Feel free to use these questions to initiate discussions, pair students up for role plays, or conduct group activities related to the airport topic. Encourage students to express their opinions, share personal experiences, and engage in conversations with their classmates.
Here are some conversation starters and questions related to the topic of the airport to promote speaking among ESL students:
- Have you ever traveled by plane? If yes, can you share your experience? If no, would you like to travel by plane in the future?
- What are some common things people do at the airport before their flight?
- How do you feel when you’re at the airport? Are you excited, nervous, or both?
- What are some essential items or documents you need to have with you when traveling by plane?
- Have you ever experienced a flight delay or cancellation? How did you handle it?
- Are there any airports or airlines you would like to visit or fly with? Why?
- Can you describe the process of checking in for a flight? What steps do you need to take?
- What are the advantages and disadvantages of traveling by plane compared to other modes of transportation?
- How do you typically pass the time during a long layover at the airport?
- Have you ever encountered a language barrier while at the airport? How did you overcome it?
Here is a list of vocabulary related to airport situations that can be useful for ESL students:
- Arrival:
- Terminal
- Baggage claim
- Immigration
- Customs
- Passport control
- Arrival hall
- Flight arrival
- Meet and greet
- Departure:
- Check-in counter
- Boarding pass
- Security check
- Departure gate
- Departure lounge
- Flight departure
- Final call
- Boarding time
- Services and Facilities:
- Information desk
- Baggage drop-off
- Lost and found
- Duty-free shop
- Currency exchange
- Restrooms
- Wi-Fi access
- Food court
- Transportation:
- Taxi rank
- Bus stop
- Car rental
- Airport shuttle
- Parking lot
- Drop-off zone
- Airport train
- Travel Documents:
- Passport
- Visa
- Boarding pass
- ID card
- Travel insurance
- Electronic ticket
- Visa waiver
- Flight-related terms:
- Airline
- Flight
- Boarding
- Delayed
- Gate change
- Seat assignment
- Cabin crew
- In-flight entertainment
- Security Measures:
- Metal detector
- X-ray machine
- Liquids and gels restrictions
- Body scanner
- Security personnel
- Security checkpoint
- Prohibited items
- Directions and Signs:
- Arrivals
- Departures
- Baggage claim
- Exit
- Toilets
- Boarding
- Customs
- Immigration
- Travel Vocabulary:
- Destination
- Itinerary
- Layover
- Connecting flight
- Non-stop flight
- Delay
- Cancelled
- Baggage allowance
- Emergency Situations:
- Evacuation
- Emergency exit
- Fire alarm
- Emergency landing
- Emergency services
- First aid
- Emergency contact
Remember to practice using these words in context, and consider role-playing airport scenarios to reinforce your understanding and fluency in using them. Safe travels!
Here’s a role play scenario at the airport between a passenger (P) and an airport staff member (A):
Scenario: Checking in and Boarding
P: Excuse me, where can I check in for my flight to New York?
A: The check-in counters for New York flights are located in Terminal 2. Follow the signs to reach there.
P: Thank you. And how early should I arrive before the flight?
A: It is recommended to arrive at least two hours prior to the departure time for international flights.
P: Got it. Is there a baggage weight limit?
A: Yes, the baggage weight limit for your flight is 23 kilograms per passenger.
P: Okay, I will make sure my bags meet the requirements. Can you please tell me the gate number for my flight?
A: Sure. Your flight will depart from Gate 8. You can find it by following the signs once you pass through security.
P: Great, thank you for your assistance.
A: You’re welcome. Have a pleasant journey!
