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Oxford Scene 1
Instructions
Do the Preparation task first. Then watch the video. Next go to Task and do the activity. If you need help, you can read the Transcript at any time.
Preparation
Before you watch
In this episode, Stephen and Ashlie visit the ancient city of Oxford.
- Have you ever heard of Oxford?
- What do you think they are going to do there?
Now, watch Ashlie and Stephen on their trip to Oxford.
Transcript
Transcript
Stephen: Ice on the road, bridge ahead, look out for wild animals. What’s this one, Ash?
Ashlie: That one means ‘danger, river bank’ or something. It’s obvious, look at it.
Stephen: I’m studying for my driving test. You have to do a test in the car when you’re learning to drive and you have to do a written test as well – so I have to learn all these signs.
Ashlie: And I’m studying for my Business Studies course. I have to go to Oxford this afternoon to do an exam so I’m doing some last minute revision.
Stephen: Hey, Ash.
Ashlie: What?
Stephen: Did you say your exam’s in Oxford?
Ashlie: Yeah, so?
Stephen: So, why don’t I drive us there? And you can give me a driving lesson on the way. I really need the practice.
Ashlie: OK, then. Sounds good.
Stephen: Great! When do we need to go?
Ashlie: Well, with you driving? Now!
Stephen: I’ll go and get a map.
Ashlie: Oh, you don’t need to - we’ve got the GPS.
Stephen: Excellent, shall we go?
Ashlie: Yep.
.....
Stephen: OK. Ready to go!
GPS: Seatbelt on.
Stephen: Oops. Seatbelt on.
Ashlie: Right. Look in the mirrors. Get into gear. Signal. Just check the mirrors again. And off we go.
Stephen: This is easy!
Ashlie: You’re doing OK, just take it easy, the GPS knows where we’re going.
GPS: Turn right in 100 metres.
Stephen: Turn right in 100 metres.
GPS: Continue driving around the roundabout for five kilometres. Turn left in 200 metres.
Stephen: Left?! That can’t be right. We’re going round in circles.
Ashlie: I think we should go right.
GPS: Keep left. Approaching destination in 5 metres.
Ashlie: Stephen!
Stephen: Let’s turn that thing off and turn around.
Ashlie: Oh, come on. I’m going to be late. It’s almost two o’clock now.
Stephen: Which way do I go Ash?
Ashlie: Oh, look, just stop here. Over there.
Ashlie: OK – remember to lock the car and don't forget to take the GPS with you. I’ll give you a ring after my exam. Bye!
Ashlie: Taxi!
Ashlie: Excuse me, can you take me to Oriel College, please?
Taxi Driver: OK.
Ashlie: Thanks.
GPS: You have arrived at your destination.
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Hello nikoslado,
In the UK a person can have a provisional licence before they pass their test. This allows them to drive the car provided there is a qualified driver with them. There are certain limitations such as not being allowed to drive on motorways.
Many people learn to drive like this and are able to gain a lot of experience before they take the test.
The sentence from the GPS is illogical if you analyse it strictly. This is really due to the GPS voice system itself, which builds sentences by putting together whole phrases without too much attention to grammar and syntax.
Peter
The LearnEnglish Team