LINGUAWIRE
This Sunday special looks back at two stories from the past week: fog that may cause travel problems in Ireland and planned London Tube strikes that may affec
A current English news story adapted for language learners at A1, with audio, transcript, vocabulary and comprehension work.
This is our Sunday special, with stories from across the English-speaking world from the past week.
This Sunday special: fog in Ireland and planned Tube strikes in London.
Everything we say today is written out for you, with the vocabulary explained, at linguawire.com.
Our first story is about a fog warning in Ireland.
Jack is LinguaWire's correspondent for transport.
Hello, Daniel. A fog warning began on Saturday night.
Which places are in the warning?
It covers 25 counties in the Republic of Ireland. Donegal is the only county there not included.
So, fog may affect much of the Republic.
Yes. The warning covers Leinster, Munster and Connacht. It also includes Cavan and Monaghan.
What about Northern Ireland?
The UK's Met Office gave no warning there. The six counties in Northern Ireland are outside this warning.
When does the warning end?
It is due to end at 11am on Sunday. It began at 9pm on Saturday.
What can travellers expect?
They may not see far ahead. Travel may be difficult in the affected areas.
This may cause problems on Sunday morning.
Yes, Daniel. The fog may still affect journeys then.
What does a yellow weather warning mean?
The weather is not especially unusual. However, it can be dangerous in some places.
What was the forecast for Saturday?
Much of Ireland was expected to be clear. Some places were expected to have rain and fog.
And what about the temperature?
Daytime temperatures were expected to reach seven to 11 degrees. Temperatures may fall to one degree in some places.
What happens after the fog?
The fog should slowly lift on Sunday morning. The weather should become wetter and windier during the week.
Thank you, Jack.
Our second story is about planned Tube strikes in London.
Mia is LinguaWire's correspondent for transport.
Hello, Daniel. Tube drivers plan eight 24-hour strikes.
What is the Tube?
The Tube is London's underground train system. The strikes may disrupt travel across the city.
Who called the strikes?
Drivers in the RMT union called them. The eight 24-hour strikes will affect 16 calendar days.
When is the first strike planned?
It is planned to begin at noon on 26 November. Six strikes are planned before Christmas.
Why are the drivers planning strikes?
The RMT opposes a plan for a four-day week. Transport for London says drivers could choose the plan.
What worries the RMT?
It says drivers may work longer shifts. It also fears less certain shift times.
Can drivers keep a five-day week?
The RMT says it has no promises about this. It wants drivers to keep their present work plans.
Do all drivers oppose the plan?
No. Many drivers in the Aslef union welcome it. Aslef represents most London Underground drivers.
Which strikes may affect Christmas shopping?
One is planned from noon on 17 December. Another is planned for 19 December.
That is an important weekend for shops.
Yes. There may be few Tube trains then. Business groups are worried about shops and visitors.
What happens after Christmas?
Two more strikes are planned in early January. More strikes are planned in February.
Thank you, Mia.
Part one: useful words.
Driver.
A driver is a person who drives a vehicle. In the story, “Tube drivers plan eight 24-hour strikes.”
My father is a bus driver.
Underground.
Underground means below the ground. In the story, “The Tube is London's underground train system.”
The underground train is very fast.
Strike.
A strike is a time when workers stop working. In the story, “Two more strikes are planned in early January.”
The workers are on strike today.
Part two: the grammar.
Past simple of call: “Drivers in the RMT union called them.”
We use “called” for a completed action in the past. “Call” becomes “called” in the past simple.
In the story, “Drivers in the RMT union called them.”
They called the company yesterday.
Repeat after me: Drivers in the RMT union called them.
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