Learn English meaning of 'life without a car'

Intro

1. Learn Vocabulary - Learn some new vocabulary before you start the lesson.

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• head to
• public transit
• ride
• decision

• freeing
• dependent
• inconvenient
• suburbs

• hop
• freedom

2. Read and Prepare - Read the introduction and prepare to hear the audio.

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People love the freedom and control they feel when driving their own cars. All over the world, even in small towns, you can see people driving. But in the past years there has been a trend to clean up the air in the cities we live in. People want to make the world a better place for their kids.

In many cities, people walk, use their bicycles, or use public transit. They feel healthier because they are moving their bodies, and happier because they don’t have to wait in traffic. Would you rather drive your own car or ride your bicycle to work?

Brian asks Gary if he wants a ride downtown. Find out how Gary and Brian use public transit around the city.

Dialog

1. Listen and Read - Listen to the audio and read the dialog at the same time.

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2. Study - Read the dialog again to see how the vocab words are used.

Brian

Gary

Brian:   Hey, Gary. I’m going downtown. Do you want a ride?

Gary:   Wow, I haven’t been in a car in a long time. That sounds great.

Brian:  Yeah, I know. I always see you walking everywhere.

Gary:  I’ve made the decision to live a car-free life.

Brian:  You don’t have a car?

Gary:  No, I have a bicycle, I use public transit. It is such a freeing experience, Brian. I’m really just trying to do everything I can to make the world a better place.

Brian:  Do you feel like you’re dependent on other people for rides or public transportation only?

Gary:  Every now and then, yeah. It’s inconvenient to get some places. But I think it’s worth it.

Brian:  I grew up in the suburbs, so I had to have a car. It was also my chance at freedom. Once I was able to drive, I could go wherever I wanted to. I grew up with one, but I definitely now coming to the city, I do enjoy walking more and not driving when possible.

Gary:  Well, on the other side of that, let’s hop in your car if you don’t mind and head downtown. It will be a lot faster.

Brian:  It will save you twenty minutes.

 

Grammar Point

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Quizzes

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Lesson MP3

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