1. Introduction to the Episode
Host Brian: "Hello, everyone, and welcome to English on the Go, where we learn how to communicate in English anytime, anywhere. Today’s episode is all about using public transport—an essential skill if you’re traveling or living in a new place.
Host Brian: Knowing how to use public transport can make exploring new areas easier, cheaper, and even more eco-friendly. Let’s dive in and make sure you’re prepared to ride like a pro!"
2. Introduction to the Topic
Host Brian: "Navigating public transportation can feel overwhelming at first, especially in big cities or foreign countries. But by understanding some key terms and phrases, you’ll be able to ask for help, find your way, and travel safely. We’ll cover words you’ll see on signs, phrases you might need to ask for directions, and essential tips for using different types of public transport."
3. Pre-listening Questions
Host Brian: "Before we dive into Sophia and Jackson’s journey on public transport, let’s take a moment to think about how you’d handle a similar situation. Here are some questions to get you thinking and ready to follow along with the conversation."
Host Brian: Imagine you’re in a city for the first time. How would you find out which bus or train to take?
Host Brian: What are some reasons you might prefer public transport over other ways to get around?
Host Brian: Can you think of any questions you might need to ask at a bus or train station?
Host Brian: "Keep these questions in mind as you listen to Sophia and Jackson’s adventure using public transport for the first time!"
4. Conversation
Host (Brian): Today, we join two friends, Sophia and Jackson, who are about to embark on an exciting adventure. They’re exploring a new city and will be using public transport for the very first time. Let’s listen in as they navigate the subway system and discover all the tips and tricks for getting around. Ready? Let’s dive into their journey!
Sophia: "Alright, Jackson, the hotel receptionist said the subway is the best way to get to the museum. I think they mentioned the Blue Line, right?"
Jackson: "Yeah, I think so! Let’s check the map here… Hmm, it looks like we take the Blue Line for five stops, and then we have to transfer to the Green Line."
Sophia: "Transfer? Does that mean we have to switch trains?"
Jackson: "Exactly! We’ll hop off the Blue Line at Central Station, then look for signs to the Green Line platform."
Sophia: "Alright, makes sense. Do we need tickets or some kind of travel card for this?"
Jackson: "Good question! I actually asked the guy at the ticket booth, and he said we could buy a daily travel card. It’s good for buses, trains, and even the tram, all day."
Sophia: "That’s convenient. Let’s get one, then. But how do we use it? Do we just show it to the driver?"
Jackson: "Nope! You just tap it on one of those scanners at the gate, and it opens for you. You’ll tap it again when you exit."
Sophia: "Oh, I see! And it even works on buses and trams? That’s really handy!"
Jackson: "Yeah, it makes things a lot easier. Plus, it’s cheaper than buying individual tickets every time."
Sophia: "Nice! Okay, let's buy the travel card. Do you think the subway will be crowded right now?"
Jackson: "Maybe a little, but I think rush hour’s over by now, so it shouldn’t be too packed. But we might still need to stand."
Sophia: "Standing’s fine. How do we know when to get off?"
Jackson: "I think they announce the stops. Plus, there’s usually a display screen showing the next stop. We just have to listen and keep an eye on it."
Sophia: "Good idea. I’ll keep checking the map too, just in case. Do we need to push a button or anything to make the doors open?"
Jackson: "Not on the subway. But if we end up taking a bus later, I think we have to press the ‘Stop’ button when we’re near our stop."
Sophia: "Got it. Okay, here’s the entrance—let’s tap our cards and head down to the platform."
(They walk through the gates and head down to the platform.)
Sophia: "Whoa, there are so many people down here! Should we wait for the next train if this one’s full?"
Jackson: "It’s up to you, but I think most people are getting off at the next stop. We could squeeze in for now and find seats later."
Sophia: "Alright, let’s try it. So, we’ll get on the Blue Line, transfer at Central Station to the Green Line, and then get off near the museum."
Jackson: "Exactly. And remember, if we need help, we can ask someone. We can just say, 'Excuse me, is this the train for Central Station?' or 'Where can I transfer to the Green Line?'"
Sophia: "Good idea! I always feel nervous asking, but people here seem friendly enough. Ready?"
Jackson: "Ready! Let’s hop on and get started. This is gonna be easy once we get the hang of it."
5. Word & Phrase Insights
Host Brian: Now, let’s take a closer look at some useful words and phrases from Sophia and Jackson’s conversation. These are terms you might find helpful when using public transport or navigating a new city. Let’s break them down together
Subway (noun) – An underground train system used in big cities.
Example: "Take the subway to save time in traffic."Line (noun) – Refers to a specific route on public transport, often marked by color or number.
Example: "We need to take the Green Line to get to the mall."Transfer (verb) – To change from one train or bus line to another.
Example: "There’s a transfer point at the next stop."Travel card (noun) – A reusable card that allows you to pay for multiple trips on public transport.
Example: "It’s cheaper to get a travel card for the week."Ticket booth (noun) – A small counter where you buy tickets or get information.
Example: "We can buy tickets at the ticket booth over there."Platform (noun) – The area where you wait for your train or bus.
Example: "Stand on the platform and wait for the next train."Tap (verb) – To touch your travel card on a sensor to pay.
Example: "Remember to tap your card when you get on and off the bus."Crowded (adjective) – Very full of people.
Example: "The subway is crowded during rush hour."Rush hour (noun) – The busiest time for public transport, usually in the morning and evening when people commute.
Example: "It’s hard to find a seat during rush hour."Display screen (noun) – A screen inside a bus or train showing information like the next stop.
Example: "Watch the display screen to know when to get off."
6. Quiz Time
Host Brian: "Alright, listeners, it’s time for a quick quiz to check what you’ve learned from Sophia and Jackson’s journey on public transport!
Host Brian: Don’t worry if you miss a question—I'll reveal the answers later. Ready? Here we go!"
What line do Sophia and Jackson need to take first to get to the museum?
A) The Red Line
B) The Blue Line
C) The Green Line
D) The Yellow Line
How do Sophia and Jackson plan to pay for their public transport rides?
A) By using single tickets
B) By using a travel card
C) By paying cash for each ride
D) By using a mobile app
Where do they have to transfer to get to the museum?
A) City Hall Station
B) Museum Stationc
C) Central Station
D) Park Avenue Station
Host Brian: "Great job! Keep those answers in mind, and we’ll reveal the correct ones at the end of the episode."
7. Post-listening Questions
Host Brian: Great job following along! Now that you’ve listened to Sophia and Jackson’s experience on public transport, let’s think about how you’d handle similar situations.
Host Brian: Here are a few questions to reflect on and apply what you’ve learned today
Host Brian: Have you used public transport before? If so, what was your experience like?
Host Brian: What do you find challenging about using public transport in a new city?
Host Brian: If you were with someone new to your city, how would you explain using public transport to them?
8. Conclusion
Host Brian: "Thank you for tuning in to English on the Go! I hope today’s episode helps you feel more confident navigating public transport. Before we wrap up, let’s check your answers from Quiz Time!"
Quiz Answers:
What line do Sophia and Jackson need to take first to get to the museum?
Answer: B) The Blue LineHow do Sophia and Jackson plan to pay for their public transport rides?
Answer: B) By using a travel cardWhere do they have to transfer to get to the museum?
Answer: C) Central Station
Host Brian: "How did you do? Whether you got them all right or just learned something new, you’re on the right track! Remember, understanding how to use public transport makes travel easier and opens up new adventures.
Host Brian: Don’t forget to check out our free PDF with vocabulary and tips from today’s episode. Thanks for joining me, and I look forward to our next episode on English on the Go!"
Vocabulary Summary
EXERCISE
Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks
Instruction: Listen to the conversation and fill in the blanks with the appropriate words
Host (Brian): Today, we join two friends, Sophia and Jackson, who are about to (1)_______ on an exciting adventure. They’re exploring a (2)_______ city and will be using public transport (3)_______ the very first time. Let’s listen in (4)_______ they navigate the subway system and (5)_______ all the tips and tricks for getting (6)_______. Ready? Let’s dive into their journey!
Sophia: Alright, Jackson, the hotel receptionist said the (7)_______ is the best way to get to (8)_______ museum. I think they mentioned the Blue (9)_______, right?
Jackson: Yeah, I think so! Let’s check (10)_______ map here… Hmm, it looks like we (11)_______ the Blue Line for five stops, and (12)_______ we have to transfer to the Green (13)_______.
Sophia: Transfer? Does that mean we have to (14)_______ trains?
Jackson: Exactly! We’ll hop off the Blue Line (15)_______ Central Station, then look for signs to (16)_______ Green Line platform.
Sophia: Alright, makes sense. Do we need tickets or (17)_______ kind of travel card for this?
Jackson: Good question! I actually asked the guy at (18)_______ ticket booth, and he said we could (19)_______ a daily travel card. It’s good for (20)_______, trains, and even the tram, all day.
Sophia: That’s convenient. Let’s get one, then. But (21)_______ do we use it? Do we just (22)_______ it to the driver?
Jackson: Nope! You just tap it on one of (23)_______ scanners at the gate, and it opens (24)_______ you. You’ll tap it again when you (25)_______.
Sophia: Oh, I see! And it even works (26)_______ buses and trams? That’s really handy!
Jackson: Yeah, it makes things a lot easier. Plus, (27)_______ cheaper than buying individual tickets every time.
Sophia: Nice! Okay, let's buy the travel card. Do (28)_______ think the subway will be crowded right (29)_______?
Jackson: Maybe a little, but I think rush (30)_______ over by now, so it shouldn’t be (31)_______ packed. But we might still need to (32)_______.
Sophia: Standing’s fine. How do we know when to (33)_______ off?
Jackson: I think they announce the stops. Plus, there’s (34)_______ a display screen showing the next stop. (35)_______ just have to listen and keep an (36)_______ on it.
Sophia: Good idea. I’ll keep checking the map too, (37)_______ in case. Do we need to push a (38)_______ or anything to make the doors open?
Jackson: Not on the subway. But if we end (39)_______ taking a bus later, I think we have (40)_______ press the ‘Stop’ button when we’re near (41)_______ stop.
Sophia: Got it. Okay, here’s the entrance—let’s tap our (42)_______ and head down to the platform.
(They walk through the gates and head down to the platform.)
Sophia: Whoa, there are so many people down (43)! Should we wait for the next train (44) this one’s full?
Jackson: It’s up to you, but I think most (45)_______ are getting off at the next stop. (46)_______ could squeeze in for now and find (47)_______ later.
Sophia: Alright, let’s try it. So, we’ll get on (48)_______ Blue Line, transfer at Central Station to (49)_______ Green Line, and then get off near (50)_______ museum.
Jackson: Exactly. And remember, if we need help, we (51)_______ ask someone. We can just say, 'Excuse me, (52)_______ this the train for Central Station?' or 'Where (53)_______ I transfer to the Green Line?'
Sophia: Good idea! I always feel nervous asking, but (54)_______ here seem friendly enough. Ready?
Jackson: Ready! Let’s hop on and get started. This (55)_______ gonna be easy once we get the (56)_______ of it.
1 . embark
2 . new
3 . for
4 . as
5 . discover
6 . around
7 . subway
8 . the
9 . Line
10 . the
11 . take
12 . then
13 . Line
14 . switch
15 . at
16 . the
17 . some
18 . the
19 . buy
20 . buses
21 . how
22 . show
23 . those
24 . for
25 . exit
26 . on
27 . it's
28 . you
29 . now
30 . hour's
31 . too
32 . stand
33 . get
34 . usually
35 . We
36 . eye
37 . just
38 . button
39 . up
40 . to
41 . our
42 . cards
43 . here
44 . if
45 . people
46 . We
47 . seats
48 . the
49 . the
50 . the
51 . can
52 . is
53 . can
54 . people
55 . is
56 . hang
EXERCISE 2 : True, False, Not Given
Instruction: Read each statement carefully and mark it as True, False, or Not Given based on the conversation.
The subway is the only way to get to the museum.
Jackson bought individual tickets for the subway.
The daily travel card can be used on buses, trains, and trams.
Sophia is nervous about transferring to a different subway line.
The display screen in the subway shows the next stop.
01 . False – The subway is not the only way; it’s just the best way according to the receptionist.
02 . False – Jackson suggests buying a daily travel card, not individual tickets.
03 . True – The daily travel card can be used on buses, trains, and trams.
04 . Not Given – There’s no mention of Sophia being nervous about transferring lines.
05 . True – Jackson mentions that there’s a display screen showing the next stop.
EXERCISE 3: Multiple Choice Questions
Instruction: Choose the correct answer for each question based on the information from the conversation.
What does Jackson suggest about the daily travel card?
a. It is only valid for the subway.
b. It can only be used once.
c. It is cheaper than buying individual tickets.
d. It must be shown to the driver.How does Jackson propose they know when to get off the subway?
a. By following other passengers.
b. By listening to announcements and checking the display.
c. By using a smartphone app.
d. By asking the train conductor.What does Sophia ask about using the travel card?
a. If they need to tap it at the gate.
b. If they need to validate it with a driver.
c. If they need to buy one for each subway line.
d. If they can use it for multiple days.Why does Sophia think they should wait for the next train?
a. She wants to avoid standing.
b. She thinks it might be less crowded.
c. She is unsure if they are on the right line.
d. She prefers to sit down immediately.What does Jackson say about asking for help?
a. It is unnecessary because the map is clear.
b. People in the city are usually friendly.
c. They should only ask station staff.
d. They can rely solely on announcements.
1 . c. It is cheaper than buying individual tickets.
1 . b. By listening to announcements and checking the display.
1 . a. If they need to tap it at the gate.
1 . b. She thinks it might be less crowded.
1 . b. People in the city are usually friendly.
EXERCISE 4: Matching Information
Instruction: Match each phrase to the correct point made by the speakers (Sophia or Jackson) in the conversation.
1 . Jackson
2 . Sophia
3 . Jackson
4 . Sophia
5 . Jackson
EXERCISE 5: Sentence Rearrangement
Instruction: Rearrange the jumbled sentences to form coherent statements related to the conversation.
daily card / subway gates / tap / opens the / the
stops / Blue Line / five / to transfer / after / to the Green Line
check / platform / the map / the Green Line / at Central Station
the / during / subway / rush hour / is crowded
at the / transfer trains / Central Station / you / have to
1 . Tap the daily card on the subway gates, and it opens.
2 . After five stops on the Blue Line, transfer to the Green Line.
3 . Check the map for the Green Line platform at Central Station.
4 . The subway is crowded during rush hour.
5 . At Central Station, you have to transfer trains.
EXERCISE 6: Choose the Correct Word
Instruction: Fill in the blanks with the correct word from the options provided.
Jackson suggested buying a daily travel card because it is more __________.
a. expensive
b. convenient
c. unnecessaryTo open the gates at the subway, you need to __________ the card on the scanner.
a. swipe
b. tap
c. insertThe stops are announced on a __________.
a. display screen
b. phone app
c. mapSophia feels __________ about asking for help.
a. confident
b. nervous
c. indifferentThe __________ Line needs to be taken after the Blue Line.
a. Green
b. Yellow
c. Red
1 . b. convenient
2 . b. tap
3 . a. display screen
4 . b. nervous
5 . a. Green
EXERCISE 7: Sentence Reordering
Instruction: Put the sentences in the correct order to recreate a summary of the conversation.
Jackson explains that they can buy a daily travel card to use on buses, trams, and the subway.
Sophia and Jackson decide to take the Blue Line for five stops and transfer to the Green Line.
Sophia learns how to use the travel card by tapping it on a scanner at the gates.
Jackson suggests they can ask for help if they are unsure about their route.
They prepare to board the subway and begin their journey to the museum.
. Jackson explains that they can buy a daily travel card to use on buses, trams, and the subway.
. Sophia and Jackson decide to take the Blue Line for five stops and transfer to the Green Line.
. Sophia learns how to use the travel card by tapping it on a scanner at the gates.
. Jackson suggests they can ask for help if they are unsure about their route.
. They prepare to board the subway and begin their journey to the museum.
EXERCISE 8: Opinion Writing
Instruction: Based on the conversation, write a brief paragraph (3-5 sentences) sharing your own opinion on the topic. Support your response with reasons.
. I think using public transport like the subway is an efficient and affordable way to explore a new city. The daily travel card is a great idea since it’s convenient and works across different modes of transportation. I also like how Sophia and Jackson planned their route carefully, which shows the importance of being prepared when navigating unfamiliar places.
EXERCISE 9: Word Match
Instruction: Match each term in Column A with its correct definition in Column B by writing the correct number next to each word.
B . 10
C . 04
D . 06
E . 09
F . 03
G . 08
H . 07
I . 01
J . 05
