Unit 9 – Transportation

Starting Off

Look at the photo and answer the questions.

1. How do you usually travel to school, work, or other places?
2. What do you think are the advantages and disadvantages of modern transportation?
3. What do you think were the most common transportation modes in the past, and how do they compare to today?

Listening

1. Listen to this conversation between two students about key developments in transportation technologies. Pay attention to the details to answer the questions.

2. Listen to the audio conversation again before answer these questions.

Speaking

Activity 1: Warm-Up

Before we start, let’s take a moment to consider the role of public transportation in our lives. Try to answer the following questions:

1. How often do you use public transportation, such as buses, trains or ride-sharing services?
2. What do you like or dislike about using public transportation?
3. Have you ever had a memorable experience while traveling on public transportation? What happened?
4. Why do you think public transportation is important for a city or community?
5. What changes or improvements would you like to see in the public transportation system in your area?

Activity 2: Small Group Discussion

Let’s discuss these questions in pairs or small groups. Take turns sharing your thoughts and listen to your partner’s ideas.

1. What do you think is the biggest benefit of having a good public transportation system in a city?
2. Have you noticed any differences between cities with efficient public transportation and those without?
3. How do you think using public transportation can help people save time, money, or energy?
4. Do you think improving public transportation should be a priority for government? Why or why not?
5. If you could design a new public transportation system for your community, what features would you include?

Activity 3: Role-Play 

Now, let’s do a role-play! Practice expressing your thoughts about public transportation in different scenarios.

1. Role 1: Convincing a Friend: Imagine your friend prefers using their personal vehicle and avoids public transportation. Try to persuade them to try using public transportation with you. Use phrases like:
   • “I think you’ll appreciate how convenient it is…”
   • “Using public transportation can save you money on gas and parking…”
   • “Let me explain why it’s a great option for getting around…”
2. Suggesting Improvements: Imagine you’re talking to a local official about improving public transportation in your neighborhood. Suggest some ideas and explain why they’re important. Use phrases like:
   • “I believe increasing the number of buses during peak hours would be helpful because…”
   • “One idea could be improving the cleanliness of the trains to…”
   • “What I feel is missing in our transportation system is…”

Activity 4: Debate 

Now, let’s have a debate. There are two teams, and each team has a different perspective.

1. Public Transportation is Essential for Reducing Traffic: Argue why public transportation is vital for reducing traffic congestion. Focus on benefits like fewer cars on the road, shorter commute times, and easier travel for everyone.
2. Public Transportation is Essential for the Environment: Argue why public transportation is crucial for the environment. Highlight points like reducing carbon emissions, lowering air pollution, and promoting sustainable energy use.

Debate Guidelines:

1. Each team will have 3–4 minutes to present their arguments.
2. Use phrases like:
   • “One reason why public transportation is important is…”
   • “We believe that public transportation is essential because…”
   • “Public transportation helps reduce traffic by…”
   • “The environmental benefits of public transportation include…”

After the debate, discuss as a class which arguments were the most convincing and why.

Reflection: The Value of Public Transportation

Take a moment to think about these questions:

1. Why is public transportation important for both individuals and communities?
2. How do you feel after using a convenient and efficient public transportation system?
3. What would happen to cities or towns without public transportation?
4. How can you encourage others to appreciate and use public transportation more often?