| Level | Topic | Speakers | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| Intermediate | Flights | Man | 00:47 |
Pre-Listening Exercise
What types of information would you expect to hear from the pilot or flight attendant on an airplane?
-
- Air travel is the fastest and most efficient way to see the world.
- People should avoid flying because it harms the environment.
- Economy class is not worth the money compared to other transportation methods.
- Frequent flyers get unfair advantages over occasional travelers.
- Security procedures at airports are too strict and unnecessary.
- Budget airlines reduce the quality of air travel too much.
- Air travel is more stressful than other forms of transportation.
- Plane travel is safer than driving a car.
- Passengers should always pay extra for in-flight meals and entertainment.
- Traveling by plane is more enjoyable with friends than alone.
Listening Exercise
Listen to the recording and answer the questions. (See transcript)
Vocabulary and Sample Sentences
Here are some words and expressions that appear in the recording:
- bound (adjective): going to or heading for
– The plane is bound for London with stops in Atlanta and New York City. - feet (noun): 12 inches or 0.3048 meters
– The flight attendant was only a few feet away when I got her attention. - announce (verb): give information
– We need to wait at the gate until they announce our flight. - connecting flight (noun): when you arrive at the airport, your next plane is there to get on so you can continue your trip
– We didn’t arrive in time to catch our connecting flight. - crew (noun): all of the people who work together on a ship, train, or plane
– The plane’s crew were very friendly and helpful. - destination (noun): the place you are going to
– What is your final destination on this trip? - altitude (noun): height
– This plane flies at an altitude of 31,000 feet.. - approach (noun, also a verb): nearing or coming to
– It started to snow very heavily as the airplane started its approach to the airport.
– The plane is approaching the airport.
Vocabulary Practice
Do the vocabulary quizzes with the words from the conversation for more practice:
Post-Listening Exercise
Talk about your last trip on an airplane. Where did you go? How much did it cost? What was your flight like: pleasant, comfortable, long?
Online Investigation
What are the most important points you look for when you choose an airline for your next flight? Which things are most important to you? Price, destination, length of flight, on-time record, meals, comfort and seating, and customer service? Then, choose a destination and compare two different airlines and see which company is the best choice for you.