Черемисина Т.И., Обухова М.С.

Черемисина Т.И., Обухова М.С.

Учебное пособие

По практике культуры речевого общения по теме

«Путешествие»

(для студентов III курса)

Москва

2014

CONTENTS

 

ПРЕДИСЛОВИЕ………………………………………………………  

 

UNIT I. TRAVELLING BY TRAIN

Text 1. SHOULD SLEEPERS WAKE UP TO A NEW AGE?..............

Text 2. LET THE TRAIN TAKE THE STRAIN……………………….

Text 3. WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN TRAVELLING BY TRAIN?......

Text 4. TRAVEL TIPS…………………………………………………...

Text 5. THE CHUNNEL AND EUROSTAR SERVICES……………..

Text 6. TRAVELLING BY TRAIN……………………………………..

Text 7. BRITISH RAIL…………………………………………………..

Text 8. TRAIN ACCIDENTS……………………………………………

 

UNIT II. TRAVELLING BY AIR

Text 1. AIRPORT…………………………………………………………

Text 2. CHECKING IN…………………………………………………..

Text 3. HOW TO SURVIVE A PLANE CRASH?..................................

Text 4. AIRPLANE TICKETS……………………………………………

Text 5. BAGGAGE ESSENTIALS…………………………………….

Text 6. JET LAG………………………………………………………..

Text 7. MOBILE PHONES ON AIRCRAFT…………………………….

Text 8. SECURITY PROTECTION……………………………………

 

REVISION ……………………………………………………………………

 

SUPPLEMENTARY READING

Text 1. MAGLEV TRAINS AND BULLET TRAINS…………………….

Text 2. A TALE OF TWO CITIES………………………………………….

Text 3. LONDON AIRPORTS………………………………………………

Text 4. TIPS FOR PLANE TOURISTS……………………………………..

Text 5. FOOD ON THE FLY: IN-FLIGHT CATERING…………………

Text 6. SLEEPING ON PLANES………………………………………….

Text 7. FLYING WITH PETS…………………………………………….

Предисловие

     Настоящее пособие предназначено для студентов III курса, обучающихся по специальности «Теория и методика преподавания иностранных языков и культур» и «Теоретическая и прикладная лингвистика».

     Пособие ставит своей целью совершенствование коммуникативных навыков студентов, увеличение объема их знаний по специальной тематике, значительное расширение словарного запаса, закрепление аналитического подхода к тексту, а также дальнейшее развитие умения вести беседу и полемику на английском языке.

     Учебное пособие освещает вопросы, связанные с областью транспортных коммуникаций, являющимися актуальными в современном мире глобализации и всеобъемлющей логистической системы.

     Пособие состоит из двух тематически организованных разделов. Каждый раздел включает задания и упражнения, способствующие формированию у студентов навыков устной речи, как монологической, так и диалогической, а также развитию навыков ведения дискуссии на заданную тему.

     Учебное пособие включает задания, большинство из которых направлены на закрепление тематической лексики и стимулированию устной речи в виде связанного и логически стройного высказывания. Цель заданий заключается в увеличении словарного запаса, а также расширении кругозора студентов и углублении их знаний страноведческого характера.

     При подготовке пособия использовались современный аутентичный материал, составивший его информативную основу.

     Материал пособия соответствует программе по дисциплине «Практикум по культуре речевого общения» и может быть использован на занятиях по практическому курсу английского языка полностью или выборочно в зависимости от уровня подготовки учебной группы.

UNIT I

TRAVELLING BY TRAIN

Summarize the main points of the train travel described in the text above.

TRAVEL TIPS

From urban hops to global trots, Travel Tips offer some preventive measures so your journey can be safe and worry-free.

"Nobody looked like a thief!"

Remain alert at all times. Be aware of loud arguments and incidents; they may be staged to distract you while someone else steals your wallet or purse. Pickpockets come in all guises!

Food For Thought

A happy traveller must be a healthy traveller. Avoid eating raw foods in faraway destinations. Hot, well-cooked foods kill bacteria and you may avoid intestinal distress. Especially avoid eating fresh salads as they may be washed in questionable water. Eat at well-known and busy restaurants that look clean and well-run.

Be Subtle

Don't draw attention to yourself. Dress so that you do not draw undue attention, nor show a lack of respect for local customs and culture. Avoid advertising your wealth by keeping flashy jewelry and watches at home. Keep expensive cameras hidden in a small day-pack and don't display large amounts of cash. Carry only enough cash to make it through the day and leave the rest in the hotel safe or in a Tilley secret pocket. And if you are traveling alone, be discreet about it.

Tapped Out

Avoid drinking tap water, including ice cubes, unless you're sure of its source. Bottled water is safest but be sure to break the seal yourself. Keep a bottle of water in your bathroom to brush your teeth.

Shoes Blues

Never take new shoes on a trip. Select a basic shoe that's suitable for both day and evening wear. Carry-on your pills and toiletries, too; virtually everything else can be replaced at your destination if you arrive before your luggage does.

Change of Clothes

Temperatures vary significantly depending on location, time of day and season. Plan to wear lightweight, comfortable clothes: a sweater, rain jacket and slacks.

All Aboard!

Once validated, your rail pass is neither refundable nor replaceable. Guard your rail pass with the same attention you give your cash, traveller's cheques and passport. Keep your ticket handy once it has been stamped by the train conductor, you may need it to disembark.

Before You Go

Rail passes are available through travel agents and offer the advantages of unlimited train travel. Most often, travellers must purchase the Eurail or Britrail Pass before they leave Canada or the United States. Some rail passes also entitle you to discounts on connecting bus and steamship lines. Ask.

Be Alert

European trains sometimes split en route in order to service two different locations. Even if you know you're on the right train, make sure you're in the correct carriage, too. (Stay in your seat when the train stops at a terminal for "splitting" the coaches.) The splitting process occurs quickly and if you are in another part of the train you could easily end up at the wrong destination - without your luggage and your travelling companions.

Snap Happy

Bring a camera with lots of film and batteries. There are dozens of photo opportunities along the way. Sunglasses are suggested and binoculars come in very handy. Flat soled shoes should be worn while on the train as the constant movement demands your attention when walking and using stairs.

Но w to Travel Happier

Before setting out to drive long distances, get out the map and ask all your team to agree, in advance, where they'd like to stop each night. Then don't overrule that decision! Long days in a car make people cranky, so turn travel days into pleasurable vacation days by stopping frequently and early, especially if you have children or your spouse on board.

Pet Peeves

Pets require special TLC away from home. A little planning will keep them happy and healthy globetrotters. Before you leave take your pet to the vet for a once-over and check with your hotel reservation to ensure your pet is welcome. Have your pet wear an identification tag and keep your pet secure in a crate or carrier while travelling. It should be large enough for your pet to stand, turn around and lie down in comfortably. Adequate food and water should be easily accessible to your pet.

Every Journey Begins with a First Step

Don't take that first step in new shoes! There's not much worse than being hampered by a fresh crop of blisters on your vacation. Be sure to wear old sturdy, comfortable shoes and clothes. That way, if your luggage is lost, you still have the essentials. Pack extra fast-drying knickers and socks, toiletries and pills in your carry-on. The rest is usually replaceable.

Diversify Your Funds

Don't carry all your money in one pocket. Even with secret and secure pockets divvy up your money among a number of different pockets. For tipping (or the occasional act of persuasion), carry $50 US split into a few fives and a stack of singles.

The Itinerary

Remember that travelling should be a bit of an adventure, so don't regiment every last detail of your vacation. Do your research, determine a couple of must-see locations plus a couple of others that would be interesting if time and logistics allow. Otherwise, leave some days open to see where the winds will take you. Isn't it often that places off the beaten path yield the most memorable days?

The Ins & Outs of Accommodation

It's always good to know the lay of the land when it comes to accommodation. When checking in, make sure your windows and doors have secure locks, especially if you're on an easily accessible lower floor. If you feel uneasy with your room, request a change. Once you've settled in a room, be sure to learn where the fire exits, fire alarms, stairwells, and other possible escape routes are located. If fire is a concern, avoid getting rooms above the 3rd floor.

 

WHAT TO DO:

Comment on the following:

How frequent are train accidents nowadays? Why?

 

UNIT II

TRAVELLING BY AIR

Before you read…

Have you ever travelled by air?

Do you consider air travel more convenient than travelling by train? Why?

 

 Text 1.                                          AIRPORT

An airport is a facility where aircraft can take off and land. At the very minimum, an airport consists of one runway (or helipad), but other common components are hangars and terminal buildings. Apart from these, an airport may have a variety of facilities and infrastructure, including fixed base operator services, air traffic control, passenger facilities such as restaurants and lounges, and emergency services. The terms airfield and airstrip may also be used to refer to a facility that has nothing more than a runway.

Airports vary in size, with smaller or less-developed airports often having only a single runway shorter than 1,000 m (3,300 ft). Larger airports for international flights generally have paved runways 2,000 m (6,600 ft) or longer. Many small airports have dirt, grass, or gravel runways, rather than asphalt or concrete.

The longest public-use runway in the world is at Ulyanovsk-Vostochny International Airport, in Ulyanovsk, Russia. It has a length of 16,404ft.

Airports are divided into landside and airside areas. Landside areas include parking lots, tank, farms and access roads. Airside areas include all areas accessible to aircraft, including runways, taxiways and ramps. Access from landside areas to airside areas is tightly controlled at most airports. Passengers on commercial flights access airside areas through terminals, where they can purchase tickets, clear security, check or claim luggage and board aircraft. The waiting areas which provide passenger access to aircraft are typically called concourses, although this term is often used interchangeably with terminal.

The area where aircraft park next to a terminal to load passengers and baggage is known as a ramp. Parking areas for aircraft away from terminals are generally called aprons.

Both large and small airports can be towered or uncontrolled, depending on air traffic density and available funds. Due to their high capacity and busy airspace, most international airports have air traffic control located on site.

Customs facilities for international flights define an international airport, and often require a more conspicuous level of physical security. International airports generally have a complex of buildings where passengers can embark on airliners, and where cargo can be stored and loaded.

The largest international airports are often located next to freeways or are served by their own freeways. Often, traffic is fed into two access roads, designed as loops, one sitting on top of the other. One level is for departing passengers and the other is for arrivals. Many airports also have light rail lines or other mass transit systems directly connected to the main terminals.

Most international airports have shops and food courts. These services usually provide the passengers food and drinks before they get on to their flight. Many recognizable chain food restaurants have opened branches in large airports to serve often hungry passengers.

International areas usually have a duty-free shop where travellers are not required to pay the usual duty fees on items. Larger airlines often operate member-only lounges for premium passengers.

Airports have a captive audience, and consequently the prices charged for food is generally higher than are available elsewhere in the region. However, some airports now regulate food costs to keep them comparable to so-called "street prices".

In addition to people, airports are responsible for moving large volumes of cargo around the clock. Cargo airlines often have their own on-site and adjacent infrastructure to rapidly transfer parcels between ground and air modes of transportation.

The earliest airplane landing sites were simply open, grassy fields. The plane could approach at any angle that provided a favorable wind direction. Early airfields were often built for the purpose of entertainment. These aerodromes consisted of a grassy field, with hangar for storage and servicing of airplanes, and observation stands for the visitors.

Increased aircraft traffic during World War I led to the construction of regular landing fields. Airplanes had to approach these from certain directions. This led to the development of aids for directing the approach and landing slope.

Following the war, some of these military airfields added commercial facilities for handling passenger traffic. One of the earliest such fields was Le Bourget, near Paris. The first international airport to open was the Croydon Airport, in South London. In 1922, the first permanent airport and commercial terminal solely for commercial aviation was built at Konigsberg, Germany. The airports of this era used a paved "apron", which permitted night flying as well as landing heavier airplanes.

The first lighting used on an airport was during the later part of the 1920s; in the 1930s approach lighting came into use. These indicated the proper direction and angle of descent. In the 1940s, the slope-line approach system was introduced. This consisted of two rows of lights that formed a funnel indicating an aircraft's position on the glideslope. Additional lights indicated incorrect altitude and direction.

Following World War II, airport design began to become more sophisticated. Passenger buildings were being grouped together in an island, with runways arranged in groups about the terminal. This arrangement permitted expansion of the facilities. But it also meant that passengers had to travel further to reach their plane.

Airports are required to have safety precautions in most countries. Rules vary in different countries, but there are common elements worldwide. Airport security normally requires baggage checks, metal screenings of individual persons, and rules against any object that could be used as a weapon. Since the September 11, 2001 attacks, airport security has been dramatically increased worldwide.

Outside the terminal, there is a large team of people who work in concert to ensure aircraft can land, take off, and move around quickly and safely. These processes are largely invisible to passengers, but they can be extraordinarily complex at large airports.

Air traffic control (or АТС) is system whereby ground-based controllers direct aircraft movements, usually via radio. This coordinated oversight facilitates safety and speed in complex operations where traffic moves in all three dimensions. Air traffic control responsibilities at airports are usually divided into two main areas: ground and tower.

Ground Control is responsible for directing all ground traffic in designated ‘movement areas’, except the traffic on runways. This includes planes, baggage trains, snowplows, grass cutters, fuel trucks, and a wide array of other vehicles. Ground Control will instruct these vehicles on which taxiways to use, which runway they will use (in the case of planes), where they will park, and when it is safe to cross runways. When a plane is ready to take off it will stop short of the runway, at which point it will be turned over to Tower Control. After a plane has landed, it will depart the runway and be returned to Ground Control.

Tower Control controls aircraft on the runway and in the controlled airspace immediately surrounding the airport. Tower controllers use radar to identify and accurately locate an aircraft's position in three-dimensional space. They coordinate the sequencing of aircraft in the traffic pattern and direct aircraft on how to safely join and leave the circuit. Aircraft which are only passing through the airspace must also contact Tower Control in order to be sure that they remain clear of other traffic and do not disrupt operations.

Before takeoff, pilots usually check an Automatic Terminal Information Service (ATIS) for information about airport conditions where they exist. The ATIS contains information about weather, which runway and traffic patterns are in use, and other information that pilots should be aware of.

Many airports have lighting that help guide planes using the runways and taxiways at night or in rain or fog. On runways, green lights indicate the beginning of the runway for landing, while red lights indicate the end of the runway. Runway edge lighting is white lights spaced out on both sides of the runway, indicating the edge.

Along taxiways, blue lights indicate the taxiway's edge, and some airports have embedded green lights that indicate the centerline.

Planes take-off and land into the wind in order to achieve maximum performance.

Air safety is an important concern in the operation of an airport, and almost every airfield includes equipment and procedures for handling emergency situations. Commercial airfields include one or more emergency vehicles and their crew that are specially equipped for dealing with airfield accidents, crew and passenger extractions, and the hazards of highly flammable airplane fuel. The crews are also trained to deal with situations such as bomb threats, hijacking, and terrorist activities.

Potential airfield hazards to aircraft include debris, nesting birds, and environmental conditions such as ice or snow. The fields must be kept clear of debris using cleaning equipment so that loose material doesn't become a projectile and enter an engine duct. Similar concerns apply to birds nesting near an airfield, and crews often need to discourage birds from taking up residence. In adverse weather conditions, ice and snow clearing equipment can be used to improve traction on the landing strip. For waiting aircraft, equipment is used to spray special deicing fluids on the wings.

The traffic generated by airports both in the air and on the surface can be a major source of aviation noise and air pollution which may interrupt nearby residents' sleep or, in extreme cases, be harmful to their health. The construction of new airports, or addition of runways to existing airports, is often resisted by local residents because of the effect on the countryside, historical sites, local flora and fauna. As well, due to the risk of collision between birds and airplanes, large airports undertake population control programs where they frighten or shoot birds to ensure the safety of air travellers.

The construction of airports has been known to change local weather patterns. For example, because they often flatten out large areas, they can be susceptible to fog in areas where fog rarely forms. In addition, because they generally replace trees and grass with pavement, they often change drainage patterns in agricultural areas, leading to more flooding, run-off and erosion in the surrounding land.

In the view of aforesaid we can come to the following conclusion that airports are very complicated and sophisticated but interesting phenomena in our life that on the one hand make our trips comfortable, convenient and exciting and on the other hand are considered an extremely dangerous business.

WHAT TO DO:

1. Give the Russian equivalents for the following words and word combinations:

Air traffic control, paved runways, parking lots, tank farms, access roads, clear security, air control density, customs facilities, land into the wind.

The bag gauge

 

Your laptop or handbag is up to the dimensions 45cm x 36cm x 20cm, including the handle and pockets. Your laptop or handbag must fit under the seat in front of you.

Checked baggage

You are entitled to a free baggage allowance, which will vary depending on airline and class of travel. How large and heavy can my bag be?

The dimensions of the bag should be: 90cm x 75cm x 43cm (35.5 x 29.5 x 16 inches), including the handle, pockets and wheels. The weight of the bag should be up to 20kg.

What to do with larger/bulky items: you may take bags up to the dimensions 190cm x 75cm x 65cm (75 x 29.5 x 25.5 inches), including the handle, pockets and wheels.

This allows you to take items such as sporting equipment and musical instruments at no additional cost as part of your free checked baggage allowance.

Any bags carried in addition to your free checked baggage allowance will incur an extra bag charge. These larger bags can take longer to arrive from your flight and are generally delivered to a separate area of the baggage hall.

If you wish to take more bags than your free checked baggage allowance or your bag is heavier than the free weight allowance, you must pay for it. It is possible to pay at the airport, as you check in, but these will be charged at a higher rate. Save yourself time and money by paying for your extra bags online.

You can take an unlimited number of mobility aids, e.g. wheelchairs, if they are for personal use only. These will be carried free of charge in addition to the applicable checked baggage allowance.

Wheelchairs will be carried irrespective of weight. If your wheelchair weighs over 32kg you should make at least a 24-hour notice to the airport.

If you are in any doubt or require assistance, please contact us for further information and guidance.

Do you prefer to 'travel light' and avoid the need for queuing up at the check-in? Sometimes a service in provided, in conjunction with the partner First Luggage, where your luggage can be collected from your home or office prior to your departure and then delivered to your destination, irrespective of your class of travel.

Banned and restricted items

Governments and local authorities may impose restrictions on what you are allowed to take on board with you and what you pack in the baggage that you check in. Banned, restricted and dangerous goods are articles or substances that are capable of poising a risk to health, safety, property or the environment.

The following list covers all those items that are forbidden to be carried anywhere on flights:

- Disabling devices - mace, pepper spray, etc.

- Explosives - fireworks, flares, etc.

- Security-type attache cases containing dangerous goods - pyrotechnic devices, etc.

-  Electro shock weapons - e.g. Tasers - containing dangerous goods such as explosives, compressed gases.

-   Lithium batteries, etc.

- Strike anywhere matches

- Flammable gas cylinders

- Flammable liquids - paint, petrol, lighter refills, solvents, varnish, etc.

- Flammable solids / Substances liable to spontaneous combustion/ firelighters.

- Oxidising materials - bleach, peroxides, some fertilisers, etc.

- Corrosives materials - acids, alkalis, wet cell batteries, etc.

- Toxic (poisonous) substances - weed killer, insecticides, etc.

 

Some restricted items require notification to your airline. The following list covers the items that may be carried on flights with British Airways but require the airline's approval prior to flying and where quantities or regulation of the items are restricted:

- Explosives - ammunition

- Camping stoves and fuel containers

- Solid carbon dioxide (dry ice)

- Heat-producing articles - underwater torches, irons, etc.

- Mercury-filled items - barometers, thermometers, etc.

- Avalanche rescue pack

- Chemical agent monitoring equipment

 - Non-flammable gas cylinder - as part of a life-jacket'- Oxygen and other small cylinders for medical use

- Wheelchairs and Mobility aids - powered with either non-spillable, spillable or Lithium batteries.

Damaged, delayed and lost baggage

If the airline misplaces or loses your baggage, it will make every effort to return it to you as soon as possible and deliver it to an address of your choice free of charge within 24 hours of its arrival at their final destination. The majority of bags are re-united with their owners within 72 hours.

But the airline does not accept liability for fragile, valuable, perishable articles or baggage which is packed in damaged or unsuitable containers.

Under the Conditions of Carriage we accept no liability for the loss of jewellery, other valuables and money contained in checked baggage. You are advised to keep valuables, important documents and money either on your person or in your hand baggage.

 

WHAT TO DO:

Text 6.                                     JET LAG

Everywhere around the world, business people blame bad days on jetlag. Every day, athletes around the world blame poor performances on jetlag.

 

Jetlag affects us physically, mentally, and emotionally. A physical example is swollen feet. A mental example is disorientation. An emotional one is anxiety.

 

Swollen feet are caused by the low air pressure on board and lack of circulation from sitting for long periods without moving. To remedy this, wear travel shoes a half size too large (use cushions inserts on the ground).

 

Abstaining from alcoholic beverages, while on board (and drinking lots of water instead) is both a physical and a mental remedy--it helps to offset dehydration, and it promotes mental clarity.

 

These are jetlag symptoms: constipation, impatience, clammy sweat, insomnia insecurity, diarrhea, irregular heartbeat, disorientation, lightheadedness, dry cough, loss of libido, dry eyes, low blood sugar, dry skin, memory loss, earache, nausea, fatigue reactions to drugs, headache, sore throat, hemorrhoids susceptibility to illness, impaired coordination, impaired vision and swollen feet.

What causes jetlag?

How are we to alleviate the symptoms of jetlag so that they do not interfere with our mental acuity and physical vitality?

Jetlag is caused by a complex combination of circumstances.

First, there are the environmental deviations of traveling--shifts in time, alterations in magnetic fields, modifications in climate, and diversities in cultures.

As if this weren't enough, we are forced into a sickening environment while flying in commercial jets, where we are deprived of air and humidity and exposed to recalculated germs and chemicals, radiation, pesticides, noise, and dehydration.

No Quick Fix

There is no quick fix to alleviate all the symptoms of jetlag. There is no single pill or remedy for all these symptoms because of all the different things that cause jetlag.

We can cope, however, with a little consciousness in our daily life.

First of all, spend some time outside during daylight hours. Even being in a room with windows helps to enlighten our body clocks. Natural light automatically cues our cells to the new local cosmology.

If you can do only one thing, adjust your bedtime to the new, local timetable as soon as possible. Along with the adoption of the local bedtime, try doing what the locals do: their food preferences, meal times, recreational activities, and even the way they dress.

It also helps to schedule work and other important activities at times when you are likely to have maximum energy:

...in the evenings, after flying east,

...in the mornings, after flying west.

Strategies

1. Spend some time every day outdoors.

2. Set your watch to local time.

3. Sleep and eat on local time.

4. Schedule work for maximum energy according to your home time.

Set your watch, focus your mind

All our internal cycles (temperature, sleep, cravings for sweets, reactions to medications, and more) are programmable, like computers.

You can program yours to bounce back from jetlag with adaptability and resilience.

Start by focusing your thoughts and feelings on your desired goals--determine to enjoy well-being as you skirt the globe.

And be sure to set our watch to your destination local time as soon as possible after

takeoff.

“Jetlag is not psychological; it is cycle logical.”

Fatigue and disorientation

Being tired and slightly disoriented for days after arriving, accompanied by a lack of concentration and motivation, especially for any activity that requires effort or skill, such as driving, reading or discussing a business deal. But even simple daily activities can become harder, and one's capacity to truly enjoy a tourist holiday is significantly reduced.

Broken sleep

Crossing time zones can cause you to wake during the night or have difficulty getting to sleep and then want to fall asleep during the day. Your inbuilt circadian rhythms have been disturbed, and it can take many days for the body to readjust to the new time zone. (NASA estimates you need one day for every one-hour time zone crossed to regain normal rhythm and energy levels. So a 5-hour time difference means you will require five days to get back to normal! Can you afford that?)

Confusion, fuzziness

Having to return to check two or three times to see if a hotel room was left locked or unlocked is typical of the effects reported by flight crews experiencing jet lag. Again, not good if you're on a business trip.

Becoming uptight

"Losing it" is another symptom reported by aircrew, which helps explain why long haul flights get very tedious near the end, and why going through customs and immigration and getting to the hotel often seems like a real drama.

In addition to the above symptoms of jet lag, the syndrome is made worse by some common physical problems caused by being confined in an airliner for hours:

Dehydration

The dry atmosphere aboard aircraft can cause headaches, dry skin and nasal irritation, and make you more susceptible to any colds, coughs, sore throats and flu that are floating round in the aircraft.

Discomfort of legs and feet

Limbs swelling while flying can be extremely uncomfortable, and in some cases may prevent travelers wearing their normal shoes for up to 24 hours after arrival.

General health

A report from the World Health Organization directly links jet lag with problems of diarrhea caused by microbiological contamination of water or food, which it says affects about 50% of long haul travelers. "Factors such as travel fatigue, jet lag, a change in diet, a different climate and a low level of immunity may aggravate the problem by reducing a traveler's resistance and making them more susceptible to this type of infection or poisoning," the report says.

What causes jetlag?

How are we to alleviate the symptoms of jetlag so that they do not interfere with our mental acuity and physical vitality?

Jetlag is caused by a complex combination of circumstances.

First, there are the environmental deviations of traveling--shifts in time, alterations in magnetic fields, modifications in climate, and diversities in cultures.

As if this weren't enough, we are forced into a sickening environment while flying in commercial jets, where we are deprived of air and humidity and exposed to recalculated germs and chemicals, radiation, pesticides, noise, and dehydration.

Crossing time zones

The main but not the only cause of jet lag is crossing time zones. Usually going east is worse than going west. Children under three don't seem to suffer jet lag badly as they are more adaptive and less set in their ways. Adults who adjust readily to changes of routine also seem less susceptible to jet lag. Those who are slaves to a fixed daily routine are often the worst sufferers.

Your pre-flight condition

If you're over-tired, excited, stressed, nervous, or hangover before the flight you are setting yourself up for a good dose of jet lag. How many times have you heard travelers say "Don't worry, I'll catch up on the flight"? Well you don't. The wise traveler who wants to get the most out of a trip has a good night's sleep prior to departure.

Dry atmosphere

The air aboard passenger jet aircraft is dry. To people who normally live in more humid conditions the change can be striking. The dryness can cause headaches, dry skin and dry nasal and throat membranes, creating the conditions for catching colds, coughs, sore throats or the flu. Drinking plenty of water helps, and some frequent flyers take a bottle of water with them. Some airlines supply water frequently to passengers, but others only have a small water fountain near the toilets. Coffee, tea, alcoholic drinks and fruit juices are not recommended. Water is what your body wants.

Cabin pressure

At a cruising altitude of near 30,000' the aircraft is pressurized to near 8,000'. Unless you live near 8,000' and are acclimatized to this pressure you may suffer from swelling, tiredness and lethargy.

Stale air

Providing a constant supply of fresh air in the cabin costs the airlines money and some airlines are more willing to oblige than others. The air supply in business and first-class is often better than in economy class. A lack of good air helps make you tired and irritable and can cause headaches. Sometimes if you ask the flight attendants to turn up the fresh air they will do so.

Alcohol

The impact of alcohol on the body is 2-3 times more potent when you're flying. One glass of wine in-flight has the effect of 2-3 glasses on the ground. Add this to the other problems mentioned here, and you can get off the plane with a huge hangover that simply compounds the effects of jet lag.

Food and drink

Airline coffee and tea not only tend to taste awful - they have a higher than usual

caffeine content and are abrasive on the stomach. Orange juice is also abrasive if you are not used to it. If you don't normally drink really strong coffee, tea or orange juice, don't try it while flying. Also go easy on the frequent meals served in-flight. You don't need them. And sitting in a cramped position puts extra pressure on your stomach. Also beware risky foods served on some airlines in certain parts of the world, including salads and cold meat and fish. According to WHO, 50% of international travelers get stomach problems, so dietary care is important while flying.

Lack of exercise

Lack of exercise is one of the worst aspects of long haul flying. It makes the flight

uncomfortable and sets you up for a longer period of jet lag afterwards. Do stretching exercises in your seat, especially for the legs, and if possible go for walks up and down the aisle. If you have a spare seat next to you, try to get your feet up. Get off the plane whenever possible at stopovers and do some exercises (don't worry what others think). If there is an opportunity during a ground stop, take a shower - it freshens you, tones the muscles and gets the blood moving again.

 

WHAT TO DO:

1. Answer the following questions:

1.          Are you a nervous flyer?

2. Have you ever travelled through different time zones?

3. What is your understanding of jet lag?

4. Have you ever felt jet lagged?

5. What are the main causes of jet lag?

6. What can be done to beat jet lag?

 

 

REVISION

SUPPLEMENTARY READING

Text 2.

Introduction

Eurostar is the high-speed rail service directly linking the UK to France and Belgium via the Channel Tunnel. It started operating in 1994, providing city centre to city centre services.

The fastest London-Paris Eurostar journey time is 2 hours 35 minutes, London-Brussels 2 hours 15 minutes and London-Lille just 1 hour 40 minutes.

Eurostar runs up to 16 services to Paris and nine to Brussels daily. In addition, up to nine trains stop at Lille in northern France, and up to four services stop at Calais Frethun en route. Also, up to 14 trains call daily at the terminal at Ashford International, which serves as the principal passenger gateway from Kent.

There are direct daily services from Waterloo and Ashford to the gates of Disneyland Resort Paris and, during the winter holiday season, Eurostar operates two services every week from Waterloo and Ashford to Moutiers and Bourg St Maurice in the French Alps. Eurostar also runs a direct service to Avignon in Provence on Saturdays during the Summer.

In addition, Eurostar offers connecting tickets to over 100 destinations across France, Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands. For example, Lyon can be reached in five hours from London and Marseille in seven hours. Brussels Midi is the gateway for the Netherlands and Germany with easy connections to Amsterdam (about six hours from London) and Cologne (about five hours).

All Eurostar tickets to / from Brussels are valid for travel to/ from any Belgian
station at no extra cost.

In 2007 the second section of the new UK high-speed rail line will open. St Pancras International will become Eurostar's new London home and create a high-speed link to the Continent from the heart of the city.

The completion of the UK high-speed line will further reduce journey times and open up international rail services to anyone living north of London.

Fastest London-Paris journey time will be 2 hours 15 minutes, London-Brussels 1 hour 53 minutes and London-Lille 1 hour 20 minutes.

Eurostar's ticket prices vary to meet all budgets. Leisure travellers enjoy the cheapest fares - with permanent lead-in short break fares from £59 return.

Since starting operations in November 1994, Eurostar has more than doubled the total number of passengers travelling (by air or rail) between London and Paris/Brussels. In ten years Eurostar has carried over 60 million passengers.

In September 2003, Eurostar began carrying guide dogs on its services from London Waterloo to Paris and Brussels. In April 2005, Eurostar began carrying other assistance dogs.

To establish the Eurostar service, it was necessary to overcome significant rail network differences between the UK, France and Belgium. European rail networks primarily focus on domestic services, employing different technologies, for example, in power supply and signalling, as well as in commercial areas such as ticket

distribution systems. Eurostar has successfully overcome all these obstacles, operating safely and efficiently across the three territories.

Setting new standards for international train travel

Eurostar has been at the leading edge of innovation in the rail industry, setting new standards for travel by train. It was one of the first rail operators to introduce business lounges and a loyalty programme.

It has successfully built up a significant market share by offering a number of advantages over other forms of transport. These include:

seamless city centre to city centre travel, frequency of services, greater punctuality in service than competitors, comfort and space, time efficiency - door to door journey times are faster than air, cost competitiveness, fast and convenient check-in. 10 minute check-in for Business Premier passengers, arrival in city centre, no queues, no baggage reclaim, transparent and generous compensation policy, in the event of delay or cancellation, benefits for regular users as part of Eurostar Frequent Traveller loyalty scheme, including free travel as well as offers from a range of exclusive partners chosen to give a flavour of Eurostar's destinations, terminal and train reinvention.

Eurostar is investing £35 million in a refurbishment programme which will cover all aspects of the service including rolling stock interiors, lounges, terminals, ticket offices, check-in, crockery, the visual identity and staff uniforms. The programme is being implemented in all three countries.

From 1 September 2005 Eurostar has divided its first class into separate business and leisure carriages, seating travelers depending on their key reason for traveling. The new classes are Business Premier and Leisure Select. Eurostar also offers standard class.

In February 2004, Eurostar introduced new uniforms for terminal staff and on-board train crew, designed by Jacqueline de Baer.

Eurostar launched its first refurbished train in September 2004. All carriages have been refurbished. UK and Continental power sockets have been introduced throughout Business Premier and Leisure Select and in selected standard class coaches. Business Premier and Leisure Select also boast snooze-friendly pillows and push-button reclining seats. All 27 trains in the Eurostar fleet are being refurbished.

Eurostar trains have the capacity to operate at a maximum speed of 186 miles per hour or 300 km per hour on the UK high-speed line and the high-speed lines in France and Belgium.

On 30 July 2003, Eurostar broke the UK rail speed record with a test train reaching 208.0 miles per hour or 334.7 km per hour on the new UK high-speed line. Market Share

• Eurostar has, since 1994, established itself as the leading carrier to Brussels and Paris and has the largest share of the rail/air market on its core routes despite intense competition. Eurostar has 69% of the London-Paris rail/air market and 62% of the London-Brussels rail/air market.

• Award-winning advertising campaigns have also helped to build a strong brand with high levels of awareness and favourability. Eurostar is now also focusing on the business travel market, with good value fares and flexible tickets.

86% of Eurostar trains arrived on time or early in the first six months of 2005. previous year. These figures are much higher than the punctuality data for Eurostar's airline competitors.

Eurostar currently operates a fleet of 27 trains between the UK and France/Belgium. In addition, three Eurostar trains are being used on domestic services in France and a fourth is based in Belgium. Seven regional train sets are owned in the UK. Some of these are leased to GNER for services between London and Yorkshire while others are used for testing.

Eurostar trains are 400 metres long and comprise 18 passenger carriages and two power cars. There are 750 seats on each train, almost equivalent to capacity levels of two 747 Boeing planes. Of the seats, 544 are in standard class and 206 in Business Premier and Leisure Select. The regional sets are shorter with 14 passenger carriages. These have 444 standard class seats and 114 first class.

The length of Eurostar trains cannot be reduced or extended depending on passenger loadings. Therefore load factor is not seen as a key indicator of Eurostar performance as it may be with airlines, which are able to deploy different sizes of aircraft.

Eurostar has an excellent safety record with each of its trains having a number of safety features that make it one of the safest trains in the world.

«The fireproofing systems for safe transit through the Channel Tunnel are unique. These include the extensive use of fire resistant materials, heavy gauge insulation of cables and fire doors between each carriage.

The driving cab features modem train protection systems, including the French automatic system, which is used on the new Channel Tunnel Rail Link. The UK standard TPWS system has been fitted.

All on board crew (Train Managers and Drivers) are trained in first aid.

 

 

Answer the question:

How many airports are there in London?

 

When preparing to fly,

You are advised to arrive at the airport with time to spare and check in as early as possible. As a general guide, you should allow:

• Three hours before scheduled departure for long-haul and El Al flights.

• Two hours before scheduled departure for European flights

* Ninety minutes before scheduled departure for flights within the UK and Ireland.

You should check the instructions on your ticket and from your travel agent or booking website. If you are still unsure please check with your airline directly.

 

At check-in

It is necessary to register the tickets, get a seat assignment, and weigh and check the luggage. At the check-in counter, your ticket is looked at, your things are weighed and labeled with their destination. Each passenger more than 2 years old gets a free luggage allowance. Generally this weight limit is 20 kg of checked baggage for economy class passengers and 30 kg for first class passengers. If you check excess luggage you'll have to pay a fee calculated by the number of extra pieces and the extra weight. Every passenger is also allowed one small carry-on bag, for instance a laptop computer or small suitcase. To save_; time, have your tickets and passport ready, and ensure your hand luggage contains only valuables and items you will need during the journey.

Once your hold luggage is checked in, you can proceed to security control.

It pays to clear security control early and leave yourself time to relax before your flight, enjoy the shops, bars and cafes in the departure lounge, and get to your gate in plenty of time.

Please be aware that there are limits on the number and size of bags and on the quantity of liquid items which can be carried through security control. For most destinations anything you buy after security control can be taken on to the aircraft- store staff will be able to advise you.

Self-service check-in

Self-service check-in offers a quick, easy and safe alternative to traditional check-in desks. Simply use the computer terminal to choose your, seat and print your boarding card, then take your baggage to the bag-drop facility.

Please keep your bags close by and take care of credit.cards, passports and other important documents when using the kiosks Airline staff will be on hand if you need assistance.

Some passengers and flight destinations are not eligible for self-service check-in. Please confirm whether this service is available to you at the time of booking or visit the airline website to find out about service limitations.

The next formality is filling in the immigration form and going through passport control. Remember to have a black or blue pen with you because the immigration form has to be filled in block letters. You write your name, nationality, permanent address and the purpose of your trip. In most countries there is also a security check when your carry-on-luggage is inspected. This is an anti-terrorism measure, and anything in your luggage that might be dangerous or disturbing to other passengers must be handed over to one of the crew and will only be returned to the owner after the plane has reached its destination.

There are two queues at passport control - one for European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA)*, British and Swiss nationals, and a second for all other nationalities.

 

At the passport desk a UK Border Agency officer will ask to see your passport or travel document and any supporting documentation necessary for your visit. Please remember that your passport must not expire during your visit to the United¹ Kingdom. With tougher checks now in place at the border, you may have to wait a little longer to get into the United Kingdom, especially at peak times.

 

Stopovers in Britain

 

There is nowhere to sleep in the airport. If your booking includes a stopover in a local hotel, then follow the signs to Arrivals: Leave the airport via passport control, baggage reclaim and Customs, then check in as normal when it's time to continue your journey.

 

Air Quality

The air that you breathe insidean airline cabin isn’t nearly as good as what you will find in most other places.

The cabin is pressurized, since the air is so thin at altitude. However, they don¢t pressurize it to sea level; it is substantially weaker. (This is part of why air travel can be so draining; you can end up with mild altitude sickness!)

Furthermore, the air is very very dry. This can lead to dehydration, which can also make you feel lousy, I strongly advise bringing a litre or two of water with you, and guzzling that non-stop throughout the trip.

Noise

Planes are also very noisy. You might not think this is a big deal, but it wears away at you. Consider bringing some earplugs with you.

Some of thy large jets have sound systems built-in. Many of the newer planes also have built-in TV systems for movies and informercials. Usually, you have to pay a small fee (generally around five US dollars) to rent headphones if you want sound. You can bring portable tape and/or compact disk players aboard with you, bur airlines may restrict their use (especially on takeoff and landing). There is some concern that the electromagnetic fields generated by consumer electronics can interfere with the airplane’s navigational signals.

 

Non-flights

Occasionally, you will notbe able to go out on your scheduled flight. Sometimes the bump will be because the passengers did not follow statistical means, and fewer people cancelled than the airline expected. In such cases, the airline will usually give you some sort of prize - free tickets or vouchers for travel on that airline. Occasionally, the bump will be for safety reasons: because of fog, thunderstorms, a (apparently false) smoke alarm.

If you are stuck somewhere overnight because of something that was the fault of the airline, they will usually furnish you with a hotel room, breakfast, and the first flight out in the morning. If you are stuck somewhere because of the weather, that's your own problem. Either you hang out in the airport (another good reason to bring food with you!)or you impose upon your great-step-half-aunt Martha that you haven't seen in seventeen years.

If you miss a flight because of your own stupidity, most airlines will help you out if it doesn't inconvenience them too much.

If you are waiting to board a flight and it is suddenly cancelled, there will be a race to the next airline counter to try to get on the next flight. Instead of following the sheep to the counter, head for the nearest phone and phone the airline reservations system. You get the same result without standing in line.

Pets

You can ship your pets on an airline, but you need to put the animal in a special animal container. Flying can be pretty traumatic for people, who know what is going on and asked for it; imagine what your poor pet is going through!

Almost all vetsrecommend stronglyAGAINST tranquilizing pets in aircraft, especially in the hold. In some breeds with short noses, they can suffer breathing problems and other side effects.

Some countries have really strict pet quarantines. Island nations (e.g. Britain, New Zealand) are particularly paranoid about rabies, and require quarantines that are a significant fraction of a pet’s lifetime.

 

Special Circumstances

There are some things beyond your control, and airlines actually have some flexibility in these circumstances. If youare ill, you can usually cancel or reschedule your flight. You will need a note from your doctor and to fill out a number of forms at anairline office.

If you are flying to a funeral of a relative, many airlines will waive the advance purchase restrictions on fares, resulting in muchcheaper tickets. You will need to tell the airline the name of your relative, your relationship to the dearly departed, and the name, and phone number of the dearly departed’s funeral home.

 

Answer the following questions:

1. Have you ever cleared electronic passport control?

2. Is it obligatory to remove your passport from a passport holder?

3. Do you carry a conventional or a chipped passport?

4. Have you ever watched kids while in flight?

5. Can children travel unaccompanied?

 

Low-cost airlines

The UK-based low-cost carriers will not allow pets to travel in the cabin. Flybe transports pets in the hold as cargo (details: Globe Air Cargo 00 44 (0)208 757 4776). However, it will not transport animals on international routes. If travelling around Europe, German wings transports cats or dogs up in the cabin if they weigh no more than 8kg (171bs). However, they won't carry pets on flights to or from the UK and Ireland.

Pet's Passport

The DEFRA Pet Travel Scheme (commonly known as pet's passport) allows animals from certain countries to enter the UK without undergoing the six-month quarantine period. This means that you can bring your pet back into the UK as well, without them having to undergo quarantine. To meet the rules of the scheme, your pet needs to be fitted with a microchip, vaccinated against rabies and then blood-tested. You then have to wait for six months after the animal has been blood-tested to check that the vaccine was successful to get the documentation from the vet that will allow it to travel. At this point, your pet will be issued with an EU passport. The scheme applies to dogs, cats and the ever-popular ferret. Other domestic animals such as birds, rabbits, rodents and fish can also be transported under the scheme, though, obviously, they do not have to be microchipped or given rabies vaccinations. The scheme is excellent for providing easy transport of animals in the UK, but it does take time to follow the procedures, so make sure you start at least seven months before you're due to fly - it's no good turning up at the passport office with a passport photo or your pooch...

Frequent Flyers

Virgin Atlantic's Flying Paws frequent-flyer programme allows animals to win gifts for themselves and air miles for their owner. On their first flight, the animals will receive a "welcome onboard pet pack" complete with doggy t-shirts, toy mouse or, for the ferrets, a jacket and collar tag. All pets will receive their own passport, which gives them paw prints that they can redeem for gifts. Sir Richard Branson calls it "pawtastic".

 

Answer the following question:

Do you travel with your pet or leave it behind with a pet-sitter?

 

______________________________________________________

  

REFERENCES

The European, 2011-2012; 

The Independent, 2012;

International Herald Tribune, 2012-2013;

The Guardian Weekly, 2013;

The Sunday Times, 2012;

Internet resources.

 

             

   

Черемисина Т.И., Обухова М.С.

Учебное пособие