ON AN AIRFLIGHT TO CALCUTTA
Improve English Speaking through everyday conversation
I have written a detailed book English conversation for all occasions, to learn English as Foreign Language.
This tutorial has been prepared from my well known book English conversation for all occasions, which I wrote for Indian students to improve everyday conversation..
English Conversation for All Occasions is a unique book of its kind, specially written to help Indian student. A quick look at the titles of the lessons would convince the reader that the book has been prepared by visualizing all types of situational conversations which may confront any man or woman in his daily activities. Whether one converses with his family members or moves about to mix in society, he will not feel tongue-tied for want of appropriate words or expressions. In a post office or barber’s shop, at a hotel or taxi stand, every person who has read this book, will be able to speak in English fluently and with confidence.
Good knowledge and satisfactory conversation drill is important in English speaking. This Tutorial would not only prove an asset to the reader in his daily life, but also on special occasions like interviews for jobs, etc. He would be able to face the interviewers with equanimity and confidence.
All the lessons have been designed in a programmed fashion. Word-meanings, Phrases and exercises have been added at the end of every lesson to help the students master the topics.
All the lesson should be read along, not once but many times, so that the conversation comes easy to the reader when he faces real life situations. The author would feel rewarded for his labours if the book helps men and women become social relations
This Tutorial should help all those readers who find difficulty in speaking fluent English. This will be completed in 45 lessons.
Please comment or send me E Mail at bookgharinfo@gmail.com
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Ranjan is about to board flight BA 201 to Calcutta. The bus draws up near the aircracft.
Airhostess Namaskar. May I see your boarding card sir?
Your seat is C 14. That is the window seat in the third row.
Ranjan Thank you. Where do I keep this brief case?
Airhostess Please place it on the rack above your seat. But this one is not too big. So you can keep it with you.
The stairway rolls away and the door of the aircraft is shut. The engines start up. An airhostess comes with a tray.
Air hostess would you like a sweet or some supari and elachi sir? There is a freshner napkin as well.
Ranjan (To his neighbour). What is it that you have asked for?
Passenger I asked for some cotton wool. I don’t like the noise of the take-off and I plug my ears with cotton wool.
Air hostess on the P.A. system on the aircraft.
Airhostess Good evening ladies and gentlemen. On behalf of Bharat Airlines, the captain and the crew, I welcome you aboard flight 201 to Calcutta. The distance of 1200 miles will be covered in approximately two hours. We will be flying at an altitude of 36,000. above sea level. You captain is Mr. Chandra Shekhar. Ladies and gentlemen, please fasten your seat belts, refrain from smoking and keep your seats in an upright position during take-off . Those in possession of transistor radios are requested not to use them during the flight. Photography is strictly prohibited. Refreshments will be served during the flight. I f you require anything, please press the button over your head. We hope you have a comfortable flight. Thank you.
Passenger Excuse me Miss. Could you please get me a blanket and a pillow?
Airhostess Here you Sir.
Ranjan Could I have something to read Miss?
Airhostess Certainly. Here is copy of the Times of India?
The Airhostesses sit down for the take-off. The plane taxies on to the runway, gathers speed and runs at a fast pace till it is airborne. It climbs for few minutes and then becomes steady. The”No smoking” and “Fasten your seat belts” signs go off..
Passenger This appears to be your first journey by air. I f you feel sick, please use a bag which is kept in this big pocket.
Ranjan Thank you sir. Very helpful of you. Though I hope that I do not feel sick and what is this thing?
Passenger This is a little folding tale. When the airhostess comes along with your dinner tray, you open this little table out like this. See that?
Ranjan And what are these knobs on arms of the seat?
Passenger If you press this button, your seat slides back into a more relaxed position. The other one is an ashtray; you can open your seat belt now, young man.
Ranjan Is there a toilet anywhere?
Passenger Yes there are two toilets at the far end of the plane.
Voice on P.A
System According to international regulation a demonstration of how to use the oxygen mask above each of your seats and if required it will drop automatically. Please extinguish your cigarettes and breathe into the mask. This is only a precaution.
Airhostess (Pushing a big trolley containing trays of packed food along the aisle). Are you a vegetarian or a non-veg.sir?
Ranjan A non-vegetarian, thank you.
Passenger The food served on flight is very neatly packed, isn’t it?
Ranjan And so cleverly done too. The tray, bowls and cutlery are all made of plastic. Even sugar and salt are provided. Very carefully planned, I must say.
Airhostess Will you have tea or coffee, sir?
Ranjan coffee please.
Airhostess With milk?
Ranjan Yes, please. Thank you.
Voice on P.A
System Good evening ladies and gentlemen. This is your captain. We are flying at an altitude of 30,000 ft and the outside temperature is below freezing point. we are just passing over the city of Lucknow. We hope to land at Calcutta airport in less than an hour. I hope you have a pleasant flight. Thank you.
Passenger That was a hearty meal, wasn’t it?
Now, I think I’ll relax a bit.
Ranjan And I‘ll look through to-day’s paper.
An hour later the aircraft starts descending.
Voice on P.A
System We are now arriving at DumDumAirport please fasten your seat belts and extinguish your cigarettes. Thank you.
Passenger Well, here we are. Did you enjoy your flight?
Ranjan Yes, it was indeed a thrilling experience.
Voice on P.A.
System we have arrived at DumDumAirport. Please keep sitting till the aircraft comes to a complete halt. The outside temperature is 40 centigrade. We hope you have enjoyed your flight and we look forward to flying with you again. Thank you.
The aircraft stops and the passengers file out of the plane.
(B) Meanings
To board to get into an aircraft.
Rack a shelf.
Airhostess the lady who serves meals and lookafter your comfort on an aeroplane.
Fresher a slightly wet paper towel.
Plug to put a stopper.
Altitude height from sea-level.
Fasten to fix.
Upright straight.
Take-off the upward movement of the aircraft.
Landing the downward movement of the aircraft when it comes down touch the ground
Prohibited not allowed.
Airborne flying in the air.
Knobs button-like objects
Slide slip
Trolley a tray which is mounted on wheels.
Demonstration a practical exhibition.
Mask a covering for the face.
Automatically by itself.
Precaution to explain before hand to avoid a danger.
Hearty meal a big meal.
File out leave in a line.
Thrilling exciting.
(C) Study the following responses
1 How many people operate the aircraft?
Response: There is a chief pilot, who is called the captain. Then there is a co-pilot. There is a navigator too. These officers are called operating crew. In the area where the passengers sit, there are airhostesses and purser. The difference is that the purser is a man. These personnel are called crew.
2 Are there different grades or classes of air tickets sold? The economy class. Which is more expensive? The two classes of passengers sit in different enclosures and have different entrances to enter the aircraft. The first class passengers also get special drinks and food.
3 What do you understand by domestic and international flights?
Response: Domestic flights are those which operate between cities within the same country. International flights are those which fly from one country to another.
(D) Make suitable responses
1 How many Airlines does India have? Name them.
Response ___________________________________ ___________________________________________ ___________________________________________ ___________________________________________
2 Name as many International Airlines as you can think of. Also mention to which countries they belong.
Response _____________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
3 What would you do if you had a headache during an air flight?
Response ______________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
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