English at Leisure

English at Leisure > Unit 6 > Resources > Listening Task 1

　When things go wrong

You are going to hear a conversation between an air passenger, Tom Barton, and an Air China representative. Tom is trying to find out what has happened to his plane and what he can do about getting back to Beijing.

Tom: Excuse me, could you give some information please? I want to know what's happening about my plane.
Representative: Could I have your ticket please?
Tom: Yes, here.
Representative: Ah, flight CA 506 to Beijing has been delayed due to technical problems.
Tom: Well, what does that mean? Is it going to leave today?
Representative: Oh, I'm sorry, we're not sure.
Tom: Look, I've already waited two hours. Can't I know how much longer I have to wait?
Representative: Well, we are looking for another aircraft to replace it, but there is bad weather in the south of the country, so we haven't yet found one that can take off.
Tom: So, what do you intend to do with us?
Representative: Oh, we are just about to serve dinner. So if you wait in the boarding lounge, you will be given something to eat.
Tom: But if you can't find another plane this evening, what will happen?
Representative: In that case we will take you to a hotel for the night.
Tom: Will the airline pay for that?
Representative: Yes, of course we will cover the transport costs and the hotels expenses, including the meals.
Tom: I really need to get to Beijing tonight, as I have a plane out to Germany tomorrow morning. Can I get the money back for my ticket?
Representative: Well, yes, we could refund the cost of the ticket, but I don't think that would help you to get to Beijing tonight.
Tom: Isn't there another airline I could travel with?
Representative: Not this evening, I'm afraid. That was the last flight to Beijing from here.
Tom: What about the train? Couldn't I get a night train to Beijing?
Representative: Well, I'm not sure you would get a ticket now. I think there is a train at about seven o'clock, but the station is far from the airport, so you might not get there in time. You know the train takes about 18 hours.
Tom: Oh dear, that wouldn't get me there in time anyway. Well, what do you think the chances are of you finding a replacement plane tonight.
Representative: Well, we are doing our best, Sir. I think if we can't get one tonight, you will definitely be able to fly early in the morning.
Tom: Do you think I could be in Beijing by 10:30? That's when I have to check in for the flight to Frankfurt.
Representative: Oh, yes, I'm sure we can get a plane by seven o'clock and that would get you there in time.
Tom: Well, I suppose there's nothing I can do, except keep my fingers crossed.
Representative: Please try to be patient, Sir. We are doing our best for you. That's the food being served now. Would you like to return to the boarding lounge.
Tom: Well, okay. Thank you for your help, anyway.

When Tom reports back to his colleague what the airline representative has said, he makes some mistakes. As you listen, read through Tom's comments and correct the mistakes.

1) Flight CA 506 to Beijing has been delayed due to bad weather.

2) The airline can't get a plane to replace it because none are free.

3) Dinner will be served to the passengers in the airport restaurant.

4) If the plane can't leave tonight, passengers will have to find a hotel.

5) The airline will pay for the hotel, but not for the meals.

6) It is impossible to get the money back for the ticket.

7) There is one more plane scheduled for Beijing tonight.

8) The representative thinks if we rush we can get to the railway station in time for the night train to Beijing.

9) The night train will get us there in time for our flight to Germany.

10) The representative is not sure they can get a plane early in the morning.