[canal: the Suez canal, the Panama canal; notice: take notice, notice something; distance: a few metres is a short distance, a hundred kilometres is a long distance; float: the opposite of sink; patient: willing to wait]
Read through the vocabulary and give spoken answers to the questions that follow.
canal
It wasn’t a river; it was a canal. It was man-made.
Barges were used to transport goods on the canal.
notice
If you keep your eyes open, you might notice something.
Don’t pay any attention; don’t take any notice.
Did you notice the funny man with the rolled umbrella and the black hat?
distance
Is it far? Is it a long distance?
No. It’s only a short distance down the street.
Use a map to measure the distance.
What’s the distance from here to Glasgow?
float
Lead sinks: it doesn’t float.
Ships float. Wood floats.
Icebergs float south in the North Atlantic, and threaten shipping.
patient
The flight is delayed. We’ll have to wait and be patient.
Don’t lose your temper: be patient.
A mother with young children needs a lot of patience.
Answer
1. Should I pay attention?
2. Is it a long way?
3. When do icebergs in the North Atlantic threaten shipping?
4. Why shouldn’t I lose my temper?
Answer guide
1. No. Don’t take any notice. 2. No. It’s only a short distance down the street. 3. When they float south. 4. Because you should be patient.