Why are Japanese trains so punctual?

Answer each question with 2–3 sentences.

1. How reliable is public transport where you live?
2. Which do you prefer: a train, a bus or a car?
3. Have you ever been late because of a delay?
4. How early do you arrive at a station?
5. Is it important to be punctual in your culture?
6. What would you change in your city's transport?

Read each word and the example. Then say a sentence about transport.

Choose the word that fits.

1. Japanese trains are famous for being .
2. Check the to see when the next train leaves.
3. There was a ten-minute because of the snow.
4. The checked everyone's tickets.
5. The train will from platform four.
6. Millions of use the trains every day.
7. The from Tokyo to Kyoto is not cheap.
8. Trains in Japan are very ; you can count on them.

Choose the right answer, then press Check answers.

1. punctual =
   very fastvery cheaparriving at the right time
2. a delay is when something is
   lateearlycancelled for ever
3. precise =
   dangerousexactloose
4. a commuter travels
   by planeto work every dayonly on holiday
5. a fare is the
   price of a ticketname of a stationtime of a train
6. to rely on = to
   argue withdepend onforget about

Use these phrases to compare things.

• as ... asтакий ... якJapanese trains are as punctual as a clock.
• twice as ... asвдвічі ... ніжThis train is twice as fast as that one.
• not as ... asне такий ... якOur buses are not as punctual as their trains.
• far / much / slightly + comparativeнабагато / трохиTrains there are far more reliable.
• one of the most...один із найбільш...It is one of the most punctual systems in the world.
• not nearly as ... asдалеко не такий ... якBuses are not nearly as fast.
• compared toу порівнянні зCompared to buses, trains are faster.
• by far the bestбезумовно найкращийIt is by far the best service.

Read the text. Hover over the dotted words for help.

1. The Tokaido Shinkansen links Tokyo and Osaka.
   TrueFalse
2. The average delay is usually under a minute.
   TrueFalse
3. Only technology is responsible for the punctuality.
   TrueFalse
4. Staff sometimes give a delay certificate.
   TrueFalse
5. The text says the system never fails.
   TrueFalse

1. How is punctuality connected to a country's culture?
2. Would you like your city's transport to be this strict?
3. What are the disadvantages of a very strict schedule?
4. Can we copy this system in other countries?

Common mistakes: as … as, twice as … as, and far / much + comparative. ✗ not so quick like → not as quick as. ✗ very more reliable → far more reliable.

1. Trains are
   soas
   fast as planes on short routes.
2. Buses are not
   asmore
   quick as trains.
3. This train is twice as
   fastfaster
   as that one.
4. Trains are
   farvery
   more reliable than buses.
5. It is one of the
   most punctualmore punctual
   systems in the world.
6. It's by far
   betterthe best
   service.
7. Trains are
   mostslightly
   cheaper than planes.
8. Compare toCompared to
   buses, trains are faster.

Each sentence has one mistake. Type the correct words.

1. Buses are not so quick like trains. →
2. This train is twice faster than that one. →
3. It is one of the most punctual system. →
4. Trains are very more reliable than buses. →
5. It's the more expensive ticket in the shop. →
6. Compare with buses, trains are faster. →

Answer in detail. Use as … as, comparatives and superlatives.

1. How reliable is public transport where you live?
2. What is the most punctual thing in your life?
3. Which is better for you: a train, a bus or a car? Why?
4. Describe a time when you were late because of a delay.
5. What would you change in your city's transport?
6. Do you think punctuality is important in every culture?

Three people talk about transport. Compare their situations. Whose system is the most reliable? Who suffers most from delays? What would you recommend?

Your teacher will time you.

1. Plan for one minute, then speak for one or two minutes.
2. Part 1: how you travel every day.
3. Part 2: compare two ways of travelling (as … as, comparatives).
4. Part 3: what the ideal transport system looks like.

1. How do you usually get to work or study?
2. How long does your journey take?
3. What is the fastest way to travel in your city?
4. What is the cheapest way?
5. Have you ever missed a connection?
6. Do you read or listen to something when you travel?
7. What is the longest train journey you've been on?
8. What do you like most about travelling by train?

1. Who in your family uses public transport?
2. Who is always late?
3. Who is the most punctual person you know?
4. Who prefers driving to taking the train?
5. Who gives you a lift?
6. Who do you travel with most often?

1. Should public transport be free?
2. Are trains better for the environment than cars?
3. Should companies pay for their workers' commutes?
4. Is it more important for trains to be cheap or punctual?
5. Will self-driving cars replace trains?