TEXT-III- Train Station

I always take the train to work. At the station, I walk up to a ticket machine, select my destination by pressing a button on the machine, insert the correct change, and press another button to purchase a ticket. When the ticket comes out, I take it and go through the gate to the train platform. At some stations, there is a ticket window where I can buy a ticket and then pass through a wicket machine. While I'm waiting for the train, I sometimes buy a newspaper at a kiosk (newstand), and I might grab something to drink. Smoking is prohibited on the platform to protect everyone's health. When the train approaches, people start lining up behind the yellow line. If the train is very crowded, I sometimes wait for the next train. When the train arrives, I get on and find a seat. Often, the train is packed with passengers, so I just have to stand.

Part II: Discussion

Is there a train station near where you like? If so, what is it like? Are the trains that stop there convenient? Can you buy items like newspapers and food at the station? How much does a train ticket typically cost?

Part III: Online Investigation

Suppose you want to travel across the United States by train from coast to coast. What train could you take and how much would it cost? Use the Internet to plan your cross-country trip. What are some of the major cities where the train stops? Does it cost extra to stop at a city to sightsee before continuing your journey?

Online Listening Practice (from www.esl-lab.com):

Train Tickets: Listening Comprehension

http://www.dailyesl.com/train-tickets.htm

This summer, I'm planning on taking a trip to Europe, and I want to be able to get around easily, so I'm looking into buying a cheap train pass or tickets to make travel a little easier. My first step is to talk to a friend who is a travel agent to see how much train passes cost for a two-week trip. I'm looking for some kind of pass that allows me to get on and off the train at any stop during my trip. I also don't care if I ride first class or not; I'm most concerned about saving money, and some discount train pass would be best. My friend also suggested looking online for Internet specials on train passes. Train fares often drop in price depending on the season, so if I end up traveling during the off season (not a time when most people are vacationing), I might be able to get a better deal on a train pass. However, because I only have a limited amount of time to travel, I don't want to get stuck on a slow-moving train that makes stops at every station.

Part II: Discussion

What are the advantages and disadvantages of traveling by train compared with other means of transportation? Come up with at least three supporting ideas for each position, rank them in order of importance, and summarize your opinions.

Part III: Online Investigation

You have a two-week vacation coming up, and you are considering traveling overseas in Europe or Asian (or another area of your choice). Use the Internet to find the best deal on train passes in terms of price, convenience, train amenities, and scheduling.

Date: 2015-12-24; view: 1443