Getting on a Train
Getting on a Train
https://student.grablingo.com/materials_units/1833
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.
get on a train
Phrase
get ɑːn ə treɪn
to take a train
You should get on the train here.
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 teacher.
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)
want
does
there
you
leaves
How
platform
please
Exercise 5
Role Play
Role-play the following situation with your teacher.
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?
