Unit 4 Public transport Welcome to the unit

Teaching aims: 1. To introduce and develop the theme of public transport. 2. To develop speaking ability by talking about public transport. 3. To know more about different means of public transport.

Where have you been to? How did you go there?

Brainstorming ships maglev trains underground aeroplanes public transport trains … buses coaches

Different means of transport In the 19th century, ___________ helped transport people all over the world. steam trains

Transport and Weather

_____ have routes. They pick up and drop off people at different places on the route. It is a popular means of transport within a city. Buses

_____ were a popular way to travel from place to place in the 20th century. Ships

_______ are buses that carry people over long distances. Coaches

became crowded in cities and so ____________ _____became popular. In the 19th century, roads became crowded in cities and so ____________ _____became popular. underground trains

__________ are used to travel quickly over long distances. Aeroplanes

The ___________ is a new form of transport. It is powered by magnets. maglev train

Questions 1.What is the difference between a bus and a coach? The main difference between the two is that a bus often travels on a fixed route while a coach is the means of transport for people who travel to a relatively faraway place.

Both of them look very similar, but in most cases a coach is designed for long-distance travellers, so you won’t be surprised to find a coach equipped with air conditioning, seats with cushions and DVD players. In contrast, a bus appears very plain.

2. Why do you think people would choose to travel by aeroplane rather than by ship? There are two reasons. First, air travel is quicker. Businessmen who value time regularly travel by aeroplane because of its speed.

Second, travelling by plane is more comfortable than by ship Second, travelling by plane is more comfortable than by ship. With the improvement of technology, many airline companies offer excellent services at a reasonable price.

3. Why do you think we need all these different types of transport? Different types of transport can meet different customers’ needs. Each type of transport has its own strengths and limitations.

Group discussion 1. How do people travel within a city? By bus. 2. How do people travel to nearby cities? By coach. 3. How did people travel to a faraway city in ancient times? Cattle, mules or horses were used by people as the main means of transport.

4. How did people travel to European countries in the past? By ship. 5. How do people go to other countries today? By plane.

Discussion What do you have to consider before you decide which means of transportation you will use?

distance speed cost comfort safety time convenience weather …

Weather conditions have a strong influence on transport Weather conditions have a strong influence on transport. It is very important that drivers are aware of weather conditions such as wind, rain or a typhoon. Ship captains need to know about wave conditions. Airplane pilots want to know about the condition of the atmosphere.

Automobile drivers and railroad engineers have to know if rain or snow is going to fall. Without correct, timely weather information, transportation equipment cannot be safely operated. That's why operators of such equipment and passengers may pay very close attention to weather reports.

How would you like to go to the places? Situation 1: from Shanghai to London Situation 2: from Chongqing to Chengdu Situation 3: from Beijing to Guangzhou Situation 4: from Dalian to Qingdao

Advantages and disadvantages of the popular means of transport: buses or coaches cheap and convenient

Means of transport Disadvantages buses or coaches easily trapped in traffic jams; not so comfortable during peak hours because they are usually very crowded; cause pollution; …

Means of transport Advantages underground train the maglev train fast and convenient; comfortable; fewer traffic accidents; extremely fast and convenient;…

Means of transport Disadvantages underground train the maglev train expensive to build; … very expensive to build;…

Means of transport Advantages ships aeroplanes comfortable fast/convenient; relatively the safest way of travel; …

Means of transport Disadvantages ships aeroplanes not comfortable for those who are seasick; relatively slow; the safety of the trip would be affected by storms; … relatively expensive;…

Do you know what these road signs mean? The road is not straight and speed is limited to 40kms/h. There is a narrow bridge ahead.

Double lanes T-shaped road ahead

What different ways of transport have you experienced?

Do you know the following tools of transport? light railway

helicopter

ferry

motorboat

Homework Review what we have learned in this period. Write a passage about how has affected people’s lives. Preview reading.