see and enjoy delightful spots on my way d) I can meet and make friends with many people f) on a trip I can add very much to my knowledge of our / (other) country(ies) 8
5. Что нужно сделать до того как предпринять путешествие? Во-первых, мне нужно: a) решить куда ехать: куда-нибудь в своей стране или за рубеж
5. What should / must I do before starting on a trip? First I must… a) make up my mind whether to take a trip to some place in this country or go on a trip abroad b) plan my trip c) study maps, time-tables, tourist guidebooks and travel brochures
b) спланировать путешествие c) изучить карты, расписаниz, туристические путеводители, рекламные проспекты d) навести справки в бюро путеd) make inquiries in the travel шествий agency e) купить билеты в кассе e) buy tickets in the booking-office f) reserve / book a room in a hotel to f) забронировать комнату в отеле be on the safe side / just in case (на всякий случай) g) pack all the necessary things. g) собрать / упаковать необходимые вещи. 6. Why do you like to travel / travelling? 6. Почему вам нравится путешеto see new places ствовать? (foreign counЯ думаю, интересно увидеть ноtries) with their nice specific customs, вые места с их особенными обычаями и традициями, архитектуexciting traditions, archiI intertecture, historical рой, историческими памятниками, think esting monuments, peo- образом жизни людей, короче, it’s useful ple’s way of life, увидеть все, что стоит посмотреть, своими глазами. in short, to see everything worth seeing with my own eyes. 7. How do you like to 7. Как вам нравиться путешествоtravel/travelling? вать? I like to travel/traveling… Я люблю путешествовать… a) alone а) один / одна b) with my friends / family b) с друзьями / семьей c) individually / on my own c) сам(а) по себе d) in a group / take a package our. d) в составе группы / по турпутевке. 8. Where do you prefer to have / 8. Где вы предпочитаете отдыspend your holidays? хать? I prefer to have my holidays… Я предпочитаю отдыхать… 9
a) in a tourist centre b) at my relatives c) at my friends d) in a youth camp e) renting a room / a flat f) in a hotel / motel. 9. What was your last trip like?
а) в туристическом центре b) (в гостях) у родственников c) (в гостях) у друзей d) в молодежном лагере e) снимать комнату / квартиру f) в гостинице/ мотеле. 9. Каким было твое / ваше последнее путешествие? Мое путешествие на поезде / на пароходе / самолетом было очень интересным / приятным / насыщенным / веселым / настоящим испытанием.
My last trip… very interesting by land pleasant (journey) busy by sea was great fun (voyage a real challenge. / cruise) by air 10. Have you decided where to go to for your summer holiday? Well, nothing’s definite as yet. Somewhere not too hot, though.
10. Вы уже решили, куда поедете в отпуск этим летом? Пока ничего определенного. Куда-нибудь, где не слишком жарко, скорее всего. С радостью пожил(а) бы за городом, плавая на байдарке. 11. Где-нибудь в стороне от больших дорог? Да, чем меньше отдыхающих, тем лучше. Я не люблю толпы (людей). И я тоже.
I’d be happy to stay out of town and canoeing. 11. Somewhere out of the way? Yes, the fewer holiday-makers, the better. I don’t enjoy crowds. Neither do I. / I don’t enjoy them either. 12. Fancy sightseeing, sunbathing, mountain climbing, or simply just walking! 13. I can’t afford a holiday this year. But if I could I’d travel light and in full comfort.
12. Представьте себе экскурсии, солнечные ванны, альпинизм или просто прогулки пешком! 13. Я не могу позволить себе отпуск в этом году. Но если бы я мог(ла), я бы путешествовал(а) налегке и с комфортом. 14. Комфорт и удобства имеют большое значение для меня. 15. Прибалтика – потрясающее место для такого отдыха, не правда ли?
14. Luxury facilities matter a lot for me. 15. The Baltic coast is a terrific place for such a holiday, isn’t it?
10
Yes, if the weather is fine. 16. What would you say to an outing this very Sunday?
Да, если погода хорошая. 16. Что скажете насчет / как бы вы отнеслись к загородной прогулке в это воскресенье? Мы все за! 17. Я всегда начинаю тосковать по дому через пару недель. 18. Я люблю быть «на ногах» с утра до позднего вечера. 19. Я бы хотел(а) взять отпуск летом. 20. Я предпочитаю спланировать денек – другой отдыха на берегу моря (в лесу, у реки). 21. Что касается незапланированных расходов, думаю, может быть доплата из-за повышения цен на топливо и изменений в обменном курсе.
We’re all for it! 17. I’m always homesick in a couple of weeks. 18. I like to be “on the go” from morning till late at night. 19. I’d like to take a leave of absence in summer. 20. I prefer to plan a lazy day or two at the shore (in the forest, at the river-side). 21. As for the ‘hidden costs’, I think there may be some surcharges because of fuel price increases or changes in the exchange rate.
Fishing 7. fishing rod 8. fishing line
1. plateau
2. hikers
3. canyon 11
4. hill
9. fishing net 10. waders
11. rocks
5. park ranger 12
Rafting 16. raft
17. rapids
18. waterfall
Mountain Climbing Picnic Area 6. stream 12. grill 13. picnic basket
19. mountain
20. peak
21. cliff
14. thermos 15. picnic table
13
14
22. harness
23. rope
Camping 24. tent 25. camp stove 26. sleeping bag
27. gear 28. frame backpack 29. lantern
30. stake 31. campfire 32. woods
1. boardwalk 2. refreshment stand 3. motel 4. biker 5. whistle 6. lifeguard 7. binoculars
15
8. lifeguard chair 9. life preserver 10. lifeboat 11. beach ball 12. sand dunes 13. Frisbee TM 14. sunglasses
16
15. beach towel 16. pail 17. shovel 18. bathing suit 19. sunbather 20. beach chair 21. beach umbrella
22. kite
23. runners
24. wave
31. sand 32. sandcastle 34. snorkel 35. mask 17
36. flippers 37. scuba tank 38. wet suit
18
Task III 1. Most of us dream of the coming holidays. In small groups discuss the way you would like to spend them and explain why using the prompts given below. Pictures on pages 12–19 may be of help too. (You may choose more than one option of your dream holiday).
Plans for Holidays
25. surfboard 26. air mattress 27. kickboard 28. swimmer 29. tube
30. water 33. bathing trunks 39. suntan lotion 40. shell 41. cooler 19
1. Where would you prefer to spend your holidays? – in the country / at the seaside / in the mountains / in a far-away exotic country, … 2. Which of the landscapes most appeal to you? – a little fishing village with white-washed houses and green hills behind – a beautiful mountain lake with dark forests around and mist in the air – the view from a mountain top on a clean day, when you can see for miles – a large garden with trees and a lot of flowers. – ………. 3. Who would you prefer to go with? – just with your best friend / with a group of friends / on your own / with some member(s) of your family…. 4. What would you most hate? – missing your plane / boat and having to change some of your plans – having rain all the time and not being able to admire the landscape you came for – having to take some urgent work that you must do during your holiday – staying in a very noisy hotel – …………….. 5. How would you most enjoy spending one of your days? – going on a picnic with friends you have made at the hotel or campsite – sunbathing on the beach or in the garden – going for a long walk that you have planned beforehand – spending the day out on a boat – ……………….. 20
6. How would you prefer to have your meals during the holidays? – buying food from local shops and cooking your own meals – taking all the meals in the hotel where you’re staying – eating in different places every day - wherever you are – going to typical local restaurants – ………………. 7. When you are travelling by train, what do you usually choose to do? – look out of the window and day-dream – think of what you will do when you arrive – read books and magazines – try to talk with the people sitting next to you – …………………. 2. Have you ever been on a package holiday? If so, when and where? What was it like? If not, why not? Would you consider to go on one? In small groups discuss and make a list of what is usually included in the price of the holiday. 3. Package holidays don’t necessarily cover all the costs. Read the holiday checklist: tick the questions you would like to ask a tour operator and underline the words which refer directly to costs / expenses. Compare with a partner. 1. Are any of the following covered or will you have to pay extra? a. On the journey - for weekend or day flights - for airport or port taxes, security charges - for transfer between airport or port and hotel b. At the hotel - for full / half board - for a single room - for a balcony / view / special room - for a private toilet / shower / bath
2. How much do you pay for insurance? 3. What is the cost of travel from your home to the airport / port? 4. Are there price reductions or free holiday for children? 5. What do the booking conditions say about surcharges because of fuel price increases or changes in the exchange rate?
21
6. Will any excursions or entertainment be included? 7. What meals are provided on the journey? 8. How far is the hotel from local shops or entertainments? 9. Does it have facilities for children like special meal times, babysitters and a game room? 10. Are the beaches suitable for bathing, especially for children?
Task IV You are to go through two- / three-step practice here. Step one: act out the dialogues trading roles. Step two: in dialogues 3 and 8 you may change some information to the one given in italics after the dialogue. Step three: to engage in a longer conversation you may need to use some sentences / phrases from Task II (pages 8–11).
1. Holiday at the Seaside A: Are you going to the sea again? B: Yes, we are. We’re set in our habits. Besides, I have relatives there. A: Frankly, a stay at the seaside is not my idea of a good holiday. B: Well, tastes differ. I like the idea and so does my wife (husband / friend). A: I admit that it’s a great place for the children. B: Oh yes, they enjoy every minute of it. A: The sea air gives them a better appetite, too, doesn’t it? B: It certainly does. They eat like horses. A: I wonder how long it takes you to get there. B: It’s almost a day and a half by train, two days by bus, but only a few hours by plane. A: I see. All you need for a pleasant travelling is free time, enough money and a nice place to stay.
2. Making Plans A: Have you got any seats left for the Stratford excursion? B: Yes, sir / madam. There are a few seats left. A: Is that the one that goes to Oxford as well? B: That’s right. A: How long does the whole excursion take? B: Approximately ten hours, sir / madam. A: Shall I pay you now? B: If you don’t mind, sir / madam.
22
3. On the Safe Side A: How long will you be staying (1) in Warsaw? B: About a week or so. A: Will you go there by car? (2) B: No, I find it more convenient to fly. (3) A: Have you reserved a room in a hotel yet? B: No, I haven’t. Ought I to have done so? A: I think so. Warsaw hotels are full up (4) this time of the year. B: I’ll book a room right away (5) to be on the safe side. Or: (1) How long do you intend to stay … (2) Will you be driving here? (3) I prefer flying / I’d (much) rather fly (4) Warsaw hotels are packed… (5) I’ll reserve a room just/ right now / at once
4. Asking for Information A: I looked through this brochure last night, and I’d like to book the summer holiday in Egypt. B: Yes, sir / madam … The Hotel Cleopatra? A: That’s right … how far is it from the hotel to the beach? B: … about a two-minute walk. A: Good. How hot is it in Egypt in July? B: About 280C.
5. In a Travel Agency A: Good afternoon. B: Good afternoon, madam / sir. A: I’m interested in the holiday in Saint Cuthbert. B: Ah, yes … The Caribbean! I can recommend it highly. A: Can you tell me a little bit more about it? B: Of, course, madam / sir. 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 23
are very cheap in Saint Cuthbert. Oh, and you can walk to the sea in two minutes. A: Hmm… it sounds good. I’d like to make a reservation. B: One moment, madam / sir, and I’ll get you a booking form.
6. Wildlife Lover Travel Agent: Good morning, can I help you? Customer: Yes. Have you got any brochures on Africa? I’m a keen photographer and I’d like to spend some time photographing the animals. TA: Well, we can offer you various package deals. What kind of accommodation would you prefer? C: Oh, a good hotel. I don’t like to be uncomfortable – I’m not the camping type. TA: Well, I think we have something here to suit you. Let’s see. We have two weeks in Kenya. It looks very attractive, I don’t think you’ll be disappointed. They also guarantee plenty of wildlife. C: That sounds good. Thanks. I’ll take the brochure and have a look at it tonight.
7. Changes A: Oh, by the way, have you heard of the changes in our plans? B: No, I haven’t. Go ahead and tell me! A: We aren’t going to Birmingham tomorrow, owing to some difficulties in reserving rooms. B: As long as we do visit Birmingham some time, I don’t mind. A: So tomorrow morning we are going to Edinburgh instead. B: Incidentally, are we flying there? A: No, we are taking an express train. B: As a matter of fact, I prefer it that way. You see more.
8. It’s a Small World! A: I’m on holiday next month. B: So am I. A: I need a change. 24
B: Oh, so do I. I’m tired of the same office and the same people every day! A: Where are you going? B: Spain. A: Oh, I went there last year. B: So did I. We always go to Spain, but we never go to the Costa Brava. A: No, neither do I. There are too many English people there. B: Where exactly are you going? A: San Pedro … It’s a little village on the north coast. B: You’re joking! A: No, I’m not. I’ve been there three times. B: So have we … and we’re going there this year, too. A: … not to the Hotel del Sol? B: Yes … why? A: Well, I’ll see you. I’m staying there too!
9. Encounter A: Oh, what a pleasant surprise meeting you here. It’s a small world! What are you doing in Spain? B: I’m travelling for pleasure. And you? A: I’m here on business. How’s trip? (1) B: Wonderful! Never a dull moment! A: Really? B: You know, I’d been looking forward to it, and things are every bit as exciting as I’d expected. A: You do a good deal of sightseeing, don’t you? B: Yes, I do indeed. I hope to bring home lots of slides and photographs. Or: (1) What is the trip like?
10. On the Beach A: What a glorious day! Look, I’ve already tanned. B: Yes, you tan easily. But I find the heat unbearable and the light too dazzling. A: Come on! Don’t be such a bore! Just look at the sea! B: I can look at it but draw the line at bathing! * 25
A: The water’s warm enough at noon. B: Not by my standards. ** A: You’re hard to please, aren’t you? B: No, I’m not. I just don’t care for the sea, swimming, sunbathing, in short for this lazing about. A: I know, I know, you’d much rather go to the mountains. * знать меру ** не по моим меркам
11. I’d Rather Pack Now Bill:
Well, Mary, here we all are to take you out to dinner before our holiday begins tomorrow. Mary: Oh, but I haven’t packed yet. B: Neither have I. But you must eat sometime. Dave: Yes, Mary. We can help you pack later. Ann: However, perhaps she’d better do it now. M: Yes, I’d rather do it now. Need I take a lot of things? Do I need more than one case? D: No. Only what’s necessary for a few days. B: You’d better take a change of clothes – and of course your toothbrush. And you may need something to eat on the train or boat. A: You ought to take a book to read, your camera, and, let me see … your hat, bathing suit, of course, towel … M: Hm, if you add something else, I’ll have to take two cases after all. D: But anyway, wouldn’t you rather take too much than too little? Just think, if you wanted some special thing in Jersey, and then found that you’d left it in London, you’d be very cross, wouldn’t you? M: And if I forgot anything, I could buy it in Jersey, couldn’t I? B: Sure you could. You’d better not listen to Dave. Still you mustn’t take more than you can carry because we may not be always able to find porters to carry our things. A: Oh, that doesn’t matter, Bill. You and Dave will have to carry them if we can’t find porters.
26
D: M: B: A: M: D:
Do you hear that, Bill? Will you be able to carry Mary’s bags as well as your own? Of course he will! I’ll be able to get everything into one case, I’m absolutely sure. Now I’ll go and fetch some of my things. Listen, guys, if we started packing now, we might still be in time to get something to eat. Come along, Ann, you can help her to find what she wants. OK, but if we can’t shut the case, you and Dave will have to sit on it to help. (coming in) Here are some dresses and shoes. Why, you’re still talking. Hurry up, everybody! Yes, I’m getting hungry. If we hadn’t talked so much, we should have finished before now. Here’s your case, Mary. I’ve opened it for you.
M: You’re right there. And I’m sure you’ll like our _____(9)_____ at the hotel, because they have promised me the ones I had last year when I was with my brother. Did you pack the guidebook, by the way? L: I’ve got it in my pocket. I packed some _____(10)______ too, so we can write letters. M: Yes. It’d be nice to keep some sort of diary, too. L: That’s a good idea. We might make an album afterwards, with words and photos. And I’m sure I’m going to have some great ____(11)_____ to write about. I’m sure you will, too. The ____(12)_____ are like nothing you’ve ever seen. M: And the people are great. There’s always music or something in one of the villages every evening. We’ll buy some local ____(13)_____when we get there and find out what’s going on this week. L: Well, I’m ready. M: OK, let’s go!
12. Travel Arrangements Note: In Dialogue 12 you are, firstly, to fill the spaces with one of the words in the box. Mind that sometimes you need the plural, and some of the words are used more than once. case room
day scenery
experience weather
luggage view
paper bring
Mary and Liz are to go on holiday together. Mary has come to collect Liz in her car. M: Hello, Liz, are you ready? L: Yes, just about. All the ____(1)____ is here in the corridor. I hope I haven’t got too many ____(2)____ . M: Don’t worry. There’s plenty of ____(3)____ in the car. L: Oh, good. I’ve packed rather a lot of things. I haven’t had much _____(4)_____ of travelling in the mountains, so I wasn’t sure what to _____(5)_____ . M: As long as you’ve got some warm sweaters for the evenings, and a good raincoat, you should be OK. The ___(6)_____ in the mountains is wonderful, but the ____(7)_____ can change very suddenly. L: Well, we’ve got a lovely ____(8)_____ to start with. 27
SPEAKING THROUGH LISTENING А 1. Listen to some people interviewed by Penny Wilson who works for British Air. She asks them about why they go on holiday. Complete the table below and take some notes which you will need later to discuss your ideas and preferences on the subject.
Name
Destination
Local language
Can speak it? Yes No
Attraction of holiday
1 2 3 4 2. Discuss the answers given by four people interviewed. Whose reasons of going on a trip, do you think, are the most common among Russians? 28
3. Work with a partner. Have you ever travelled for any of the reasons given below? Tell your partner. • to escape boredom • to run away from a broken heart • to broaden your experience of the world • to learn languages • to get a suntan • to live out your dreams • to take a break from your career • to visit historical sites or travel along a historical route • to raise money for charity Can you think of any other reasons to go travelling?
B Listen to Liz answering the following questions about her dream weekend and take notes against every of them. In small groups discuss what you managed to catch. a) Who would your ideal companion be? b) How would you get around? c) What would you wear? d) What would you buy? e) What would you eat and drink? f) What essential items would you take with you? g) Who would you most like to meet there? h) What sights would you want to see? i) Who would you send a postcard to? j) What would spoil your perfect weekend?
C 1. Listen to the recording of a young man talking with a travel agent about the best way to travel from Paris to Frankfurt. Make notes in the table below. Cost
Advantages
Plane Train Car Bus 29
Disadvantages
2. Now work with a partner and decide which way to go to Frankfurt. When you have decided, report to the class and explain the reasons for your choice. Use expressions below I’d rather go by ... because ... But if we take the plane... Why don’t we take the .... ?
READING Scan the text and identify the main idea in each paragraph. Mind that the paragraphs may have more than one idea in them. Match the paragraph with the most suitable heading or summary sentence according to the example given below. There is one extra heading or summary sentence that you do not need to use. Example : 0 – I A
The Weelers have profited from the success of the Lonely Planet guidebooks.
B
Getting a guidebook like the Lonely Planet right can be a tricky business.
C
There are disadvantages to following the advice given in the Lonely Planet guidebooks.
D
The Weelers are still very actively involved in the Lonely Planet guidebooks.
E
The Weelers believe that the Lonely Planet guidebooks have always benefited from criticism.
F
The Lonely Planet guidebooks have been successful from the outset.
G
The passing years have changed the Weelers’ outlook on life.
H
The Weelers have strong views on the benefits of travel.
I
The Lonely Planet guidebooks have changed for the better since the Weelers first introduced them.
30
Guide to the Planet It all began with their account of a van journey to Australia in 1972. Now there are Lonely Planet guidebooks to some 200 destinations worldwide, and founders Tony and Maureen Wheeler are multi-millionaires. 0 Tony Wheeler is the man behind the Lonely Planet guidebooks, books which are loved and hated in equal measure. It’s hard to pin down why they provoke such violent emotion; once it was simply because they lied - you’d turn up for the weekly Wednesday ferry to find that actually it goes on Tuesdays. Nowadays they are carefully researched, the information is generally true, and the maps are accurate. 1 No, it’s something about the way they take you over – you become a slave to the guidebook. Arrive in a place and out comes the book: Places to Stay, Things to See, Getting Around, Places to Eat – all of which is undeniably useful, but you end up living a life dictated by Weeler, and that life might not be right for you. On top of that, everyone else has got one too, so instead of being the independent traveller you thought you were, you end up being just another tourist. 2 It’s not entirely fair to blame only Tony. His wife Maureen, who runs the company with him, is equally to blame. It all started in 1972 when, bored with Britain, they set off for Australia. They arrived in Sydney three months later with 27 cents between them. Tony sold his camera, then sat down and wrote about the trip. They put the pages together and took it around the local bookshops and one of the bookshops sold thousands of copies. 3 Twenty-five years on, Lonely Planet, has quite literally, taken over the world. Their 200-odd guidebooks cover nearly everywhere and there are phrasebooks, atlases, walking guides. They sell more than three million books a year and employ around 200 people. The Lonely Planet website is visited a million times a day and the Wheelers have replaced the van with a red Ferrari. 4 I met them for lunch. Tony, now 52, is small with glasses – more like a geography teacher than a traveller. Maureen admits they don’t rough it 31
like they once did. ‘I don’t want to spend all night on a train in India. I’ve been there and done that, I don’t need to keep doing it’. 5 So what do they think about travel in general? ‘My children have travelled all over the world so they’re aware of a lot of things,’ says Maureen and Tony agrees. ‘It helps you grow up a lot, just knowing how other people live and what happens in their countries. Secondly, being on your own, having to make your way from one place to the next and work out how you do that, gives you a self-sufficiency that I think is very important.’ 6 There has been controversy surrounding the guidebooks. There are the people who say that by encouraging people to go places they are destroying them – an accusation they both deny, claiming that people would go there anyway. They admit that none of this is bad for business. ‘All the publicity has sold our books.’ 7 After lunch, Maureen is flying back to Australia to do a bit of business and Tony is off for a bit of travelling. He’s bought himself maps, guidebooks, a new one-man tent, and he’s going to walk across Corsica, on his own. In small groups share your point of view on guidebooks like The Lonely Planet. Have you ever read any guidebook? If yes, why? Do you believe such guidebooks are of any help? Would you like to have one at hand while travelling?
SPEAKING THROUGH READING 1. Do you prefer going on holidays to relax or do you like to take part in sports or other activities? Or maybe you are attracted by the idea of adventure vacations? With a partner, discuss the activity holidays below and say whether you would enjoy them or not. • (a mountain -) climbing trip • studying a foreign language • scuba diving • working as an au pair
• picking grapes • (a) white-water rafting (trip) • helping on an archaeological site • working as a lifeguard 32
• learning to paint • a photographic safari • a cowboy-style cattle drive • a horseback tour of a country
• a cave-exploring trip • a dinosaur dig • a war games camp • a bicycle tour of a country
2. Skim through this extract from a guide to activity holidays. What kinds of holidays are mentioned?
Go for it! 1 Anyone who thinks they would like to get a job, acquire a skill or take up a new sport, learn about the world’s archaeological heritage or go on an expedition by land or sea will find the contacts in this Guide. Whoever you are and whatever your interests, you will find something to get you started. At last there is no excuse for wasting your vacation when you can be improving your skills: practical, academic or social; go for it! 2 With the busy lives many people live, forward thinking does not always get the consideration it should. Some holidays clearly require early booking and with some archaeological camps, expeditions and anything involving a trip to a distant part of the world, it is essential to do something as early as possible. However, it is sometimes possible to apply late and get on a waiting list. 3 Many embarking on such a venture for the first time consider taking someone with them. However, thousands of people go for it alone for a variety of reasons, not least that they can’t find anyone to go with them. You will have more chance to take in your surroundings and receive the full benefit of the experience. Going on your own is likely to be more interesting and will bring out your individuality and develop self-confidence. 4 For almost any trip, you will need to take clothing, washing kit and swimming gear, and as you’ll certainly want to take photographs, don’t forget the camera. Most people overpack, quite forgetting that they will have to carry their luggage for themselves for fairly long distances at ferry ports and other termini, or that there may be things to bring back which they have bought or been given on the trip.
33
5 Before leaving, it is important to check on the vaccination requirements. For hot climates, be prepared to suffer from minor ailments such as sunburn and stomach upsets. Take precautionary measures. Try to avoid mosquito bites but take your anti-malaria treatments anyway. 6 The choice of where to go and what to do is endless and strict discipline is required to narrow down the options and come to a decision! If excavating is your idea of fun, then consider a one-or two-week stay at the Arbeia Roman Fort site in South Shields in the North-East of England. Costs are heavy on the volunteers, as the work is unpaid and bed and breakfast at a nearby guest house is at the special rate of £60 per week. Working hours are from 8.45am to 4.45pm and tasks include trowelling, work with heavy tools, making context drawings and measuring finds. Not for those of you who do not like exercise.
Where to go and what to do – the choice is yours 7 Less physically demanding, but nevertheless a holiday with a serious work focus, would be a couple of weeks with Natuur 2000 in Belgium. This organization, founded in 1967, aims to create an awareness in young people of their environment and to take an active part in nature conservation. The work includes assisting in the upkeep of nature reserves, maintaining wetlands in Oude Landen and helping to look after bats at Oelegem, near Antwerp. The accommodation is basic but cheap and volunteers should bring their own sleeping bag and eating utensils. 8 You may prefer to avoid physical work of all kinds and plump for teaching English at a summer camp in Hungary. The central Bureau in London is a non-profit-making organization, which offers you the opportunity to help local participants improve their English. The pay is minimal, but you don’t have to pay for board and lodging in local homes, and visits to Budapest and other places of interest are included in your month’s stay. 9 The Brathay Exploration Group organizes expeditions all over the world. The programmes vary from year to year and have included a threeweek trip to Norway for sailing and mountaineering. The group is based at a 300-acre estate near Lake Windermere, and clients can gain experience 34
on basic expeditions in the Lake District and Scotland. You will be required to have a fitness test before embarking on any trip. 10 Also on offer are a variety of homestay holidays which offer you the opportunity to live in a country of your choice at minimal cost. The Aquitaine Service Linguistique will organize exchanges and homestay programmes in 15 countries. The duration can vary from 1 week in Hawaii to a full year in the USA. Costs vary but are reasonable, and airport pick-ups are often included. 11 The Young Esperantists is another non-profit-making organization based in the USA, which runs an unusual range of holidays to promote Esperanto, the international language of friendship. Activities include congresses, seminars and activity holidays all the year round. Beginners are welcome and can learn Esperanto on courses held in the States. The Passporta Servo provides accommodation free of charge for backpackers and interrailers who speak Esperanto. 3. Read the text again and choose suitable headings for the first five numbered sections in the extract. There are more headings than sections. A B C
Minor ailments Health Hazards Be Independent
D E F
Planning Ahead Travelling Light Late Applications
G H
Escorted Travel Getting Started
4. Now look at paragraphs 6-11. Match the statements on the left with the holidays on the right. You will find that some choices are needed more than once. You may stay with local people. You may be able to stay for free. You will be paid for your work. You will need to be physically fit.
1___
2___
3___
4___
5___ 6___
A B C D E
7___
35
F
Archaeological Dig Nature Conservation Teaching English Sailing and Mountaineering Homestays and Exchanges Learning Esperanto
5. Match the verbs on the left with the nouns on the right. Mind that some of the verbs can be used with more than one noun. Make sentences of your own using these collocations. take up develop gain make go on go for do take in take
a holiday self-confidence photos an outing a swim experience sport the surroundings a skill plans
6. Complete the gaps in the following sentences with one of the collocations above. Make sure that you use the correct form of the verb. In pairs practise these sentences in indirect speech as if you heard / were told about that. 1. Michael is looking so fit and healthy. He __________ a swim every day since the start of the holiday. 2. ‘Don’t __________ photos of me. Liz is much more photogenic.’ 3. You really should __________ a holiday. It will do wonders for you. 4. People who work for a year between leaving school and going to university tend to __________ self-confidence and become far more aware of the real world. 5. It’s never too late to __________ a new sport such as skiing. 6. The holiday was a great success. The children __________ numerous outings and visited the best-known landmarks. 7. It’s well worth __________ careful plans before embarking on an activity holiday. 8. Sue __________ a considerable amount of experience in her two years as a teacher in Italy. 7. Role-play a round-table discussion of various adventure holidays based on the text.
36
WRITING
ADDITIONAL READING
1.
Recently there have appeared some new trends in travelling, such as balloon trips, ecological tourism, even space trips. Read the texts and express your opinion on some of these trends summarising the information in 15–20 sentences.
Style is extremely important in writing. The text on page 33 covers different activity holidays and could have been written as a series of isolated paragraphs. However, the writer has linked the information so that it reads as one continuous piece of text. Look at these cohesive devices, which have been used at the beginning of paragraphs. Identify the information in the text that they refer to. • • • •
Many embarking on such a venture for the first time… (3) Less physically demanding, but nevertheless a holiday with a serious work focus, … (7) You may prefer to avoid physical work of all kinds … (8) The Young Esperantists is another non-profit-making organization … (11)
2. Now match these paragraph openings to the descriptions in a-d below • • • •
a b
With the busy lives many people live … (2) For almost any trip, you will need … (4) The Brathay exploration group organizes expeditions all over the world. (9) Also on offer … (10)
focusing on a specific topic adding context and colour
c d
linking with the previous paragraph making a general statement
3. Write about the sort of activity holiday that appeals to you (maximum 15 sentences). Use some of the expressions in ex. 5 (Speaking Through Reading Section) and remember to use cohesive devices given above to link your own writing.
37
A It’s eco-logical Planning an eco-friendly holiday can be a minefield for the well-meaning traveller, says Steve Watkins. But help is now at hand. If there were awards for tourism phrases that have been hijacked, diluted and misused then ‘ecotourism’ would earn top prize. The term first surfaced in the early 1980s reflecting a surge in environmental awareness and a realisation by tour operators that many travellers wanted to believe their presence abroad would not have a negative impact. It rapidly became the hottest marketing tag a holiday could carry. These days the ecotourism label is used to cover anything from a two-week tour living with remote Indonesian tribes, to a one-hour motorboat trip through an Australian gorge. In fact, any tour that involves cultural interaction, natural beauty spots, wildlife or a dash of soft adventure is likely to be included in the overflowing ecotourism folder. There is no doubt the original motives behind the movement were honourable attempts to provide a way for those who cared to make informed choices, but the lack of regulations and a standard industry definition left many travellers lost in an ecotourism jungle. It is easier to understand why the ecotourism market has become so overcrowded when we look at its wider role in the world economy. According to World Tourism Organization figures, ecotourism is worth US$20 billion a year and makes up one-fifth of all international tourism. Add to this an annual growth rate of around five per cent and the pressure for many operators, both in developed and developing countries, to jump on the accelerating bandwagon is compelling. Without any widely recognized accreditation system, the consumer has been left to investigate the credentials of an operator themselves. This is a time-consuming process and many travellers usually take an operator’s claims at face value, only adding to the proliferation of fake ecotours. 38
However, there are several simple questions that will provide qualifying evidence of a company’s commitment to minimise its impact on the environment and maximise the benefits to the tourism area’s local community. For example, does the company use recycled or sustainable, locally harvested materials to build its tourist properties? Do they pay fair wages to all employees? Do they offer training to employees? It is common for city entrepreneurs to own tour companies in country areas, which can mean the money you pay ends up in the city rater than in the community being visited. By taking a little extra time to investigate the ecotourism options, it is not only possible to guide your custom to worthy operators but you will often find that the experience they offer is far more rewarding. The ecotourism business is still very much in need of a shake-up and a standardised approach. There are a few organisations that have sprung up in the last ten years or so that endeavour to educate travellers and operators about the benefits of responsible ecotourism. Founded in 1990, the Ecotourism Society (TES) is a non-profit organisation of travel industry, conservation and ecological professionals, which aims to make ecotourism a genuine tool for conservation and sustainable development. Helping to create inherent economic value in wilderness environments and threatened cultures has undoubtedly been one of the ecotourism movement’s most notable achievements. TES organises an annual initiative to further aid development of the ecotourism industry. This year it is launching ‘Your Travel Choice Makes a Difference’, an educational campaign aimed at helping consumers understand the potential positive and negative impacts of their travel decisions. TES also offers guidance on the choice of ecotour and has established a register of approved ecotourism operators around the world. A leading ecotourism operator in the United Kingdom is Tribes, which won the 1999 Tourism Concern and Independent Traveller’s World ‘Award for Most Responsible Tour Operator’. Amanda Marks, owner and director of Tribes, believes that the ecotourism industry still has some way to go to get its house in order. Until now, no ecotourism accreditation scheme has really worked, principally because there has been no systematic way of checking that accredited companies actually comply with the code of practice. Amanda believes that the most promising system is the recently relaunched Green Globe 21 scheme. The Green Globe 21 award is based on the sustainable development standards contained in Agenda 21 from the 1992 Earth Summit and was originally coordinated by the World Travel &
Tourism Council (WTTC). The scheme is now an independent concern, though the WTTC still supports it. Until recently, tour companies became affiliates and could use the Green Globe logo merely on payment of an annual fee, hardly a suitable qualifying standard. However, in November 1999 Green Globe 21 introduced an annual, independent check on operators wishing to use the logo. Miriam Cain, from Green Globe 21 marketing development, explains that current and new affiliates will now have one year to ensure that their operators comply with Agenda 21 standards. If they fail the first inspection, they can only reapply once. The inspection process is not a cheap option, especially for large companies, but the benefits of having Green Globe status and the potential operational cost savings that complying with the standards can bring should be significant. ‘We have joint ventures with organizations around the worlds, including Australia and the Caribbean, that will allow us to effectively check all affiliate operators,’ says Miriam. The scheme also allows destination communities to become Green Globe 21 approved. For a relatively new industry it is surprising that ecotourism has undergone teething pains. However, there are signs that things are changing for the better. With a committed and unified approach by the travel industry, local communities, travellers and environmental experts could make ecotourism a tag to be proud of and trusted.
39
40
B Medical Tourism: Americans Find Low-Cost Treatment in India By Subhash Vohra Washington 18 March 2005 Medical “tourism” is becoming a huge industry in India. Many types of medical treatment in India cost a fraction of what they do in the United States and other Western nations, and citizens from these countries are flocking to India by the thousands. Until recently, it was the other way around, as upper-income Indians commonly rushed to America and Europe for sophisticated treatment. With world-class medical care, equipment and facilities now available in India, patients from the United States and other developed
countries are going there for treatment. A number of private hospitals in India offer packages designed to attract foreign patients, with airport-tohospital bed transfer service, Internet access, and other facilities. Some packages include add-ons, such as a yoga holiday or a trip to the worldfamous Taj Mahal. Howard Staab, a 53-year-old carpenter-contractor from North Carolina, was diagnosed last year with a serious heart condition. Mr. Stabb’s doctor recommended surgery as soon as possible. But he had no health insurance. The estimate for hospital care alone was nearly $100,000. The cost for the surgeon, the cardiologist, the anesthesiologist, the radiologist, and the pathologist, along with the cost of a heart valve and prescription drugs, has brought the total up to a staggering $200,000 – assuming no complications. Howard Staab did some research and decided to go to Escorts Hospital in New Delhi, where the estimated cost was under $10,000, including airfare, surgery, and rehabilitation. “I was apprehensive (in the beginning) because I had no experience with India or about the quality of care, and the situation there,” says Mr. Staab. “But my experience was superb. From the time we arrived at the airport, Escorts Hospital people escorted us to the hospital, gave us excellent care. The surgeons and all the staff were extremely professional, kind and caring. Everything went very well and I was so satisfied and impressed with the care.” Dr. Naresh Trehan is the executive director of Escorts Heart Institute and Research Centre in New Delhi, a leading private healthcare provider. Dr. Trehan worked as a heart surgeon in Manhattan from 1968 until 1988, but returned to start the Escorts Hospital Group in India. He says the success of the operations performed and the care dispensed at his hospital have established the institute’s credibility: “Now we do over 4,000 heart operations a year, and the mortality, which is an index of how well things are, is 0.8 % which is even better than most places in the world. The other thing that we measure is infection rate. Ours is 0.3 % as compared to the world average of 1%.” Dr. Trehan says American citizens not covered by insurance – or those in countries such as the United Kingdom where there are long waiting lists for many National Health services - prefer to receive treatment in a country like India where top-tier institutions can provide high-quality health care at a fraction of the cost:
“The American system is excellent, but the cost and the compulsion to send people home early is actually stressing out many people, and they prefer to come to our country where we can take care of them in a more comprehensive manner. Our nurses are being trained to U.S. levels. Two hundred of our nurses have already gone to the United States for training. Our doctors have established their credentials all over the world. Today, 7 percent of doctors in America are Indians and 11 percent of the specialists are Indians.” Language is another big advantage in India, says Howard Staab, who spent more than three weeks in Escorts Hospital and at a resort, recuperating after surgery: “Doctors and nurses were all Indians, and many of the doctors were trained in the United States and Britain and most of them spoke very good English. I did not have any trouble understanding them.” Howard Staab’s partner Maggie Grace, who accompanied him on his medical trip to India, is writing a book about their experience. “We want to help people in the United States know they have choices,” says Mr. Staab. “There will be our book coming out very soon. My partner Maggie Grace is writing it. The book title is “Patient Pilgrimage: A True Story of the First Americans Travel to India for Heart Surgery” and the website is www.howardsheart.com.” Howard Staab says one key to his trip’s success was that it combined a high degree of medical excellence with a human touch. India is hoping to expand its medical tourism industry. In addition to Escorts Heart Institute and Research Centre in New Delhi, Apollo is another major hospital group and is one of Asia's largest private healthcare providers. Apollo Group has six hospitals in India, one in the southern city of Hyderabad where Apollo also has its headquarters. Other Apollo hospitals are in New Delhi, Chennai (formerly Madras), Lucknow, Pune and Kolkata (Calcutta). Apollo has treated 43,000 foreign patients during the last three-and-a-half years. Several medical experts say India has established expertise in practices such as cardiac care, cosmetic surgery, joint replacements, and dentistry. And it has immense potential for medical tourism as medical costs skyrocket in the United States and other developed countries.
41
42
ADDITIONAL LISTENING
7. The pilots steer the balloon with the help of ropes.
T/F
Listen to the recording and do the following tasks.
8. If you go in January you need to take a jacket.
T/F
9. A balloon trip lasts about three hours.
T/F
10. An hour trip costs a little less than $ 100.
T/F
1. What is Flightmakers? a) a studio b) a specialist travel agency c) a part of the programme d) traveller’s tales 2. What is not true? They _____________. a) are specialists in adventure holidays b) specialize in travel to Australia and New Zealand c) deal with people who like extremes d) organize trips around the world 3. What is not true? The balloon was launched in _________ . a) Australia b) the rainforest area c) the Tablelands d) a and c together 4. How many people were there on the balloon trip altogether? a) 11 b) 12 c) 9 d) 2 5. What did they rehearse beforehand? a) filling the balloon with gas b) ending up in New Zealand or the Pacific Ocean c) an emergency landing procedure d) piloting the balloon 6. How did Georgina feel in a balloon? a) a bit vulnerable b) a bit cold c) surprisingly light d) scared 43
VIDEO VIEWING Watch Episode 1 of the video and say what kind of information this guide is supposed to give you.
TIME FOR FUN 1. Read the texts and anecdotes and retell them to your partner(s). 1 Travel is the name of a modern disease which started in the midfifties and is still spreading. The patient grows restless in the early spring and starts rushing about from one travel agent to another collecting useless information about places he doesn’t intend to visit. Then he, or usually she, will do a round of shops and spend much more than he or she can afford. Finally in August, the patient will board a plane, train, coach or car and go to foreign places along with thousands of his fellow-countrymen, not because he is interested in or attracted by some place, nor because he can afford to go but simply because he cannot afford not to. The result is that in the summer months (and in the last few years also during the winter season) everybody is on the move. What is the aim of all this travelling? Each nationality has its own different one. The Americans want to take photographs of themselves in different places. The idea is simply to collect documentary proof that they have been there. The German travels to check up on his guide-books. Why do the English travel? First, because their neighbour does. Secondly, they were taught that travel broadens the mind. But lastly – and perhaps mainly – they travel to avoid foreigners. I know many English people who travel in groups, stay in hotels where even the staff is English, eat roast beef and Yorkshire pudding on Sunday and 44
steak-and-kidney pies on weekdays, all over Europe. The main aim of the Englishman abroad is to meet people, I mean, of course, nice English people from next door or from the next street. It is possible, however, that the mania for travelling is coming to an end. A Roman friend of mine told me: “I no longer travel at all. I stay here because I want to meet my friends from all over the world.” “What exactly do you mean?” I asked. “It is simple,” he explained. “Whenever I go to London my friend Smith is in Tokyo and Brown is in Sicily. If I go to Paris my friends are either in London or in Spain. But if I stay in Rome all my friends, I’m sure, will turn up at one time or another. The world means people for me. I stay here because I want to see the world. Besides, staying at home broadens the mind.” (How to avoid travelling. G. Mikes)
2 I believe that journeys are things in themselves, each one an individual and no two alike. I think that people don’t take trips – trips take people. Some journeys are over and dead before the traveller returns. The opposite is also true: many trips continue long after movement in time and space has stopped. I remember a man who in his middle years travelled to Honolulu and back, and that journey continued for the rest of his life. We could see him in his rocking-chair on his front porch, his eyes half closed, endlessly travelling to Honolulu. My own journey started long before I left, and was over before I returned. I knew exactly where and when it was over. Near Arlington at 4 o’clock on a windy afternoon my journey went away. The road became endless, the people simply moving figures with heads and no faces. All the food along the way tasted like soup, even the soup. There was no night, no day, no distance. (After J. Steinbeck)
He was a methodical man. “Take a piece of paper,” he always said, “put down on it everything you want to have with you; then read it. Imagine yourself in bed: what do you wear? Very well, put it down, together with a change. Then you get up: what do you do? - Wash yourself. What do you wash yourself with? – Soap; put down soap. Go on till you finish. Then take your clothes. Begin at your feet: what do you wear on your feet? – Boots, shoes, socks; put them down. Go on till you go to your head. What else do you want besides clothes? – A little brandy; put it down. A corkscrew; put it down. Put down everything, then you don’t forget anything.” That is the plan he used to follow himself. When the list was made, he usually looked it through carefully, to see that he did not forget anything. Then he looked it through again, and stroke out everything he could do without. Then he usually lost the list. (After J.K. Jerome) 2. Now listen to the anecdotes and in small groups try to reconstruct them taking turns. Discuss the questions. 1. Do you think Mrs. Wilson invented a smart solution to the problem many of us often find ourselves in? What do you usually do in a situation like that? 2. The lifeguard was able to cheat the salesman easily, because the salesman behaved stupidly when he asked the lifeguard whether he could take some water. Have you or your acquaintances ever found yourself / themselves in a funny or stupid situation like that?
TIME TO SING If you feel like singing, here are some songs for you.
3 When you decide to go on leave, the usual luggage question arises. The best way is to make a list of things before packing. I taught my friends how to make that list; I learned it myself many years ago from my Uncle Rodger. “Always before you begin to pack” my uncle usually said, “make a list.” 45
At Travel Agency John Linn comes from San Francisco, California. His grandparents came to California from China many years ago. John has always wanted to visit China. Now he finally has a chance to take a trip
Greetings from Italy It’s summer time and Nel is spending his vacation by the sea in South Italy. He’s going swimming and diving and he has a nice tan. But he has a little problem, too. So he’s sending this postcard to his sister 46
there. He’s talking to a travel agent Susanna in Georgia. Let’s find out right now about a plane reservation. what Nel’s problem is. Hello, my name’s Sue Chrisco. How are you? I’m John Linn. I come from San Francisco, I’m leaving for Peking. When are you going to go there? Some time in March this year. You need a reservation: I’ll make it for you here. What are you going to do there? I’m going to learn Chinese, I know some words already “Thank you, hello and please” . Thanks for your help, Miss Chrisco. My pleasure, Mr. Linn. I hope you’ll like your stay there, I hope you’ll like Peking.
My dear Susanna, how are you? I’m having lots of fun, I swim a lot and have a tan From sitting in the sun. REFRAIN: Oh, Susanna, I love the blue-blue sea, Say hello to everyone And lots of love from me. The weather here is beautiful: It hasn’t rained one day, I’m even learning how to dive For lobsters in the bay. REFRAIN: I lost my wallet yesterday In front of the hotel. Please send me money right away And promise you won’t tell. REFRAIN: (“Tune into English”, Units 13 and 10)
USEFUL INFORMATION Travelling in the UK Preparing for your journey You must be fully prepared for your journey and arrival in the UK before you leave home. You should plan your journey from your point of entry in the UK to your final destination and know when and where you are supposed to arrive. It is assumed that you will be arriving at an airport in the UK, although other methods of transport are detailed below. If you are going to London, you may choose to book a flight into Gatwick, Heathrow, Stansted or London City airports. If you are going elsewhere in the UK, you should book a direct flight to a regional airport, e.g. Manchester or Birmingham, 47
or book a connecting flight from a European airport or one of the London airports. This will save on the cost of a train journey, cut down on travel time and avoid having to stay overnight in costly London accommodation. Documents required for your journey The following documents are needed when you arrive at the airport in the UK, where you will be interviewed by immigration and health officials. It is therefore important that you bring with you: • a valid passport, with a visa or UK entry • an air ticket • vaccination certificates, if required • an X-ray report, if required • a letter of acceptance from your place of study Make sure you keep the above documents and the following in your hand luggage: • some warm clothing • some British currency • insurance documents, if required • a list of what you are carrying in your luggage in case you have to make an insurance claim • any prescribed drugs and medicine you are taking, • an address, telephone number and travel instructions to your final destination Currency and exchange Bring enough money to cover your immediate needs on your arrival in the UK, including customs charges, rail fare and any emergency expenses. About £200 per person should be enough. You may bring in bank notes (or order British currency), traveller’s cheques, letters of credit etc. in any currency and up to any amount. There is no restriction on the amount of travellers’ cheques changed. A quick guide to British money Britain’s decimal currency is based on the pound sterling (£) divided into one hundred pence (100p). Notes are issued to the value of 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1. Coins are issued to the value of 50p, 20p, 10p, 5p, 2p, 1p and ½p,
48
though some of the pre-decimal silver coins are still in circulation. Major credit cards are widely accepted. Banks and changing money Banks are closed on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays. (Some branches of Barclays Bank are open on Saturday mornings). Generally, weekday opening hours are 09.30 to 15.30 hours. Most banks in Scotland and Northern Ireland close for an hour at lunchtime. If you need British currency when the banks are closed, you can obtain it at branches of larger travel agents such as Thomas Cook (they have over 200 offices throughout the country); in the exchange offices provided by many large department stores; at counter desks in large hotels; or at one of the many independent Bureaux de Change. Be sure to check in advance the rate of exchange and the commission charged. There are 24 hour banks at London’s airports (Heathrow and Gatwick). Transfer of funds If you are planning to transfer extra money to the UK you should arrange this before you leave your home country. Also before you leave home, check whether you need permission to transfer money to the UK and whether your government has restrictions on the amount of money you can take out of your country. Clothing and other items You should have enough warm clothing for your flight and subsequent journey. Several layers of lightweight clothes are better than a single shirt or dress. It is probably cheaper and easier to buy warm winter clothing in the UK, rather than in your home country. Luggage You will have a free baggage allowance which will be shown on your air ticket; this is usually 23kg or one bag of limited size, but it will be 20kg on some airlines. You may be charged for excess baggage if you exceed the baggage allowance, so check with the airline before you leave if you need clarification on your allowance. You should make a list of everything you bring. If any of your baggage is sent by sea or by unaccompanied air freight, you will be responsible for all charges.
49
Insurance You should insure your luggage, personal possessions and money before leaving your home country, as risks in large cities can be considerable, especially if you are unfamiliar with the UK. Security Pickpockets can be a hazard in many cities in the UK. Always carry your money in an inside pocket, never in your back trousers pocket or on the outside of a coat or jacket. If you leave your jacket anywhere, always take your money with you. Never leave a handbag unattended, even for short periods; always keep it with you. Similarly, you should take care not to leave luggage or briefcases in waiting rooms or on railway platforms, luggage racks or anywhere else. It is safer to carry valuables such as cameras, radios and computers with you and keep a note of their serial numbers. It is not a good idea to carry large amount of cash with you, because if it is stolen or lost you are not likely to get it back. Try to carry only enough cash to meet your day-to-day expenses. Traveller’s cheques should be in small denominations such as £5, £10 and £20, so you will have enough money for your daily needs. Remember to keep a note of the serial numbers in case you lose them. Finally, take special care of your passport, tickets and other essential personal documents. Police registration Your entry clearance (the stamp put in your passport when you arrive in the UK) will state whether or not you have to register with the Overseas Visitors/Records or, outside London, at a major police station close to where you will be living. If you are required to register with the police, you must do so within seven days of your arrival in the UK. Your entry clearance stamp will probably tell you to register with the police if: • you are aged 16 or over and are either from a particular country, or are a stateless person, or are travelling on a non-national travel document (rather than a passport) and • you intend to stay in the UK for more than six months, i.e., as a student. If you travel on your own each time you change your address or extend your permission to be in the UK you must renew your police registration. There is no charge unless you have lost your original registration document. 50
Onward travel As it was mentioned above if you are going to London or the southeast, you will probably want to arrive in the UK at one of the three major London airports: Gatwick, Heathrow or Stansted. If you are going elsewhere in the UK, you should check for flights to the nearest airport. There are many other airports throughout the UK, most of which have excellent connections through Amsterdam, Paris, Brussels, Frankfurt or London. There are also increasing numbers of flights direct to the larger nonLondon airports such as Manchester, Birmingham, Newcastle, Glasgow and Edinburgh. If you have not already arranged onward travel from the airport, the general information desk at the airport will advise you on the best way to travel to your destination. There are also commercial information desks where you can find information about onward travel. Telephones Public telephones or ‘payphones’ are widely available in the UK. They operate either with cash or a phonecard, which you can buy from post offices and some shops, or with a credit card. If necessary, you can contact the operator by dialing 100 (155 for the international operator). To access the directory enquiries service for information about telephone numbers, dial 192 for UK numbers or 153 for international numbers. Mobile phones are generally expensive to use in the UK, although there are a number of tariffs and service providers to suit everyone.
Useful numbers UK Directory Enquiries International Directory Enquiries UK Operator International Operator Emergencies
192 153 100 155 999
You may need to travel into central London in order to catch a train or coach to your destination.
51
Part 2
Weather for Holiday
WARM-UP 1. In small groups discuss the questions below keeping records of your partners’ answers. 1. Does the climate matter to you when choosing where to go on holiday? 2. Do you believe that the choice of active or passive holiday has anything to do with the particular climate / weather conditions? 3. What kinds of information do you get from a weather forecast? List five items or more __________________________________________ 4. Why is it important to know the weather forecast, at least the outlook, when you are going on holiday? 2. Match the weather descriptions in column A with their Russian equivalents in column B. In case of difficulty consult a dictionary. A freak events scorching heat stifling heat a spell of close weather heat wave band of rain outbreaks of rain torrential rain scattered showers steady drizzle fog patches unsettled weather sleet snow showers cold spells spells of snow blizzard
B жара / жаркая погода (в положительном контексте) неустойчивая погода метели местами туманы снегопады моросящий дождь холодные периоды период летней духоты мокрый снег давящая / удушающая жара буран, метель; пыльная буря полоса дождей в отдельных местах ливни аномальные явления волна жары временами дожди проливной дождь
52
PRACTICE Task I With your partner practise the following English sentences and their Russian equivalents. Trade roles.
A Talk on Weather 1. It often thunders after a lightning. 2. In summer it may hail sometimes and it’s a disaster for locals. 3. It’s pouring. Don’t go out without an umbrella. 4. Look, it’s thawing so fast that by the noon there won’t be any snow left. 5. Close the window, will you? I’m shivering with cold. 6. We’re melting. It’s just unbearable. 7. Thunderstorms (T’storms) in summers and snow flurries in winters are characteristic of these places. 8. I can’t stand / bear sultry weather. 9. Nothing doing: you’ll have to put up with it. 10. What does it look like outdoors? 11. Will it clear up, (do you think)? 12. What nasty weather we’re having today! It has been drizzling since early morning. And it’s chilly too! 13. Well, it looks as if we are in for some rain (snow / frost / thaw).
1. Часто после разряда молнии гремит гром. 2. Иногда летом может пойти град. Для людей это стихийное бедствие. 3. Льет как из ведра. Не выходи без зонта. 4. Посмотри, снег тает так быстро, что к полудню от него и следа не останется. 5. Пожалуйста, закрой окно. Я дрожу от холода. 6. Мы изнываем / таем от жары. Это просто невыносимо. 7. Грозы летом и снегопады зимой характерны для этих мест. 8. Я не переношу знойной погоды. 9. Ничего не поделаешь, придется привыкнуть (смириться) с этим. 10. Как там на улице? 11. (Как думаешь), прояснится? 12. Какая противная погода сегодня. Моросит с самого утра. Да еще и холодно!
14. We experienced a heat wave last month. 15. At that time of the year they usually have got a spell of close weather here. 16. This rain won’t last long, it’s only a shower. 17. Hailstones were battering the roof of our car. 18. The sky is a bit overcast; I think it’s going to rain. 19. Yesterday rain became sleet and then snow / it snowed. 20. Last week we got wet to the bone in the thunderstorm. It was raining cats and dogs. 21. In the far north freezing weather often continues until May. 22. There was a gentle breeze on the beach, just enough to cool us. 23. There’s a good wind today, fancy going sailing? 24. There’s been a gale warning; it would be crazy to go board-skating. 25. We were scared out of our wits to get to know that there was a hurricane on the way. 26. Snow showers reported in the outlook won’t delay our departure, I believe.
14. В прошлом месяце мы попали в полосу сильной жары. 15. В это время в этих местах наступает период летней духоты. 16. Это ливень, а не дождь, поэтому пройдет быстро. 17. Град барабанил по крыше нашего автомобиля. 18. Небо обложено, я думаю пойдет дождь. 19. Вчера дождь перешел в дождь со снегом, а потом пошел снег. 20. На прошлой неделе мы попали в грозу и промокли до нитки. Дождь лил как из ведра / был настоящий ливень. 21. На севере морозы часто длятся до мая. 22. На пляже дул легкий ветерок, принося нам прохладу. 23. Сегодня хороший ветер, не хочешь покататься на паруснике? 24. Объявили штормовое предупреждение, было бы безумием заняться бордскейтингом. 25. Мы сильно перепугались, узнав, что надвигается ураган. 26. Думаю, что обещанные в краткосрочном прогнозе снегопады не помешают нашему отъезду.
13. Похоже, будет дождь (снег / мороз / растает).
53
54
Task II Practise the dialogues trading roles. In dialog 1 you are to go through three-steps. Step one: complete the dialogues matching parts A - C with parts a-c. Step two: act out the dialogues. Step three: engage in a longer conversation for which you may need to use some sentences / phrases from Task I.
1. What’s the Weather Today? A. – It’s very cold today, isn’t it? – …………………………… – What’s the temperature, I wonder? – …………………………………. – Oh, is it (really)? You don’t say so! It’s awful! – ………………………………………………. – You know, I can’t stand such cold! – ………………………………….. B. – Hello! Isn’t it terrible weather? – ……………………………….. – Yes, it’s raining cats and dogs! – ………………………………. – Why? Haven’t you got an umbrella or a rain-coat? – ……………………………….. – Yes, it was. But as for our weather you can never tell! Let’s hope it’ll clear up soon. C. – Good morning, Mrs. MacDonald! – ………………………………… – Going for a walk? Lovely day, isn’t it? – ……………………………………… – I wonder, how long it will last? – ……………………………….. a – ……………………………… – Oh, yes, it’s just dreadful. You know, I’m shivering with cold. Is it still raining? – ………………………………………………….. 55
– Oh, bad luck! – …………………………………………………. – I haven’t. It was sunny in the morning, wasn’t it? b – ................................................................................ – Good morning, Ms Cook! – …………………………………………………… – Yes, it’s just lovely / gorgeous! Who will stay indoors in such weather? – …………………………………………………… – Heaven knows! But I feel as if we are in for some rain. c
– ………………………………………. – Oh, yes! I’m simply freezing! – ………………………………………. – It’s about fifteen degrees below zero / minus fifteen degrees. – ………………………………………. – Yes, that’s what they said on the radio / on TV. – …………………………………………. – Neither can I. But nothing doing – you’ll have to put up with it.
2. Holiday Weather A: B: A: B: A: B: A: B:
How did you enjoy your holiday? On the whole, it was a success. What sort of weather did you have? It varied but, to begin with, it was pretty hopeless. It soon improved, though, didn’t it? Oh yes, we had a glorious spell (1). Which accounts for your tan, I suppose? Oh yes, I just love the way I tanned. We just lazied about, lay in the sun, swam and sailed. A: Lucky as ever, weren’t you? B: Not quite. Towards the end we had plenty of rain and chilly wind. Or: (1) … a number of sunny days
56
3. The Weather Forecast Paul and Judy live in Birmingham. It’s a large city in the Midlands. They are planning a weekend holiday. Paul: You know, Judy! Why don’t we go to Scotland? Judy: It’s a very long way. P: Oh, it isn’t too far. Anyway, the motorway’s very good, so we can get there quickly. J: But Scotland’s often cold at this time of the year. It may snow! P: Well, yes… it may … but I don’t think it will. J: I’m not sure. It is February, and I’m frightened of driving in snow. And we may not be able to find a hotel. They may be closed. P: Oh, that’s no problem. I can book a hotel by phone. J: Well, perhaps it’s not a bad idea. We may have beautiful weather. P: Oh, we’ll enjoy ourselves anyway. Let’s watch the weather forecast on television. We may not go to Scotland, we may go to Wales or London. We can decide after the forecast. Forecast Good evening, and here is the weather forecast for tomorrow. Northern Scotland will be cold, and there may be snow over high ground. In the north of England it will be a wet day and rain may move into Wales and the Midlands during the afternoon. East Anglia will be generally dry, but it will be dull and cloudy. In Southern England it will be a bright clear day with sunshine, but it may rain during the evening. In the south west it may be foggy during the morning, but the afternoon will be clear. It may be windy later in the day.
– It’ll be fine (cloudy, partly cloudy, sunny, windy, frosty, snowy, foggy). 4. – What is the weather (like) today? – It’s cold (chilly, wet, rainy, breezy, warm, hot, icy, cool, mild) 5. – What was the temperature yesterday? – Yesterday the temperature was …. minus / plus 14 degrees Centigrade 140C below zero 140C above zero 600 Farenheit
Task III 1. In small groups discuss whether the climate(s) of some country(ies) may add to its (their) popularity among tourists? Why do you think holiday makers still go to some places notorious for their climate / weather conditions? 2. Match a country / area / city in B with some of climate / weather conditions typical for it in A. Make sentences using the information below, e.g. In the Tropics there is usually torrential rain most days, and the roads often get flooded. A Torrential rain, flood Chill, drizzle, fog Cold, frost, snow, blizzard High humidity, stifling heat Drought, sultry sun Earthquake, tornado, flood
B Egypt Hawaii London California Brazil Norway
Practise asking and answering questions about the weather. 1. – What will the weather be like in Dover? – It’ll be warm and sunny. 2. – What will the weather be like in Norwich? – It may rain. 3. – What will the weather be like here tomorrow? / What weather shall we have tomorrow? 57
58
SPEAKING THROUGH LISTENING 1. Listen to the weather report for the answers to these questions. Compare your answers with a partner. 1. Is the weather in Washington cool or warm tonight (Friday)? ______ 2. Which day will be the best for sightseeing – tomorrow (Saturday) or Sunday? Why? _________ 3. What is the temperature in Washington right now (at the time the report is being given)? _______ 4. What is the specific time? _________ 2. Listen to the WFRM jet commuter forecast again and complete the chart below. City Atlanta Boston Chicago Dallas Miami New York
Temperature
Conditions
With a partner discuss which city has the best weather today? Why do you think so?
READING Read the text and do the assignments that follow
The English about English Weather
to be long periods of rain. One can never depend on the weather! So most people, who look forward to the summer holidays, plan to go abroad for the summer, to France, Spain or somewhere else on the Continent. Though the sea in England is usually, even in the middle of summer, quite cold, those who stay in England go to the seaside or plan some sort of walking trips, especially in the northern districts of England, such as the Lake district. A very great many people spend the summer simply walking, staying in youth hostels and enjoying the beautiful places around. The English winter on the whole is not as severe as the Russian winter. They have some frosts, snow, it’s very cold, damp, unpleasant, but it’s never too cold to go outside or to enjoy winter sports. Again in England they don’t have a great deal of snow, it’s never deep and sometimes is very little at all. The most unpleasant aspect of English weather, especially in big towns, is fog and smog. They can stop traffic and it’s hard to bear dampness. When autumn comes, of course, they get a great deal of rain, the weather is rather nasty. In the past this was partly compensated by the fact that many people in England had large open fires in their homes though nowadays central heating and electric fires substituted them in many households. When people gather round the fire and talk or watch TV, the cold and dampness outside doesn’t seem to matter so much. According to the text are the statements true or false? 1. The English summer is usually not very warm. 2. Many people who look forward to the summer holidays stay in England. 3. They don’t have a great deal of snow in England. 4. The sea in England is not warm enough to bathe. 5. You can always depend on the English weather.
SPEAKING THROUGH READING
English weather on the whole is not exceptionally good. It’s very damp, they have a great deal of rain and the English summer is usually disappointing. During winter they dream of having two or three months of extremely good weather, sunshine and hot weather, hot enough to bathe, to go to the sea. But usually when the summer comes, summer months are rather cold, much colder that one had expected, always a great deal of rain. The weather is very changeable and one never knows when there are going
1. Read the texts and in small groups discuss the following questions: a) Do you believe in weather reports? Have you ever experienced the situation like the one described in the text? b) Have you ever had bad luck with weather while travelling?
59
60
A Weather Reports Weather reports are often misleading. They report what happened yesterday or the day before and not what is going to happen today. I remember one Sunday in autumn that was spoilt because of the weather report in the newspaper. “Heavy rains and thunderstorms today,” it said and we had to give up our outing and we stayed at home all day waiting for the rain to start. In the morning the sun was shining brightly and there was not a cloud in the sky. People passed our house on their way to the country. Looking out of the window at them we thought that they would get wet to the bones and smiled to ourselves. At twelve o’clock we began to wonder when those heavy rains were going to come. “They’ll come in the afternoon”, we said to each other. And when the afternoon was almost gone and no rain came we were sure it would catch fresh-air fans on their way home. The next morning we read that it was going to be a fine warm day and we went out without our raincoats and umbrellas. Half an hour later it began to rain heavily and a cold wind blew so that we came home with bad colds and had to go to bed.
B
on my garden and occasionally having to drive very carefully on icy roads early in the morning. Before I went to Canada I had never experienced the blizzards and snowdrifts that can paralyse a whole city in less than an hour. They had to close roads and airports completely because the cars were skidding out of control and the snow was a meter deep. **************** When I went on a package tour to China last year we were unlucky to experience a spell of close weather. They said they had not had such a heat wave for the last four years. The sweat was pouring out of us. I could hardly breathe; I wished it would rain to cool us down a bit. Most people in our group could not stand such stifling heat. So we had to sit in the shade or be inside air-conditioned buildings every afternoon and could go out only in the evening or early in the morning. 2. What weather conditions do you consider ideal for your Dream holiday? Explain why. 3. Now look at the weather maps from the USA Today and read the weather forecast given for different areas of the world. With your partner(s) discuss the best place to go on holiday. Give as many reasons for your choice as possible.
The day we arrived in Prague it started drizzling. And it kept raining for several days in the row while we were there. To make it even worse the temperature fell down to only plus 7 degrees Celsius. So you can imagine how frustrated we were! To go that far and not to be able to enjoy the beauty of one of the nicest cities in the world! The weather spoilt our stay there and could have ruined the whole trip if not for absolutely fantastic two weeks of sunshine and pleasant warmth in Karlovi Vari which made so much difference. **************** My first experience of real winter weather was when I went to Northern Canada. I was used to the sort of snow that falls in London, which quickly turns into brown slush with all the people walking on it. In fact, most of the time I was in London, it didn’t really snow properly, it was mostly sleeting. Apart from that, British winters meant a bit of white frost 61
62
63
64
City
c (cloudy); i (ice): pc (partly cloudy); r (rain); s (sunny); sf (snow flurries); sh(o) (showers); sn (snow); t=T'str. (thunderstorms)
65
City
Fri.
Sat.
AFRICA, MIDDLE EAST Algiers 64/49c 66/51pc Ankara 39/25pc 45/27pc Abu Dhabi 91/69s 79/67pc Beirut 56/36pc 58/39pc Cairo 62/43c 66/46pc Cape Town 74/47pc 16/57sh Damascus 51/32c 52/29pc Harare 81/58t 82/57sh Jerusalem 54/32pc 59/25pc Johannesburg 66/43pc 75/52pc Lagos 91/76pc 89/76t Luxor 69/45c 70/45pc Nairobi 79/55t 76/57sh Riyadh 79/55pc 77/56pc Tehran 51/40c 56/41c Tel Aviv 56/40pc 59/43pc Tunis 61/46c 62/48pc Tripoli 66/43c 63/45c
Fri. AMERICAS
Sat.
Buenos Aires 75/52c 70/54pc Bogota 86/50pc 64/52pc Caracas 86/73pc 84/73pc Lima 81/64pc 81/64pc Mexico City 81/50pc 82/54pc Montreal 41/2Spc 40/32pc Nassau 82/72pc 79/66s Rio de Jan. 81/63pc 81/64pc Sao Paulo 73/55pc 75/57pc Santiago 84/43c 86/46pc Toronto 45/32pc 41/31pc Vancouver 56/37pc 56/39pc ASIA, PACIFIC Auckland 69/56c 68/58pc Bali 89/73pc 90/74pc Bangkok 95/76t 96/75pc Beijing 68/41 s 73/44s Bombay 94/76pc 95/77s Calcutta 94/74F 95/74pc Chiang Mai 92/69pc 93/71pc 3obrnbo 91/76pc 89/7Spc Hanoi 79/69 sh 82/70pc Hong Kong 76/65c 79/64c Islamabad 83/63pc 86/66t Jakarta 89/74t 91/76pc Karachi 91/77pc 92/74t Kuala Lumpur 92/75t 91/74t Mlanila 89/76S 91/75s New Delhi 91/66s 92/67s Phonom Penh 94/73t 95/75t Phuket 94/76t 95/76t
City Rangoon Seoul Shanghai Singapore Sydney Taipei Tokyo Vientiane
Fri.
91 /75s 54/30s 64/51pc 91/75t 73/55s 68/59sh 69/48pc 91/72t EUROPE Algarve 67/51sh Amsterdam 57/39sh Athens 61/45pc Barcelona 64/47pc Belfast 49/38sh Belgrade 59/46c Berlin 49/34sh Bern 56/33c Brussels 56/39sh Budapest 62/45c Bosta Del Sol 69/52pc Copenhagen 45/32sn Dublin 54/37c Edinburgh 48/39pc Ftorence 64/43pc Frankfurt 52/33sh Geneva 59/38c Helsinki 34/26sn Istanbul 49/39pc Las Palmas 55/56sh Lisbon 71/56sh London 56/39c Luxembourg 56/36sh Kiev 49/39sh 66
Sat. 92/77s 61/41s 68/51pc 89/75t 74/56pc 69/62pc 71/51s 93/73t 65/52c 49/32 pc 63/43pc 62/48c 54/40pc 48/34sh 42/28C 39/26sf 49/34pc 46/32sh 86/53c 41/31c 57/41pc 51/43c 61/35pc 45/26c 46/29c 31/15sf 54/45pc 68/58c 67/58c 51/35pc 48/29c 46/33sh
City Mallorca Madrid Marseille Milan Moscow Munich Nice Oslo Paris Prague Reykjavik Riga
Fri. 59/44pc 68/40pc 66/45s 65/38s 43/36r 53/29sh 62/46s 34/23st 65/35pc 49/34sfi 44/37c 39/33sn
Sat. 57/43c 66/38pc 62/43pc 61/25pc 39/29sn 39/24sf 63/44pc 31/26pc 53/27pc 39/25sf 46/36sh 37/26sn
City Rome Salzburg St.Petersourg Stockholm Strasbourg Tallinn Venice Vienna Vilnius Warsaw Zurich
Fri. 65/45pc 58/36sh
Sat. 62/37pc 43/28c
37/30sn 36/29sn 61/33c 39/32sn 61/41pc 61/36sh 42/34r 44/36sh 55/31 c
32/21 sf 35/28pc 51/26c 36/24sn 59/32pc 46/32c 39/28sn 41/28sf 37/25sf
WRITING The chart below shows anyone who wants to visit the West of Ireland what weather to expect at different times of the year. Make a similar chart for your country or home region. Dec-March Coldest months; usually quite wet; snow on high ground
April-June Generally cool, often wet and windy but improving
July-Aug Sep-Nov Warmest months; Often mild bebright with show- coming cold; ers; cool sea mist and fog breezes
ROLEPLAY Working in pairs, practise one of the roleplays below. 1. One student will act as a travel agent assisting the other who is planning a vacation trip to a location of his / her choice. 2. One student will act as a foreigner who wants to go to Russia for his / her holiday. Another student will act as his / her Russian friend who assists him / her answering different questions and giving useful tips.
67
USEFUL INFORMATION Weather in the UK Climate and clothing The weather in the UK is notoriously changeable. You should expect prolonged cold and rain and weeks of overcast weather during winter, usually from November to March. It is extremely important to keep warmly dressed and to use hats, scarves and gloves. It gets dark quite early in the autumn and winter months. Seasons can start at different times each year, which can be confusing British summers are mild, with a fair amount of dry, sunny weather but some rainstorms. The average July temperature in London is 17.6 C.
Weather in the US In the US temperature is measured in degrees Farenheit. To convert Farenheit to Centigrade (Celsius), subtract 32 and divide by 1.8. To convert Centigrade to Farenheit, multiply 1.8 (9/5) and add 32. Degrees Centigrade 0 10 20 30 37 40 100
Freezing point of water A warm winter day A mild spring day Quite warm – almost hot Normal body temperature Heat wave conditions Boiling point of water
Degrees Farenheit 32 50 68 86 98.6 104 212
Average Seasonal Temperatures and Time Zones New The England Southwest Winter 0 to 30F -18 to -1C Winter 20 to 60F Spring 35 to 50 2 to 11 Spring 40 to 70 Summer 60 to 75 16 to 24 Summer 60 to 90 Fall 45 to 75 7 to 22 Fall 45 to 75
68
-6 to -16C 4 to 22 16 to 32 7 to 24
The Middle Atlantic Winter Spring Summer Fall The South Winter Spring Summer Fall The Midwest Winter Spring Summer Fall
Part 3
The West 15 to 30F 40 to 60 65 to 80 50 to 75
-9 to -1C 4 to 16 18 to 27 11 to 24
30 to 60F 60 to 75 75 to 90 50 to 75
-1 to 16C 16 to 24 24 to 32 11 to 24
10 to 30F 40 to 55 60 to 90 40 to 60
-12 to -1C 4 to 14 16 to 32 4 to 16
Winter Spring Summer Fall Alaska Winter Spring Summer Fall Hawaii
15 to 65F 40 to 75 60 to 90 45 to 75
-9 to 18C 4 to 24 16 to 32 7 to 24
-15 to 15F 20 to 55 45 to 60 35 to 50
-26 to -9C -6 to 14 7 to 16 2 to 11
Winter Spring Summer Fall
60 to 75F 70 to 80 75 to 90 70 to 80
16 to 24C 22 to 27 24 to 32 22 to 27
Travelling by Rail
WARM-UP In small groups discuss the questions below keeping records of your partners’ answers. 1. People say “Time is money”. List several reasons why people may choose train travel instead of travelling by plane, bus, boat, or personal automobile. 2. Why do you think many Russians still prefer travelling by train? 3. When did you last travel by train? Did you enjoy it? 4. What do you need to make your ride on a train comfortable and pleasant?
PRACTICE Task I 1. Match the ‘train idioms’ in column A with their explanations in column B. Suggest the Russian for these idiomatic expressions with the help of contexts given below. Then use them in sentences of your own. A 1. train of thought 2. off the track
3. on the right track 4. the wrong side of the tracks 5. whistle stop 6. the gravy train
69
B a. the poor part of the community or society. b. to convict smb in a hasty manner by means of false charges or insufficient evidence. c. an orderly succession of thoughts. d. 1. irrelevant and immaterial; 2. departing from the subject at hand. e. headed in the right direction. f. 1. a small, unimportant town on a railroad line, where the train stops only when it is signaled; 2. a brief visit to a town by a politician in a political campaign, usually one 70
7. railroad
who speaks from the observation platform of a train. g. excessive luxury or advantage achieved with little or no effort.
1. I had written a couple of good paragraphs when the bell rang and made me lose my train of thought. 2. You started your presentation quite well, but now I think you’ve gotten off the track. 3. You haven’t quite got the answer yet, but you’re getting close: you’re on the right track. 4. Even though he was from the wrong side of the tracks, he has become one of the town’s most prominent citizens. 5. Senator Smith made 12 whistle stops in Illinois during the past three days. 6. The top executives in that company are riding the gravy train these days. 7. The prisoner insisted he had been railroaded. 2. Read the following sentences. Use clues to understand the words in italics. Iin case of difficulty consult a dictionary. 1. Let’s check the schedule to see what choice of trains we have to Los Angeles. 2. The northern route is more attractive because it passes through the mountains. 3. I prefer to travel in the coach car of the train because I think the compartments are too small and confining. 4. While I have traversed the whole world, I still haven’t visited the Pacific Northwest in my own country. 5. Chicago is such a huge metropolis, that it takes nearly an hour before the train gets into farmland.
Task II With your partner practise the following English sentences and their Russian equivalents. Trade roles.
71
At the Booking-Office 1. Мне нужно два билета на поезд в 10.20 до Ливерпуля. Международный (мягкий, жесткий) спальный вагон, пожалуйста (в поезде, на пароходе). 2. Один билет до Глазго, пожалуйста, (первого класса). 3. Вам билет туда и обратно? 4. Только в один конец, пожалуйста. 5. Верхнее или нижнее место (в поезде)/ спальное место (на пароходе)? 6. Два нижних, пожалуйста. 7. Мне нужно будет где-нибудь делать пересадку? 8. Нет, это прямой поезд.
1. I want two tickets for/on the 10.20 train/plane/boat to Liverpool. First second/third class, sleeper, please. 2. One first to Glasgow, please. 3. Single, or return? 4. Single, please. 5. Upper or lower berth?
6. Two lowers, please. 7. Do I have to change anywhere? 8. No, no change, it’s a through train. 9. What will / does a (return) ticket to Bath cost? 10. That’ll be five pounds ten. 11. Here you are. Ninety pence change, sir / madam. 12. I want two (corner) seats in a (non) – smoker: one seat facing the engine, one back to the engine, please. 13. Is there a through / fast / express train to Warsaw?
9. Сколько стоит билет до Бата (в оба конца)? 10. Это будет стоить 5 фунтов 10 пенсов. 11. Вот, пожалуйста, 90 пенсов сдачи, сэр (мадам). 12. Мне, пожалуйста, два (боковых) места в вагоне для (не)курящих, одно по ходу поезда, другое – против. 13. Есть ли прямой (скорый, экспресс) поезд до Варшавы?
14. Yes, but unfortunately it’s all booked up. I can offer you a … train.
14. Да, но, к сожалению, все билеты проданы. Я могу предложить вам … поезд.
72
15. Сколько раз (в неделю) ходит поезд до Сорбонны? 16. Поезд до Брюсселя ходит 3 раза в неделю. 17. Мне нужен билет на 12-часовой рейс до Стамбула. Рядом с иллюминатором, в (самом) начале салона, пожалуйста (если можно).
15. How many times (a week) does the train to Sorbonne run? 16. The train to Brussels runs 3 times a week. 17. I want a ticket on the 12.00 o’clock plane to Istanbul (Stamb(o)ul). Next to the window, at the (very) front of the compartment, please / if possible. 18. Students may have a young person’s railcard, so they pay considerably less for their tickets.
18. Студенты могут пользоваться молодежными проездными и платить за билеты значительно меньше.
At the Railway Station 1. I almost missed the train. 2. It’s time to board / get on the train. It’s due out / leaves in five minutes. 3. Excuse me, which is the platform for Geneva? Which platform for the Geneva train, please? 4. It’s platform 4 through the subway. 5. Excuse me, where’s the booking-office / the information Bureau / platform 4 / the time-table, schedule? 6. It’s over there, opposite the main entrance (round the corner, downstairs, through the subway). 7. I had to queue for the ticket because my season-ticket had run out and I had no change for the slot-machine.
1. Я чуть не опоздал(а) на поезд. 2. Пора заходить в поезд, он отправляется через пять минут. 3. Простите, с какой платформы отправляется поезд на Женеву? 4. С 4-й платформы через подземный переход. 5. Простите, где тут касса (справочное бюро, 4-я платформа, расписание)? 6. Там, напротив главного входа (за углом, вниз по лестнице, через подземный переход). 7. Я вынужден(а) был(а) выстоять очередь за билетом, т.к. срок моего проездного (сезонного) билета кончился, а у меня не было мелочи, чтобы воспользоваться автоматом. 73
8. I found the train I’d meant to catch wasn’t running. It must have been cancelled. So I had to wait for the next train. 9. (to the porter) I want you to see to my luggage. I want you to have this trunk labeled and put in the luggage van. 10. Please, put the suit-case and the bag on the luggage-rack. 11. Let’s make haste / hurry up, otherwise / or else we’ll be late for the train (plane / ferry)… 12. Don’t make a fuss / be nervous, we have still a lot of time /an hour and a half left. 13. Ah, here’s our luggage (at last)! 14. Would you please count your pieces of luggage? 15. Bags, suitcases, parcels, boxes – thirty pieces in all. 16. Come along and off we go! 17. I’ll tell you everything on the way home (to the hotel/airport). 18. Where do we change for Leeds? 19. You change in Cairo. 20. When is our train due in Stockholm? 21. According to the time-table we are due in Rio de Janeiro at 6 a.m. 22. The train (plane / ship) is an hour late. 23. I hope the train will come on schedule. 24. What class will you travel?
8. Я обнаружил(а), что поезда, которым я хотел(а) ехать, не будет. Его, вероятно, отменили. Поэтому мне пришлось ждать следующего поезда. 9. (носильщику): Отвезите мой багаж, пожалуйста. Возьмите этот чемодан, зарегистрируйте его и сдайте в багажный вагон. 10. Пожалуйста, положите чемодан и сумку на полку. 11. Нужно поторопиться, иначе мы опоздаем на поезд (самолет, паром). 12. Не суетись (не волнуйся попусту) у нас еще в запасе много времени (полтора часа). 13. А вот (наконец) и наш багаж! 14. Пожалуйста, пересчитайте свой багаж. 15. Сумки, чемоданы, пакеты, коробки – всего 30 мест. 16. Все сюда – мы уезжаем! 17. Я обо всем тебе (вам) расскажу по дороге домой (в отель, аэропорт). 18. Где у нас пересадка на Лидс? 19. У вас пересадка в Каире. 20. Когда наш поезд должен прибыть в Стокгольм? 21. Согласно расписанию мы должны быть в Рио в 6 часов утра. 22. Поезд (самолет, пароход) опаздывает на час. 23. Я надеюсь, что поезд придет по расписанию. 24. Каким классом вы поедете?
74
25. I want a ticket to Bangkok, please. 26. Which train must I take? 27. Can you tell me, what time the train goes (arrives / departs)?
25. Мне нужен билет до Бангкока. 26. Какой мне нужен поезд? 27. Не скажите, во сколько поезд приходит (отправляется)?
On (in) the Train 1. В поезде, кажется, (не так) много народу. 2. Здесь довольно жарко (душно).
1. The train seems to be (not) crowded. 2. It feels ( is / seems) pretty hot/stuffy here. 3. Would you mind my opening the window? 4. Not at all, I think fresh air will do us good. 5. Please, don’t. I’m not well.
3. Вы не против, если я открою окно? 4. Нет, я думаю, нам будет полезен свежий воздух. 5. Не надо, пожалуйста. Я себя плохо чувствую. 6.Мне выйти из купе? 7. Простите, пожалуйста, не сядете ли вы на мое место спиной к движению? Знаете, я плохо переношу езду (меня укачивает). 8. Мне пришлось пройти через весь поезд, пока я не нашел место. 9.Мои соседи по купе очень громко храпели / разговаривали (и я не мог(ла) заснуть / совсем не спал(а) всю ночь). 10. Простите, как пройти в вагонресторан?
6. Shall I leave the compartment? 7. Excuse my, would you mind sitting with your back to the engine? I’m travel sick, you know. 8. I had to go through the whole train until I found a seat. 9. My fellow passengers were snoring / speaking loudly (so I couldn’t get a wink of sleep the whole night). 10. Excuse me, how can I get to the dining-car (buffet-car / refreshment buffet)? 11. Our carriage is next to the dining-car and we can order lunch when the attendant comes along.
12. А что если пойти в вагонресторан перекусить? 13. Я бы лучше осталась здесь и заказала бы обед (в купе). 14. Я бы съел(а) чего-нибудь (бутерброд). Я голоден (голодна). 15. Я бы съел(а) салат, или чтонибудь в этом роде. 16. Я бы не отказалась от кусочка пиццы. 17. Я думаю, что могу обойтись без всех этих излишеств.
12. What / how about going to the buffet-car for a snack? 13. I’d better stay here and order lunch to the attendant. 14. I could do with a meal / a sandwich. I’m hungry. 15. I should manage some salad or something like that. 16. I shouldn’t say no to (mind / refuse) a slice of pizza. 17. I think I can do without all these frills.
Task III With your partner a) study the pictures and practise asking for and giving information (pages 77–80); Example: – Excuse me, where can I weigh my suitcases? – In the luggage counter, next to parcels office. b) read the text (page 81–82) paying attention to the words in italics. Then cover it and taking turns with the help of the picture say what Anna and Michael did / do. c) study the pictures and copy the words you will need while travelling by train into your notebooks. Match these words with the pictures (pages 82–84).
11. Наш вагон рядом с вагономрестораном и мы можем заказать ланч, когда будет проходить официант.
75
76
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
parcels office parcels basket [with lock] luggage counter platform scale with dial suitcase (case) luggage sticker luggage receipt luggage clerk poster (advertisement)
station post box (Am. station mailbox) notice board indicating train delays station restaurant waiting room map of the town (street map) timetable (Am. schedule) hotel porter arrivals and departures board (timetable) arrival timetable (Am. arrival schedule) departure timetable (Am. departure schedule)
11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
77
21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36
left luggage lockers change machine tunnel to the platforms passengers steps to the platforms station bookstall (Am. station bookstand) left luggage office (left luggage) travel centre (Am. center); also: accommodation bureau information office (Am. information bureau) station clock bank branch with foreign exchange counter indicator board showing exchange rates railway map (Am. railroad map) ticket office ticket counter ticket (railway ticket, Am. railroad ticket) 78
37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50
revolving tray grill ticket clerk (Am. ticket agent) ticket-printing machine (ticketstamping machine) hand-operated ticket printer pocket timetable (Am. pocket train schedule) luggage rest first aid station Travellers’ (Am. Travelers’) Aid telephone box (telephone booth, telephone kiosk, call box) cigarettes and tobacco kiosk flower stand railway information clerk official timetable (official railway guide, Am. train schedule)
5 13 14 15 19 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38
platform roofing 39 wheel tapper main building; also: offices 40 wheel-tapping hammer platform 41 station foreman crossing 42 signal edge of the platform 43 red cap station sign 52 parting kiss electric trolley (electric truck) 53 embrace loading foreman 54 platform seat porter (Am. Redcap) 55 litter bin (Am. litter basket) barrow 56 platform post box (Am. Platdrinking fountain form mailbox) electric Trans-Europe Express; 58 trolley wire (overhead conalso: Intercity train tact wire) electric locomotive, an express 59–61 track locomotive 59 rail collector bow (sliding bow) 60 sleeper (Am. tie, crosstie) secretarial compartment 61 ballast (bed) destination board
79
1 2 3 4 6 7–12 7 8 9 10 11 12 16 17 18 20
platform steps to the platform bridge to the platform platform number passengers luggage suitcase (case) luggage label hotel sticker travelling (Am. traveling) bag hat box umbrella, a walking-stick umbrella news trolley news vendor (Am. news dealer) reading matter for the journey railway policeman (Am. railroad policeman)
21 22 23 24 25 26 27 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 57
80
destination board destination indicator departure time indicator delay indicator suburban train, a railcar special compartment platform loudspeaker inspector pocket timetable (Am. pocket train schedule) platform clock starting signal platform lighting refreshment kiosk beer bottle newspaper platform telephone
their tickets yesterday, and reserved two seats to be sure of getting somewhere to sit. At the ticket barrier, they show their tickets to the ticket collector, who clips them to show that they have been used. On the platform Anna looks for a porter to help them with their luggage. They find their seats in the first compartment in the carriage next to the buffet car. They put their cases on the luggage rack as the train moves off. During the journey a ticket inspector comes to look at each passenger’s ticket. Anna asks him if they have to change (trains). The inspector tells her it’s an express (train) and it goes direct to Exeter (=so they don’t have to change). The train pulls into the station exactly on time (=it isn’t early or late), and the passengers get off. 1–30
Anna and Michael took a taxi to the station to catch their train to Exeter. They arrived just in time: the train is due to leave in a few minutes. They don’t need to go to the ticket / booking office, because they bought
81
local train service
1-12 local train (short-distance train) single-engine diesel locomo1 tive engine driver (Am. engineer) 2
3
82
four-axled coach (four-axled car) for short-distance routes, a passenger coach (passenger car)
4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13
1–7
bogie (truck) [with disc (disk) brakes] underframe (frame) coach body with metal paneling (Am. paneling) double folding doors compartment window open carriage entrance connecting corridor rubber connecting seal light railcar, a short-distance railcar, a diesel railcar
14 15 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30
Trans-Europe Express
cab (driver's cab, Am. engineer's cab) luggage compartment second-class section central gangway compartment upholstered seat armrest luggage rack hat and light luggage rack ashtray passenger
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 23
German Federal Railway trainset, a diesel trainset or gas turbine trainset driving unit drive wheel unit main engine diesel generator unit cab (driver's cab, Am. engineer's cab) second coach Societe Nationale des Chemins de Fer Francais (SNCF) experimental trainset with six- cylinder underfloor diesel engine and twinshaft gas turbine
24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31
turbine unit with silencers (Am. mufflers) secretarial compartment typing compartment secretary typewriter travelling (Am. traveling) salesman dictating machine microphone
Task IV You are to go through two- / three-step practice here. Step one: act out the dialogues trading roles. Step two: in dialogue 5 you may change some information to the one given in italics after the dialogue. Step three: to engage in a longer conversation you may need to use some sentences / phrases from Task II (p.p. 72–76).
1. Being in a Hurry A: Oh, here you are at last! It’s half past nine. We have only half an hour to do everything. B: Well, I’m sorry to keep you waiting. I’ll go and get tickets right now. What seat do you prefer? A: If you can get seats facing the engine, and I’ll see to the suit-cases. The booking-office is near the waiting-room. Please, be quick. Our time is short. B: It will take me only some minutes to get tickets. Let’s better take our suitcases and go to the booking-office together. From there we may go to a restaurant to have breakfast. A: Oh, no! In twenty-five minutes the train starts. Let’s have our breakfast in the dining-car. 83
84
2. At the Information Office Passenger: Clerk: P: C: P: C: P: C: P: C: P:
Excuse me… Can I help you? Yes, I’d like some information about trains please. Where to? … to London. When? Tomorrow. Morning or afternoon? In the evening. About six o’clock. There’s one at 6.40. Thank you.
3. Buying a Ticket Passenger: Official: P: O: P: O:
London, please. Single, or return? Single, please. Twelve pounds. Pardon? How much? Twelve pounds.
P: A: P: A: P: A: P:
A: P: A: P:
Porter, will you see to my luggage, please? Where for, sir / madam? I’m going by the 10 o’clock train to Glasgo. Will you have this trunk labeled and put in the luggage-van? The suit-case and bag can go on the luggage-rack. Right, sir / madam . What class? First. Try and find me a corner seat in a smoker, facing the engine, if you can. Have you got your ticket yet, sir / madam? Not yet. Where’s the booking office? Come along with me and I’ll show you… Here it is. I’ll meet you on the platform. Which platform is it? Number 8 over there. (In a few minutes) 85
Here you are, sir / madam. I’ve found you a corner seat next to the corridor. Your carriage is next to the dining-car, and you can order lunch when the attendant comes along. What time do we get to Glasgo? You’re due to arrive at 6.15. Thank you. Here you are. Thank you, sir / madam. I hope you’ll have a comfortable journey.
5. Bad Luck Mary: John: M: J: M: J:
4. At the Station A: Porter: A:
P:
M: J: M: J:
You ought to have let me know you were going to be so late. I didn’t know that myself. When I got on the bus, it crawled along at 10 miles an hour and I was afraid I’d miss my train. You ought to have got a taxi. I nearly did. But then I realised it wouldn’t have been any quicker. There was such a jam. It must have been the rush hour. Yes, of course. That must have been the trouble. At the station I had to queue for the ticket because my season-ticket had run out and I had no change for the slot machine. You should have bought a return ticket in the morning. Of course I could have. And then I found the train I’d meant to catch wasn’t running. Why was that? Whatever could have happened? It must have been cancelled due to some dispute on the railway. So I had to wait for the next train.
6. On the Train A: Where’s George? B: Need you ask? He’s in the dinning-car waiting for us to come to lunch. He said he was quite starved. A: We’d better hurry, then. Poor George! He needn’t have waited for us. B: You needn’t feel sorry for him. He’ll be all right. We shan’t have to wait for our lunch though. He must have ordered it.
86
A: B: A: B: A: B:
A: B: A: B: A: B: A: B:
*********************** This train isn’t (half) bad, eh? No, we must be doing a hundred at least (1). I could do with a sandwich, couldn’t you? (2). I’m not hungry but I shouldn’t refuse a cup of tea (3). They’ll be serving tea any moment now. (It’s a) pity we forgot to buy some fruit. Or: (1) … at the very least (2) …, and what about you? (3) I shouldn’t say no to a cup of tea I shouldn’t mind a cup of tea I should / can manage a cup of tea. ************************* Excuse me, is this seat free? Yes, it is. Is it O.K. if I sit here? (1) Yes, of course. Er, … is that your newspaper? Yes, it is. Would you mind lending it to me for a minute? (2) Yes, certainly. Or: (1) Would you mind my sitting here? (2) May I borrow it for a minute, please?
Here are more suggestions to enlarge the last dialogue by means of structures I–III (A) with possible answers depending on the structure used (B): A.
I. Would Do
you mind V-ing …
II. Would Do
you mind not V-ing …
III. Would Do
you mind my V-ing …
87
1) to close the door 2) to turn on the light / to turn off the radio / to open the window 3) to make (so much) noise 4) to pass some salt 5) to open the suit-case 6) to go out for a minute 7) to smoke 8) to help with one’s luggage 9) to bring a cup of tea B. I. Here you are / here you go. Why, yes. Why, certainly. Sure. I’m afraid I can’t. I’m sorry
II. All right! Sure, (I’m sorry). Of course, (sorry).
}
II. Why, yes. Of, course. Sure. (Please) don’t. (Please) don’t …., (do you mind?) Would you mind not (doing it)? Try not to …
LISTENING A Listen to the loudspeaker announcements and complete the sentences.
The train to Glasgo is _____ to leave in ten minutes from platform 8. Passengers are _____ to take their seats. The train from Liverpool is _____ at platform 7.
88
B 1. Listen to the tape and: 1) answer the following questions. Check your answers with your partner(s) 1. Why do Richard and Louise want to go to California? 2. Why do they decide to take the train that passes through Kansas City? 3. What day will they leave Chicago? 4. Who will meet Richard and Louise when they arrive in California? 5. Who went to Amtrak to get a timetable? 6. Do some of the Amtrak trains to California go faster than others? 7. What time does the train via Denver leave Chicago? 8. What time will they get to Pasadena? 9. How do Richard and Louise make ticket reservations? 2) put the following events into their order of occurrence ____ Louise and Richard meet Mrs. Bowman and Timmy ____ Louise and Richard go to the dining car ____ Louise and Richard find their seating compartment ____ Louise and Richard speak to the conductor ____ Louise and Richard order dinner ____ Mrs. Bowman talks about her son and daughter-in-law 3) looking at the menu card tick what Louise and Richard and Mrs. Bowman and Timmy ordered. Calculate the total bill for each party.
4) answer the questions. 1. How long will the train stop in Albuquerque? 2. What will happen during this stop? 3. What products are being sold at the station? 4. What does Louise buy? What does Richard buy? 5. How long is the train stop at Pasadena Station? 89
90
2. Study the train schedule and answer the questions: 1. Do some of the Amtrak trains to California go faster than others? 2. What time does the train via Denver leave Chicago? 3. What time will they get to Pasadena?
SPEAKING THROUGH LISTENING You are going to listen to some people talking about the annoying behaviour of other passengers on long train and coach journeys. What do you think they might mention? Discuss in small groups. 1) Now listen to the recording. Make notes in the box, then compare with a partner. things they find annoying
reason (if given)
Speaker 1 Speaker 2 Speaker 3 Speaker 4 2) When we want to emphasise particular ideas and opinions, we can use a variety of structures. Here are some of them which are common in both spoken and written English. Practise in pairs, completing the sentences with your own ideas. I find it (really) irritating I find it (really) annoying I find it (really) maddening It (really) annoys me (so much) It (really) irritates me (so much) It (really) makes me crazy It (really) gets on my nerves (so much) The thing that (really) annoys me is The thing that (really) gets (to) me is
when people keep correcting me if people keep chatting all the time when people leave the lights on if somebody snores loudly …………….. …………….. ……………..
people asking personal questions people who laugh without any reason The thing that (really) irritates me is …………….. The thing that really makes me crazy …………….. is What (really) annoys me is when …………….. 91
92
3) In small groups discuss whether it is common for people in Russia to do the following things on trains and coaches. Share your personal attitude toward these habits and manners. – start up a conversation with strangers – take their own food to eat on the journey – hand their food round to other passengers – take their shoes off – tip people who may serve them – lie down across the seats – give up their seat to somebody else (e.g. the young or the elderly) – listen to personal stereos – play cards / games – do crosswords together – take animals with them
READING Scan the British Rail Nightrider leaflet and decide which of the statements given on page 102 are true and which are false.
Intercity Nightrider LONDON to SCOTLAND fast first class comfort Nightrider is the special overnight seated service, for travellers between London and Scotland. It’s fast, reliable, comfortable, great value for money and runs nightly all week. It’s the ideal way to travel, whether visiting friends or relatives or starting your holiday. Nightrider trains run from London King’s Cross, Stevenage and Peterborough to Dundee and Aberdeen and from London Euston and Watford to Kilmarnock, Edinburgh and Glasgow. It is important to note that Nightrider trains to and from Edinburgh are now served by Euston, not King’s Cross. See the timetable. With Nightrider you get: 1st class reserved seats in air-conditioned comfort, with a buffet and at a price that suits your pocket - a single journey from London to either Edinburgh or Glasgow costs as little as ₤17. Now that’s 1st class comfort at a realistic price! 93
* It’s comfortable Think of sitting for long hours on a coach. Now compare that to the luxury of an InterCity train. Relaxing in air-conditioned comfort on 1st class adjustable seats. If you wish to read there are individual reading lights above each seat. Trains have plenty of space for luggage and room to get up and stretch your legs. They’re warm, without draughts, have separate accommodation for smokers and non-smokers and plenty of loos where you can wash and ‘freshen up’. Nightrider – altogether a more enjoyable, smoother ride.
* Seat reservation included All seats on Nightrider are 1st class and reserved. So please make sure you book early.
* Fast With Nightrider there are no traffic jams, or road works. No long, exhausting motorway drives, just a fast, comfortable, uninterrupted journey. Nightrider – a top quality service that aims to get you to your destination on time, refreshed and ready to go.
* Buffet There’s also a well stocked refreshment buffet, where you can buy snacks and hot or cold drinks through most of the night.
* Train guard or steward The train guard or catering steward are always available throughout the night, in case you have any problems or queries.
* Superloo Superloo facilities, including showers and baths so that you may freshen up after your journey, are available at Glasgow Central, Edinburgh and London Euston. 94
* Video lounge On the ‘Starlight Express’ to Glasgow and on the ‘Night Limited’ to Edinburgh a video lounge has been introduced to screen a selection of current films for your entertainment during the journey. And it doesn’t cost a penny extra!
* Breakfast A full breakfast service is available in the station buffets at Glasgow Central & Edinburgh.
INTERCITY NIGHTRIDER The first class service SINGLE FARES: Saturday to Thursday Nights Friday Nights From Euston, Watford Junction to Edinburgh From Euston, Watford Junction to Kilmarnock, Glasgow From King's Cross, Stevenage, Peterborough to Kirkcaldy, Dundee,
Aberdeen
The prices above are Single fares from the stations shown, they are available at these low prices only with Nightrider and subject to the Conditions overleaf. Children 5 to under 16 are half price. Fares current at time of going to press. All Nightrider seats are reserved 1st class. So please book your journey as early as possible.
* Intercity savers Bargain priced InterCity Saver return tickets can also be used to travel by Nightrider provided you reserve a seat in advance. This gives you the choice of making your outward or return journey by day. An InterCity Saver return ticket is a similar price to two Nightrider single tickets - see the Saver leaflets for details. * Conditions of use 1. Accommodation in the Nightrider service is limited and advance booking is necessary. A seat will be reserved, at no extra charge, 95
96
when the Nightrider ticket is purchased. Seats cannot be booked without purchase without purchase of a travel ticket. 2. Bookings may be made through principal stations and appointed travel agencies. Advance reservations can be made up to 2100 on the day of travel for departures from Euston and King’s Cross and 1900 for departures from Scottish stations. After these times bookings may be accepted if space is available - but only on personal application to the ticket office at stations served by the train. 3. InterCity Nightrider tickets are valid only for travel by the train and on the date shown on the ticket, which will show the coach in which the reservation is made and the seat number allocated. 4. Only Single journey tickets will be issued, but reservations for return journeys by Nightrider may be made at the time the outward journey is booked - provided the full charges due are paid. 5. Break of journey is not permitted. 6. Dogs may be conveyed at a single fare of £3. 7. Railway Bye-laws forbid the playing of radios, cassettes, etc or musical instruments to the annoyance of other passengers. 8. Refund arrangements. Subject to return of ticket to the issuing office prior to 1600 hours on the day before the date of travel, a refund of 75% of the purchase price will be given. Refunds will not be granted under any other circumstances. 9. This service is subject to the Boara’s Conditions of Carriage except where specifically excluded. 10. These conditions apply to holders of InterCity Nightrider tickets only.
97
True or False? 1. All seats are first class. 2. You can buy snacks all night. 3. The train runs every night of the week. 4. You can buy breakfast on the train. 5. Video films only cost a penny extra to see. 6. You can take your dog with you for £2. 7. Edinburgh trains leave from London’s Kings Cross Station. 8. It’s necessary to book in advance. 9. It’s more expensive to travel on Friday nights. 10. You can watch videos on every train. 11. You can go to Glasgow on Tuesday night for £17. 12. You can play your guitar all night if you want. 13. On trains to Aberdeen you can break your journey at Peterborough or Dundee. 14. You can take your 15 year old brother for half price. 15. On Monday mornings the train arrives in Glasgow at 7.24 a.m. 16. You cannot use Intercity Saver Tickets on these trains. 17. When you buy your ticket you can pay for a seat reservation. 18. Nightrider trains use two routes. 19. All carriages are air-conditioned. 20. On Fridays you pay £25 from Stevenage to Dundee. 21. You must hold a Nightrider ticket to travel on the Nightrider. 22. On Saturday nights the times of the trains may be changed. 23. There are separate seats for non-smokers. 24. The Nightrider leaves Aberdeen on Tuesday nights at 23.00 hours. 25. If you pay an extra £12 you can get a sleeper.
98
T T T T T T
F F F F F F
T T T T T T
F F F F F F
T T T T T
F F F F F
T T T T
F F F F
T
F
T T
F F
Т Т
F F
SPEAKING THROUGH READING Look through the text. In small groups act out a conversation as if some of you were going to travel by rail and would like to clarify some things with your friends / colleagues who will explain the procedures passengers are to follow and the rules they are to obey.
AMTRAK’S AIR-RAIL TRAVEL PLAN
Two Great Ways To Travel, One Low Price Now you can enjoy a fantastic travel experience that gives you the best of two worlds: the sightseeing splendor of train travel in one direction and the time saving advantage of flight in the other – all at one low price! Amtrak’s Air-Rail Travel Plan offers you a total vacation by allowing you up to three stopovers on the rail portion of your trip. So the time your plane trip saves travelling one way can be spent exploring the three destinations of your choice. Start planning your Air-Rail Vacation by getting a free copy of “Amtrak’s America” Travel Planner. Call your travel agent or Amtrak’s Great American Vacations at 1-800-321-8684.
Talk A Mile A Minute With Railfone On-board Telephone Service, you don’t have to wait until the train stops to make a phone call. Just head for the public phone sign where you’ll find individual seating and your own compact work surface. The calls you make will be conveniently charged directly to the credit card of your choice. Railfone Service is available on board most trains in the Northeast Corridor including Metroliner Service, California short distance trains including the San Diegans, and select Chicago short distance trains. Go ahead. Discover how fast, easy and convenient it is to use Railfone Onboard Telephone Service.
Wake Up To First Class Service In case you haven’t heard, Amtrak has sleeping accommodations with all the frills. That’s big, cushy seats that convert to comfortable beds at night. Complimentary meals in our deluxe Dining Car. Fresh 99
linens, towels and soap. Juice, coffee, tea and the morning paper in bed. Plus friendly attendants dedicated to making your trip pleasurable and relaxing. First Class on Amtrak. It’s all the comfort and privacy you’d expect from a hotel. Except every room has a view of America no one else can match.
Travel Information Alcohol. Passengers are not permitted to consume their private stock of alcoholic beverages in a public area. Only sleeping car accommodations for which a passenger has a valid ticket are considered nonpublic areas. Auto train. Auto Train travelers should plan to arrive at the station two hours before the scheduled departure time. Automobiles will not be accepted less than one hour before scheduled train departure. Oversized vehicles must have a special reservation and will not be accepted less than 2 hours before departure. Boarding times. Passengers should be at their boarding stations at least 30 minutes prior to departure (Auto Train passengers should arrive at the station 2 hours prior to departure). If a train should arrive late, every effort is made to depart as soon as possible. In such cases, the amount of time the train remains in the station may be less than shown in this timetable. Since schedules are subject to change, passengers should reconfirm departure times one day before travel, particularly if tickets have been purchased in advance. Credit cards. Amtrak accepts American Express, Carte Blanche, Diners Club, Discover, Japan Credit Bureau (JCB), MasterCard, Visa and Air Travel Card (ATC), at all ticketing locations. These cards (except JCB) are also accepted on board for the purchase of tickets costing $25 or more. Fares less than $25 purchased on board must be paid cash. These cards (except ATC and JCB) are also accepted on board for dining car meals (no minimum). First class lounge. Amtrak’s Metropolitan Lounges are available in Washington, DC, Philadelphia, New York and Chicago for first class passengers. 100
Food service. Diner and lounge/café cars will be open for service consistent with the operational characteristics of individual trains. In most cases, lounge/café cars will be open from 6:00 a.m. until midnight; dining cars will be open: breakfast 6:30 a.m. until 10:30 a.m.; lunch 11:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m.; dinner 4:30 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. Meal service in dining cars is available to passengers who board at their originating station by 10:00 a.m. for breakfast; 2:00 p.m. for lunch; and 8:45 p.m. for dinner. Liability. The schedules and services shown in timetables are not guaranteed, are subject to change without notice, and form no part of the contract between Amtrak and a passenger. Amtrak disclaims liability for inconvenience, expense, or damage resulting from errors in timetables, shortages of equipment, or delayed trains, except that when such a delay causes a passenger to miss a guaranteed connection, Amtrak will provide alternate transportation on Amtrak, another carrier, or overnight hotel accommodations as Amtrak’s discretion. Lost, stolen or destroyed tickets. Amtrak disclaims liability for lost, stolen or destroyed tickets. Refunds will not be authorized. Luggage carts. Many stations have free luggage carts. However, at some major stations luggage carts are available for $.75. Deposit $1.00 in the cart vending machine and $.25 is refunded upon return of the cart to a vending machine. Medication. Passengers requiring medication en route must carry it with them. Do not put medication in checked baggage or leave it in your car on Auto Train. Overnight travel. On overnight trains, sleeping car passengers are provided with all necessary bedding for the journey. Coach passengers may want to bring a blanket and pillow for added comfort.
ers who provide a valid photo identification and one of the credit cards noted under section entitled “CREDIT CARDS”. Checks must be for the amount of purchase only, and contain a current address (P.O. Box addresses and mailing service addresses not acceptable) and pre-printed name. To obtain a refund at a station on tickets purchased by check, please provide a copy of both sides of the cancelled check. Tickets purchased with money orders will not be refunded until 21 days from the date purchased. Consult Amtrak for details about acceptable money orders. Pets. Certified guide or service animals accompanying passengers with disabilities are the only animals permitted on Amtrak trains. Documentation is required. Radios. To maintain a pleasant atmosphere for all passengers, Amtrak requires that earphones be used when listening to radios, tape players, etc., and that the volume be kept low. Smoking. Smoking is no longer permitted on most Amtrak trains, including all non-overnight trains. In addition some overnight trains are no smoking. Consult timetable for applicable trains. On the remaining long distance overnight trains, smoking is permitted in the lounge during certain hours. Baggage Checked Baggage Service: At stations and on trains with baggage checking facilities, fare-paying passengers with valid tickets may check free of charge up to three pieces not exceeding 50 lbs. each. Baggage in excess of the free allowance (maximum three additional pieces per ticketed passenger) is subject to a surcharge. Sturdy boxes and cartons securely fastened, able to withstand normal handling, not exceeding 50 lbs. may be accepted. Baggage checked less than 30 minutes prior to departure may be delayed. Passenger’s name and address must be attached to each piece. Consult agent for list of prohibited items.
Personal checks/money orders. Amtrak does not accept personal checks in California, except from customers age 62 or older. In all other states, Amtrak accepts personal checks of $25.00 or more from custom-
Checked Baggage Service Liability: Amtrak’s liability for checked baggage is limited to $500 per ticketed passenger. Additional value, up to $2,500, may be declared and paid for prior to checking baggage. Claims must be submitted within 30 days of travel.
101
102
Carry-On baggage: Amtrak trains have limited room for carry-on baggage. Passengers are encouraged to use checked baggage service whenever it is available. For the safety and comfort of everyone on board, passengers should bring no more than two pieces of carry-on baggage per person. Sleeping car passengers may bring additional baggage but only two or three average-size suitcases will comfortably fit in the largest of rooms. Only carry-on baggage of reasonable quantity, size, and weight is permitted. Amtrak disclaims liability for loss or damage to carry-on baggage. Baggage to/from Canada: Checked baggage to or from Canada will only be accepted for carriage on the train on which the passenger is traveling. Customs regulations prevent unaccompanied baggage being handled across the border. Redcap service. Baggage assistance is provided free of charge by Redcaps at many major stations. All baggage handled by Redcaps is protected by a claim check. Amtrak recommends that passengers accept assistance only from a uniformed Redcap and that they demand claim checks for each piece. Items handled by Redcaps are not checked baggage and passengers are responsible for them once loaded onto trains. Maximum liability is $50 per bag. Special assistance. Mobility impaired, elderly and other passengers needing special seating or special assistance, such as a wheelchair, special food service (72 hours advance notice needed) or baggage assistance, must call Amtrak at 1-800-USA-RAIL as much in advance of travel as possible. This applies to unreserved as well as reserved trains.
about your unreserved ticket, please contact Amtrak or your travel agent. Seats cannot be guaranteed on unreserved trains. Open tickets. If you have purchased an “open” ticket for any segment of your itinerary, for which reservations are required, please be sure to make reservations and have tickets reissued prior to your travel. Additional collection may be required if a fare change has taken place. Be sure to check with Amtrak or your travel agent regarding blackout dates or other conditions applying to the fare paid. Open tickets cannot be issued on All Aboard America Fares or on certain other discount fares. Special fares. All tickets issued at a reduced fare, for example, special one-way or round-trip excursion fares, contain certain restrictions which may apply. These restrictions limit travel to certain dates, departure times or duration of stay. Some reduced fares are not available for all seats. Special fare tickets, if partially used, may have limited or no refund value. En route upgrading of accommodations. Sleeping car, Club Service and Custom Class accommodations may be purchased on board trains if unsold space is still available. Passengers wanting to purchase an upgrade of accommodations should consult the Conductor or Chief of On Board Services.
Unreserved trains. Your ticket may be used on any unreserved train serving the points shown on your ticket, provided travel on that train and date qualifies for the fare originally paid. If you have questions
Refund policy. Most Amtrak tickets are fully refundable as long as the ticket is unused. However, certain fares are sold with the condition that they are non-refundable. Most round-trip tickets, and All Aboard America Fare tickets, become non-refundable once travel begins. In most cases, partially-used tickets purchased at regular one-way fares may be returned for partial refund. Amtrak will refund the value of the accommodation charge paid for Club or Sleeping Car space which is not used, with the following exceptions. For Sleeping Accommodations (including Auto Train), if tickets are not cancelled at least 48 hours prior to departure, a substantial penalty will be assessed against the refund due. For Club Service seating accommodations, if tickets are not cancelled at least one hour prior to departure, a penalty of 50 percent of the accommodation charge will be assessed against the refund due. The penalty
103
104
If your plans change Reserved trains. Tickets MUST be reissued if reservations are changed. An additional fare may be required if your revised itinerary no longer qualifies for the fare originally paid.
will not be assessed in the event a passenger chooses to cancel travel on account of the train being delayed two hours or more at the boarding station. Passengers who downgrade accommodation or reduce number of their party on board the train must obtain a Refund Authorization Form from the conductor. Most refunds can be handled at Amtrak ticket offices upon presentation of original tickets but exceptions do exist; consult Amtrak. Tickets purchased at a travel agency must usually be returned to the agency; however, if a refund is required because of a service disruption or downgrade, Amtrak will process tickets issued by travel agencies. Cancellation/change of reservations does not generate a refund. The actual unused/partially used ticket must be submitted. Amtrak will refund your tickets through the mail. Please send original tickets (photocopies not acceptable) via certified mail with return receipt to : Amtrak Customer Refunds-East, 30th Street Station, 30th & Market Streets, Philadelphia, PA 19104 or Amtrak customer Refunds-West, 210 South Canal Street, Chicago, IL 60661. Comments on service. We encourage you to give us the benefit of any comments, compliments, or suggestions you may have regarding Amtrak service. Send comments to Amtrak, Office of Customer Relations, Washington Union Station, 60 Massachusetts Avenue, N.E., Washington, DC 20002. (Note: include your ticket receipt.)
VIDEO VIEWING Watch the video episode and fill in the gaps with missing words and phrases. And a good way to get about is by train. Something to look for is the BritRailPass, which you can buy in your country. Once you bought it, you can get free-train ________ anywhere in Britain. But if you want to buy an ________ ticket at the station you do it like this. Paul: Assistant: Paul:
____ _______ to Brighton, please. Single or return? _____ , please. 105
Assistant: Paul: Assistant:
First or standard class? _______, please. When is the ________ _______ to Brighton? Two minutes past ten, from _______ _______.
TIME FOR FUN 1. Read the jokes and retell them to your partner(s). 1 A woman came up to a ticket window to get information. “I say, young man, what time does the next train arrive and how long does it wait here?” “From two to two to two-two,” was the quick answer.
2 A lady with her son and daughter came to the railway bookingoffice. She asked for two and a half tickets. “For whom is the half ticket?” asked the clerk. “For my son, of course,” answered the lady. “But he can’t travel with a half ticket because he is wearing long trousers,” the clerk said. “Oh, is that how you judge?” the lady asked quietly. “Yes, it is,” the clerk answered. The lady decided to teach him a lesson and said: “Then I shall tell you, young man, that I can use the half ticket, and my daughter can travel free. After this the clerk gave out the tickets.
3 A woman travelling by train was talking with the man in the next seat. In describing her holiday she said she had visited San Jose. “You pronounce that wrong,” said the man. “It is San Hosay. In California you should pronounce all J’s as H’s. When were you there?” The woman thought a minute, then answered. “In Hune and Huly .”
106
4 Once Mark Twain was travelling in France by train. He was going to a small town near Paris. It was very late at night, he was very tired and wanted to sleep. He asked the conductor to wake him up when they got to that town and went to sleep. It was early morning when he woke up, the train was already in Paris. Mark Twain was very angry. He ran up to the conductor and cried: “I asked you to wake me up. Why didn’t you do it? I am very angry with you.” The conductor looked at him for a moment and said: “You may be very angry, but not so angry as the American whom I put off the train instead of you.”
5 A young lady took a seat in a compartment, in which a travelling salesman was sitting. The traveller looked at her and said politely: “Excuse me, miss, but – “ “If you speak to me, I’ll pull the train cord,” snapped the girl. Several times the traveller tried to speak to the girl but she threatened to stop the train. At last the train stopped at a station and the traveller rose to his feet. “I don’t care whether you like it or not,” said he, “but I want that torn bag of strawberries you’ve been sitting on for the last six miles.”
6 It was Sunday. The suburban trains were overcrowded. A gentleman was walking along the platform. He was looking for a place. Suddenly he saw a vacant seat in one of the compartments. A small bag lay on that seat and a well-dressed gentleman was sitting beside it. “Is this seat vacant?” asked the gentleman. “No, it is occupied by my friend, he will soon come. He has gone to buy cigarettes.” “Well,” said the gentleman, “I’ll sit here till he comes.” Ten minutes passed. “Your friend will miss the train if he doesn’t hurry,” said the gentleman. “Yes,” nervously replied the other. 107
The train started, but nobody came. “Your friend is late,” said the gentleman, “but let him not lose his bag at least,” and with these words he took the bag and threw it out of the window. The well-dressed gentleman tried to catch the bag but it was too late. It was his own bag and he had occupied the second seat because he wanted to be comfortable.
7 A mother was going South with her two children. She was sitting in the compartment and reading. Her older boy was sitting near her, playing with a toy. Suddenly he asked his mother: “Do you know the name of the station we have just passed?” “No, I don’t, and please don’t ask me questions while I am reading,” said his mother. “It’s a great pity you don’t know it,” said the boy. “Why so?” asked his mother. “Because that’s the station where my little brother got off some minutes ago,” answered the boy.
8 Some young men were travelling in a smoking compartment of a railway carriage. Just as the train was about to start, the door suddenly opened, and an old woman entered the compartment. The young men, wishing to have the compartment for themselves, cried: “You must not come in here, that is a smoking carriage.” The old woman, however, sat in a corner. The young men decided to smoke as much as they could and hoped that she would leave the compartment. All the windows were closed and the place was soon filled with smoke. The old woman seemed very comfortable but our young men began to feel sick. They had quite a shock when the old woman took out a pipe and said to one of them: “Please, give me a light. I think I should like to smoke.” At the next station the young men changed the carriage.
108
2. Now listen to the anecdote. While listening take notes. Then in small groups try to reconstruct it taking turns. Share your ideas about the joke: have you ever found yourself in a situation like that? How did you and your fellow passengers react in that situation?
planning travel, you may call Amtrak for information about train service and rates at 1-800-872-7245.
USEFUL INFORMATION
Checked baggage
Travelling by rail in the UK Travel by British Rail is fast, comfortable and easy, with 14,000 trains a day serving over 2,000 stations. On the Inter-City network, services operate regularly and frequently at either 30 minutes, one hour or two-hour intervals, depending on the route, at speeds up to 125 mph (200 kph). Most trains have a choice of first or second (economy) class; first class seats are wider with more leg room, but second class is also comfortable. Most Inter-city trains have restaurant and/or buffet cars, common to both classes, where freshly cooked meals, or in the case of buffet cars, light snacks and drinks are served. Overnight sleeping car trains operate and are an ideal way to gain a day and save on hotel charges. All sleepers are individual compartments with a single berth, first class and twin berths (one above the other) second class, each having bed linen, washing and shaving facilities. In the morning you are woken with a cup of tea or coffee and biscuits. On sleepers the supplementary charge is £16.00 first class, £11.00 second. It is also possible to arrive in London on the Eurostar train from Paris or Brussels, which travels through the Channel Tunnel, or to bring a car through the tunnel on a shuttle train. If you have travelled by Eurostar train through the Channel Tunnel your passport and documents will be checked on the train, and you may be asked further questions when the train arrives in London. If you drive through the tunnel you will pass through UK immigration at the terminal in France before taking your car on to the shuttle train.
Travelling by rail in the US Amtrak is the major national train company in the U.S. It serves many cities, towns and rural areas throughout the continental U.S. Regional rail passes are available for short-term travel at reduced prices. If you are
109
Baggage Where checked baggage service is available, passengers may check up to three pieces. There are no restrictions on dimensions. However, excess baggage charges are assessed on pieces which weigh more than 75 lbs. An excess baggage charge is also assessed if the total weight of the three checked pieces weighs more than 150 lbs. Boxes and cartons under 50 lbs. may be checked if they are secured with tape or rope. If you plan to check baggage, it is necessary to inquire in advance whether the train you are taking has checked baggage service (not all routes have this service). Baggage should be checked at least 30 minutes prior to departure. Please note that if you are connecting to a second train, you may be required to check your baggage far in advance of train departure (several hours or even a day).
Carry-on baggage As for restrictions on carry-on baggage, you should follow checked luggage restrictions for airline flights, i. e. two pieces of luggage with the total size (length, width and height) of each of the pieces may not exceed 62 inches (157 cm) or a weight of 70 pounds (32 kgs).
Boarding and Tickets All passengers should be at the station at least 30 minutes prior to boarding (if you need to purchase a ticket, you should allow at least additional 30 minutes). There are announcement boards in the station which advise passengers on which track the train they wish to board will arrive. Train arrivals may also be announced on a loud speaker. As you board the train, you will choose between smoking and non-smoking cars. After the passengers are seated, the conductor of the train will begin to collect tickets. The conductor will take your ticket and place a seat marker (with your destination written on it) above your seat. You should take this with you anytime you get up from your seat. If you have a round-trip ticket, the con110
ductor will rip out the appropriate portion of the ticket and give the other portion to you, as well as place a seat marker above your seat. Just before you arrive at your destination, the seat marker will be removed by the conductor. If you have a porter carry your luggage, it is appropriate to give him / her a tip ($1.00 per bag).
Smoking Smoking is permitted on certain cars within the train. To determine which car to sit in, either ask a conductor, or look for a sign which indicates whether smoking is permitted.
Food Services Most trains are equipped with a cafe which sells sandwiches, pizza, hot and cold beverages, and snacks. Trains which serve longer routes may have full service dining.
Safety Please be aware that theft is common in U.S. train stations. The bustling, crowded atmosphere of train stations facilitate theft. It is important to be very careful and to keep an eye on your personal belongings at all times.
Part 4
Travelling by Air
WARM-UP In groups discuss the questions below keeping records of your partners’ answers. 1. Have you ever travelled by air / plane? If yes, why have you chosen this means of transportation? If no, why not? 2. When did you travel by plane last time? Did you enjoy it? 3. Do you know anybody who does not travel by air? Why doesn’t (s)he? 4. Do you think there are more pluses to travelling by plane than minuses or vice versa? Give your reasons.
PRACTICE Task I 1. Match the adjectives in column A with the nouns in column B. There may be more than one collocation. A B a space travel a trans-Atlantic trip a land journey a package voyage a round tour 2. Guess the meaning of the following terms matching them with their Russian equivalents. In case of doubt consult a dictionary. trolley relief gangway runway propeller undercarriage overhead / underseat storage compartment gate
111
выход отсек для ручной клади / верхней одежды шасси штурман экипаж второй пилот пропеллер тележка 112
crew navigator
взлетно-посадочная полоса трап
7. Can I take all these things with me on the plane? 8. Shall I put them on the scales?
3. Complete the sentences with suitable words from the box. stormy land
delayed storm
passengers airport
punctual late
journey air
Look, I can see it. The plane is still in the ________ , but it is going to ________ at the _______ in a few seconds. Good! I was afraid the flight would be an hour or so _______ or ________ until tomorrow, but fortunately it is quite _________. Now the crew and ________ are coming out. I am sure they did not enjoy the _________, because they flew through such a _________. People often get sick when it is _________, you know. I would, for sure.
Task II With your partner practise the following English sentences and their Russian equivalents. Trade roles.
In the Airport (before and after the flight) 1. What time shall I arrive at the airport? 2. I try to arrive at the airport an hour before the flight to go through all the airport formalities. 3. At the check-in counter desk I show my ticket and passport to the ticket agent. 4. I check in and weigh my baggage (luggage) on the scale. 5. I need (nоt) pay an excess baggage charge if my suitcase is(n’t) heavy. 6. I am given a boarding pass.
1. Когда мне нужно быть в аэропорту? 2. Я стараюсь приехать в аэропорт за час до отправления, чтобы пройти все формальности. 3. У стойки регистрации я показываю билет и паспорт служащей. 4. Я регистрирую и взвешиваю на весах свой баланс. 5. Мне (не) нужно платить за избыточный вес багажа, если мой чемодан (не) тяжелый. 6. Мне дают посадочный талон.
113
9. Will I be charged for overweight? 10. Need I (to) show my passport? 11. The bus leaves for the airport in every twenty minutes. 12. What time does the plane leave for Bonn? 13. It’s due out at 6 p.m. (according to the time-table). 14. Is the plane to Milan on time? 15. I’m afraid it’s (two hours) delayed. 16. I’m sorry, I’ve just missed the British Airways flight to Paris. Can you book me a seat on the next plane? 17. I wonder when the plane lands in Sydney? 18. Did the announcer call our flight? Yes, she said that Flight 156 to Seoul now boarding at Gate Two. 19. Attention, please! Will passengers for Madrid please join Flight 172 now waiting / boarding. 20. Passengers are requested to walk to the plane. Exit 6. 21. Passengers leaving for Vienna, Flight 111 are requested to register at the check-in counter 4.
7. Можно взять все эти вещи с собой в самолет? 8. Мне нужно их (вещи) взвешивать? 9. Мне нужно доплатить за лишний вес? 10. Показать паспорт? 11. Автобус в аэропорт ходит / отправляется через каждые 20 минут. 12. Когда отправляется / вылетает самолет на Бонн? 13. Он (самолет) вылетает по расписанию в 18.00. 14. Рейс на Милан вылетает вовремя? 15. Боюсь, рейс задерживается (на 2 часа). 16. Простите, я опоздал(а) на рейс британской авиакомпании в Париж. Можно забронировать место на следующий рейс? 17. А когда самолет прибывает в Сидней? 18. Объявили наш рейс? Да, объявили, что на рейс 156 в Сеул посадка производится через галерею 2. 19. Внимание! Пассажиров, следующих в Мадрид рейсом 172, просим пройти на посадку. 20. Пассажиров просим пройти на посадку. Выход номер 6. 21. Пассажиров, вылетающих в Вену рейсом 111, просим пройти регистрацию у регистрационной стойки номер 4.
114
22. We got / arrived here at 7.30 23. We were half an hour early. 24. Passengers may take / collect their luggage right after the landing of the plane at the baggage retrieval / baggage claim. 25. Where can I get (collect / pick / take) my suitcases / luggage? 26. I haven’t picked / got my suitcases yet. They are in the baggageroom yet.
22. Мы приехали / прибыли в 7.30. 23. Мы прилетели на полчаса раньше. 24. Пассажиров просим забрать багаж сразу после посадки в багажном отделении. 25. Где я могу получить свой багаж? 26. Я еще не получил свой багаж / чемоданы. Они еще в багажном отделении.
At the Customs 1. Have your passports ready, please. 2. This is my passport / These are my papers. 3. Is anything wrong with my papers? 4. I hope everything’s all right. 5. Have a look, please. 6. I’m afraid you’re mistaking / taking me for someone else. 7. Here’s my address and my telephone number, just in case. 8. This is my business / visiting card. 9. We have to go through the customs: these are the usual formalities at the Customs. 10. If you have anything dutiable, you’d better declare it. 11. Have you anything to declare? 12. I have only my personal things / belongings.
1. Приготовьте, пожалуйста, паспорта. 2. Вот мой паспорт / документы. 3. Что-нибудь не так с моими документами? 4. Надеюсь, все в порядке. 5. Пожалуйста, посмотрите. 6. Боюсь, вы принимаете меня за кого-то другого. 7. Вот, на всякий случай, мой адрес и телефон. 8. Вот моя визитная карточка. 9. Нам нужно пройти таможенный досмотр – это обычные формальности на таможне. 10. Если у вас есть что-нибудь, облагаемое таможенной пошлиной, лучше внести это в декларацию. 11. У вас есть что-нибудь запрещенное к ввозу / вывозу? 12. Только личные вещи. 115
13. You’ll have to / must pay the customs duty on it. 14. I’d sooner leave it in deposit and collect it on my way home. 15. What’s the purpose of your visit? 16. I’m here on business (on an invitation / for pleasure). 17. Are my passport and visa in order? 18. It took us an hour and a half to get through the customs (formalities), I’m rather tired (of it). 19. May I take this along with me? 20. I needn’t declare it because it’s duty-free. 21. I took a vaccination certificate just in case. 22. I had to go through (security) check gate several times as I happened to have got some things made of metal. 23. I had to have a new visa issued as mine already expired / was not already valid. * entry~ / exit~ / multiple~ / transit visa validity of a visa expiry date
13. Вам нужно заплатить за это пошлину. 14. Я лучше сдам это на хранение и заберу по возращении домой. 15. Какова цель вашего визита? 16. Я здесь по делам (приглашению / как турист). 17. Мой паспорт и виза в порядке? 18. На таможенные формальности ушло 1 ½ часа, я очень устал(а). 19. Можно взять это с собой? 20. Мне не нужно вносить это в декларацию, т.к. это не облагается пошлиной. 21. Я на всякий случай взял(а) свидетельство о вакцинации. 22. Я вынужден(а) был(а) проходить через пункт проверки наличия огнестрельного оружия несколько раз, так как у меня оказалось несколько металлических вещей. 23. Мне пришлось делать новую визу, так как срок действия моей уже истек. * въездная / выездная / многократная / транзитная виза действительность визы срок действия визы
On the Plane 1. I feel airsick when taking off and landing. 2. Before the engine is started and the plane begins to taxi onto the
1. Меня тошнит при взлете и посадке. 2. Пeред тем, как заведется двигатель и самолет начнет выруливать 116
runway of the airport the passengers are required to fasten their safety-belts. 3. No smoking is allowed during the take off. 4. “No smoking” and “Fasten your belts” have been lighted up, so we’d better get ready for landing. Smooth landing, I hope. 5. Thank God, we are on the runway at last, it was a rough landing, I’d say. 6. Oh, dear! My ears are beginning to ache a little. 7. I think I’ll have some sweets (peppermints / juice / lemonade / water / chewing-gum). 8. Would you mind / care for a cup of coffee, madam / sir? 9. Yes, please. / No, thank you. 10. When will you serve drinks / lunch? 11. Meals are usually served on long-distance flights. 12. Excuse me, miss (madam / sir), I feel like reading something. Would you fetch / bring me some magazine or paper, please. 13. Would you mind changing places with me, so that I could sit next to my friend? 14. Would you ring for the stewardess / flight attendant? 15. Would you mind my lowering the back of my seat? 16. I wonder if we’ll have any stop-over on our way to Rome?
на взлетную полосу, пассажиров просят пристегнуть ремни. 3. Курить во время взлета запрещается. 4. Таблички «Не курить» и «Пристегните ремни» зажглись, поэтому нам лучше приготовиться к посадке. Мягкой посадке, я надеюсь. 5. Слава богу, мы уже на посадочной полосе. Посадка была тяжелой, я бы сказал(а). 6. О, боже! Уши начинают немного болеть (закладывать). 7. Думаю, не откажусь от конфет (мятных леденцов / сока, лимонада / воды / жевательной резинки). 8. Не хотите ли чашечку кофе? 9. Да, пожалуйста / Нет, спасибо. 10. Когда вы будете разносить напитки / обед? 11. Обычно кормят на дальних рейсах. 12. Простите, я не прочь почитать что-нибудь. Принесите, пожалуйста, какой-нибудь журнал или газету. 13. Не поменяетесь ли со мной местами, чтобы я мог(ла) сесть рядом с другом / подругой? 14. Вызовите, пожалуйста, стюардессу / стюарда. 15. Вы не возражаете, если я опущу спинку моего кресла? 16. Интересно, будем ли мы делать где-нибудь посадку по пути в Рим?
117
17. As far as I know we’ll have a stop-over in Prague. 18. Passengers are required to fill in the landing card / entry card. 19. Our plane is going down. 20. We’re over Amsterdam. 21. We are arriving now. 22. Now, here’s the gangway for us to disembark. 23. The airline must reimburse you for the value of your baggage in case it is lost.
17. Насколько мне известно, мы будем делать посадку в Праге. 18. Пассажирам нужно заполнить карточку прибытия. 19. Наш самолет снижается. 20. Мы над Амстердамом. 21. Сейчас прибываем. 22. А вот и трап нам подают. 23. В случае утери багажа авиакомпания должна возместить вам его стоимость.
Task III 1. Look at the following pictures and match numbers with their descriptions (pages 125–127).
1 2
runway taxiway
apron apron taxiway
3 4 118
5 9 6 7 8 10 11 12 13 14 15
baggage terminal mail and cargo terminal tunnel entrance to the baggage terminal airport fire service fire appliance building cargo warehouse assembly point pier pierhead passenger loading bridge departure building (terminal)
administration building control tower (tower) waiting room (lounge) airport restaurant aircraft in loading position (nosed in) spectators’ terrace service vehicles, e.g. baggage loaders, water tankers, galley loaders, toilet-cleaning vehicles, ground power units, tankers aircraft tractor (aircraft tug)
15 16 17 18 19 21 20 22
2. With a partner, practise pictographs below. Taking turns cover the captions and try to guess which symbol means what.
23
24-53 airport information symbols (pictographs) 24 ‘airport’ 25 ‘departures’ 26 ‘arrivals’ 27 ‘transit passengers’ 28 ‘waiting room’ (‘lounge’) 29 ‘assembly point’ (‘meeting point’, ‘rendezvous point’) 30 ‘spectators’ terrace’ 31 ‘information’ 32 ‘taxis’ 33 ‘car hire’ 34 ‘trains’ 35 ‘buses’ 36 ‘entrance’ 37 ‘exit’ 119
38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53
120
‘baggage retrieval’ ‘luggage lockers’ ‘telephone – emergency calls only’ ‘emergency exit’ ‘passport check’ ‘press facilities’ ‘doctor’ ‘chemist’ (Am. ‘druggist’) ‘showers’ ‘gentlemen’s toilet’ (‘gentlemen’) ‘ladies toilet’ (‘ladies’) ‘chapel’ ‘restaurant’ ‘change’ ‘duty free shop’ ‘hairdresser’
3. Look at the pictures and read the text paying attention to the words in italics. Then cover it and taking turns with the help of the pictures say what Pat did / does. Pat arrived at the airport two hours ago to catch her plane to Tokyo. At the check-in counter, a ticket agent looked at her ticket and her passport, and her baggage was checked in / weighed on the scales. Pat’s suitcases were very heavy, so she had to pay an excess baggage charge (amount of money for additional weight). Next she was given a boarding pass (a ticket that allows her to get on the plane). The boarding pass has a seat number written on it, and Pat was given a window seat in the non-smoking section. Her suitcases were labeled and sent off to be loaded into the hold of the airplane. While waiting for the flight to be called, Pat goes to the newsstand to buy a newspaper. Then she goes through the security check, where her carry-on luggage (the bags she is keeping with her on the plane) is searched. Then Pat goes into the duty-free shop where she has a chance to buy some things cheaply. The goods she buys here are cheap because they are not taxed. In the departure lounge, Pat joins the other passengers who are sitting and waiting until it is time for their flight to depart. After a few minutes Pat hears the announcement: ‘Flight 156 to Tokyo now boarding at Gate Three’, and she goes to board (get on) her plane.
121
122
19. cabin 20. flight attendant 21. luggage compartment
123
Boarding 22. tray table 23. aisle
124
Task IV
T. A.:
You are to go through two-step practice here. Step one: act out the dialogues trading roles. Step two: to engage in a longer conversation you may need to use some sentences / phrases from Task II (pages 113–118).
Mr(s). J: T. A.:
23 kilos. I’m sorry, but you’ll have to pay an excess baggage charge. Oh! It’s only three kilos overweight. Yes, sir / madam… that’s £6… Thank you. Would you like to go through to the departure lounge?
1. Buying a Ticket Mr(s). J: Airline Clerk: Mr(s). J: A. C.: Mr(s). J: A. C.:
Are there any planes to New York on Wednesday? Just a moment, sir / madam, I’ll check. I don’t want a night flight, you know. Well, there’s a British Airways flight 179 to New York at 12.20. When do I have to check in? You must be at the airport before 11.35.
2. On the Way to the Airport Mr(s). S: Taxi Driver: Mr(s). S: T. D.: Mr(s). S: T. D.: Mr(s). S:
Taxi! Where to, madam / sir? Can you take me to the airport, please? Certainly, madam. Have you got any luggage? Yes. Can you get it for me? It’s over there. All right… Ooh! It’s very heavy. Yes, it is … I’m very sorry.
Pauline: Receptionist: P.: R.: P.: R.: P.: R.: Announcer:
3. In the Airport Mr(s). J: Can I check in here for the British Airways flight to N.Y.? Ticket Agent: Yes, sir / madam. May I see your ticket and your passport? Mr(s). J: Here you are. T. A.: That’s fine. Can you put your suitcase on the scales, please? Mr(s). J: Of course. Do I need to weigh this small bag too? T. A.: Are you keeping it as hand luggage? Mr(s). J: Yes, I’m going to keep it with me on the plane. T. A.: You must weigh that as well, sir / madam. Mr(s). J: How much does it weigh? 125
*********************** Good morning. I have tickets for flight BA 987. May I have your name, please? Miss Pauline Martell. Oh, yes, here we are. You should have your luggage registered. Well, the porter said he was taking it to be weighed. You needn’t worry then. They will register it and put it on the aircraft. Ah, here’s the porter now. He must have checked the luggage. You’d better take a seat here now and you’ll hear the loudspeaker call your flight. Listen, that must be it now. Will BA passengers on flight 987 please take leave of their friends and follow the blue light through customs and immigration. Have your passports ready, please. Friends are not allowed beyond the lounge. Flight BA 987; blue light, please.
4. Health Check Official: Mr(s). I: O.: Mr(s). I: O.: Mr(s). I: O.: Mr. I:
Health check here. Where are you from, sir / madam? From Russia. Your vaccination certificate, please. Here you are. Thank you. Everything is O.K. Which way do I go now? Passport control is that way. Then the departure lounge is straight ahead. Then you’ll have to go through the check (security check) gate. Thank you.
126
Official: Visitor: O.: V.: O.: V.: O.:
********************* Health check here. Where are you travelling from? Ghana. Your vaccination certificate, please. Here you are. How long is it since you had your yellow fever inoculation? Let me see. Two months. Thank you. Passport Control is that way.
5. Passport Control Immigration Officer: Mr(s). I: I. O.: Mr(s). I: I. O.: Mr(s). I: I. O.: Mr(s). I:
Your passport, please. Here you are. How long are you staying in Britain? About two weeks (a month / about two months / about a week / 10 days). What is the purpose of your visit? I’m here on business (on an invitation/ on pleasure/ as a tourist). That’s all right, sir / madam. Your passport and visa are in order. Have a pleasant stay, sir / madam. Thank you.
C. O.: Mr. K: C. O.:
C. O.: Mr. L.: C. O.: Mr. L.: C. O.: Mr. L.: C.O.: Mr. L.: C.O.: Mr. L: C. O.: Mr. L.: C.O.: Mr. L: C. O.:
I’m afraid you’ll have to pay the customs duty on it. I’d sooner leave it in deposit. I’m short of English money. As you like, sir / madam. You can collect it on your way home. ********************** Good morning. Can I see your passport? Certainly. Here it is. Yes, that’s all right. Have you got anything to declare? Yes, I have. What have you got? I’ve got some whisky and some cigarettes. How much whisky have you got? A litre. That’s all right. And how many cigarettes have you got? Two hundred. Fine. What about perfume? Have you got any perfume? No, I haven’t. Open your case, please. Pardon? Open your case, please. Open it now! Oh, dear! Look at this! You’ve got three bottles of whisky, four hundred cigarettes and a lot of perfume!
7. At the Security Check
6. At the Customs Customs Officer: Good afternoon, sir / madam. Is this your suitcase? Mr(s). J.: No, the brown is mine. C. O.: Oh, I see. Have you anything to declare? Mr(s). J.: No, I have only personal things / belongings). Shall I open it? C. O.: No, thank you, sir / madam, that won’t be necessary. ********************* C. O.: Have you anything to declare? Mr(s). K: Only this bottle of eau-de-cologne. C. O.: Hm, it’s quite big. And, in the first place, it hasn’t been opened yet. Mr(s). K: I meant it to be a present. 127
Customs Officer (C.O.): Passenger: C.O.: P: C.O.: P:
May I search you, sir / madam? It’s just a security check. Of course. Thank you. Oh, what’s this in your pocket? Oh, yes… I’m sorry. It’s just a key. Hmm…May I see it, sir / madam? Certainly… Here you are / it is.
8. In the Departure Lounge (British Airways Flight 179 to New York is now boarding at Gate 4) A: Excuse me… B: Yes? A: I didn’t hear that announcement. Which flight did they call? 128
B: Flight 179 to New York … are you going there? A: Yes, I am. B: So am I … Gate 4’s this way … follow me! *********************** Announcer: Attention, please! Will passengers for Edinburgh please join Flight Six now waiting… Ann: That’s us. You’d better get your passport ready. I’ve already taken mine out. Charles: Oh, you needn’t have done that. You don’t need passports for Scotland. Not for internal travel in Britain. A.: Of course not. Stupid of me. One gets so used to producing passports every time one travels by air… C.: You needn’t hurry yet. Have a cigarette while we are waiting at the gate. A.: No, thanks. I’d rather wait until we are checked into our seats. C.: Then you’ll have to wait for quite a while. They’ll ask the passengers to fasten their safety-belts and no smoking will be allowed during the take off.
9. On the Plane Flight attendant: Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. Captain Gibson and his crew welcome you aboard British Airways Flight 179 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 630F. In a few minutes you’ll be able to see the Irish Coast. Our flight attendants will serve lunch in half an hour. F.A.: Are you comfortable, sir / madam? A: Yes, quite. Could I have a newspaper, please? F.A.: Here you are. Would you like a magazine? B: I’ll have the Times, thank you. A.: Excuse me, when will you be serving drinks? F.A.: I’ll be bringing the trolley round quite soon. Will you have some chewing-gum or peppermint now? A: Some peppermints, please. My ears often ache during take-off and landing. 129
B: A: B: A: B: A: B: A: B:
A: B: A: B: A: B: A: B: A: B: A: B: A: B: A:
B:
I’ll have the same, thank you… Excuse me, would mind changing places with me? Then I can sit next to my friend. Oh, I see. No, I don’t mind. Thank you very much. Not at all … Excuse me… Yes? Can I help you? Would you ring for the stewardess? Yes, of course. And would you mind lowering the back of my seat a little? I’m afraid I’m getting air-sick. Oh, I’m sorry. Is that all right now? Now, the stewardess is coming. ******************** Excuse me, what was that announcement? They are asking us to fasten our seat belts. Why? Is anything the matter? Don’t worry. The plane is going down. Well, I suppose we’d better get ready for landing. You haven’t got anything to declare, have you? I don’t think I have, only my personal belongings. Good. Have you filled in the landing card/ entry card? Not yet. Would you mind lending me your pen? Oh, yes, here you are. Thank you, madam / sir. Oh, don’t mention it. And can you help me with my landing card? Oh, certainly. ******************** Well, we’ve nearly crossed the Channel. I can see the English coast already, can you? Yes. Well, I suppose we’d better get ready for landing and we’ll soon have to go through the customs. I say, you haven’t got anything dutiable, have you? If you have, you’d better declare it. You don’t want to get into trouble, do you? As a matter of fact, I don’t have anything to declare. Still, thanks all the same. 130
10. On Board a Plane. Landing in Lagos A: B: A: B: A: B:
Are we coming into Lagos already? It’s my first visit to Lagos. Doesn’t it look huge! Yes, it does. I can see the runway lights. We’d better fasten our belts, the plane is going down. So it is. We’re on time. And … what do we do with our landing cards? They are for the immigration officer on arrival. I haven’t filled mine in yet. Would you mind lending me your pen? Not at all. Here you are.
11. Meeting at the Airport Foreign Representative: V.: F.R.: V.: F.R.: V.: F.R.:
Good morning, Mr(s). … Welcome to Lagos. Good morning, Mr(s). … It’s nice to see you again. Oh, yes, I’ll never forget meeting you in Moscow. Did you have a good journey? How are you? I’m quite well, thank you. The trip was very pleasant. Come this way, please. The car is outside the airport building. Is it your first visit here, Mr(s). …? Yes, it is. And I like what I see. I am sure, you do. Lagos will impress you favourably. You’ll have an opportunity to have a look round and I hope you’ll enjoy it.
12. I’d Rather Fly A: B: A: B: A:
I hear you’ve just had a trip by air. What was it like? Oh, quite good. It could have been more exciting though. I’m surprised to hear that. I thought you would have been thrilled by it. The best thing about it was that it took me only two hours to get to the place. And I felt quite fresh and ready for work. How long would it have taken you by train? 131
B:
At least six hours, and I should have arrived tired and dirty. From now on I’d rather fly every time I have to travel on business.
SPEAKING THROUGH READING 1. Look through the text. In small groups act out a conversation as if some of you were going to travel by air and would like to clarify some things with your friends / colleagues who will explain the procedures passengers are to follow and the rules they are to obey.
Travelling on Business Nowadays people who go on business mostly travel by air, as it is the fastest means of travelling. Here are a few hints on air travel that may be helpful: Passengers are requested to arrive at the airport two hours before departure time on international flights and an hour on domestic flights as there must be enough time to complete the necessary airport formalities. Passengers must register their tickets, weigh in and register the luggage. Most airlines have at least two classes of travel, first class and economy class, which is cheaper. Each passenger of more than two years of age has a free luggage allowance. Generally this limit is 20 kg for economy class passengers and 30kg for first class passengers. Excess luggage must be paid for except for some articles that can be carried free of charge. Each passenger is given a boarding pass to be shown at the departure gate and again to the stewardess when boarding the plane. Watch the electric sign flashes when you are on board. When the “Fasten Seat Belts” sign goes on, do it promptly, and also obey the “No smoking” signal. Do not forget your personal effects when leaving the plane. Landing formalities and customs regulations are more or less the same in all countries. While still on board the plane the passenger is given an arrival card to fill in. After the passenger has disembarked, officials will check his / her passport and visa. In some countries they will check the passenger’s certificate of vaccination. The traveller is also requested to go through an AIDS check within ten or fourteen days of his / her arrival in the country. If the 132
traveller fails to do so some strict measures could be taken by the authorities including imprisonment (in some countries) or payment of a considerable penalty. When these formalities have been completed the passenger goes to the Customs for an examination of his / her luggage. As a rule personal belongings may be brought in duty-free. If the traveller has nothing to declare (s)he may just go through the ”green” section of the Customs. In some cases the Customs inspector may ask you to open your bags for inspection. It sometimes happens that a passenger’s luggage is carefully gone through in order to prevent smuggling or due to anti-terrorist measures. After you are through with all customs formalities the inspector will put a stamp on each piece of luggage or chalk it off.
3. Bad flying experiences begin on the ground, naturally. One American airline managed to double-book an entire 747, but this is nothing compared to what happened on an internal flight on a certain African airline. The flight had been overbooked three times. The local military sorted the problem out by insisting that all passengers with boarding cards should run round the plane twice, the fastest getting the seats.
2. Do jigsaw reading. Split the text so that two of you read one piece of the text below to share the information with your partners later in group discussion. In your group decide which of the travellers’ stories you think is the most horrific / crazy and explain why.
5. A similar event was seen by a businessman on a flight from Bangladesh. Passengers were waiting for take-off when there was sudden hysterical hammering on the door. At first the cabin crew paid no attention. The hammering continued. When the door was finally opened, the pilot got in.
Traveller’s Tales
6. One frequent flier lost a certain amount of confidence when the cabin staff asked him to sit in the lavatory during take-off, so that they could occupy the seats nearest the emergency exit. Another lost faith in the pilot’s navigational skills when passengers were given lifeboat drill on a flight between London and Manchester.
1. Every year a magazine called Executive Travel organizes a competition to find the Airline of the Year. Travellers from all over the world are invited to vote for the most efficient, the most punctual, the safest and the friendliest airline. The winner in 1985 was British Airways. The competition asked travellers what for them was most important from an airline, and the results were as follows: Punctual departures and arrivals Attentive cabin staff Comfort Safety Good food and wine
35% 35% 18% 9% 3%
2. The competition also invited travellers to tell their most horrific stories of the nightmare side to international travel. Replies included six hijacks, fifty-three cases of engine failure or trouble with the landing gear; eleven lightning strikes, twenty-three bomb scares, thirteen cases of food poisoning, eleven near misses and two collisions with airport trucks. 133
4. An overbooked flight that was going from Heathrow to America gave one traveller a bit of a shock. Dressed only in trousers, shirt and socks, he had been allowed by the stewardess to leave the aircraft to see if he could get a colleague aboard. He returned a few minutes later to find the 747 closed up and about to start moving – with his shoes, wallet, passport and luggage inside. Banging frantically on the door got him back inside.
7. For nervous fliers, a journey to be avoided was one between Gatwick and Montpellier, where the in-flight entertainment consisted of watching pieces of the engine falling off. Another passenger was asked to hold the aircraft door closed at take off and landing. 8. Baggage is a rich source of horror stories. There was the unlucky traveller who left Chicago in minus-23 weather. He was going to an important meeting in Dallas, where the temperature was 80-plus. Unfortunately his suitcase had gone to LA, where it spent the next two days. The customers he was trying to impress were more than a little surprised to see him going round in a thick suit, heavy overcoat and fur hat.
134
LISTENING A You are going to hear about what happened to a passenger on an internal American flight. Listen to the tape attentively as you are to listen to it only once. You had better not glance at the answer choices during listening. Just listen and try to understand and memorize as much as you can. When the text is over and questions begin, read the answer choices and mark the best one.
7. (A) (B) (C) (D)
Immediately. After 4:45 that afternoon. After 5:10 that afternoon. At 2:30 the following day.
B Listen to the airport announcements. Place a check beside those items that are mentioned in the announcements. Check your answers with the whole class. _____ Boarding call for the TWA flight to London. _____ Gate change for the flight to Philadelphia. _____ Missing child. Parents should report to information counter. _____ Delay of Pan Am flight to Rome. _____ Cancellation of Eastern flight to Atlanta. _____ Arrival of Eastern flight from Newark and Washington.
1. (A) (B) (C) (D)
At 12:45. At 1:15 At 1:45 At 2:15
2. (A) (B) (C) (D)
New York and Philadelphia. New York and Atlanta. Philadelphia and Atlanta. Washington and Atlanta.
3. (A) (B) (C) (D)
At the baggage check-in at Gate 18. At the check-in counter at Gate 14. In the main reception area in the lower concourse. At the Eastern Airlines information booth.
4. (A) (B) (C) (D)
New York. Kansas City. Chicago. O’Hare.
5. (A) (B) (C) (D)
At O’Hare. In London. In Tokyo. In Kansas City.
6. (A) (B) (C) (D)
The airline will fly him to Kansas City at their expense. The airline will reimburse him for the value of his baggage. The airline will ship his baggage to his home address. His baggage will be sent to Kansas City.
Listen to the recording, and answer the following questions. Share your answers with a partner. In pairs try to reconstruct the whole story using your notes. 1. Where and on what date is Helen going? 2. What day of the week is it? 3. Is she leaving early or late in the day? 4. Does she fly economy class or first class? 5. Does she take the first flight that travel agent offers her? Why or why not?
135
136
Listen again and complete the Schedule for Departures. City
Carrier EA 301
London (Heathrow) EA 593 New York (JFK) Philadelphia
Time
Gate 2
18.15 18.30 7
USAir 384 PA 10
Washington (National)
20 18.30
SPEAKING THROUGH LISTENING
6. Did she get a one-way ticket or a round-trip ticket? Why? 7. What is Helen’s last name? Why does she spell it for the travel agent? 8. What kind of seat does Helen want? Does she get it? Why? 9. How does she pay for her ticket? 10. When is she going to pick it up?
TIME FOR FUN
VIDEO VIEWING Watch Episode 1 of the video and say : a) how airports are described, b) what kind of services there are at the airport.
USEFUL INFORMATION Travelling by air in the UK
Read the anecdotes and retell them to your partner. 1 Mr. Johnson had never been up in an aeroplane before and he had read a lot about air accidents, so one day when a friend offered to take him for a ride in his own small plane, Mr. Johnson was very worried about accepting. Finally, however, his friend persuaded him that it was very safe, and Mr. Johnson boarded the plane. His friend started the engine and began to taxi onto the runway of the airport. Mr. Johnson had heard that the most dangerous parts of a flight were the take-off and the landing, so he was extremely frightened and closed his eyes. After a minute or two he opened them again, looked out of the window of the plane, and said to his friend, “Look at those people down there. They look as small as ants, don’t they?” “Those are ants,” said his friend. “We’re still on the ground.”
2 A timid little lady refused to board a plane headed for Denver unless the pilot promised her personally not to fly above an altitude of four thousand feet. “Higher than that,” she explained, “my doctor says would be more than my heart could stand.” “But my dear lady,” answered the pilot, “Denver itself is one mile high”. “Then I just won’t go there,” decided the little lady. “I always thought Denver was on the ground.”
137
Arrival in the UK Your first sight of the UK is likely to be an airport. If you are travelling by air you will usually arrive at Gatwick, Heathrow, Stansted or London City airports (obviously more appropriate if you are going to the southeast) or a UK regional airport if you are going elsewhere. You may even be breaking your journey at a European airport such as Amsterdam, Paris, Brussels or Frankfurt in order to connect with the airport nearest to your place of stay. In this case, you must check beforehand whether you need a ‘transit visa’. Certain nationals require a visa even to transit to another flight within the airport. This means that you must remain within the airport to pass through Immigration or Customs. You may be advised that although you are a visa national, you may ‘transit without visa’. This means that you are expected to remain within the airport to take your onward flight. If you are booked on a flight with a connection, ask the airline staff to check you and your baggage through to your final destination, as this will make your transit much easier. At first sight an airport might appear a difficult and confusing place, but if you follow the steps below, getting through is actually quite easy. These are steps you must take: • Follow the sign for ‘Arrivals’ unless you are transferring to another plane at the same airport. If you are transferring to another plane, you should follow the ‘Flight connections’ sign and any further instructions. • ‘Arrivals’ will take you to passport control. • As you approach passport control you will see electronic screens which will show you which zone you will need to go through. Make sure you join the right queue or you could waste a lot of time. 138
All passengers must go through the immigration zone dealing with their flight. Note that there is one zone for passengers who have UK or EEA passports and one or more zones for all other passport holders. • The Immigration Officer will want to see that your documents are in order and that you have an up-to-date passport, your landing card from the aeroplane and, if required, a valid visa. • Another part of the immigration process is health control: you might be asked to undergo a brief, routine health check by the airport doctor, which might include an X-ray as part of a short medical examination. The health check will take place in a separate room. Afterwards you will have to return to immigration control. • As long as your documents are in order, you should pass through immigration smoothly. But if you find you need any help for any reason, you may ask to see a representative of the Immigration Advisory Service. The Service has offices at most major airports and seaports or you may telephone them on special numbers (ask the local officials about them). •
other conditions, which will restrict your freedom to take employment. He may also require you to register with the police. Should you wish to extend your permitted stay or seek a variation of any conditions attached to it, write, before the expiry date of your permitted stay, to the Under Secretary of State, Home Office, Immigration and Nationality Department, enclosing your passport or National Identity Card and form IS120, if these were your entry documents. Vaccination It is unlikely that you will be required to have any International Certificate of Vaccination. You are, however, advised to check if one is needed on your re-entry into your country of residence.
Conditions of entry If you are not a citizen of an EC (European Community) country, you may be asked to complete a landing card before you pass through the immigration control. The immigration officer will place an endorsement in your passport and is likely to impose a time limit on your stay, as well as
Customs control Once you are clear of passport control you can proceed to the baggage reclaim area, where you can collect your luggage. Above each baggage carousel is an electronic display unit. Find the one which shows your flight number, as this will be the carousel which has your luggage on it. If any item of luggage does not appear, find a representative of the airline on which you travelled and fill in a lost-luggage form. Several years ago a red and green ‘Clearway System’ was in operation at most ports and airports in Britain. Today at UK airports there are normally three exits through customs – a green channel (which is subject to spot-checks by a customs officer) if you are travelling from outside the European Union and have nothing to declare; a red channel if you are travelling from outside the European Union and do have goods to declare; and a blue channel if your are travelling from an airport from within the European Economic Area, where your luggage has already been cleared through customs control. The notices in the customs areas will tell you if you need to declare anything you have brought into the country. If in doubt, check with one of the customs officers BEFORE passing through customs control. Even if you pass through the green channel, the customs officers may ask you to open your luggage for checking. For advice on importing personal effects and goods in to the UK, you can check with HM Customs and Excise, Dorset House, Stamford Street, London SE1 9PY, UK.
139
140
Immigration stamp The Immigration officer will stamp your passport. This tells you how long you can stay in the UK and if you need to register with the police. If you have already obtained an entry clearance or visa, the time limit of your stay and any conditions will already be included on this. Passports and visas On arrival in the United Kingdom, you must produce a valid national passport or other document satisfactorily establishing your identity and nationality. Citizens of the Commonwealth (including Australia, Canada and New Zealand), Republic of South Africa and the USA do not require visas.
When you have come through customs, you will have completed all the formalities and will have officially arrived in the UK.
tus (e.g. walkie-talkies and citizen’s band transceivers); radio microphones and microbugs; plants, bulbs, trees, fruit, potatoes and other vegetables; live animals and birds (see below); stuffed animals and birds and articles derived from rare species, including fur skins, ivory and reptile leather goods. Animals and birds Due to quarantine requirements (six months for animals, 35 days for birds, or if the stay is shorter, until taken out of the country again), bringing your animal with you on a shorter holiday visit to Britain is not really a viable proposition. The penalties for landing an animal without a license are severe - at present the maximum penalty is an unlimited fine rule - it is enforced to keep out rabies.
What you must declare (Red channel) Alcoholic drinks, tobacco goods, perfume, toilet water and any other articles over and above the duty-and tax-free allowances detailed later and any prohibited or restricted goods. You must also declare anything you intend to leave or sell in Britain, and, if you are staying longer than six months, you should declare all articles (including gifts) obtained abroad or on the journey, or obtained in the U.K. free of duty or tax, or obtained in the U.K. more than three years previously. The examining customs officer will be able to advise you about reliefs of customs and excise charges applicable to the effects of both visitors and intending residents. Prohibited and restricted goods Importation of the following articles is prohibited: counterfeit coins and banknotes, flick knives, horror comics, indecent and obscene books, magazines, films, video tapes and other articles. Importation of the following articles is prohibited, except under the authority of import licenses or other import authorities: controlled drugs such as opium, heroin, morphine, cocaine, cannabis, amphetamines and lysergide (LSD); firearms (including gas pistols and similar weapons); ammunition and explosives, including fireworks; meat and poultry (not fully cooked); radio and telephone appara141
What you need not declare (green channel) Your personal belongings which you will be taking back with you (unless you are staying for more than six months in which case you should declare them); a reasonable quantity of photographic and cine film; camping equipment you will be using during your stay and your duty- and taxfree allowance varies both according to where you bought the goods, and whether or not you live outside Europe. Duty- and tax-free allowances You are entitled to the allowances in either of the columns below (but not both) for any category of goods (categories are divided by horizontal lines). Passengers under 17 are not entitled to tobacco and drinks allowances. Duty-and tax-free allowances (see above) Goods obtained duty-and tax-free in Goods obtained duty-and taxthe EC (European Community), or paid in the EC. duty- and tax-free on a ship or aircraft, or goods obtained outside the EC. Tobacco goods 200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos or 50 300 cigarettes or 150 cigarillos or cigars or 250 grammes of tobacco 75 cigars or 400 grammes of to(double if you live outside Europe) bacco 142
Travelling by air in the US
Alcoholic drinks 1 litre of alcoholic drinks over 22% vol. (38.8 proof) or 2 litres of alcoholic drinks not over 22% vol. or fortified or sparkling wine + 2 litres of still table wine
1½ litres of alcoholic drinks over 22% vol. (38.8 proof) or 3 litres of alcoholic drinks not over 22% vol. or fortified or sparkling wine + 4 litres of still table wine
Perfume 50 grammes (60 cc* or 2 f1 oz**) * cubic centimetre ** fluid ounce
75 grammes (90 cc or 3 f1 oz)
Toilet water 259 cc (9 f1 oz)
375 cc (13 f1 oz) Other goods
28 worth
120 worth
When you arrive Those who arrive in Britain without having made any onward travel arrangements, will find plenty of help at hand. TICs at arrival points, such as one in the ticket hall of Heathrow Central underground station; and at Gatwick and at Prestwick airports, will give you travel advice and guidance. From London (Heathrow) airport you can reach central London in about 40 minutes by Underground railway (fare £1.50) or Airbus (fare £2.50) or you can hire one of the waiting taxis (approximately £16.00 plus tip). From Gatwick airport, trains leave for central London (Victoria) every 15 minutes during the day and hourly at night (journey time - 38 minutes, fare - £3.00). Both airports are also linked to London by Green Line “Flight line” bus services.
Luggage Identifying luggage On all flights to or within the U.S., you should always place a name tag on the inside and outside of your luggage, indicating your name and address. Since many bags look alike, such a tag will be important when you are claiming your luggage, or if one of your bags is lost. Checked baggage Passengers on U.S. domestic flights are allowed to check two pieces of luggage without additional charges. The total size (length, width and height) of two of the pieces may not exceed 62 inches (157 cm). Weight of any individual piece must not exceed 70 pounds (32 kgs). Additional checked baggage is subject to an extra charge. To check luggage you should bring your suitcases, boxes, etc., to the ticketing counter of the airline on which you are flying. In the U.S., you may have your luggage be checked through to your final destination (most airline agents, however, do this automatically). The airline agent will take your luggage and give you claim tickets which you will use to claim your luggage when you reach your final destination. If you do this, you will not have to move your luggage until you reach your final destination - it will be done automatically. You should save your claim ticket(s) until you pick up all of your luggage. Should there be any problems with missing or damaged luggage, you will need to show an airline agent your claim ticket for the piece in question. If you have a skycap porter carry your luggage in the airport, it is appropriate to tip him/her one dollar per bag. Carry-on baggage Passengers are usually allowed only one carry-on piece which must fit in the overhead or underseat storage compartments of the airplane. These compartments are generally 8x16x21 inches (20x40x53 cm). Boarding passes Passengers on U.S. domestic flights must have a boarding pass to board. A boarding pass is usually a single sheet of paper with a seat as-
143
144
signment written on it, attached to the portion of the ticket you are about to use. If you do not receive a boarding pass with your ticket, please ask for one at the ticket counter, or at the gate, at least 30 minutes prior to departure of the flight. If you will need to make connections, it is often possible to ask for boarding passes for all portions of the trip. However, if the second portion of your trip is considered a commuter flight (a short flight generally on a smaller plane), you may not be able to do so.
Check-in and boarding All passengers on U.S. domestic flights must check-in at the ticket counter or gate at least 30 minutes prior to departure of the flight. If you already have a boarding pass at this time, you should show it to the airline agent. Depending on the airline, either the agent at the ticket counter, or the agent at the gate will stamp your boarding pass with an “O.K. to Board” stamp and will take the ticket portion of the boarding pass from you. It is important that you be present at the gate for the flight, at least 10 minutes prior to departure of the flight. Your seat number will be on the boarding pass.
You will not be required to use your passport for U.S. domestic flights.
Smoking Smoking is prohibited on all domestic airline flights of less than six hours in duration, and violators are subject to fines. If you are unsure of whether smoking is permitted on your flight, look above your seat at the “smoking / non-smoking” sign, or ask a flight attendant. If the flight is a non-smoking flight, smoking is also prohibited in lavatories. Services During the flight, a flight attendant will often bring complimentary snacks and beverages. Juice, soft drinks and other beverages are free of charge. There is usually a charge for wine, beer and other alcoholic beverages. On flights of greater duration, you may be served a complimentary meal. You may also be offered various magazines to read during your flight. An airline magazine will usually be located in the pocket of the seat in front of you. These magazines usually contain maps of major airports, as well as reading material.
Airport security There are security check points before the gates in U.S. airports. At the check point, you are required to place your bags, and other items you are carrying onto the airplane (such as umbrellas, purses, etc.), onto a conveyor belt. This conveyor belt passes under an x-ray machine and the contents of your baggage are examined by a security agent of the airport. The x-ray machines used in most airports are not harmful to film. If you do not see a sign which indicates this, you may ask the security agent if you can pass a camera which has film in it, or film, to him. You may also be asked to show the security agent the contents of your baggage. While your carry-on luggage is going through the x-ray viewer, you will also be asked to walk through a metal detector. You should remove keys, or any other item made of metal, from the pockets of your clothing or jacket before you pass through the metal detector. Place these items in the holder provided (usually a plastic basket or bowl), and walk through the metal detector. If the metal detector makes a “beeping” sound as you walk through, a security guard may ask you to remove the contents of your pockets (or other metal items such as heavy metal belt buckles), or may wish to pass a metal detecting wand above your clothing.
Safety Please be aware that theft is common in U.S. airports. Many airports are crowded and bustling and it is important to be very careful and to keep an eye on your personal belongings at all times.
145
146
Making connections Often passengers traveling distances of over 300 miles by air need to change planes or “make connections.” Please be aware that, on most flights, an airline agent will meet arriving flights which have passengers who are connecting to another flight. If you need to make connections to a second flight you may ask the airline agent which gate you need to go to for your flight and at what time the flight departs. There are also flight announcement boards and television monitors hanging throughout airports. You may also ask an airline agent at any ticket counter. Tell the agent the number of your flight and your destination and the agent will direct you to the proper gate. If you check your luggage through to your final destination, you will not need to claim it when you make connections: it will be automatically transferred to your next flight.
Part 5
Travelling by Sea
WARM-UP In groups discuss the questions below keeping records of your partners’ answers. 1. Have you ever travelled by sea? If yes, have you enjoyed it? Why? 2. If you haven’t sailed on a ship so far would you consider such a holiday in future? Why? / Why not? 3. Why do you think they build luxury cruise liners nowadays?
PRACTICE Task I
еngine room alongside the quay
машинное отделение везти пассажиров / груз плавучие дворцы (развлечений) даты отплытия кубрики капитанский мостик сходить на берег заходить в порт (не) входить в маршрут путешествовать / плыть вдоль побережья стать на якорь помещать в трюм
3. Complete the text with the words from the box.
1. All the words in the box below have something to do with travel and holidays. Suggest the Russian for them and with a partner, put them into the following categories: a b
sailing dates ship’s kitchen crew’s quarters incoming waves an unscheduled stop in a port travel along the shores anchor carry passengers / cargo floating (fun) palaces сaptain’s bridge
boats movements
journey flight cliff liner shore ferry fellow-passenger
c d
seaside people
caravan pier bed & breakfast voyage cargo vessel boat passage
e
campsite hotel crossing holiday-makers travel agent quay sail
accomodation canoe yacht sightseers coast sand motel move off
2. Match words and phrases in A with their Russian equivalents in B. A deposit in the hold enter port go ashore (not) to be on route
harbour captain cargo
deck pier bridge
rails board move off
quay liners
Last week Cliff Fenn went down to Southampton Docks to see my friend off to New York on one of the largest ______. What colossal ships these steamers are when you see them from the landing-stage alongside the _____. As he had a pass, he went on _____ and had a look round. From the top _____ he could see the great cranes lifting the _____ and depositing it in the holds. He saw members of the _____ carrying out their duties in various parts of the ship, while the _____ watched the operations and gave his orders from the ______. Then the siren sounded and the ______ were asked to leave the ship. Finally the liner began to ______ and the passengers leaning over the ______ waved good-byes to their relatives and friends standing below amongst the crowd on the quay. Slowly the ship left the ______, passing beyond the _____ and gradually disappeared in the distance.
B на пристани корабельная кухня незапланированная остановка в порту надвигающиеся волны 147
visitors crew
148
Task II With your partner practise the following English sentences and their Russian equivalents. Trade roles.
At the Booking-Office 1. I want to book a passage to (for) Bristol via Liverpool. 2. You can have accommodation only for the next voyage. 3. People who came on the trip thoroughly enjoyed themselves. 4. The sea-crossing which took several weeks was rough. 5. Sometimes people can board the boat right in a port where they make an unscheduled overnight stop.
1. Мне нужен билет на пароход до Бристоля через Ливерпуль. 2. Вы сможете взять билет только на следующий рейс. 3. Те, кто поехали в это путешествие, остались очень довольны поездкой. 4. Морское путешествие, длившееся несколько недель, было тяжелым. 5. Иногда можно купить билет на корабль прямо в порту, куда он заходит для непредусмотренной расписанием остановки / стоянки на одну ночь.
At the Port 1. The coaches to take passengers to the ship are waiting at a bus-stop. 2. Mind the time and don’t fail to return to the ship before she sails. Nobody will be waited for. 3. This way for the Dover boat. 4. Pass up (mount) the gangway, please.
1. Автобусы, которые доставят пассажиров на пароход, ждут на автобусной стоянке. 2. Следите за временем. Не опоздайте к отплытию парохода: никого ждать не будут. 3. Проходите сюда к пароходу на Дувр. 4. Пожалуйста, поднимайтесь по трапу.
2. I’m sure we have a good landing tomorrow. 3. I’m going to my cabin now. I feel somewhat sleepy. 4. Shall we sit here on deck, these deck chairs seem to be comfortable enough. 5. It’s a great fun to lie in a deck chair on an ocean liner. 6. We got on board the ship and were shown to our cabins. 7. There are two bunks in the cabin. I like to sleep in the top bunk because I’m not afraid to fall off. 8. I like to stand on the deck and watch the ship sail away from the port. 9. We shall call at / visit / enter four ports and at each of them there will be shore excursions. 10. What ports shall we call at? 11. The bay is magnificent. How long is the ship due to be anchored here?
2. Я уверен(а), завтра мы нормально пришвартуемся. 3. Я пойду в свою каюту. Мне хочется спать. 4. Посидим на палубе, эти шезлонги кажутся довольно удобными. 5. Так приятно лежать в шезлонге на палубе океанского лайнера. 6. Мы взошли на борт корабля, и нас проводили в каюты. 7. В каюте две спальных полки. Я люблю спать на верхней полке, так как не боюсь упасть (с нее). 8. Мне нравится стоять на палубе и наблюдать, как пароход выходит из порта. 9. Мы будем заходить в четыре порта, и в каждом из них предусмотрены экскурсии на берегу. 10.В какие порты мы будем заходить? 11. Залив великолепен. Как долго мы будем здесь стоять на якоре?
On the ship 1. The sea is quite calm, but I’m afraid the night might bring us a storm.
1. Море совершенно спокойно, но я боюсь, ночью будет шторм.
149
150
Task III Study the pictures (pages 151–154) and look up the words and terms you may need as a passenger in the dictionary.
101 102 103 104 105 106 107 108 109 110 111 112 113 114 115
82 83 84 85
86 87 88 89 90 91
passenger liner (liner, ocean liner) stem funnel with lattice casing flag dressing (rainbow dressing, string of flags extending over mastheads, e.g., on the maiden voyage) trawler, a factory ship gallows stern ramp container ship loading bridge (loading platform) sea ladder (Jacob's ladder, rope ladder)
Davit wire rope span lifeline tackle block fall ship's lifeboat (ship's boat) covered with tarpaulin stem passenger steward deck-chair deck hand deck bucket boatswain (bo's'n, bo'sun, bosun) tunic
116 117 118 119 120 121 122 123 124 125 126 127 128
92
barge and push tug assembly push tug 93 tug-pushed dumb barge 94 (tug-pushed lighter) pilot boat 95 96 combined cargo and passenger liner passengers disembarking by 97 boat accommodation ladder 98 coaster (coasting vessel) 99 customs or police launch 100 101-128 excursion steamer (pleasure steamer) 101-106 lifeboat launching gear 151
152
awning stanchion ridge rope (jackstay) lashing bulwark guard rail handrail (top rail) companion ladder (companionway) lifebelt (lifebuoy) lifebuoy light (lifebelt light, signal light) officer of the watch (watchkeeper) reefer (Am. pea jacket) binoculars
5
6 7 8 9 10 11 13 14 15 16 17 18 27 30
radio direction finder (RDF) antenna (direction finder antenna, rotatable loop antenna, aural null loop antenna) magnetic compass (mariner's compass) morse lamp (signalling, Am. signaling, lamp) radar antenna (radar scanner) code flag signal code flag halyards triatic stay (signal stay) captain's cabin navigating bridge starboard sidelight [green; port sidelight red]wing of bridge shelter (weather cloth, dodger) wheelhouse promenade de luxe cabin
153
samson (sampson) post (king post) derrick boom (cargo boom) 36 crosstrees (spreader) 37 crow's nest 38 topmast 39 forward steaming light 40 foredeck 47 forecastle (fo'c'sle) 48 49-51 ground tackle windlass 49 anchor cable (chain cable) 50 compressor (chain com51 pressor) anchor 52 jackstaff 53 jack 54 forward holds 75 tweendeck 76 cargo 77 bow wave 81 35
1-71 combined cargo and passenger ship [of the older type] funnel 1 funnel marking 2 siren (fog horn) 3 4-11 compass platform (compass bridge, compass flat, monkey 4 bridge) 12-18 triatic stay (signal stay) bridge deck (bridge) 12 19-21 boat deck ship's lifeboat 19 davit 20 officer's cabin 21 22-27 promenade deck 22 ck (lido deck) swimming pool 23 companion ladder 24 library (ship's library) 25 lounge 26 28-30 A-deck semi-enclosed deck space 28 double-berth cabin, a cabin 29 ensign staff 31 32-42 B-deck (main deck) after deck 32 poop 33 deckhouse 34 35 samson (sampson) post (king 36 post) 41 derrick boom (cargo boom) ventilator lead 43 ship's pantry
44 45 46 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 42 63 64 65 66 67 68-74 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 79 80
154
dining room purser's office single-berth cabin after holds cold storage room (insulated hold) storeroom wake shell bossing (shaft bossing) tail shaft (tail end shaft) shaft strut (strut, spectacle frame, propeller strut, propeller bracket) three-blade ship's propeller (ship's galley (caboose, cookroom, ship's kitchen) screw rudder blade (rudder) stuffing box propeller shaft shaft alley (shaft tunnel) thrust block diesel-electric drive electric engine room electric motor auxiliary engine room auxiliary engines main engine room main engine, a diesel engine generator fresh water tank fuel tank
Task IV
(On board ship)
You are to go through two- step practice here. Step one: act out the dialogues trading roles. Step two: to engage in a longer conversation you may need to use some sentences / phrases from Task II.
1. Wishing a Pleasant Journey A: B: A: B: A: B: A: B: A: B: A: B: A: B: A: B:
It’s very nice of you to come to see me off, Bess. I wanted to wish you a pleasant journey, Ann. Thank you. I hope to have a good time on board this ship. I hope you will. I wonder how many passengers there will be in your cabin. I think, four. And where is your cabin? On “A” deck. Good. And is there a swimming-pool on board the ship? Yes, there is. It’s a modern comfortable liner. Here is its picture on the ticket. Oh, I see. Looks real impressive. What ports will the boat call at on route? I don’t know. I haven’t looked through the time-table yet. When does the ship start? At 11 o’clock sharp according to the time-table. By the way, what’s the time? It’s five to ten. You’d better go now. Oh, yes. It’s time to say good-bye, Bess. Good luck and a pleasant voyage to you, Ann.
2. Crossing the Channel (At Dover Port) Policeman:
This way for the Dover boat! Have your passports ready, please! Pass up the gangway. First class on the right, second class on the left.
155
A: Here we are at long last! Although the officials in the Customs at Calais were very polite, it took us an hour to get our luggage through the Customs. B: I’m rather tired after the Customs formalities. Let’s take a short rest now. Shall we sit here on deck? A: Not a bad idea! These deck chairs seem to be comfortable enough and it’s much better to stay on deck than in those stuffy cabins. B: Certainly. Do you travel much? A: Not more than I can help by sea. I’ve crossed the Channel once before, but frankly, I didn’t enjoy it. B: So, that’s what La Manche looks like. A: You mean the English Channel? B: What’s the difference? A: Oh, between ourselves, there’s no difference at all, because you’re Polish and I’m Russian, but if you speak to a Frenchman, call it La Manche. On the other hand, British prefer the former name, I mean the English Channel. B: Oh, I see. Thank you for that piece of advice. It’s good to know the ‘likes and dislikes’ of the country you’re going to visit for the first time.
3. On the Ship A: Do you happen to know when our ship is due in Amsterdam? B: According to the time-table we are due there at noon tomorrow, but I think we are an hour late. A: Oh, it does not matter, we’ll catch up, I’m sure. B: I wouldn’t be that optimistic. The sea has been quite calm since the beginning of the voyage, but I am afraid the night might bring us a storm. I feel the wind is getting stronger and stronger. A: Oh, I’m absolutely sure there is nothing to be afraid of : our ship is big and steady and the captain and the crew are very experienced. So don’t worry: we’ll survive any weather, come on schedule and have a good landing tomorrow. B: OK, OK. You are very persuasive. Well, I feel somewhat sleepy. I’m going to my cabin now, are you? 156
A: No, I think I’ll better go to the lounge saloon and have a drink. And then maybe get some more fresh air on the promenade deck. A: Well, good night then. B: Happy dreams!
1. You should take warm clothes. 2. You really need a windproof coat. 3. You don’t have to socialize if you don’t want to. 4. Cruise ships are not allowed to go where they like. 5. They have to carry scientists to lead the excursions. 6. Small parties are permitted to land. 7. You’ve got to keep away from the wildlife.
SPEAKING THROUGH LISTENING 1. You are going to listen to a man being interviewed on the radio about a cruise he recently took to the Atlantic. In groups note down the kind of travel vocabulary that you think you will hear and put these into categories, for example: Cruise: ship, captain, … 2. Read through the questions 1-10 very carefully and, in pairs, try to predict what word or words you might need to fill each gap. Now listen to the interview. 1. The temperature was usually around ______________________ . 2. The name of the ship was the ____________________________ . 3. The cupboards in the cabins were situated __________________ . 4. The nationality of the expedition leader was _________________. 5. The weather in this area is sometimes _____________________ . 6. Steve enjoyed seeing the different types of __________________ . 7. The only people, besides tourists, in the region are working at a ___________________________________________________ . 8. The only evidence of the fishing industry is empty ___________ . 9. The cruise ships are forbidden to get rid of ___________ in the sea. 10. It’s important that tourists don’t disturb the ________________ .
READING A Read the magazine article below and answer the questions. 1. What is a freighter? 2. Why did the author travel on a freighter in his youth? 3. What effect did this experience have on him?
All aboard!
4. Imagine you are an experienced traveller and are asked to give some pieces of advice to people interested in taking a cruise to the Antarctic. Using some information from the listening explain the following statements.
If in your youth you read stories about the sea, the idea of sailing on a freighter might appeal to you. You might think that, in the prolonged intimacy of the confines of the ship, your fellow travellers will confide stories which will bring you fame and fortune as a writer yourself. What you soon discover when you ask the Passenger Shipping Association for freighter sailing dates, is that a cabin on a cargo ship is more expensive than one on the QE2, and your voyage could last a couple of months or more. So you’ll probably find a cabin full of experienced voyagers, despising package travel and liable to suggest suddenly that everybody should have dinner on board the first evening of entering port, rather than go ashore. Then there are the people who join the crew. When I was a teenager, I was so short of ready cash that I decided to work my passage from Buenos Aires to London on an old ship. In the huge Atlantic waves, she sometimes pointed her bow at the moon, as if she were a rocket about to take off! One of my jobs was to lug food from the ship’s kitchen to the crew’s quarters, along slippery decks, while incoming waves threatened to deliver the cans of stew straight into the sea below. As long as I didn’t spill any, the crew were understanding!
157
158
3. In small groups discuss what you have heard. Do you approve of tourists being allowed to go to unspoilt areas of the world? Would you go to these places if you had the opportunity? Why?/ Why not?
The trip took six weeks, partly because freighters have changes of plan and partly because we made an unscheduled stop in a Brazilian port so that we could have the ship’s engine repaired. Despite the fact that two members of the crew failed to return to the ship before we sailed, we were not delayed further, as our numbers were made up by two stowaways wanting to go and work in Portugal, which was not on our route! This experience may have soured my view of entering the freighter business, although I was tempted after I’d spent a day with a dynamic Dane, who owned those ships in which tourists travel along the shores of Barbados. He expounded on his sideline: buying freighters from bankrupt stock. But he insisted that he would never carry cargo, nor sell the ships for scrap. He explained enthusiastically that he would redesign the superstructure, do them up and anchor them where they would make him a fortune, all around the Gulf of Mexico as floating fun palaces! Though the project intrigued me, it remained a pipe dream! Notes: QE2 – the luxury passenger liner “Queen Elizabeth 2” stowaway – a passenger without a ticket
A party of sixteen of us had been having a long and magnificent picnic which included motor-boating from the mainland, bathing, motorboating from one island to another, enough walking, some dozing, and fish stewed in milk, the equal of which I have never eaten in Marseilles. This was the only picnic I have really enjoyed in my life. On principle I object to picnics, when they comprise a meal. I prefer a table and chairs for meals, and I think that most grown-up men would agree with me. Women are different. They would sooner eat bad food in a picturesque place than good food in a prosaic room. This picnic combined picturesqueness with very good food, and the food compensated for the unsuitability of the earth’s surface as a chair. In the late afternoon we embarked for and reached the second island, whose buildings were limited to a café-restaurant and a monastery. We noticed that the sea was less calm than earlier in the day; but the island was
only a couple of miles from the mainland, so that a few waves could not matter. A long dinner-table had been set for us in the open air near the somewhat primitive café-restaurant. The sun was setting. The wind was rising. The dinner was excellent, but it was eaten with a great deal of sand which the wind persisted in blowing across the table. The dinner ended in deep twilight. We returned to the covered terrace of the café-restaurant and drank at another long table. It grew dark. Somebody carelessly used the word “dangerous”. The chief organiser said lightly: “Pooh! I will telephone for the regular passage-steamer to fetch us.” But the social atmosphere was changed. Nobody, said some, could be safe in the sudden, mad Mediterranean storm. We were marooned for the night. As the oldest seafaring man present, I was invited to decide whether or not we should make the voyage. I said, “Yes, we must make it.” But my decision had no effect on the minds of about half of the picnickers. By this time there was a bridge-party at work, and everyone was visibly beginning to feel tired. No beds in the café-restaurant. The organiser said that he would send up to the monastery and ask the monks to lend us mattresses for the women. The proposal was not received with approval by the women. Some of them remarked with false gaiety how jolly it would be to sit up all night and play cards and watch the dawn and so on and so on. The general feeling was against departure. What interested me was the psychological explanation of the real reasons for or against departure. There were three real reasons. The card-players were absorbed in their games, and wished not to be disturbed. The alarmist section had passed from the normal into a highly nervous state which no rational arguments could affect. If the Mauretania had come to fetch us, this section would still have jibbed. A third and small section, to which I belonged, wished to depart because a programme is a programme and should be adhered to. This section insincerely laughed at the alleged risks. It would not admit the risks even to itself. It would sooner accept risks than default on a schedule. Some people are like that. Then news arrived that the steamer refused to come, on the plausible excuse that the crew had departed to their homes; but that our own motorboat was coming. I said: ”Well, if the motor-boat can safety come, it can safety go.” In the high wind and in the black darkness I stumbled along uneven ground, and got into a quagmire and out of it, to the little harbour. I could see the whiteness of the foam. I saw the motor-boat make three attempts to enter the harbour, and fail. It succeeded at the fourth, and cheers were heard. I returned to the café-restaurant still scoffing at the danger.
159
160
B Read the text and do the following assignments.
Mediterranean Islands, July
Then news arrived that the captain of the motor-boat had said definitely that we could not leave. Relief of the card-players! Triumph of the nervous section! Defeat of the schedule-keepers! I remained silent. I would admit nothing. In about an hour and a half, which seemed like eighteen hours or days or months, the news arrived that the captain of the motor-boat had said that the storm had fallen enough to allow us to depart in safety. All were openly relieved – for among the card-players fatigue was conquering the gambling spirit – except the nervous section. The nervous section would not trust the captain’s wisdom. It spurned the argument that, assuming the captain’s readiness to risk our lives, he would not risk his own. It slandered the captain, asserted that he must have had several drinks and got himself into a reckless mood and lost his judgment. But the nervous section was borne down though it had to be dragged, protesting, to the boat. We did depart. The extraordinary Mediterranean was calm again. And now the nervous section refused to admit that it had been wrong. Fortunately all were hungry. About 2 a.m. we reached a night restaurant where a Negro was saxophoning with an intensity that rendered conversation impossible. No matter. Nerves had vanished. We ate and danced. We reached our beds, some fifteen miles off, at 4.45 a.m., after escaping a motor accident by mere miracle. (After A. Bennet) 1. Working in pairs find in the text the English equivalents for the following words and phrases and use them in sentences of your own: В принципе, предпочел бы, отбыть куда-либо, накрыть стол, на воздухе, глубокие сумерки, приехать (за кем-либо), не ложиться спать всю ночь, застрять на острове, шла игра в бридж, затемно, наигранное веселье, наблюдать восход, отъезд, быть поглощенным, упираться, придерживаться, якобы существующий риск, отступить от программы, под благовидным предлогом, безопасно, идти спотыкаясь, трясина, говорить с презрительной насмешкой (о), испытывать явное облегчение, доверять, отвергать с презрением, клеветать, утратить способность здраво рассуждать, преодолеть (сопротивление), сделать невозможным, избежать несчастного случая, чудом. 2. In small groups discuss the text answering the following questions: 1. Who was having a picnic? 2. What did the programme include? 3. Why does the author object to picnics when they comprise a meal? 4. Why 161
did he enjoy this particular picnic? 5. What time of the day did they embark for the second island? 6. What were the only buildings on the island? 7. Where did they have their dinner? 8. In what way had the weather changed and how did it affect the dinner? 9. How soon were they through with the dinner? 10. Why did the chief organizer say he would telephone for the regular passage-steamer? 11. What had changed the social atmosphere? 12. Why was the author invited to decide whether or not they should make the voyage? 13. What was his decision and what effect did it have on the minds of the picnickers? 14. What did the organizer propose? 15. What was the reaction to his proposal? 16. Was the general feeling for or against departure? 17. What was the psychological explanation of the real reasons against departure? 18. Why did a small section to which the author belonged wish to depart? 19. What news arrived? 20. How did the author reach the harbour? 21. What did he watch the motor-boat do? 22. How did the captain’s refusal to leave the harbour affect the picnickers? 23. What news arrived in an hour and a half? 24. Who was openly relieved? 25. Why was the nervous section still against departure? 26. How was it eventually borne down? 27. How did the picnic end?
WRITING Write a story (about 15 sentences) using as many from the following words and phrases as possible. A party of, to have a picnic, motor-boating, fish stewed in milk, on principle, to object to, meal, would sooner, picturesque, to compensate for, to embark for, to be limited to, calm, could not matter, to set a dinner-table, in the open air, somewhat primitive, to set, to rise, a great deal of, to persist in, in deep twilight, to telephone for, to fetch, social atmosphere, safe, marooned, seafaring, to make the voyage, have no effect on, bridge-party, visibly, general feeling, to be absorbed in, to lend mattresses, approval, false gaiety, jolly, to sit up all night, dawn, to be disturbed, highly nervous, rational, to affect, to jib, to depart, to adhere to, insincerely, alleged, to admit, would sooner, to accept, on the plausible excuse, crew, safety, to stumble, quagmire, harbour, to make attempts, cheers, to scoff at, relief, triumph, defeat, news arrived, openly relieved, to trust, wisdom, to spurn, to assume, to slander, to assert, to get oneself into a reckless mood, to lose one’s judgement, to be borne down, to drag, fortunately, to saxophone, to render impossible, to escape a motor accident, by mere miracle. 162
SPEAKING THROUGH READING A Read the text and then do the assignments that follow.
Getting on Board Ship Captain Olsen and Niels Mauritzen, the first Officer of the Khreya, were standing on board the ship, looking down toward the quay. The loading crane was aft taking on steel rails. A woman and a child stood to one side of it, looking in the direction of the gangplank. “That will be Mrs. Cleary and daughter,” Mauritzen said to Olsen and added: “The clerk should have come with her. I think I must go down and see her aboard.” He walked down the gangplank and came up to the couple. He said: ”Mrs.Cleary? I am Niels Mauritzen, First Officer of the Khreya. May I show you on board?” “Thank you,” the woman said. “You speak English very well. I was wondering about that, since it’s a Danish boat.” Mauritzen smiled. “We Danes have become civilized since we first sailed to Dublin. Most of us speak English. Do you have your luggage with you?” “It’s over there,” she pointed, “where the taxi put us down.” “I will tell the steward and he will bring the cases on board,” Mauritzen said. “We will go on first.” He helped them on to gangplank in turn. “Welcome to the Khreya. I hope you will enjoy your trip.” A man came out of the lounge as he showed them in. “Ah,” Mauritzen said, “this is our Chief Steward, Mr. Thorsen. He will look after you. Jorgen, Mrs. Cleary has two suitcases to be brought on.” “How do you do, Mrs. Cleary,” Thorsen said. “I’ll show you to your cabin right away. Your suitcases will be here directly.” “Then I will leave you in Mr. Thorsen’s hands,” Mauritzen said. “I shall see you later, Mrs. Cleary. Good-bye till then.” Thorsen gestured toward the stairs, and the woman and child climbed them. At the head of the stairs was a T-shaped corridor. There were four cabins, and Thorsen led them to No. 1. It had a built-in settee, covered in grey leather, on one side, and two bunks on the other. Between, there was a small dressing table and a writing desk. The floor was covered, wall to wall, with pale-blue carpeting. Thorsen opened a door to the left of the settee. “This is the toilet-shower, washbasin and so on.” Mrs. Cleary looked round the cabin. “It’s very nice. More … more modern than I expected.” 163
“The Khreya is only three years old,” Thorsen told her. “Your bags are here now. The Customs Officer will be coming on board in about an hour. Would you like me to take your passport for him? Some people prefer me to have the documents: then it is not necessary for them to be bothered.” “I’ll keep mine,” she said. “Of course.” He backed out of the cabin. “Dinner is served at seven o’clock.” (After J. Christopher, abridged) 1. Agree or disagree with the statements or express your doubt / surprise. Give your reason. The following phrases may be of help. You may want to consult page 163 to answer some questions.
That’s (not) right; It’s hardly possible; It’s quite (un)likely; (Not) As a rule; Typically; (I think so though) I’m not sure; It depends 1. Captains of merchant ships always speak fluent English. 2. Captain’s mates should meet the passengers who board the ship. 3. Ship’s stewards generally bring the passengers’ luggage on board. 4. On modern ships every cabin has a toilet-shower and washbasin. 5. The floor of the cabin is usually covered with a wall-to-wall carpeting. 6. Ship’s stewards are very polite and always helpful. 7. All suitcases should be kept in the Baggage-Room. 8. Ship’s Post-Office is located on “A” deck and is open at all hours. 9. Meals in the cabin are served for the 1st class passengers only. 10. Ship’s position is shown everyday at noon on charts in the Main Hall. 11. Money, traveller’s checks and jewellery may not be kept in the cabin. 2. Discuss a) the procedure of getting on board ship; b) the interior of No.1 cabin. Compare it with the one in the picture on page 152.
B Read the text and act it out as if you were Margit and Eduard sharing your impressions on the journey.
The White Cliffs of Dover Margit and Eduard Erling have been to England several times before. They usually came by air, but this time they decided they would try coming by sea. “I suppose we shall be sea-sick, but I’m ready to try anything 164
once,” Margit had said, when they bought their tickets, and now they were half-way across the Channel, with the sun shining overhead, and the sea as calm and smooth as a lake. They had set off from their home in Lucerne in Switzerland late the evening before and travelled across France all through the night, arriving at Calais in time to go on board the cross-Channel boat waiting at the quay. Having seen their suitcases put away in one of the luggage-racks, they went straight down to the restaurant for breakfast – an English breakfast: bacon and eggs, toast and marmalade and tea or coffee. Coming up on deck after breakfast, they saw that the coast of France was disappearing behind them and ahead, shining white in the bright sunlight, were the cliffs of England – the white cliffs of Dover. Margit and Eduard joined the many passengers who were leaning on the rails watching the English coast coming nearer and nearer. At last the cliffs closed round them, and they were in Dover Harbour. Giving up their landing cards they stepped onto the quay. It seemed much more exciting than getting out of a plane at the London Airport. At the entrance to the Customs Office their passports were checked. Inside they found their porter waiting for them with their bags on the long wooden tables behind which stood the customs officers. The officer did not ask them to open their cases and in another minute they were through the gate, on the platform, and then sitting in their reserved seats on the London train. As the boat-train pulled in, Eduard was going to call a taxi, but Margit said she would rather go by “Tube”. She thought travelling by Underground was part of the fun of coming to London. So, leaving their bags in the Left Luggage Office, they went on the District Line to Charing Cross. This line runs mostly on the surface, and goes underground only in the centre of London. At Charing Cross they changed to the Bakerloo Line. They followed coloured lights along tunnels till they came to the train for Piccadilly. After a lunch in a restaurant, they travelled back to Victoria Station by bus, and caught a local train to Bishopton, where their friends were waiting for them at the station with the car. (After F. Candlin) C Before going on a trip it’s better to get some details about the place you are going to and the tour operator you are planning to work with. Here is a typical brochure to give you the required information. After reading it discuss the different options of travelling and your personal preference 165
with your partner(s). Try to use as many italicized words and expressions from the text as possible.
Travel to the Continent by Rail and Sea at Specially Reduced Prices Starting a trip to the Continent from your local station offers all kinds of opportunity for groups. Fully integrated rail and sea services connect with the extensive Continental rail network to give comfortable and convenient journeys to a wide choice of destinations - cities, resorts or perhaps your European twin town. Choose from high speed channel crossings by Jetfoil and Hovercraft or a more leisurely journey by ship, all with easy transfers to and from connecting trains. There is a range of services every day of the week. Travel by day and enjoy the scenery, or take an overnight service and travel while you sleep. Journey times are as little as 5½ hours London to Paris by rail and hovercraft and less than 4½ hours London to Bruges by rail and Jetfoil. Or you can take an afternoon departure from London, sleep overnight on the train from Calais and wake up to the sights and sounds of the French Riviera. Group fares offer great value for money. In this brochure we show fares examples for longer stays and for the bargain European Savers – ideal for a short break. There are attractive add on prices for travel to London from any BR station. From some areas fares can be quoted for travel direct to the port, for example you can take a direct train to Harwich from centers like Glasgow, Manchester, Sheffield, Nottingham and Ipswich. To help you with your baggage there are special arrangements for groups of 25 or more. Subject to advance bookings, free carriage of luggage can be arranged on most routes from the English to the Continental port. Alternatively groups of any size can register baggage from London through to a number of Continental destinations for a modest charge. If you would like to receive details of fares and timings to a particular destination, please ask for details at BR Travel centers or European Rail appointed travel agents, or complete the coupon below and send to:
166
European Rail Travel Center, Group Sales Section, PO Box 303, Victoria Station, London SW1V 1JY or telephone: 01-630 813. Name of Group_______________________________________ Starting Point______________ Destination_________________ Dates of travel, outward_____________ inward_____________ First/second class_____________________________________ Number of passengers, adults___ children (please give ages)___ Name and address of group organiser______________________ __________________________ Tel.______________________
DFDS, Latham House, 16 Minories, London EC3N 1AD, Tel: 01-481 3211 (for Esbjerg and Hamburg) DFDS, Parkeston Quay, Harwich, Essex CO12 4SY. Tel.: (0255) 554681 (for Gothenburg).
European savers 5 day returns
Super Savings with Group Bookings ∗ ∗ ∗ ∗ ∗ ∗ ∗
Reductions for groups of ten or more adults. Group leader travels free with a party of 15 or more adults or young people 16 years and over. Further discounts on many routes for groups of more than 25 adults. Special fares for groups of ten or more young people (16 to 21 years) and students (no age limit). Children’s reductions of up to 50% on adult group fares according to age. Children under four years generally travel free. Fares usually include free seat reservations. Fares usually include free seat reservations (2 children aged 4-15 inclusive count as 1 adult or young person).
DFDS and BR are getting together to produce Sailways – relaxing mini-cruises to Scandinavia and Germany at bargain prices which include rail travel from your local station. Sailways include two nights on board one of DFDS Seaways’ superb liners, with a comfortable berth or couchette. On arrival you’ll have a few hours ashore to explore the destination of your choice – Esbjerg, Hamburg or Gothenburg. One free place will be given for groups of 25-45 fare paying passengers and two free places for 46 or more. Sailways are available from September. For further details please contact:
167
These are special low cost fares for travel to selected destinations in France, Holland, Germany, Switzerland, Belgium and Luxembourg. They allow up to four nights stay on the Continent and you can enjoy a stopover en route. For example – you could spend a night or two in Paris on your way to the South of France. There are through fares from every British Rail station, and you can travel on any advertised service without restriction.
Inclusive holidays Golden Rail offer very attractive prices for groups of 10 or more travelling to a variety of Continental destinations on their inclusive “Great Little Escapes” holiday programme. In addition there is one free place with every 20 people, making a really worthwhile saving. “Great Little Escapes” are featured in the Golden Rail Short Break Holidays brochure available from principle BR stations and travel agents. Why not give Golden Rail a call on 0904 28992 for a quotation for your group or write to: Golden Rail Holidays, PO Box 12, York YO1 1YX. Sealink Mini Breaks offer short stay holidays by rail and sea to a choice of cities and resorts in France, Holland, Belgium and Germany. Groups are particularly welcome, and there are reductions for ten or more adults, plus facilities for group leaders. For further details write to: Sealink travel Ltd., Eversholt House, 163-203 Eversholt Street, London NW1 1BG or telephone 01-387 6798/6794.
168
Day excursions Enjoy a great day out with a difference. ‘Go French’ with British Rail and Sealink or ‘Take off for France’ by train and Hoverspeed hovercraft and sample the flavour of France for a day. Explore Boulogne, Calais or Dieppe, take in the taste of French cuisine and come home with your Duty Free bargains.
Fares Conditions and Notes 1. EUROPEAN SAVERS (5 DAY RETURN FARES) allow for up to 4 nights to be spent en route to, or at your destination. The return sea journey must be started on or before the fourth day after the start of the outward journey (e.g. outward departure from your local station on Day 1, inward departure from the Continental port on or before Day 5). European Savers offer special reductions for groups to many destinations and in all cases the group leader travels free with a party of 15 or more adults or young people 16 years or over (2 children counting as 1 adult). 2. CHILDREN under 4 years TRAVEL FREE except when individual accommodation is required. Children aged 4 years travel free on BR only. Those aged 5-15 years inclusive travel at reduced rates, available on request. 3. FIRST CLASS FARES are available on the rail sections of the journey and on ships between Harwich and Hook of Holland. Other ships, Jetfoil and hovercraft are one class only. 4. HOVERSPEED HOVERCRAFT – advance reservations are necessary on all services. 5. JETFOIL – a supplement of £5.50 single, £11 return is payable on all Jetfoil services and applies to all passengers aged 1 year and over. Each passenger is allowed one case and one piece of hand luggage free of charge. 6. COUCHETTES – the change for a first or second class couchette is £6.10. 7. DAY EXCURSIONS. Tickets are valid for 24 hours. The return journey must be made by services scheduled to arrive at the English port by midnight on the same day as the outward journey. Group savings are in the form of free group leader tickets. 8. GROUP LEADERS travel free of charge, subject to minimum numbers shown, although there is usually a nominal charge of £1 for seat reservations (except for day excursions). A free couchette is also available, subject to the same minimum numbers. However, Jetfoil 169
and fast train supplements are still payable, plus a small transport tax for travel in Spain.
Example fares for groups Second Class Return (Valid 2 Months) LONDON TO: Paris Amsterdam Bruges Cologne Cannes Barcelona Venice
Adult Fares Minimum 10 45.60 42.10* 31.90 47.20 98.40 97.40 98.90
£
Minimum 25 43.20 40.70* 30.50 45.80 92.50 91.60 91.20
European Savers (5 day Returns) (see Note 1) LONDON TO: Adult fares (2nd Class) Paris £33 Amsterdam £33* Bruges £28 Koblenz £48 (min 10) Montreux £63.20 (min 10) *Using Harwich/Hook of Holland day sailing Same Day Excursions to France (2nd return) “Go French” by rail and ship (see Note 7) Adults Sun/Fri Sats LONDON TO: Calais or Boulogne £14.75 £17.50 Dieppe £15 £17.50 “Take Off For France” by rail and hovercraft (see Note 7) LONDON TO: Adults Sun/Fri Sats Boulogne or Calais £17 £18.50 Free tickets are available to day excursion groups in the ratio of one for every 15 fare paying passengers (regardless of age). 170
TIME FOR FUN
Part 6
TEST YOURSELF
1. Read the joke and retell it to your partner(s). A tourist was staying in Norway for a couple of weeks and spent all his money. He could only pay his passage back to England. He thought: “It is only a two day’s journey, and I can go to England without food.” So he went on board a ship and bought a ticket. He closed his ears to the sound of the lunch bell and when dinner time came he didn’t go to the saloon: “I do not feel well,” he said. The next morning he did not have breakfast pretending to oversleep himself, and at lunch time he again stayed in his cabin. At dinner time he was so hungry that he said: “I’m going to eat even if they throw me overboard afterwards.” At dinner table he ate everything put in front of him. Then he asked for the bill and waited for the coming row. “The bill, sir?” asked the steward. “Yes,” answered the tourist. “There isn’t any bill,” was the answer. “On this ship meals are included in the passage money.”
1 Complete each sentence with a word from the list.
2. Now listen to the anecdote. While listening take notes. Then in small groups try to reconstruct it taking turns. Share your ideas about the joke: What do you think the rich young man did? What would you do in a situation like that?
USEFUL INFORMATION Travelling by sea in the UK Arrival in the UK If you are travelling by sea you will probably arrive at the ports of Dover, Folkestone or Harwich. You will then travel directly to your destination in the UK. Customs A red and green ‘Clearway System’ is in operation at most ports and airports in Britain. Go through the Red Channel if you have goods to declare, or the Green Channel (which is subject to spot-checks by a customs officer) if you have nothing to declare. Visitors arriving in cars can obtain red or green windscreen stickers on the boat. Where the ‘Clearway system’ is not in operation, report to the customs officer in the Baggage Hall. 171
2 Choose the most suitable word or words underlined.
buffet coach-station departure-lounge harbour quay cabin deck destination platform runway a) Most of the young people on the boat slept on the ……… in their sleeping bags. b) As the train drew in to the station, Terry could see her sister waiting on the ……… . c) I was so nervous about flying that I left my bag in the ……… . d) By the time I got to the ………, the express bus to Scotland had left. e) As soon as the boat left the ………, the storm began. f) We hadn’t had anything to eat, but luckily there was a ……… on the train. g) I’m afraid there is only one first-class ……… free on the boat. h) Tim reached Paris safely, but his luggage didn’t reach its ……… i) There was a queue of cars on the ………, waiting for the car-ferry to the island. j) Our plane nearly crashed into a fire-engine on the ……… . a) David’s plane was cancelled/delayed by thick fog. b) The ship’s owner agreed to give the crew/passengers a pay-rise. c) The plane from Geneva has just grounded/landed. d) We hope that you will enjoy your flight/flying. e) Because of heavy snow in London, their plane was diverted/deviated to Manchester. f) I won’t be long. I’m just packing my last luggage/suitcase. 172
g) A sign above the seats in the plane says ‘Fasten your life belt/seat belt’. h) You have to check in/check up an hour before the plane leaves. i) All duty free goods must be declared/surrendered at the customs. j) On the plane a stewardess/waitress brought me a newspaper. k) The plane took off/took up and was soon high over the city. l) I bought a simple/single ticket, as I was going to return by car. 3 Use a word or words from 1 or 2 to complete each sentence. The word may be in a different form.
a) I had to ……… my tickets, because I was ill and couldn’t travel. b) The train for London is now arriving at ……… three. c) The plane ……… on time but arrived half an hour late. d) We finally reached our ……… after travelling all day. e) It was hard to find a seat on the train as there were so many ……… . f) While we were waiting at the station we had a bite to eat in the ……… . g) I felt seasick so I went to my ……… and tried to sleep. h) Do you want a return ticket, or a ……… ? i) The customs officer asked Bill if he had anything to ……… . j) There is a small ……… here for fishing boats and yachts. k) How much ……… am I allowed to take with me on the plane? The 8.55 from Hull will be 30 minutes late. We apologise for the ……… .
173
4 Match these words with the definitions given.
5 Use a word from 4 in each sentence.
an expedition a flight a tour a voyage a package tour an itinerary a trip travel a cruise a crossing a) A journey by ship for pleasure. ……… . b) A journey by plane. ……… . c) The plan of a journey. ……… . d) An informal word for journey. Sometimes meaning a short journey. ……… . e) A journey for a scientific or special purpose.……… . f) A holiday which includes organised travel and accommodation ……… . g) Taking journeys, as a general idea. ……… . h) A journey by sea. ……… . i) An organised journey to see the sights of a place. ……… . j) A journey from one side of the sea to the other. ……… . a) The travel agent will send you the ……… for your trip. b) My neighbours went on a guided ……… of Rome. c) The first time I went from England to France we had a very rough ……… . d) The first prize in the competition is a luxury Mediterranean ……… . e) When you go on a/an ………, you pay one price which covers everything. f) The college organised a/an ……… to search for the ancient ruins. g) Olympic Airways announces the arrival of ……… OA 269 from Athens. h) The Titanic sank on its first ……… in 1912. i) ……… is one of my main interests. j) Mr Dean is away on a business ……… at the moment. Can I help you?
174
6 Replace the words underlined in each sentence with a word from the list.
7 Use a dictionary to find compound words beginning “sea”. Complete each sentence with one of these words.
camp-site book hostel accommodation double hitch-hike a fortnight guest-house vacancy porter a) I stayed in France for two weeks last year. ……… b) It’s difficult to find anywhere to stay in this town in the summer. ……… c) We were short of money so we decided to get lifts in other people’s cars. ……… d) I’d like a room for the night please. A room for two people. ……… e) The place where we stayed wasn’t a hotel but a private house where you pay to stay and have meals. ……… f) I’d like to reserve three single rooms for next week, please. ……… g) It was raining, and we couldn’t find a place to put our tent. ……… h) I’d like a room for the night please. Do you have a free one? ……… i) The school has its own place for students to stay. ……… j) We gave a tip to the person who carried our bags in the hotel. ……… a) Last year we decided not to spend our holidays in the country as usual, and we went to the ……… instead. b) There’s a restaurant near the harbour that serves wonderful ……… . c) The beach was covered in piles of smelly green ……… . d) This town is very high up. It’s over a thousand metres above …… . e) We drove along the ……… but we couldn’t find anywhere to park. f) Tourists were throwing bread to the ……… flying behind the ship. g) Luckily I had taken some travel pills so I didn’t feel ……… . h) Children were building sand castles on the ……… . 175
8 Choose the most suitable word or phrase to complete each sentence.
1. They ……… all day swimming and sunbathing at the beach. A) did B) used C) spent D) occupied 2. The hotel room ……… over a beautiful gaden. A) viewed out B) faced up C) opened up D) looked out 3. We didn’t ……… to the station in time to catch the train. A) get B) reach C) arrive D) make 4. I was in such a hurry that I left one of my bags …… . A) out B) aside C) on D) behind 5. Mr Hill had his money stolen and couldn’t ……… his hotel bill. A) pay up B) pay C) pay for D) pay out 6. Jane lost her case because it did not have a/an ……… with her name on. A) ticket B) poster C) label D) identification 7. Take the bus, and ……… at Oxford Circus. A) get out B) get off C) get down D) get away 8. I was too tired to ……… my suitcase and hang my clothes in the wardrobe. A) unpack B) empty C) put out D) disorder 9. On the first day of our holiday we just ……… by the hotel pool. A) enjoyed B) calmed C) comforted D) relaxed 10. The wind was blowing so much that we couldn’t ……… our tent. A) raise B) put up C) make up D) build
176
9 Rewrite each sentence, beginning as given, so that it contains an expression with “have”.
10 Decide which answer A, B, C or D best fits each space.
a) I sunbathed for a while, and then went swimming. I sunbathed for a while, and then ……… . b) I really enjoyed my holiday last year. I ……… . c) David crashed his car while he was driving to Spain. David ……… . d) When we left, Maria wished us a safe journey. ‘Goodbye,’ said Maria, ‘and ………’ . e) Most of the people on the beach were wearing very little. Most of the people on the beach ……… . f) We couldn’t decide about our holiday but then Sue thought of something. We couldn’t decide about our holiday until Sue ……… . g) There was a party at Martin’s house last night. Martin ……… . h) Brenda couldn’t go away for the weekend because she was busy. Brenda couldn’t go away for the weekend because she ……… . i) Ian didn’t know how to water-ski, but he gave it a try. Ian didn’t know how to water-ski but he ……… . j) Laura suspected that the hotel food was going to be bad. Laura ……… .
example. On the other hand, organizing your own (13) …… can be fun. Many students (14) …… or buy cheap train tickets, and (15) …… the night in student hostels or guest-houses. 1) 2) 3) 4) 5) 6) 7) 8) 9) 10) 11) 12) 13) 14) 15)
A travel travel voyager office timetable departure cancellations bedrooms preserved stay empty fortnight voyage auto-stop have
B tour trip passenger agent scheme parting expeditions staying booked pass free daytime expedition hitch-hike at
Holidays Is it better to go on a package (1) ……, or to (2) …… on your own? I suppose the answer depends on what kind of (3) …… you are. A complicated tour organised by a travel (4)…….. has some advantages. You have a/an (5) ……, which gives you definite (6) …… and arrival dates, and a list of all your (7) …… . The (8) …… may be cheaper, as it has been (9) …… in advance, so you spend less time worrying about where you are going to (10) …… If you book your own hotel, you might have trouble finding a/an (11) ……, unless you are going to stay for a (12) ……, for 177
178
C journey voyage tourist tour notice leave organizations flat reservation live vacancy fifteen days trip lift for
D cruise tourist mover operation itinerary quitting destinations accommodations hotels cross available passage package journey spend
REFERENCE LIST ACTR/ACCELS orientation guide. 1994-95 Regional Scholar Exchange Program. Washington, DC, 1994. Almazova, L.A. A Bridge to Spoken English. M.: Bысшая школа, 1981. Annand, W.S.; Wise, Sh. The ALA TOEFL Course. Rockville, MD.: The American language Academy, 1989. Aspinall, T.; Capel, A. Advanced Masterclass CAE. Cambridge: CUP, 2004. Capel, A.; Sharp, W. Objective First Certificate. Cambridge: CUP, 2001. Fowler, W.S.; Pidcock, J. Synthesis. Nelson, 1993. Gairns R.; Redman, S. True to Life Intermediate. Cambridge: CUP, 1998. Gairns R.; Redman, S. True to Life Upper- Intermediate. Cambridge: CUP, 1998. Hashemi, L.; Murphy, R. English Grammar in Use Supplementary Exercises. Cambridge: CUP, 1996. Hill, L.A. Intermediate Anecdotes in American English. Oxford: OUP, 1981. Hill, L.A. Advanced Anecdotes in American English. Oxford: OUP, 1981. Jones, L.; Kimbrough, V. Great Ideas. Listening and speaking activities for students of American English. Cambridge: CUP, 1992. Kobylanski, M. The English Way.Warszawa, 1972. Kral, Th. Discover America. EL Program Division USIA. Washington, DC, 1996. Parnwell, E.C. The New Oxford Picture Dictionary. Oxford: OUP, 1988 Side R.; Wellman, G. Grammar and vocabulary for CAE and CPE. Longman, 2001. Strzhalkovskaya, I.M.; Shereshevskaya, A.D. A Way to Better English. M.: Bысшая школа, 1981. The Oxford - Duden Pictorial English Dictionary. Pheby, J. et al. Moscow, Russky Yazyk Publishers, 1987. Vince, M. First Certificate Language Practice. Macmillan-Heinemann, 2004. Вахмистров В.В. Read and Speak. Вып. 1, 7, 8. М., 1967. Головчинская Л.С. Reading and Talking English. Пособие по развитию навыков устной речи на английском языке. М.: Высшая школа, 1971 Пароятникова А.Д. Английский язык. М.: Высшая школа, 1990. 179
Материалы Интернета http:// www.world-tourism.org http:// travel.roughguides.com/destinations.home.html
Useful sites World Tourism Organization (http://www/world-tourism.org) World Travel Andtourism Council (http://www.wttc.org) Tourismeducation.org (http://wwwtourismeducation.org) Area-Specific Cases (http://www.lib.gcal.ac.uk/subject/business/tourism) EcoTourism.org (http://www.ecotourism.org)
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT: Research for the booklet was supported in part by a grant from ACTR/ACCELS with funds provided by United States Information Agency, Neither of these organizations is responsible for the views expressed.
180
CONTENTS ПРЕДИСЛОВИЕ ...................................................................................... 3 Part 1. Making Plans and Arrangements..................................................... 4
Учебное издание
Part 2. Weather for Holiday ...................................................................... 52 Part 3. Travelling by Rail .......................................................................... 70 Part 4. Travelling by Air ......................................................................... 112
Составитель Татьяна Павловна Руденко
Part 5. Travelling by Sea......................................................................... 147 Part 6. TEST YOURSELF ..................................................................... 172 REFERENCE LIST ............................................................................... 179
ПУТЕШЕСТВИЕ TRAVELLING Учебное пособие по курсу «Практика устной речи» для студентов II курса факультета иностранных языков, III курса филологического факультета (специализация) и исторического факультета (отд. «Регионоведение»)
Технический редактор Е.В. Лозовая Редактор Л.М. Кицина Дизайн обложки З.Н. Образова Подписано к печати 23.03.2006. Формат бумаги 60х84 1/16 Печ.л. 11,5. Уч.-изд.л. 10,5. Тираж 130 экз. Заказ 093. Издательство Омского государственного университета 644077, г.Омск, пр.Мира, 55а, госуниверситет
181
182
183