5. Speaking Practice Going by Train

Information

• A single is a one-way ticket.

• If you ask for a return, the clerk may ask you when you are coming back. This is because there are at least two types of a return ticket: an ordinary return – the more expensive and valid on any train for a period of three months; a cheap day return – valid only on the day you buy it, and usually only after a certain time in the morning. Check first!

• If you are staying in a town near London and you want a day return to London, you may be able to buy a rail ticket which is also valid on the London Underground.

• Always keep your ticket until the end of your journey, when your ticket may be collected at the barrier.

At the Enquiry Office

• When’s the next train to (Bournemouth/ Kyiv), please?

• Is there anything a bit later/earlier, please?

• Is there a train to (Oxford/ Odessa) at about (9 o’clock), please?

• Is it the same service on Sundays?

• What time does it get to (Edinburgh/ Kharkiv), please?

• Is there a buffet/restaurant car on the 7.15, please?

• Which platform does the 8.13 go from, please?

Practice

What questions will you ask about these:

1. Platform – 8.37? 4. 16.00 – direct?

2. Buffet car – 12.07? 5. 17.09 – change?

3. 13.20 – get in? 6. 23.15 – sleeper?

1. _______________________________________________________________

2. _______________________________________________________________

3. _______________________________________________________________

4. _______________________________________________________________

5. _______________________________________________________________

6. _______________________________________________________________

Unit seven. Underground

Pre-reading Activity

• What cities in Ukraine and other countries of the world have underground railways?

• When was the first line of the Kharkiv Metro built?

• What underground lines are now under construction in Kharkiv?

Make sure you know the following words:

outward journey – мандрівка за межі місця проживання

LT – London Transport

retain – зберігати, утримувати

1. Read the Text The Underground

The famous London Underground (Tube, as most call it) is not only the oldest and the biggest in the world; it is one of the most modern and efficient. It comprises 11 lines covering most of London. Some have more than one branch, so it’s better to make sure to take the correct one. Use a London Underground Journey Planner to plan your route. Each line has a name and a different colour. The colour code signs point to where you can find the tube line you need. Make sure you go to the correct platform for the direction you want to travel.

Tube begins running about 5.30 a.m. and leave London on their last outward journey between 12.30 a.m. and 1 a.m. Some routes start later and finish earlier, particularly on Sundays. Trains finish earlier, though each line varies and some suburbs are lucky to be served by all-night services.

Avoid the busiest time on the Underground between 08.00 and 09.30 and 18.30.

You can buy your ticket from a machine or ticket office at any Underground station. The price of your fare depends on the number of zones you travel through. Don’t forget to buy the right ticket before you begin your journey or you may be stopped and have to pay a ₤10 penalty fare.

You can buy a single ticket for a one-way journey or a return ticket. Or choose one of travel cards or LT cards.

Many Underground stations have automatic ticket gates.

Insert your ticket and take it back as you walk through. If you have a pushchair or heavy luggage, ask a member of the staff to open one of the special wide gates. Once your journey is complete or your ticket has expired, the gate will open but the machine will retain your ticket.

For your safety, do not try to hold back the train door when they are closing and remember to take care of your personal belongings and take them with you when you leave the train.

When you use an escalator, keep to the right of the steps so people can pass you if they are in a hurry. Smoking is not allowed anywhere on the Underground.

If you need help or guidance, friendly, well-trained staff can assist you and you can also talk to them from “Help Points” at many stations.