ESL students should be able to speak English confidently while using public transportation as they travel around the city. Therefore, teaching ESL students about “using public transport” is an important lesson in your ESL curriculum.
If you’ve been teaching speaking skills for a while, you know that ESL teachers face at least a few, if not many, challenges while preparing their speaking lessons. One of the primary challenges is selecting the right activity for your ESL speaking class.
To boost my students’ conversational skills, I often use sample conversations as a role-play activity in my classes.
And guess what? My students truly enjoy them!
ESL students often struggle with finding the right transportation vocabulary while participating in conversations ranging from making travel plans to using public transportation.
To improve your students’ conversational skills, especially about travel conversations, you should give them ample opportunity to practice real-life conversations through role-plays.
This post offers 15 real-life conversations tailored for ESL learners at different levels. By practicing these conversations, students can improve their vocabulary, pronunciation, and confidence, helping them navigate transportation systems in English-speaking environments. Additionally, ESL teachers can use these conversations to address common challenges and reinforce language skills related to using public transport.
Table of Contents
Buying a One Way Bus Ticket (Informal)
Level: Low intermediate
Context: At a bus station ticket counter
Sarah: Hi, I need a ticket to downtown.
Ticket Clerk: Sure, which downtown stop are you going to?
Sarah: To the central market, please.
Ticket Clerk: That’s $2.50. Are you going back?
Sarah: No, just one way, please.
Ticket Clerk: Here’s your ticket. Have a safe trip!
Sarah: Thank you!
Buying a Bus Ticket (Informal)
Level: Low intermediate
Context: At a bus station ticket counter
Emma: Hello, one ticket to downtown, please.
Ticket Agent: Sure, that’s $2.50.
Emma: Here you go.
Ticket Agent: Thank you. Here’s your ticket.
Emma: Which platform is it?
Ticket Agent: Platform 3, just over there.
Emma: Thanks a lot.
Ticket Agent: You’re welcome. Have a safe trip!
Emma: You too. Goodbye.
Chatting While Sitting on the Bus (Informal)
Level: Low intermediate
Context: Two passengers talking informally on a bus
Sophie: Nice day, isn’t it?
Mark: Yeah, perfect for a ride.
Sophie: I like taking the bus.
Mark: Me too, it’s convenient.
Sophie: Do you ride often?
Mark: Sometimes. Saves money.
Sophie: Yeah, and it’s eco-friendly.
Mark: Exactly. Good for the planet.
Asking About Bus Schedule (Informal)
Level: Low intermediate
Context: At the bus stop, discussing bus timings
Jack: How often does the bus come?
Fellow Passenger: Every 15 minutes.
Jack: Thanks.
Fellow Passenger: No problem.
Jack: Do you take this bus often?
Fellow Passenger: Yes, I do. It’s reliable.
Jack: Good to know. Thanks again.
Talking About a Seat on the Bus (Informal)
Level: Low intermediate
Context: Two passengers talking On a crowded bus
Jessica: Hey, is this seat taken?
Jack: No, go ahead. Busy day, huh?
Jessica: Yeah, just trying to get home. Traffic’s crazy.
Jack: I hear you. At least we’re moving now.
Jessica: True, thanks for the seat.
Jack: No problem, take care!
Purchasing a Monthly Transit Pass (Formal)
Level: Intermediate
Context: At a transit station ticket booth
Sophia: Good morning, I’d like to buy a monthly transit pass, please.
Ticket Clerk: Of course, do you have your ID with you?
Sophia: Yes, here it is.
Ticket Clerk: Thank you. That will be $75. Would you like to pay by cash or card?
Sophia: I’ll pay with my card, please.
Ticket Clerk: Alright, here’s your pass. It’s valid from today until the end of the month.
Sophia: Great, thank you very much.
Ticket Clerk: You’re welcome, have a pleasant day.
Asking for Transit Directions (Informal)
Level: Intermediate
Context: Two friends discussing how to navigate a new city.
Sophia: Hey, Alex, can you help me find the nearest subway station?
Alex: Of course! Which line are you looking for?
Sophia: The blue line, going towards downtown.
Alex: Okay, you can catch it at the station two blocks from here.
Sophia: Thanks! Do you know how often it runs?
Alex: About every 10 minutes during peak hours.
Sophia: That’s convenient. How long does it take to get downtown?
Alex: Around 20 minutes, depending on the stops.
Sophia: Perfect! Thanks for your help, Alex.
Reporting a Lost Item on the Bus (Formal)
Level: Intermediate
Context: On a bus
Emma: Hello, I think I left my bag on the bus. Who should I speak to about it?
Bus Driver: I can help you with that. Can you describe the bag and where you were sitting?
Emma: It’s a black backpack, and I was sitting near the back door.
Bus Driver: Alright, I’ll make a note of it. If it’s found, we’ll contact you.
Emma: Thank you for your help.
Bus Driver: You’re welcome, I hope you find it soon.
Discussing Bus Routes with a Friend (Informal)
Level: Intermediate
Context: Waiting at a bus stop with a friend
Liam: Hey, do you know which bus goes to the shopping mall?
Natalie: Yeah, it’s the number 12. We’ll need to transfer at the city center.
Liam: Thanks, I appreciate it. How long does it usually take?
Natalie: About 30 minutes with the transfer included.
Liam: Got it, let’s wait for the next one then.
Natalie: Sounds like a plan.
Complaining about Delays on the Train (Informal)
Level: Intermediate
Context: On a delayed train
Olivia: This train is always late. It’s so frustrating.
Ben: Tell me about it. I’m going to be late for work again.
Olivia: I don’t understand why they can’t stick to the schedule.
Ben: Yeah, it’s really annoying. I might have to talk to my boss about it.
Olivia: Good idea, maybe they’ll understand if it keeps happening.
Ben: Let’s hope so.
Discussing Public Transit Policies (Formal)
Level: Advanced
Context: A public forum on transportation issues
John: Good evening, everyone. I’d like to address the recent changes in public transit fares. They seem to disproportionately affect low-income commuters.
Audience Member 1: I agree. It’s becoming increasingly difficult for many people to afford their daily commute.
Audience Member 2: Have there been any proposals to mitigate these effects, such as subsidies or fare reduction programs?
John: Yes, there have been discussions, but progress has been slow. We need to advocate for policies that prioritize accessibility and affordability for all citizens.
Audience Member 3: I believe transparency in decision-making processes is also crucial. Many feel left out of the loop regarding these changes.
John: Absolutely, transparency and accountability are essential. We must continue to push for fair and equitable transportation policies.
Interviewing a Public Transit Official (Formal)
Level: Advanced
Context: A journalist interviewing a transportation department representative
Reporter: Good afternoon, Ms. Rodriguez. Thank you for taking the time to speak with us. Can you comment on the recent service disruptions on the subway line?
Ms. Rodriguez: Of course. We apologize for any inconvenience caused. The disruptions were due to unexpected maintenance issues, which have since been resolved.
Reporter: There have been complaints about communication during such incidents. Are there plans to improve communication with passengers during service disruptions?
Ms. Rodriguez: Yes, we acknowledge the need for better communication. We’re exploring options such as real-time updates through our mobile app and increased signage at stations.
Reporter: Thank you for the update. One final question, are there any upcoming projects or initiatives to improve public transit services?
Ms. Rodriguez: Yes, we’re currently in the planning stages of expanding bus routes to underserved areas and implementing more environmentally friendly practices within our fleet.
Debating the Expansion of Public Transit (Formal)
Level: Advanced
Context: A community meeting discussing the proposed expansion of the city’s public transit system
Alex: Good evening, everyone. I’d like to discuss the proposed expansion of the public transit system. While it’s a commendable initiative, we must consider its environmental impact.
Audience Member 1: I agree. We need to ensure that the expansion aligns with our goals for sustainability and reducing carbon emissions.
Audience Member 2: But what about the economic benefits? A more extensive transit network could stimulate economic growth and provide greater access to job opportunities.
Alex: That’s a valid point, but we must also prioritize the preservation of green spaces and minimize disruption to local communities.
Audience Member 3: Perhaps we could explore alternatives such as investing in bike lanes and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure alongside transit expansion.
Alex: That’s an interesting suggestion. A holistic approach that considers multiple modes of transportation could indeed be beneficial. Thank you for sharing your insights.
Negotiating Public Transit Contracts (Formal)
Level: Advanced
Context: A meeting between city officials and transit company representatives
City Official: Good morning, everyone. Let’s discuss the terms of the new contract for public transit services.
Transit Representative 1: We propose an increase in service frequency during peak hours to alleviate overcrowding.
City Official: That sounds reasonable. In exchange, we’d like to see improvements in accessibility for individuals with disabilities.
Transit Representative 2: Agreed. We’re committed to ensuring that our services are accessible to all members of the community.
City Official: Excellent. We also need to address concerns about fare affordability, particularly for low-income residents.
Transit Representative 1: We’re open to exploring subsidy programs or discounted fare options for qualifying individuals.
City Official: That would be a positive step forward. Let’s work together to finalize these terms and continue providing quality public transit services to our residents.
Presenting a Proposal for High-Speed Rail (Formal)
Level: Advanced
Context: A conference discussing the feasibility of implementing a high-speed rail system
Presenter: Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for joining us today to discuss the potential benefits of implementing a high-speed rail system in our region. Our proposal aims to revolutionize transportation by providing faster, more efficient connectivity between major cities.
Audience Member 1: What are the projected costs associated with this project, and how do you plan to fund it?
Presenter: We’ve conducted thorough cost-benefit analyses, and while initial investments are substantial, the long-term economic and environmental benefits far outweigh them. Funding sources may include public-private partnerships and government subsidies.
Audience Member 2: How do you intend to address potential environmental concerns, such as land use and emissions?
Presenter: Our plan includes extensive environmental impact assessments and mitigation strategies, such as utilizing existing rail corridors and implementing cutting-edge technology to minimize emissions.
Audience Member 3: What are the projected timelines for implementation, and how will you ensure project accountability?
Presenter: We aim to begin construction within the next few years, with phased implementation over the following decade. Accountability measures include regular progress reports and stakeholder engagement throughout the process.
Planning a Trip Using Public Transport (Informal)
Level: Advanced
Context: Sophia and Daniel, two friends, making a plan to attend a concert in the city using public transportation.
Sophia: Hey, Daniel! Thinking of taking the bus to the concert tonight?
Daniel: Yeah, sounds good. Do you know which bus route we should take?
Sophia: Bus 45 stops right outside the venue. We’ll catch it at 6:30.
Daniel: Great! How long does the journey usually take?
Sophia: About 25 minutes, but let’s leave early to avoid rush hour.
Daniel: Should we get day passes or single tickets?
Sophia: Day passes. They’re cheaper if we plan to hop around after the concert.
Daniel: Smart. Do we need to transfer buses?
Sophia: Nope, it’s a direct route. Easy peasy.
Daniel: Awesome! What about getting back? Same bus?
Sophia: Yeah, but the last one leaves at midnight, so let’s not miss it.
Daniel: Got it. Thanks for planning this out, Sophia.
Sophia: No problem! It’s all about enjoying the journey, right?
Conclusion
In summary, learning to use public transport is crucial for ESL learners in English-speaking places. Practicing conversations here helps improve language skills and confidence. These resources aid ESL teachers in teaching transportation topics effectively. With regular practice, learners can master public transport and improve English communication.
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