Travel basics: ferry ticket and simple questions
Niveau CECR : B1
Read/Listen first
The ferry crossing was quick. We parked on the boat and went on deck. The wind was gentle and we arrived on time. Later, giraffes walked in front of our car in a safari park, which surprised the children.⚡ Learning goals
- I can describe a short journey.
- I can report travel steps in time order.
- I can connect events with time phrases.
✨ Key language
- sequence words “First we parked; then we went on deck.”
- past simple “We arrived on time.”
- surprise reaction “It really surprised us.”
⚙️ Rules & Grammar — 4 Structures
1️⃣ Comparatives -er
Rule: Add -er + than.Examples: flatter than this; quieter than usual; smaller than before
Common pitfall + fix: Missing ‘than’ — Use ‘than’.
This road is ___ than that.
Tip: -er form.
Fill with the best answer:
The view was ___ interesting.Tip: ‘more’ + long adj.
2️⃣ not as … as
Rule: Use for negative comparison.Examples: not as varied as home; not as high as the Alps; not as busy as Berlin
Common pitfall + fix: Wrong form — Use ‘not as’ + adj + ‘as’.
It is ___ green as spring.
Tip: Fixed phrase.
Fill with the best answer:
It is ___ as busy as last week.Tip: Use ‘not as … as’.
3️⃣ Past simple
Rule: Use for finished events.Examples: We arrived on time; We parked; We visited a park
Common pitfall + fix: Mixing tenses — Keep past simple.
We ___ tickets.
Tip: Irregular past.
Fill with the best answer:
They ___ the ferry at noon.Tip: Regular past.
4️⃣ Linkers for contrast
Rule: Although/whereas show contrast.Examples: Although it rained, we went; Whereas home is hilly, this is flat; While roads were empty, shops were open
Common pitfall + fix: Using ‘but’ twice — Use one linker.
___ it was flat, we enjoyed it.
Tip: Concession linker.
Fill with the best answer:
___ it helps, review outputs.Tip: Balance ideas.
✍️ Vocabulary
viewpoint
Meaning: a place to look at scenerySynonyms: lookout,overlook
Chunk/Idiom: reach a viewpoint
Example: We reached a viewpoint nearby.
Morphology: noun
Self-practice: Write one sentence using this word.
contactless
Meaning: tap-to-pay methodSynonyms: NFC,tap-to-pay
Chunk/Idiom: accept contactless payment
Example: Do you accept contactless?.
Morphology: adjective
Self-practice: Write one sentence using this word.
receipt
Meaning: paper record of paymentSynonyms: proof,slip
Chunk/Idiom: ask for a receipt
Example: Can I have a receipt, please?.
Morphology: noun
Self-practice: Write one sentence using this word.
ferry
Meaning: boat carrying cars and peopleSynonyms: boat,ship
Chunk/Idiom: take the ferry
Example: We took a fast ferry.
Morphology: noun
Self-practice: Write one sentence using this word.
giraffe
Meaning: very tall animalSynonyms: animal,ungulate
Chunk/Idiom: a giraffe walks past
Example: A giraffe walked past our car.
Morphology: noun
Self-practice: Write one sentence using this word.
signposting
Meaning: guiding phrases in talksSynonyms: framing,roadmapping
Chunk/Idiom: use clear signposting
Example: Use clear signposting in talks.
Morphology: noun
Self-practice: Write one sentence using this word.
☁️ Examples (+ audio)
We drove onto the ferry.
First we parked, then we went on deck.
The wind was blowing gently.
We arrived on time and relaxed.
✏️ Exercises
Grammar
Choose the correct form.
Tip: Use -er.
Pick the linker for contrast.
Tip: Concession.
Fill with the best answer:
We ___ the ferry at noon.Tip: Past simple.
Fill with the best answer:
It was ___ as busy as last week.Tip: Use ‘not as … as’.
Vocabulary & Comprehension
‘Receipt’ means ____.
Tip: Slip you get.
‘Viewpoint’ is a place to ____.
Tip: Lookout spot.
Fill with the best answer:
Tap to pay with ____.Tip: Payment method.
Fill with the best answer:
A tall animal is a ____.Tip: Long neck.
✅ Guided practice
Mini-dialogue:
A: Could I pay by card, please?B: Sure, tap the terminal.
Thanks, have a nice day.
Why this matters:
Language for travel reduces stress. Clear phrases save time. Signs are often short.Verb & Adjective Pack:
- tap — Tap your card to pay.
- queue — We queued for tickets.
- compare — Compare places clearly.
Try & compare:
Fill with the best answer: Do you ___ contactless payments?
Tip: Verb for allowing.
Self-correction: Fix the sentence: Although it helps but we must review.
Tip: One linker only.
Practice aloud: Listen, repeat, then type the sentence.
Although it is flat, it feels peaceful.Tip: Stress ‘although’.