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Bad Weather

Intermediate

Exercise 1

Vocabulary

turbulence

Noun

ˈtərbjʊləns

sudden violent changes in the direction of wind

The captain warned the passengers to expect turbulence during the flight.

In the event of turbulence, please fasten your seatbelt.

The severe turbulence caused injuries to 5 flight attendants and 3 passengers.

We are expecting some turbulence.

securely

Adverb

səˈkjʊrli

safely; in a way that protects one from damage or harm

Make sure all the data is securely erased.

Please make sure any small baggage is securely placed in the compartments overhead.

All our financial information is securely stored on our server.

Please fasten your seat belt securely.

seatback

Noun

siːtbæk

the part of a seat which supports one's back

Excuse me, could you return your seatback and table to their original positions while the seat belt sign is turned on?

cabin announcement

Noun

ˈkæbɪn əˈnaʊnsmənt

an official announcement in an airplane, given via speakers

Flight attendants usually make cabin announcements in English.

flight attendant

Noun

flaɪt əˈtendənt

cabin attendant; staff that assist passengers on a flight

My sister works as a flight attendant for Delta Air Lines.

precaution

Noun

prɪˈkɔːʃən

a measure taken in advance to prevent something undesirable from happening

He is taking precaution by riding with a helmet.

As a precaution, she checked to make sure that the door was locked.

Consumers can avoid exposing children to dangerous household chemicals by taking simple precautions.

Exercise 2

Useful Expressions

Ladies and gentlemen.

Please refrain from using the restrooms.

Please return your seatback and table to their original positions.

Please keep your seat belt fastened at all times.

Exercise 3

Dialogue Practice

Read the dialogue aloud with your tutor.

The seat belt sign turns on.
	Flight Attendant Ladies and gentlemen. We are expecting some turbulence. Please fasten your seat belt securely and refrain from using the restrooms while the sign is on.
Matt looks out the window.
	Matt Hmmm... The weather seems to be getting worse.
	Nina Yes, it does. We might be flying through a storm.
	Matt That doesn't sound good.
	Nina Yes, but that happens often. There's nothing to worry about.
	Flight Attendant Excuse me, could you return your seatback and table to their original positions while the seat belt sign is turned on?
	Matt Sorry, I didn't notice. I will do that right away.
	Flight Attendant Thank you.
After a few minutes, the seat belt sign turns off.
	Flight Attendant Ladies and gentlemen. The seat belt sign has just been turned off. For your own safety, please keep your seat belt fastened at all times as a precaution against any sudden turbulence.
	Matt Phew! I hope it won’t happen again...

Exercise 4

Fill in the Blanks

Fill in the blanks to complete the dialogue.

Some turbulence is expected during a flight. The seat belt sign turns on.
	Flight Attendant Ladies and gentlemen. We are expecting some (1). Please fasten your seat belt securely and (2) from using the restrooms while the sign is on.
	Jim Excuse me, is the weather that bad?
	Flight Attendant We are having a safe (3), sir, turbulence is quite common in this region. The instructions are just a precaution. So just make sure to fasten your (4) securely. Also, I’m afraid you need to return your (5) and table to their original (6) while the seat belt sign is turned on.
	Jim Okay.
	Flight Attendant Thank you for your (7).
	Jim Should I expect a delay because of this bad weather?
	Flight Attendant So far, the flight is due to arrive at the Hong Kong International Airport on time.
	Jim Okay, thank you.

Choose answers from the options below that fit in blanks 1 to 7

Answer Pool (Questions 1-7)

seat belt
positions
turbulence
refrain
seatback
cooperation
flight

Exercise 5

Role Play

Role-play the following situation with your tutor.

Situation

After hearing the announcement about the turbulence, ask the flight attendant about the weather, safety and the arrival time. Your teacher will act as a flight attendant.

Exercise 6

Discussion

What do you usually do when you experience turbulence on a flight?

Have you ever had a frightening experience during a flight? Please share.

Which do you prefer, flying on jumbo jets or on small airplanes? Why?

What is your opinion about the people who don’t follow directions or announcements given by flight attendants?