READING 4ESO – 1 (TRAIN TALES)

Read these blogs from the website Train Tales. Then answer

15th March, 2010

I’ve never had a journey like the one I had in India. I was travelling on the train to the city of
Mumbai. Next to me was a group of women in saris, a type of Indian dress. Saris come in bright
colours like turquoise, red and gold.

They’re so beautiful, perhaps I'll get one for myself. During the journey, a little boy started to talk
to me. He told me all about his two favourite foods – beef kebabs with cilantro and chocolate ice
cream from McDonalds. How funny! There was so much happening on the train. I was sorry when
we arrived at the station.

I’ve been on trains before. My brother and I used to travel on one to school every day. But in
London, everyone sits quietly. If you ask someone a question, they’ll think you're strange.
Travelling on the train in India is much more fun.

Author: Train Girl

4th Febr, 2010

The best way to see India is by train. Airline travel just isn’t the same. You have to experience the
country on the ground you need to smell the place."

That’s what my Indian friend, Natesh Chopra, told me in London. Natesh was right. I smelt India.
But did I enjoy my ride? Well as much as I enjoy a trip to the dentist. And at least at the dentist’s
office I get my own chair. In my compartment, there were 13 other passengers and I had to stand.
Two boys sat on my luggage. I’ve never had such a terrible journey.

I’ve taken trains before. The high-speed train from London to Paris is fast and convenient. I always
enjoy the trip. But the train in India? Next time I’ll fly... walk... swim in the River Ganges.

I won’t take the train.

Author: Tired Traveller

1. Who writes about…?

• Food
• Indian Fashion
• Trains in Europe
• The behaviour of English people on trains
• Advice from a friend

2. Complete the sentences

1. Train Girl would like to buy………………
2. The little boy told Train Girl about his favourite Indian food....................
3. Train Girl doesn’t enjoy travelling on the train in London because no one……………...
4. According to Tired, a train trip in India is as bad as ...................
5. Tired Traveller didn't enjoy his journey because .............
6. Tired Traveller enjoys travelling.....................