Intro
1. Learn Vocabulary - Learn some new vocabulary before you start the lesson.
2. Read and Prepare - Read the introduction and prepare to hear the audio.
Traveling by plane is common in the U.S. Our train system isn’t as good as the systems in other countries, and because our country is so large, it’s takes a long time to drive from city to city.
Over the past year, airport security has really tightened. We used to be able to board planes quickly, but now there are long lines as everyone gets searched.
Recently, Anna took a trip from Portland to Denver. She found out what happens when you look suspicious.
Listen to the following conversation between Anna and Migs to find out more!
Dialog
1. Listen and Read - Listen to the audio and read the dialog at the same time.
2. Study - Read the dialog again to see how the vocab words are used.
Migs |
Migs: So, Anna, how was your trip to Denver?
Anna: Um, the trip was nice, but I had a little trouble at the airport.
Migs: What do you mean? What happened?
Anna: I got stopped by security for packin’ heat!
Migs: Packing heat? What do you mean? You had a gun?
Anna: Okay, maybe not exactly a gun, but I had a concealed knife in my bag.
Migs: Okay. Why were you carrying a knife to the airport?
Anna: I didn’t know I had the knife! I had it… It’s an old Swiss Army Knife I’ve had since I was a child. I didn’t even know it was in the bag!
Migs: So what did they do to you when they found it?
Anna: Um, a guard came and stood by me, they told me I couldn’t touch my bag and they took everything out until they found the knife.
Migs: And then what? They took you to jail?
Anna: No, um, they could either keep the knife and discard it, or I could mail it back to myself. So the guard escorted me to the mail center to mail the knife home.
Migs: Well, that’s actually more convenient. I just figured they’d take it away from you and, like, put you in airport detention or something. So they let you on the plane I take it.
Anna: Yes, I got back to the plane in time. It was a real hassle to go through security again. But I made it and had a nice trip in Denver.
Migs: So they didn’t even do, like, an extensive background check or make you take a lie detector or anything?
Anna: Well you would think they would’ve considering the President was flying to Portland an hour later, but no, after searching my bag, making sure I didn’t have any weapons, they let me go.
Quizzes
Lesson MP3
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Discussion
Before allowing people on the plane, security personnel examine every traveler. At the metal detector, people are searched very thoroughly. Many people are asked to remove their shoes for a special check. At the gate, they randomly pick people for another search.
When flying in the U.S., please remember that there are certain things you can’t have in your carry-on bags. Some of these include:
- knives
- tweezers
- any kind of weapon
- any kind of sharp object
Because of the repeated searches, lines are very long at the airport. Make sure to arrive at least one hour early.
Happy traveling!
Your American Friend,
John