Programme 7. Text 3 Sea or Air

Listen to the dialogue “Sea or Air”.

Susan	Are you looking forward to your trip to Canada, Julie?
Julie	I can’t wait to see Canada, Susan, but I’m scared stiff of the journey. My husband insists on flying, but I want to sail. Planes make me nervous.
Susan	There’s nothing to be frightened of. How many planes fly across the Atlantic every day?
Julie	I’ve no idea. Hundreds, I suppose.
Susan	And how often do you hear of a crash?.. Once or twice a year?
Julie	Yes, but aeroplanes fly so high and fast that once is enough.
Susan	Look, there are more road casualties per day than air deaths per year. Air transport is really safe compared with road transport.
Julie	I’d still prefer to go by sea. Ships may not travel fast but at least you can relax. I’d love a trip on a luxury liner like the Queen Elizabeth II.
Susan	It’s fine if you’re a good sailor, but have you ever travelled far in a rough sea?
Julie	No. I’ve only been in a boat once. I sailed down the River Thames on a sightseeing tour … But in any case I’d rather be sea-sick than dead.

I.       Answer the questions.

·        What are Susan and Julie talking about?

·        Which of them is going to travel? Where? Does she look forward to her trip to Canada? Why is she scared stiff of the journey?

·        What is her husband’s opinion?

·        What does Susan think about flying?

·        How often do we hear of a crash?

·        Susan compares air transport with road transport. What does she say about them? Are there more road casualties than air crashes?

·        Why does Julie prefer going by sea?

·        What does Susan think of travelling by sea?

·        Has Julie ever travelled by sea?

II.      Speak about Julie. Say why she objects to going by air to Canada, what she thinks of air transport, why she prefers going by sea.

III.    Speak about Susan’s favourite means of travel.

IV.   How could Julie and Susan talk if Susan pointed out that there is no need seeing to your luggage and carrying it to the plane?

V.     How could Susan speak in favour of air travels if she pointed all the advantages?

VI.   She and her husband returned to London by air. Could you speak about the two friends Julie and Susan and their favourite means of travel, their advantages and disadvantages?

VII.  Alex and Cecil, students of London University, once had a talk about their favourite means of travel. How would they have talked if they had pointed out that aeroplanes are safe and sea voyages are also safe and comfortable?

VIII.          How could Julie and Susan speak about Julie’s travelling by sea to Canada just after her return from the trip?

IX.   Remember Anne’s voyage round Europe? How could Anne speak with her friend Lena about the cruise round Europe if at the end of the talk she said that a voyage on a luxury liner is very enjoyable and safe and explained why she thinks so.

X.     Describe a voyage you have had (or a would-be voyage). Say if you enjoyed it, if you suffered from seasickness, if it spoiled the voyage.

XI.   We’ve discussed different means of travel. Could you speak in favour of sea voyages? … railway journeys? … aeroplane flights?