Getting Ready for a Trip

WARMING UP.

TRAVELING BY AIR

UNIT 1

1.1 Read the following conversations. Check whether you understand the expressions in the ‘Notes’ before reading.

(just for fun)

Mr. Smith: Hurry up, dear, we are leaving in about five minutes. Mrs. Smith: Well, I’m almost through with the packing. By the way, how do we get to the airport? Did you call a taxi? Mr. S: No, Val will take us there. I’m expecting him in a couple of minutes. He is quite reliable. He never lets people down. Mrs. S:You never know. But I like the way he drives. I feel quite safe with him, though I can’t say the same about you. Reckless driving is not my cup of tea. Mr. S: Don’t be too hard on me, honey. If you are in high spirits, you don’t mind fast driving. But you must be pretty much excited now because you’re having your first air trip, aren’t you? O.K., take it easy, you’ll be as safe in the plane with me as you are in the car with Val. Mrs. S:Stop kidding me. We have no time left. (The door bell rings.) Mr. S:That’s Val for sure. Will you answer the door, please?

Val: Here I am. Hi there, people. Feeling excited, aren’t you? Cheer up, my dear; there is nothing at all to worry about. Once you are up in the air, it’s just like sitting at home in your own living room. Mrs. S:I’m quite frightened of the take-off and landing. Val:Just fasten your seat belt, close your eyes and count to 60. If you’re safe and sound afterwards, it means the landing has been soft. Otherwise you won’t feel anything. Mrs. S:I’m afraid I may get air sick. Val:The best way is not to look down and not to leave your seat. Have a good shot of whisky, as much as you can manage. Booze is the best fear killer. Mr. S:To hell with your jokes, Val. Can’t you see she is scared to death?

Notes:

to be through with (doing) sth ( US ) – to finish (doing) sth

to let sb down – to disappoint; to fail to help

you never know – you can’t be sure

reckless – careless (opposite to ‘careful’)

to be hard on sb – to be too strict, severe to sb

to be in high spirits – to be cheerful, happy

in low spirits – depressed, unhappy

to mind (doing) sth – to be troubled by sth; to feel objection to sth

to kid sb – to tease by joking or telling a lie

Cheer up! – Don’t worry, be happy!

to be safe and sound – to be secure and unharmed

air sick – feeling sick because of the motion of a plane

booze (coll.) – alcohol

to be scared to death – to be frightened very much

1.2 Complete the following sentences with the words from the ‘Notes’.

She was … by the thunder.

Do you … my smoking?

Are you … with your work? It’s time to go home.

He returned … and … from that dangerous expedition.

Have a glass of brandy to keep your … up.

Harry will never … you …. You can always rely on him.

I was sea … on the first day of the voyage.

You are … me! This can’t be true.

The teacher was too … on the students

He … up at once when I promised to help him

… driving may cause accidents on the road.

Дата добавления: 2014-12-25