Travel & Culture - Bus Station Questions

Activity 1: Let's Get Started! 🤔 (Warm-up)

Let's talk about asking for help at a bus station!

Why might you need to ask questions at a bus station?
Who can you ask for help at a bus station? (Example: staff, information desk)
What kind of information might you need to ask for? (Example: bus times, platform numbers)

Activity 2: New Words & Phrases 🗣️ (Vocabulary)

Here are some important words and phrases for asking questions at a bus station!

1. Ticket Window: The counter where you can buy bus tickets.

Example: "I need to go to the Ticket Window to buy my ticket."

2. Platform / Bay: The specific place where your bus will stop and depart from.

Example: "Which Platform does the bus to City Hall leave from?"

3. Lost and Found: An office or area where lost items are kept.

Example: "I think I left my umbrella on the bus. I should check the Lost and Found."

4. "Where is...?": A phrase used to ask for the location of something.

Example: "Where is the restroom, please?"

5. "What time is...?": A phrase used to ask about the time of an event, like a bus departure.

Example: "What time is the next bus to Springfield?"

Activity 3: Reading - Maria at the Bus Station 📖

Read this story about Maria asking for information.

Maria arrived at the busy Central Bus Station. She needed to get to the town of Lakeside. First, she looked for an information board, but it was a bit confusing. She saw a sign for a Ticket Window, so she went there. "Excuse me," Maria said to the agent. "Which bus goes to Lakeside, and what time is the next one?" The agent kindly replied, "The bus to Lakeside is number 42, and it leaves from Platform 7. The next one is at 2:30 PM." Maria thanked the agent. Before going to Platform 7, Maria wanted to find the restrooms. She looked around and saw an employee. "Excuse me," she asked, "Where are the restrooms?" The employee pointed down a hallway. After using the restroom, Maria remembered she might have left her scarf on her previous bus journey. She found a sign that said "Lost and Found" and went to ask if anyone had turned in a blue scarf. Luckily, they had it! Maria was very relieved and now felt ready to find Platform 7 for her bus to Lakeside.

Questions about the Story:

Answer these questions:

Where did Maria go first to ask about her bus?
What two questions did Maria ask the agent at the Ticket Window?
Which Platform did Maria need to go to for her bus?
What question did Maria ask the airport employee?
Why did Maria go to the Lost and Found?

Activity 4: Role Play - Getting Information 🎭

Let's pretend! One person is Alex (Traveler), and the other is Ms. Garcia (Bus Station Staff).

Alex (Traveler): Excuse me, I need some help. Where is the Ticket Window for Greenville buses?

Ms. Garcia (Bus Station Staff): The Ticket Window for all destinations is just over there, number 3.

Alex (Traveler): Thank you. And what time is the next bus to Greenville?

Ms. Garcia (Bus Station Staff): Let me check for you. The next bus to Greenville departs at 3:15 PM from Platform B.

Alex (Traveler): Platform B, okay. Is there a Lost and Found office in this station? I think I lost my hat.

Ms. Garcia (Bus Station Staff): Yes, the Lost and Found is next to the main entrance, beside the cafe.

Alex (Traveler): Great. And one last thing, where are the restrooms?

Ms. Garcia (Bus Station Staff): The restrooms are down that corridor, on your left. You'll see the signs.

Alex (Traveler): You've been very helpful. Thank you so much!

Ms. Garcia (Bus Station Staff): You're very welcome! Have a safe trip to Greenville.

Let's Talk About It:

After you read, talk about this:

What information did Alex ask Ms. Garcia about the Greenville bus? (Name two things)
Where did Ms. Garcia say the Lost and Found was located?

Activity 5: Let's Practice - Station Questions ✍️

Help Chen (Passenger) complete his part of the dialogue with the Station Staff. Use words and phrases from Activity 2!

Station Staff: Hello! Can I help you with anything?

Chen (Passenger): Yes, please. the bus to Oakhill?

Station Staff: The bus to Oakhill leaves from Platform 4.

Chen (Passenger): Thank you. And the next departure?

Station Staff: The next one is at 11:00 AM. You can buy tickets at the Ticket Window over there.

Chen (Passenger): Okay, I'll go to the now. Is there a office here? I lost my gloves.

Station Staff: Yes, the Lost and Found is near the main exit. And the restrooms are just past it.

Chen (Passenger): Great. So, Platform 4 for Oakhill. Thank you for your help!

Station Staff: You're welcome!

Show Answers! (Activity 5) ✨