Getting on a Train

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Getting on a Train

Intermediate

Exercise 1

Vocabulary

airport train

Noun

erˌpɔːrt treɪn

a train that takes a passenger to and from an airport

Mr. Tanaka wants to go to the city by taking an airport train.

direct train

Noun

daɪˈrekt treɪn

a train that takes a passenger directly to a destination, without making stops on the way

This direct train will take you straight to Manchester.

single ticket

Noun

ˈsɪŋgəl ˈtɪkɪt

a one-way ticket

Do you want a single ticket or return ticket?

return ticket

Noun

rɪˈtərn ˈtɪkɪt

a ticket to a destination and back

I bought two return tickets for my friend and me.

Exercise 2

Useful Expressions

This is my first time taking the train.

How long does it take to get there?

What time does it leave the station?

What platform does it leave from?

Exercise 3

Dialogue Practice

Read the dialogue aloud with your tutor.

Matt wants to go to the city by an airport train. He asks an airport clerk about it.
	Matt Excuse me, I’d like to take the Airport Express Line. How can I get on the train?
	Airport Clerk You can just go straight to the platform.
	Matt Can you tell me how to buy a ticket? This is my first time taking the airport train.
	Airport Clerk It's very simple. You can buy your ticket at one of the automatic ticket machines just beside the platform. Where do you want to go?
	Matt I want to go to Kowloon. Is there a direct train that can take me there?
	Airport Clerk No, sir. But the one that goes there only stops at a few stations, and it’s fast.
	Matt I see. How long does it take?
	Airport Clerk It takes about 25 minutes to reach Kowloon.
	Matt Do you know what time it leaves the airport?
	Airport Clerk I'm not sure about the exact time, but it usually leaves every ten to fifteen minutes.
	Matt Oh, okay. That sounds great. Thank you so much.
	Airport Clerk You’re welcome, sir. Have a safe trip.

Exercise 4

Fill in the Blanks

Fill in the blanks to complete the dialogue.

Zach is at a ticket office. He wants to buy a ticket to Manchester.
	Ticket Clerk Good morning. (1) may I help you?
	Zach I'd like to get one ticket to Manchester, please. What time (2) the train leave?
	Ticket Clerk It is scheduled to leave at 10:00 A.M. Do you (3) a single ticket or return ticket?
	Zach A single ticket, (4). And how long does it take to get to Manchester?
	Ticket Clerk It takes around 2 hours and 30 minutes to get (5).
	Zach Okay, thank you.
	Ticket Clerk That will be seven pounds, please.
	Zach Here (6) are.
	Ticket Clerk Thank you. Here’s your ticket. Enjoy your trip.
	Zach Thank you! Oh, and just one more question. What (7) does the train leave from?
	Ticket Clerk Usually, it (8) from platform 10A or platform 10B. You can check that at the information screen.
	Zach Thanks a lot!

Choose answers from the options below that fit in blanks 1 to 8

Answer Pool (Questions 1-8)

there
does
leaves
platform
you
How
want
please

Exercise 5

Role Play

Role-play the following situation with your tutor.

Situation

You have arrived at the airport and you want to take a train to the central station. Ask the ticket officer about the schedule, platform and the arrival time and buy a single ticket. Your teacher will act as a ticket officer.

Exercise 6

Discussion

Do you like traveling by train? Why? Why not?

Have you ever taken an airport train or a local train in a foreign country? Please share your experience.

What is the biggest train station in your country and how many platforms does it have? Can you describe it?

What is the most convenient means of transportation in your country? Why do you think so?