Reading A2

Getting Around the City with a Transport Card

Learners practice reading about using a public transport card, with activities on vocabulary, comprehension and discussion.

Topics public transportcardtravelcitycommuting

City commuters often rely on a simple plastic card to travel on buses, trams and the metro. The transport card is made of thin plastic.

The card stores a monetary balance that can be topped up online or at a ticket machine.

When you arrive at a station, you just tap the card on the reader and the system automatically deducts the fare. If the balance is too low, the gate will stay closed and a warning light will flash.

You can check your remaining balance on the screen of the machine or through a mobile app.

Many cities also offer discounted fares for students, seniors and regular travelers. The card can be used on all public transport lines, so you never need to buy a separate ticket for each ride.

To keep the card safe, it is a good idea to keep it in a wallet or a dedicated holder. With a little planning, using a transport card makes daily journeys quick and inexpensive.

Now it's your turn

Check what you've understood

Answer from what you have read, then check each activity and return to the text wherever you need.

Activity 1 · Fill in the gaps

Vocabulary in Context

1
2
3
4
5

Answer all 5 questions, then check your work.

Activity 2 · Choose one answer

Reading Comprehension

1What do you need to do to pay for a ride?
2Where can you add more money to your card?
3What happens if your balance is too low?
4Who can receive discounted fares?
5What is a good way to keep the card safe?

Answer all 5 questions, then check your work.

Activity 3 · True, false or doesn't say

Check the Details

1The transport card can be used on all public transport lines.
2You must buy a new ticket for each ride.
3The balance shows how much money is left on the card.
4The card is made of metal.
5Discounted fares are only for students.

Answer all 5 questions, then check your work.

Activity 4 · Cloze Exercise

Cloze Exercise

When you arrive at the , you your on the reader to pay the . Make sure your is enough before you travel.

Answer all 5 questions, then check your work.

Continue the conversation

Discussion Questions

Use these questions for speaking practice, a class discussion or your own reflection.

  1. How does using a transport card change your daily travel routine?
  2. What are the advantages of checking your balance before a trip?
  3. How would you explain the tap system to a friend who has never used it?
  4. What suggestions would you give to improve the public transport card system?

Take it one step further

Write and get personal feedback

Your writing task

Can you think of any problems that might happen with a transport card?

One free correction

Write between 60 and 100 words. A teacher will review your text and send the feedback to your email.

Free personal correction

Send your Writing

Can you think of any problems that might happen with a transport card?

0 words60–100 words

About this text

This is an original educational text created by Angloxa.

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