Renting a Car
Renting a Car
https://student.grablingo.com/materials_units/1834
Exercise 1
Vocabulary
rental car
Noun
ˈrɛntl kɑːr
a car that one rents for a short period of time
I picked up a rental car at the airport.
international driving permit
Noun
ˌɪntərˈnæʃʌnl ˈdraɪvɪŋ ˈpɜːrmɪt
a driver's licence that enables one to drive abroad
Can I drive a car with this international driving permit? // Sure, sir.
right-hand drive car
Noun
raɪt hænd draɪv kɑːr
a car with the steering wheel on the right side
If there is a right-hand drive car, that would be perfect.
left-hand drive car
Noun
left hænd draɪv kɑːr
a car with the steering wheel on the left side
I'm afraid to say, but we only have left-hand drive cars.
unlimited mileage
Noun
ənˈlɪmɪtɪd ˈmaɪlɪʤ
the option of driving a rental car for as long and far as needed without paying additional fees
It includes unlimited mileage and full insurance.
Exercise 2
Useful Expressions
I’d like to rent a car.
Do you have any available cars?
What size/kind of car would you like?
Here’s the price list.
What does this price cover?
Can I drive a car with this international driving permit?
Exercise 3
Dialogue Practice
Read the dialogue aloud with your teacher.
Matt wants to rent a car at the airport. He is at the car rental counter.
Matt
Hi. Do you have any available cars? I'd like to rent one.
Clerk
Certainly. Do you have a reservation?
Matt
No, I don't.
Clerk
No problem, sir. We have several cars available. What size car would you like?
Matt
A small car would be fine. I'm traveling by myself.
Clerk
Okay. We have one small car available. It costs $70 per day.
The clerk shows Matt a picture of the car that is available for rent.
Matt
What does this price cover?
Clerk
It covers the car rental fee and insurance.
Matt
Does the price cover fuel as well?
Clerk
No, it doesn't. You will need to fill up the fuel tank before you return the car.
Matt
Alright. And just one more question. Can I drive a car with this international driving permit?
Clerk
Of course you can, sir.
Matt
Okay, thanks. I’ll rent it for a week.
Clerk
Thank you very much. Please, fill out this form. I will arrange for the car to be here shortly.
Matt
Alright, thanks.
Exercise 4
Fill in the Blanks
Fill in the blanks to complete the dialogue.
Andrei wants to rent a car at the airport. He goes to the car rental counter.
Andrei
Good morning. Can I arrange for a car rental here?
Clerk
Certainly, how long do you want to (1) a car for?
Andrei
I (2) like to hire it for four days, starting tomorrow.
Clerk
Okay. What kind of car would you like?
Andrei
A small one. If there is a right-hand drive car, that would be perfect.
Clerk
I’m afraid we only have left-hand (3) cars.
Andrei
That's okay. So, what kind of cars do you have available?
Clerk
Would a Toyota Yaris be alright?
Andrei
That sounds fine. How (4) would it cost?
Clerk
It will be 50 dollars per day.
Andrei
What does that price (5)?
Clerk
It includes unlimited mileage and full (6).
Andrei
Perfect. I'll take it.
Clerk
Great, I just need to (7) out this form. Just a moment.
Andrei
Sure. Here’s my passport and my international driver’s (8).
Clerk
Thank you. How will you be paying for the car?
Andrei
Do you take Visa?
Clerk
Yes, of course.
Andrei
Here you go.
Clerk
Thank you.
Choose answers from the options below that fit in blanks 1 to 8
Answer Pool (Questions 1-8)
much
fill
insurance
license
cover/include
drive
hire/rent
would
Exercise 5
Role Play
Role-play the following situation with your teacher.
Situation
You want to rent a comfortable car for your family for 5 days. Ask about the available cars, price, and coverage. Your teacher will be a rent-a-car clerk.
Exercise 6
Discussion
Have you ever rented a car abroad? Please share your experience.
Do you think it's difficult to switch from left-hand drive cars to right-hand drive cars and vice versa? Why? Why not?
What was your most memorable driving experience?
What are the advantages and disadvantages of hiring a car compared with using other means of transportation?
What kind of a car would you choose, if you were to rent a car?
