B1 – Intermediate
In a very busy city, there are dedicated people who have a crucial role in keeping our communities connected and moving smoothly—bus drivers. Often disregarded, these heroes ensure that people reach their destinations safely and on time.
Breaking traditional gender roles and stereotypes, women entering the bus driving profession not only contribute to diversity and equality but also showcase their capabilities and skills in a traditionally male-dominated field.
Listen to this audio and read the transcript about female bus drivers in Colombia.
https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/women-drive-buses-in-colombia-level-2/
Vocabulary Questions:
- What does “on-site” mean in this sentence, “Drivers get a monthly salary of 376 dollars, and the company plans to build an on-site daycare center for its employees.” Use it in a sentence
- “Bogotá wants to reduce emissions by 50% by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.” What does “emissions” mean? Use it in a sentence.
- What does “run” mean in this sentence, “La Rolita is a Colombian electric bus fleet run by women and it is changing public transit in the capital city of Bogotá.” Use it in a sentence.
Discussion Questions:
- What do you think about women driving buses? Elaborate.
- Can you think of any challenges that women might face as bus drivers? How can these challenges be overcome?
- In which other professions would like to see more women breaking gender barriers in?
2 replies on “Women Drive Buses”
Vocabulary Questions:
1.What does “on-site” mean in this sentence, “Drivers get a monthly salary of 376 dollars, and the company plans to build an on-site daycare center for its employees.” Use it in a sentence
It means situated at a particular place. “In my city there is a wide range of on-site services”.
2. “Bogotá wants to reduce emissions by 50% by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.” What does “emissions” mean? Use it in a sentence.
It means the production and release of something, in this case products derived from carbon. “Carbon emissions produces bad effects on health”.
3. What does “run” mean in this sentence, “La Rolita is a Colombian electric bus fleet run by women and it is changing public transit in the capital city of Bogotá.” Use it in a sentence.
It means managed or directed. “She runs her own catering business”.
Discussion Questions:
1. What do you think about women driving buses? Elaborate.
I think it is a job that both men and women can do. In general terms, women tend to be more cautious so maybe public buses driven by women could give customers a sense of security.
2. Can you think of any challenges that women might face as bus drivers? How can these challenges be overcome?
They could feel gender discrimination since traditionally bus driving has been a job practised mainly by men. Citizens should overcome these stereotypes and focus solely on the quality of the service provided.
3. In which other professions would like to see more women breaking gender barriers in?
In all those jobs that have something to do with the engine and mechanics, and also engineering or driving heavy vehicles. Luckily, today there is no gender discrimination in other jobs such as medicine, police, army, chef, athlete, etc.
Good work doing the vocabulary exercise and answering the discussion questions.
Here is how this sentence can be revised:
Keep practicing to get better and better.