Onboard Instructions
Onboard Instructions
https://student.grablingo.com/materials_units/1823
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
The exit is located over there.
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
The cabin of the airplane is totally empty.
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 teacher.
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
life jackets
know
onboard
oxygen
under
exits
happy
airplane
Exercise 5
Role Play
Role-play the following situation with your teacher.
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?
