Audio Samples and Questions - On The Bus

Audio Samples and Questions

On The Bus

1. Pre-Listening Exercise
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Think of a bus journey you make regularly or invent one.
Try to write or speak about it in sentences, using the following words:-

bus stop, time-table, fare, conductor, driver, bell, ticket.

2. Script
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Michele: Excuse me, is this the right stop for St. Paul's cathedral?

Andrew: Yes, it is. There is a map here which tells you the number of the bus.

Michele: Oh, yes, I see. So, the number 8 bus goes to St. Paul's?

Andrew: That's right. And it tells you on the time-table how often they go. I am going in that direction. I'll tell you when to get off.

Michele: That's very kind of you.

Andrew: No problem. The driver will tell you if you ask but they sometimes forget.

Michele: Look, here comes the bus now.

Andrew: Let's sit downstairs, it's easier to get off.

Michele: Thank you. Is it a long ride?

Andrew: Yes, it is quite far but you will see a lot. Have you got a ticket?

Michele: No, I haven't. Should I have bought one?

Andrew: Well, it's cheaper if you buy a ticket for the day. But don't worry, you can pay on the bus.

Michele: Only problem is, I don't have much change for the fare.

Andrew: Don't give him a large note. He won't like it. Give him coins if you can.

Michele: I've got one or two. Oh look! There's the Houses of Parliament!

Andrew: You get a good view from the bus. It's more interesting than the Underground but, of course, it takes much longer.

Michele: Well, I've got plenty of time.

Andrew: Here's the ticket man now. One to St. Paul's, please... There you are, I'll get it for you.

Michele: Let me give you the money. I'm so glad I met you.

Andrew: And I'm glad I met you. In fact, I think I'll take a trip to St. Paul's as well. I can 'phone and cancel my other business. We'll ring the bell in a minute. Do you mind if I join you?

Michele: Not at all, but let's have a coffee first. Then we'll be proper tourists!

Questions

1) How does Michele find what bus to take?
a) By asking Andrew.
b) By looking at the bus stop.
c) By using an app on her phone.

2) What does the time-table tell her?
a) How long she will have to wait.
b) Where the bus stop is.
c) How often the buses come.

3) Why does Andrew want to sit downstairs?
a) Because it is easier to get off the bus.
b) Because the driver tells him to.
c) Because Michele does not want to climb the stairs.

4) Why should Michele have bought a day ticket?
a) Because she does not have much change.
b) Because it's cheaper.
c) Because you need it to take the bus.

5) Why does Andrew think the bus is more interesting than the underground?
a) Because it takes a long time to travel.
b) Because you have a good view of the city.
c) Because its faster.

Answers

1. = "A";
2. = "C";
3. = "A";
4. = "B";
5. = "B";

Post-Listening Exercise

Imagine you are on your own bus journey. What do you see as you travel along? Describe your journey to a friend or to a group.