Onboard Instructions

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Materials Daily News

Intermediate

Exercise 1

Vocabulary

onboard instructions

Noun

ˈɔːnbɔːrd ɪnˈstrʌkʃənz

a set of directions about how to respond to emergency situations, usually given by a flight attendant

Can I ask you some questions about the onboard instructions?

exit

Noun

ˈɛgzɪt

a way out of a place, vehicle, etc.

The exit is located over there.

Please keep clear of the fire exit.

The instruction card in your seat pocket shows you where your nearest exit is.

seat pocket

Noun

siːt ˈpɒkɪt

a small pocket at the back of the seat, which usually contains onboard instructions or a magazine

The instruction card in your seat pocket shows you where your nearest exit is.

oxygen mask

Noun

ˈɑːksɪʤən mæsk

a device that is put over the nose and mouth in order to help a person breathe

Could you tell me where my oxygen mask is placed?

reading light

Noun

ˈriːdɪŋ laɪt

a small electric light

It is above you, next to the reading light.

cabin

Noun

ˈkæbɪn

an area in a plane where passengers sit; a small room on a boat or train

The cabin of the airplane is totally empty.

This cabin is much more comfortable than I expected.

You can have only a limited amount of baggage in the cabin.

It will drop down when we lose cabin pressure.

life jacket

Noun

laɪf ˈdʒækɪt

an inflatable vest designed to keep a person afloat

Do we have life jackets just in case?

flotation device

Noun

floʊˈteɪʃən dɪˈvaɪs

an object used to stay afloat

Your seat cushion can also be used as a flotation device.

seat cushion

Noun

siːt ˈkʊʃən

a soft object used to make a seat more comfortable

Your seat cushion can also be used as a flotation device.

Exercise 2

Useful Expressions

Could you help me find out where…?

Please fasten your seat belt.

No need to apologize.

I'm here to help.

Exercise 3

Dialogue Practice

Read the dialogue aloud with your tutor.

Matt calls a flight attendant to ask about the onboard safety instructions.
	Matt Excuse me! Can I ask you some questions about the onboard instructions? I did not hear the announcement well, I'm sorry.
	Flight Attendant Of course. I would be happy to help you.
	Matt Could you help me find out where my nearest exit is?
	Flight Attendant Certainly. The instruction card in your seat pocket shows you where your nearest exit is. It is directly behind you. Right there. Can you see it?
	Matt Yes. Thank you. And what about the oxygen mask? Where can I find it?
	Flight Attendant It is above you, next to the reading light. It will drop down when we lose cabin pressure.
	Matt I see. And, do we have life jackets, just in case?
	Flight Attendant Yes, they are under your seat. Your seat cushion can also be used as a flotation device.
	Matt Ok, thank you. And sorry for all the questions. It is my first time on a plane, so I'm a bit nervous.
	Flight Attendant No need to apologize, I'm here to help. There is no reason to be worried, everything will be all right. Just relax and try to enjoy the flight. And always make sure that your seat belt is fastened when the seat belt sign is turned on.
	Matt I will. Thank you!

Exercise 4

Fill in the Blanks

Fill in the blanks to complete the dialogue.

Andrei calls a flight attendant to ask about the onboard instructions.
	Andrei Excuse me, could you give me some information about the (1) instructions?
	Flight Attendant Of course, what would you like to (2)?
	Andrei Where are the (3) on this plane?
	Flight Attendant There are six exits; two are in the front, two in the middle and two in the back of the (4).
	Andrei I see. And what about the (5) masks?
	Flight Attendant You can find them above each seat, next to the reading light.
	Andrei Okay. And the (6) are (7) the seats, right?
	Flight Attendant That is correct. You can find your life jacket under your seat. We will give the instructions to all passengers after the takeoff.
	Andrei Okay. Thank you for your (8). I'm sorry for asking so many questions, I'm a bit nervous about flying.
	Flight Attendant No problem! I’m (9) to help.

Choose answers from the options below that fit in blanks 1 to 9

Answer Pool (Questions 1-9)

help/assistance
exits
happy
airplane
life jackets
know
under
oxygen
onboard

Exercise 5

Role Play

Role-play the following situation with your tutor.

Situation

You are worried about the weather and you would like to ask about some details related to onboard instructions. Ask the flight attendant about the exits, life jackets and oxygen masks. Your teacher will act as the flight attendant.

Exercise 6

Discussion

Do you read the inflight instruction card thoroughly just in case of emergency?

Do you think the instruction cards are easily understandable for passengers?

Have you ever experienced an emergency situation during a flight?

Do you think you would be able to remain calm in an emergency?

What do you think is the biggest threat to flight onboard?