https://student.grablingo.com/materials_units/1824
Exercise 1
Vocabulary
turbulence
Noun
ˈtərbjʊləns
sudden violent changes in the direction of wind
The captain warned the passengers to expect turbulence during the flight.
securely
Adverb
səˈkjʊrli
safely; in a way that protects one from damage or harm
Make sure all the data is securely erased.
seatback
Noun
siːtbæk
the part of a seat which supports one's back
Excuse me, could you return your seatback and table to their original positions while the seat belt sign is turned on?
cabin announcement
Noun
ˈkæbɪn əˈnaʊnsmənt
an official announcement in an airplane, given via speakers
Flight attendants usually make cabin announcements in English.
flight attendant
Noun
flaɪt əˈtendənt
cabin attendant; staff that assist passengers on a flight
My sister works as a flight attendant for Delta Air Lines.
precaution
Noun
prɪˈkɔːʃən
a measure taken in advance to prevent something undesirable from happening
He is taking precaution by riding with a helmet.
Exercise 2
Useful Expressions
Ladies and gentlemen.
Please refrain from using the restrooms.
Please return your seatback and table to their original positions.
Please keep your seat belt fastened at all times.
Exercise 3
Dialogue Practice
Read the dialogue aloud with your teacher.
The seat belt sign turns on.
Flight Attendant
Ladies and gentlemen. We are expecting some turbulence. Please fasten your seat belt securely and refrain from using the restrooms while the sign is on.
Matt looks out the window.
Matt
Hmmm... The weather seems to be getting worse.
Nina
Yes, it does. We might be flying through a storm.
Matt
That doesn't sound good.
Nina
Yes, but that happens often. There's nothing to worry about.
Flight Attendant
Excuse me, could you return your seatback and table to their original positions while the seat belt sign is turned on?
Matt
Sorry, I didn't notice. I will do that right away.
Flight Attendant
Thank you.
After a few minutes, the seat belt sign turns off.
Flight Attendant
Ladies and gentlemen. The seat belt sign has just been turned off. For your own safety, please keep your seat belt fastened at all times as a precaution against any sudden turbulence.
Matt
Phew! I hope it won’t happen again...
Exercise 4
Fill in the Blanks
Fill in the blanks to complete the dialogue.
Some turbulence is expected during a flight. The seat belt sign turns on.
Flight Attendant
Ladies and gentlemen. We are expecting some (1). Please fasten your seat belt securely and (2) from using the restrooms while the sign is on.
Jim
Excuse me, is the weather that bad?
Flight Attendant
We are having a safe (3), sir, turbulence is quite common in this region. The instructions are just a precaution. So just make sure to fasten your (4) securely. Also, I’m afraid you need to return your (5) and table to their original (6) while the seat belt sign is turned on.
Jim
Okay.
Flight Attendant
Thank you for your (7).
Jim
Should I expect a delay because of this bad weather?
Flight Attendant
So far, the flight is due to arrive at the Hong Kong International Airport on time.
Jim
Okay, thank you.
Choose answers from the options below that fit in blanks 1 to 7
Answer Pool (Questions 1-7)
seatback
refrain
seat belt
flight
positions
cooperation
turbulence
Exercise 5
Role Play
Role-play the following situation with your teacher.
Situation
After hearing the announcement about the turbulence, ask the flight attendant about the weather, safety and the arrival time. Your teacher will act as a flight attendant.
Exercise 6
Discussion
What do you usually do when you experience turbulence on a flight?
Have you ever had a frightening experience during a flight? Please share.
Which do you prefer, flying on jumbo jets or on small airplanes? Why?
What is your opinion about the people who don’t follow directions or announcements given by flight attendants?
