S1 E2: Getting to Work Daily Commute Intermediate and Advanced English Vocabulary Podcast

Summary

In this episode of Advanced English live classes, teachers Mark and Cat explore the topic of commuting, offering vocabulary and phrases to describe the journey to and from work. They discuss various modes of transportation, share personal commuting experiences, and highlight the differences in British and American English. The lesson includes practical expressions for daily conversations, such as discussing one's commute length, reliance on public transport, and activities during the commute. The class also corrects common mistakes regarding the use of 'work' and 'office' and provides takeaway sentences for practice.

Takeaways

• 😀 The video is an episode of 'Advanced English' focusing on vocabulary related to commuting to and from work.
• 👋 Introductions are made by Mark, a teacher from the UK, and Cat, another teacher with over a decade of experience.
• 🚶 Commuting is defined as the act of traveling to and from work, with various modes of transportation mentioned such as bus, taxi, walking, and driving.
• 🚌 Commuting is not used for traveling to places other than work, such as the supermarket or bank.
• 🕰 Commuting times can vary, with examples given of long commutes, like Mark's father who commuted two hours one way to work in London.
• 🚉 Different verbs are used to describe taking transportation, such as 'catch' for grabbing a bus or train, and 'rely on' for depending on a mode of transport.
• 📰 Commuters often use their travel time to catch up on news, text friends, or read, indicating how they spend their commute.
• 🌐 Differences in vocabulary between American and British English are highlighted, such as 'mates' in British English versus 'friends' in American English.
• 🏙️ Specific terms for public transport systems are discussed, like 'the tube' for London's subway system, and 'the subway' or 'metro' for other cities.
• 🕗 The importance of aiming for a specific train or bus to ensure punctuality is emphasized, using phrases like 'aim for' or 'try for'.
• 🛤️ The script covers the experience of commuting during rush hour, noting that it can be crowded and suggesting avoiding commuter trains if possible for a more relaxed journey.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the 'Advanced English' live class in this script?

The main topic of the 'Advanced English' live class is discussing vocabulary and phrases related to commuting, which is the act of traveling to and from work.

Who are the hosts of the 'Advanced English' live class?

The hosts of the 'Advanced English' live class are Mark, a teacher from the UK, and Cat, also a teacher with over a decade of experience.

What does the term 'commuting' refer to in the context of the script?

In the context of the script, 'commuting' refers to the journey or process of traveling to and from work, which can involve various modes of transportation such as bus, taxi, walking, or driving.

How does Mark describe his usual commute to work in London?

Mark describes his usual commute to work in London as catching the 7:45 a.m. train, which takes about 20 minutes to reach the city center, followed by a short walk to his workplace.

What is the difference between the terms 'rely on' and 'catch' when talking about transportation?

The term 'rely on' indicates a dependency on a particular mode of transportation as part of one's daily routine, while 'catch' implies actively getting on a specific instance of transport, such as a particular train or bus.

What is the specific term used for the subway system in London?

The specific term used for the subway system in London is 'the Tube'.

What is the meaning of the phrase 'I aim for the 7:45 a.m. train'?

The phrase 'I aim for the 7:45 a.m. train' means that the person is trying to leave their house on time to catch that specific train, indicating a goal or intention to be punctual for that train.

What does the term 'rush hour' refer to in the context of commuting?

The term 'rush hour' refers to the time during early morning or late evening when a large number of people are commuting to or from work, leading to increased traffic and crowded public transport.

How does Cat describe her usual activities during her commute?

Cat describes her usual activities during her commute as trying to read but often ending up scrolling on her phone, indicating that she has good intentions to be productive but sometimes gets distracted.

What is the difference between the phrases 'get to work' and 'commute to work'?

The phrase 'get to work' is a more casual way to describe the process of traveling to work, while 'commute to work' is a specific term for the regular journey to and from one's place of employment.

What are some activities people might do during their commute according to the script?

According to the script, some activities people might do during their commute include catching up on news, texting friends, reading, zoning out, trying to catch up on sleep, or mentally preparing for the day.

What is the purpose of the 'takeaway sentences' at the end of the script?

The purpose of the 'takeaway sentences' at the end of the script is to provide listeners with high-level sentences that they can practice and use to talk about their own commuting experiences, incorporating the vocabulary and phrases discussed in the class.