UK Culture - Pedestrians

http://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/en/uk-culture/pedestriansr

Introduction
This support pack accompanies: UK Culture – Pedestrians
To watch the video online, go to:
http://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/en/uk-culture/pedestrians
This support pack contains the following materials:
a pre-watching vocabulary activity;
discussion questions
the tape script
a comprehension task
a language task

Roads are dangerous places for people on foot. Watch this video to find out how to stay safe when
crossing roads in the UK.

Before you watch / read

Match the words and phrases in the table to their definitions.

1. pedestrians 2. motorways 3. crossings 4. flashing 5. markings

6. beacons 7. give way to 8. to cross 9. approaching 10. instructing

Definitions:
a. shining brightly and suddenly
b. wide roads for fast-moving long-distant traffic
c. painted symbols
d. places where traffic must stop to let people walk
e. ordering
f. people walking, especially where vehicles usually go
g. coming near
h. stop to allow something/someone else to pass
i. posts with a flashing light on top
j. go from one side to the other

Discuss:
Are there any laws about crossing the road in your country?
Do you think pedestrians are poorly treated compared to drivers?

© The British Council, 2010 Page 1 of 2

The United Kingdom’s international organisation for educational opportunities and cultural relations. We are registered in England as a charity.
 UK Culture - Pedestrians
http://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/en/uk-culture/pedestriansr

Transcript: UK Culture – Pedestrians

Pedestrian Safety the road when the green man is showing but, if
the light is flashing, don’t start to cross.
In any new country, the roads can be
dangerous for pedestrians … so … There are crossing points known as Zebra
crossings which have black and white road
Even for those not driving it is important to be
markings and orange flashing beacons at each
aware that traffic may be approaching from
side of the road. Drivers should give way to
unexpected directions.
pedestrians on the crossing, but you should be
Although, apart from motorways, it’s not illegal
careful as there are no red traffic lights
to cross the road at any point it is advisable to
instructing drivers to stop.
use crossings, some of them controlled by
Don’t forget, pedestrians are not allowed to walk
traffic lights, whenever you can. You may cross
along or cross any motorway at any time.

Comprehension Task
Order the ideas
Write the order that the following topics are mentioned in the text.
The first one has been done for you.

a. The significance of flashing lights

b. Where pedestrians are never allowed to walk

c. A special type of crossing

1 d. Where traffic is coming from

e. The best places to cross a road

Language Task
Spot the mistake
Can you find the spelling mistakes in these sentences?

1. In an unfamiliar country, you should pay attention to the direction of trafic.

2. Use a pedestrian crossin wherever you can.
3. Zebra crossings have black an white lines on the road.
4. Drivers have to stop if there is someone useing the crossing.
5. Pedestrians are never aloud to walk on motorways.
Answers

© The British Council, 2010 Page 2 of 2

The United Kingdom’s international organisation for educational opportunities and cultural relations. We are registered in England as a charity.