Graded English DailyHome › A2 Elementary › Unit 1 › Episode 5
Taking the Bus and Subway
How to check you're on the right bus or train, and what to say when you miss your stop.
In this lesson
- Check that a bus or train goes to your place
- Ask which stop to get off
- Get help when you miss your stop
1 · Key words
2 · Listen and read
Transcript
NinaHi, I'm Nina.
RayAnd I'm Ray.
NinaRay, have you ever gone the wrong way?
RayOn the subway? Forty minutes.
NinaForty!
RayI was reading. I looked up and I was outside the city.
NinaAnd the whole thing was one question you didn't ask.
RayWhich question?
NinaDoes this go to the airport?
RayDoes this go to. That's it?
NinaThat's it. Four words and a place. You can say it to the driver or to anyone waiting.
RayAnd they just say yes or no.
NinaUsually yes, no, or other side. Other side is the one that saves you.
RayOther side means the other platform.
NinaThe other platform, or across the street for a bus. Always listen for it.
RayOkay. What if I'm already on?
NinaThen the second sentence. Which stop is the museum?
RayWhich stop is. And they tell me a name?
NinaA name or a number. And here's the useful part — ask the person next to you, not the driver.
RayWhy not the driver?
NinaThe driver is driving. The person next to you is bored.
RayThat is very practical.
NinaAnd the third sentence is for when it's too late. I missed my stop.
RayWhich was my situation.
NinaSay it to anyone. Then ask, where should I get off? People will help you fast.
RayBecause everyone has done it.
NinaEveryone has done it. Let's practice. I'm waiting at the stop.
RayExcuse me, does this bus go downtown?
NinaNo, this one goes the other way. You want the other side.
RayThe other side. Thank you.
NinaGood. Now you're on the right bus. Ask me the next one.
RayWhich stop is the library?
NinaThree more stops. I'll tell you.
RayPeople really say that?
NinaAll the time. Ask one question, and people take care of you.
RayThat's the part I didn't know.
NinaSo — does this go to, which stop is, and I missed my stop.
RayAnd listen for other side.
NinaAlways listen for other side. Thanks for the story, Ray.
NinaThat's it for today. See you next time.
3 · Shadow
Say each sentence out loud, five times, a little faster each time.
- Does this bus go downtown?
- Which stop is the library?
- The other side? Thank you.
- I missed my stop.
- Where should I get off?
4 · Quiz
1. What does "the other side" mean?
2. On the bus, who should you ask?
3. Ray asks, "Does this bus go downtown?" What's the answer?
4. How many more stops to the library?
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