CONNECT
Lesson Overview
Students watch a short workplace conversation about commuting. The lesson practises A2 language for transport, routines and travel time.
Before you watch
- How do you usually get to school or work?
- How long does it take?
- What do you do when it is raining?
Prep
Drag the correct ending into each gap.
Mixed answer options
you travel by bike, motorbike or scooter.you take a train at a specific time.you need 20 minutes to do it or travel there.it becomes much longer or more difficult than expected.you pay to use a gym.automatic payment makes you want to use something.Watch the Video
Watch the full video once. Focus on how the speakers ask and answer questions about commuting.
Comprehension
Click each question to reveal the answer. Each question is synced to the video time.
Vocabulary from the Video
Did you to work?
Where do you ?
I live just north of the .
How long does that ?
I the train.
It takes me about 20 minutes or .
It kind of blows out your whole .
I usually or take the train.
Mixed options
driveridemorningcatchlivecitysotakeVocabulary Review
| Word / phrase | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| ride to work | go to work by bike, motorbike or scooter | Did you ride to work? |
| north of the city | in the area above / outside the city centre | I live just north of the city. |
| take | need a certain amount of time | How long does that take? |
| catch the train | take a train at a certain time | I catch the train. |
| or so | approximately / about | It takes 20 minutes or so. |
| blow out | become much longer or bigger than expected | It blows out your morning. |
| take the train | travel by train | I usually drive or take the train. |
| gym membership | payment that lets you use a gym | I’ve got a gym membership. |
| direct debit | automatic bank payment | The Direct Debit didn’t motivate me. |
| motivate | make someone want to do something | It didn’t motivate me. |
Transport Collocations
catch the
ride to
take about twenty
drive in the
live north of the
use a gym
Mixed options
minutescitymembershiprainworktrainPhrasal Verb Questions
What time do you usually set in the morning?
When does your morning blow ?
Who do you usually catch with at work or school?
Do you ever get in traffic?
What routine do you want to keep this month?
Mixed options
outupstuckoffupA2 Grammar: Talking about Commuting
| Form | Use | Example |
|---|---|---|
| How do you get to work? | ask about transport | I ride / I drive / I catch the train. |
| How long does it take? | ask about travel time | It takes about 20 minutes. |
| I usually + verb | talk about routine | I usually drive or take the train. |
| when + present simple | talk about situations | When it is raining, I take the train. |
Grammar Exercise 1
How do you to work?
How long does it ?
I usually when it is raining.
I the 8:02 train.
It takes about 20 minutes or .
Mixed options
catchsogettakedriveError Correction
Write your own answers
How long does it take to get to work?
What do you do when it is raining?
Ask someone about transport to work.
Discussion
- How do you usually get to school or work?
- How long does it take?
- What time do you leave home?
- What happens if you leave later than usual?
- What do you do when it is raining?
- Do you prefer driving, cycling, walking or public transport?
- Is commuting a good time to relax, exercise or work?
Useful Language
| Asking | Answering | Adding detail |
|---|---|---|
| How do you get to work? How long does it take? What do you do when it rains? | I usually... It takes about... I catch / take / ride... | or so if I catch the 8:02 when it is raining |
Role Play: Morning Small Talk
Student A
Ask about transport, travel time and rainy days. React naturally to your partner’s answers.
Student B
Answer the questions and ask Student A about their commute. Add one problem with your journey.
Challenge
Use at least five phrases: How do you get to work?, How long does it take?, I usually..., I catch the train, or so, when it is raining.