Travel & Transportation

Role-Plays

Scenario #1:
Parking Ticket

Scenario Useful Expressions

Location: Street Corner Here are some possible questions and
statements to include in your role-play.
Characters: Car Owner and Parking Officer
You don’t have to use them all.

• I didn’t have any change.

Student A:
• I was just running in for a quick second.
You are returning to your car after a quick stop
at the grocery store for milk. A parking officer is • There was nowhere else to park.
writing you a ticket. Explain that you didn’t have
• I promise it won’t happen again.
any change for the meter and it doesn’t accept
credit cards. Be polite and apologetic. • A rule is a rule.

• The parking meter has run out/expired.

Student B:
• I’ll let you off this time.
You are writing a ticket for a car when the
owner returns. The owner explains that he/
she didn’t have any change and was only in the
store for one minute. Give the owner a break
and a warning.

Class Questions Writing

Your class will have to be able to answer the Optional.
following questions after you perform your skit: Use a blank piece of paper or your notebook.

1. Who are the characters? 1.  ork together with your partner to

W
write a dialogue based on the scenario.
2. How does the car owner handle the problem?
2. Use some of the expressions above in your skit.
3. Where does the conversation take place?

4. What does the parking officer decide to do?

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 Travel & Transportation
Role-Plays

Scenario #2:
Passport, Please

Scenario Useful Expressions

Location: Border Crossing Here are some possible questions and
statements to include in your role-play.
Characters: Driver and Customs Officer
You don’t have to use them all.

• I was there on business.

Student A:
• I picked up a few souvenirs.
You are heading back to the US after a
business meeting. You were in Canada for two • I don’t have much to claim.
days. You spent $50 on souvenirs for your kids.
• I’m heading home to the US.

• Do you have your passport handy?

Student B:
• What was the purpose of your trip?
You are a customs officer. Ask the driver the
purpose of his/her stay in Canada. What is he/ • It’s just a routine inspection.
she bringing back to the US? Ask for the driver’s
passport. Ask the driver to open the trunk
for inspection.

Class Questions Writing

Your class will have to be able to answer the Optional.
following questions after you perform your skit: Use a blank piece of paper or your notebook.

1. Who are the characters? 1.  ork together with your partner to

W
write a dialogue based on the scenario.
2. What does the driver have to tell the officer?
2. Use some of the expressions above in your skit.
3. Where does the conversation take place?

4. What extra precaution does the officer take?

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 Travel & Transportation
Role-Plays

Scenario #3:
Taking a Taxi

Scenario Useful Expressions

Location: Airport Here are some possible questions and
statements to include in your role-play.
Characters: Traveler and Taxi Driver
You don’t have to use them all.

• Is there a flat fee?

Student A:
• Is the meter still running?
You need a ride from the airport to the hotel.
When you see how much it will probably cost • How much is this going to cost me?
with the meter running, you ask about a
• Where are you off to today?
flat fee. Have an argument with the driver.
Note: a flat fee is a set rate (e.g., $50). • Will that be cash, credit, or debit?

• Do you need a receipt?

Student B:
• I’m sorry, but that’s the way it is.
You are a taxi driver. You have to take a
traveler to their hotel. You have a flat fee
rate, but it is probably more than using the
meter in this case. Ask how the traveler will
be paying. Have an argument.
Note: a flat fee is a set rate (e.g., $50).

Class Questions Writing

Your class will have to be able to answer the Optional.
following questions after you perform your skit: Use a blank piece of paper or your notebook.

1. Who are the characters? 1.  ork together with your partner to

W
write a dialogue based on the scenario.
2. Where does the conversation take place?
2. Use some of the expressions above in your skit.
3. How do the traveler and the taxi driver get along?

4. W
 hat is the most economical way for
the traveler to get to the hotel by taxi?

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 Travel & Transportation
Role-Plays

Scenario #4:
Taking the Bus

Scenario Useful Expressions

Location: Bus Stop Here are some possible questions and
statements to include in your role-play.
Characters: Parent and Bus Driver
You don’t have to use them all.

• I’m afraid I don’t have the correct change.

Student A:
• Can you make an exception this once?
You are a parent with two young children. You
need to find out how much the fare is for each • I’m in a hurry.
of you. Your kids are one and five years old. You
• The baby is free of charge.
don’t have the correct change, and you need to
get to a doctor’s appointment. • The adult fare is $2.00.

• Sorry, but I can’t make change.

Student B:
• There is a corner store down the block.
The parent who just got on the bus needs
information about fares. Tell the parent that you
do not give change. Recommend a corner store
for getting change. At the last minute, offer the
family a free ride.

Class Questions Writing

Your class will have to be able to answer the Optional.
following questions after you perform your skit: Use a blank piece of paper or your notebook.

1. Who are the characters? 1.  ork together with your partner to

W
write a dialogue based on the scenario.
2. How much money does the family need to pay?
2. Use some of the expressions above in your skit.
3. What is the parent’s main problem?

4. What does the driver do in the end?

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 Travel & Transportation
Role-Plays

Scenario #5:
The Luggage Carousel

Scenario Useful Expressions

Location: Airport Here are some possible questions and
statements to include in your role-play.
Characters: Passenger and Flight Attendant
You don’t have to use them all.

• I missed the announcement.

Student A:
• Could you repeat the instructions, please?
You missed the announcement about where to
pick up your luggage because your baby was • Thanks for your assistance.
crying. Ask the flight attendant as you leave the
• Follow the passengers down the escalator.
plane. Ask about oversized luggage too. You have
some golf clubs and a stroller to pick up. • You should see a service counter.

• You can pick your luggage up at carousel B.

Student B:
• Head down to baggage claim.
Help a passenger by explaining which luggage
carousel the bags will be on. Give the letter
of the carousel and the floor number. Tell the
passenger where to pick up oversized luggage.

Class Questions Writing

Your class will have to be able to answer the Optional.
following questions after you perform your skit: Use a blank piece of paper or your notebook.

1. Who are the characters? 1.  ork together with your partner to

W
write a dialogue based on the scenario.
2. Why didn’t the passenger hear the announcement
about where to pick up the luggage? 2. Use some of the expressions above in your skit.

3. Where does the conversation take place?

4. What does the passenger need

to do to find the oversized luggage?

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 Travel & Transportation
Role-Plays

Scenario #6:
Shuttle Bus

Scenario Useful Expressions

Location: Parking Lot Here are some possible questions and
statements to include in your role-play.
Characters: Traveler and Shuttle Bus Driver
You don’t have to use them all.

• Should the ticket go on my dashboard,

Student A:
or should I keep it on me?
You parked your car in the long-term parking
• I’m going to Terminal 2.
lot at the airport. You are getting on a shuttle to
the airport. Ask if you should keep your parking • Is this the shuttle to the airport?
ticket in your wallet or put it on your dashboard.
• Which terminal are you going to?
Tell the driver your destination and terminal.
• What is your destination today?

Student B: • Keep this with you for when you return.

You are a shuttle driver. Give the traveler a ticket • Don’t lose your ticket.
to remember which section of the lot he/she
parked in. Tell the passenger to keep his/her
parking ticket in his/her wallet. Ask the traveler’s
destination and terminal.

Class Questions Writing

Your class will have to be able to answer the Optional.
following questions after you perform your skit: Use a blank piece of paper or your notebook.

1. Who are the characters? 1.  ork together with your partner to

W
write a dialogue based on the scenario.
2. What questions does the traveler have?
2. Use some of the expressions above in your skit.
3. What does the shuttle driver give the traveler?

4. Where is the traveler going?

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 Travel & Transportation
Role-Plays

Scenario #7:
Taking the Subway

Scenario Useful Expressions

Location: Subway Station Here are some possible questions and
statements to include in your role-play.
Characters: Tourist and Ticket Booth Agent
You don’t have to use them all.

• I’m confused. Can you help me?

Student A:
• I can’t figure out how to pay.
You are in New York City, and you have never
used the subway system before. You are • Which subway line do I take to Times Square?
confused about how to pay. Ask the ticket booth
• It’s my first time in New York.
agent about the MetroCard pass. Ask which line
will take you to Times Square. • You can use your credit card to buy a pass.

• The adult fare is $2.75.

Student B:
• The best thing to do is buy a MetroCard.
Help out a confused tourist. He/she can use
a credit card to purchase a MetroCard at the
vending machine in the station. He/she can
put money on the pass and swipe it as needed.
Explain that the N line will take him/her to
42nd Street under Times Square.

Class Questions Writing

Your class will have to be able to answer the Optional.
following questions after you perform your skit: Use a blank piece of paper or your notebook.

1. Who are the characters? 1.  ork together with your partner to

W
write a dialogue based on the scenario.
2. Where does the conversation take place?
2. Use some of the expressions above in your skit.
3. What is the traveler confused about?

4. W
 hich subway line should the
traveler take to get to his/her destination?

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 Travel & Transportation
Role-Plays

Scenario #8:
Making Change

Scenario Useful Expressions

Location: Ferry Terminal Here are some possible questions and
statements to include in your role-play.
Characters: Tourist and Clerk
You don’t have to use them all.

• Where can I get change for a twenty?

Student A:
• I need change for the phone.
You are going to take a ferry, but you don’t
have any change. Visit the information desk and • Is there a phone around here?
ask the clerk for help. You have a 20-dollar bill.
• That’s a pleasant surprise!
You need a one-way ticket. You’re not sure what
the correct change is. You also need two quarters • I don’t have any change.
for the pay phone because your cell phone is dead.
• There’s no charge for the ferry.

• It’s a free commuter ferry.

Student B:

A tourist asks you where to get change.

He/she needs to take the ferry to the island.
Explain that the ferry is free. Tell the tourist
where the machine is to get change for the
phone. Explain where the phone is.

Class Questions Writing

Your class will have to be able to answer the Optional.
following questions after you perform your skit: Use a blank piece of paper or your notebook.

1. Who are the characters? 1.  ork together with your partner to

W
write a dialogue based on the scenario.
2. Where does the conversation take place?
2. Use some of the expressions above in your skit.
3. How does the clerk handle the problem?

4. Why is the tourist pleasantly surprised?

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 Travel & Transportation
Role-Plays

Scenario #9:
The Declaration Form

Scenario Useful Expressions

Location: Airplane Cabin Here are some possible questions and
statements to include in your role-play.
Characters: Young Passenger
You don’t have to use them all.
and Flight Attendant
• Excuse me, can you explain this form to me?

Student A: • I’m sorry; it’s my first time flying.

You are a teenager flying out of the country for • Do you have a spare pen I could borrow?
the first time. You receive a declaration form on
• Include your home address.
the plane. You aren’t sure what to do. Ask the
flight attendant for help. Explain that it’s your • Write down your destination.
first time traveling abroad. Ask for a pen too.
• Be sure to write clearly.

• Don’t lose your form.

Student B:

You are a flight attendant. A young passenger

doesn’t know what to do with the declaration
form. Explain that he/she needs to fill in his/
her home address, destination, and value of any
goods he/she is bringing into the country. Advise
the teen to use clear writing and capital letters.

Class Questions Writing

Your class will have to be able to answer the Optional.
following questions after you perform your skit: Use a blank piece of paper or your notebook.

1. Who are the characters? 1.  ork together with your partner to

W
write a dialogue based on the scenario.
2. Where does the conversation take place?
2. Use some of the expressions above in your skit.
3. Why does the passenger need help?

4. What suggestions does the flight attendant make?

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 Travel & Transportation
Role-Plays

Quick Cards

Scenario #1: Scenario #1:

PARKING TICKET PARKING TICKET

Location: Street Corner Location: Street Corner

Characters: Car Owner and Parking Officer Characters: Car Owner and Ticket Agent

Student A: Student B:

You are returning to your car after a quick stop at the
grocery store for milk. A parking officer is writing you
a ticket. Explain that you didn’t have any change for
the meter and it doesn’t take credit cards. Be polite
and apologetic.
Expressions:
• I didn’t have any change.
• I was just running in for a quick second.
• There was nowhere else to park.
• I promise it won’t happen again.
You are writing a ticket for a car when the owner
returns. The owner explains that he/she didn’t have
any change and was only in the store for one minute.
Give the owner a break and a warning.
Expressions:
• A rule is a rule.
• The parking meter has run out/expired.
• I’ll let you off this time.

Scenario #2: Scenario #2:

PASSPORT, PLEASE PASSPORT, PLEASE

Location: Border Crossing Location: Border Crossing

Characters: Driver and Customs Officer Characters: Driver and Customs Officer

Student A: Student B:

You are heading back to the US after a You are a customs officer. Ask the driver the purpose
business meeting. You were in Canada for two of his/her stay in Canada. What is he/she bringing
days. You spent $50 on souvenirs for your kids. back to the US? Ask for the driver’s passport. Ask the
driver to open the trunk for an inspection.
Expressions:
Expressions:
• I was here on business.
• I picked up a few souvenirs. • Do you have your passport handy?
• I don’t have much to claim. • What was the purpose of your trip?
• I’m heading home to the US. • It’s just a routine inspection.

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 Travel & Transportation
Role-Plays

Quick Cards cont.

Scenario #3: Scenario #3:

TAKING A TA XI TAKING A TA XI

Location: Airport Location: Airport

Characters: Traveler and Taxi Driver Characters: Traveler and Taxi Driver

Student A: Student B:

You need a ride from the airport to the hotel. When
you see how much it will probably cost with the meter
running, you ask about a flat fee. Have an argument
with the driver. Note: a flat fee is a set rate (e.g., $50).
Expressions:
• Is there a flat fee?
• Is the meter still running?
• How much is this going to cost me?
You are a taxi driver. You have to take a traveler to
their hotel. You have a flat fee rate, but it is probably
more than using the meter in this case. Ask how the
traveler will be paying. Have an argument. Note: a flat
fee is a set rate (e.g., $50).
Expressions:
• Where are you off to today?
• Will that be cash, credit, or debit?
• Do you need a receipt?
• I’m sorry, but that’s the way it is.

Scenario #4: Scenario #4:

TAKING THE BUS TAKING THE BUS

Location: Bus Stop Location: Bus Stop

Characters: Parent and Bus Driver Characters: Parent and Bus Driver

Student A: Student B:

You are a parent with two young children. You
need to find out how much the fare is for each of
you. Your kids are one and five years old. You don’t
have the correct change, and you need to get to a
doctor’s appointment.
Expressions:
• I’m afraid I don’t have the correct change.
• Can you make an exception this once?
• I’m in a hurry.
The parent who just got on the bus needs information
about fares. Tell the parent that you do not give
change. Recommend a corner store for getting
change. At the last minute, offer the family a free ride.
Expressions:
• The baby is free of charge.
• The adult fare is $2.00.
• Sorry, but I can’t make change.
• There is a corner store down the block.

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 Travel & Transportation
Role-Plays

Quick Cards cont.

Scenario #5: Scenario #5:

THE LUGGAGE CAROUSEL THE LUGGAGE CAROUSEL

Location: Airport Location: Airport

Characters: Passenger and Flight Attendant Characters: Passenger and Flight Attendant

Student A: Student B:

You missed the announcement about where to pick
up your luggage because your baby was crying. Ask
the flight attendant as you leave the plane. Ask about
oversized luggage too. You have some golf clubs and a
stroller to pick up.
Expressions:
• I missed the announcement.
• Could you repeat the instructions, please?
• Thanks for your assistance.
Help a passenger by explaining which luggage carousel
the bags will be on. Give the letter of the carousel and
the floor number. Tell the passenger where to pick up
oversized luggage.
Expressions:
• Follow the passengers down the escalator.
• You should see a service counter.
• You can pick up your luggage at carousel B.
• Head down to baggage claim.

Scenario #6: Scenario #6:

SHUTTLE BUS SHUTTLE BUS

Location: Parking Lot Location: Parking Lot

Characters: Traveler and Shuttle Bus Driver Characters: Traveler and Shuttle Bus Driver

Student A: Student B:

You parked your car in the long-term parking lot at
the airport. You are getting on a shuttle to the airport.
Ask if you should keep your parking ticket in your
wallet or put it on your dashboard. Tell the driver
your destination and terminal.
Expressions:
• Should the ticket go on my dashboard,
or should I keep it on me?
• I’m going to Terminal 2.
• Is this the shuttle to the airport?
You are a shuttle driver. Give the traveler a ticket to
remember which section of the lot he/she parked in.
Tell the passenger to keep his/her parking ticket in his/
her wallet. Ask the traveler’s destination and terminal.
Expressions:
• Which terminal are you going to?
• What is your destination today?
• Keep this with you for when you return.
• Don’t lose your ticket.

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 Travel & Transportation
Role-Plays

Quick Cards cont.

Scenario #7: Scenario #7:

TAKING THE SUBWAY TAKING THE SUBWAY

Location: Subway Station Location: Subway Station

Characters: Tourist and Ticket Booth Agent Characters: Tourist and TIcket Booth Agent

Student A: Student B:

You are in New York City, and you have never used
the subway system before. You are confused about
how to pay. Ask the ticket booth agent about the
MetroCard pass. Ask which line will take you to
Times Square.
Help out a confused tourist. He/she can use a credit
card to purchase a MetroCard at the vending machine
in the station. He/she canput money on the pass and
swipe it as needed. Explain that the N line will take
him/her to 42nd Street under Times Square.

Expressions: Expressions:

• I’m confused. Can you help me? • You can use your credit card to buy a pass.
• I can’t figure out how to pay. • The adult fare is $2.75.
• Which subway line do I take to Times Square? • The best thing to do is to buy a MetroCard.
• It’s my first time in New York.

Scenario #8: Scenario #8:

MAKING CHANGE MAKING CHANGE

Location: Ferry Terminal Location: Ferry Terminal

Characters: Tourist and Clerk Characters: Tourist and Clerk

Student A: Student B:

You are going to take a ferry, but you don’t have any
small change. Visit the information desk and ask the
clerk for help. You have a 20-dollar bill. You need
a one-way ticket. You’re not sure what the correct
change is. You also need two quarters for the pay
phone because your cell phone is dead.
Expressions:
• Where can I get change for a twenty?
• Is there a phone around here?
• I need change for the phone.
• That’s a pleasant surprise.
A tourist asks you where to make change. He/she
needs to take the ferry to the island. Explain that it
is a free ferry. Tell the tourist where the machine is
to make change for the phone. Explain where the
phone is.
Expressions:
• I don’t have any small change.
• There’s no charge for the ferry.
• It’s a free commuter ferry.

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 Travel & Transportation
Role-Plays

Quick Cards cont.

Scenario #9: Scenario #9:

THE DECLAR ATION FORM THE DECLAR ATION FORM

Location: Airplane Cabin Location: Airplane Cabin

Characters: Young Passenger and Flight Attendant Characters: Young Passenger and Flight Attendant

Student A: Student B:

You are a teenager flying out of the country for the You are a flight attendant. A young passenger doesn’t
first time. You receive a declaration form on the plane. know what to do with the declaration form. Explain
You aren’t sure what to do. Ask the flight attendant for that he/she needs to fill in his/her home address,
help. Explain that it’s your first time traveling abroad. destination, and value of any goods he/she is bringing
Ask for a pen too. into the country. Advise the teen to use clear writing
and capital letters.
Expressions:
Expressions:
• Excuse me, can you explain this form to me?
• I’m sorry; it’s my first time flying. • Include your home address.
• Do you have a spare pen I could borrow? • Write down your destination.
• Be sure to write clearly.
• Don’t lose your form.

Teachers’ Notes
Be sure to print out our Role-Play Teachers’ Notes for tips and
ideas on using the Role-Play section in class. You may also want to
use these cards with our Living in English lesson on Travel:
https://esllibrary.com/courses/75/lessons/1649

SPELLING NOTE:

This lesson shows the American spelling of the words Traveler

and Traveling. Most other English-speaking countries spell these
words this way: Traveller and Travelling. Make it a challenge for
your students to find these words in the lesson and see if they
know the alternate spellings.

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