B2 – Upper Intermediate
For some people, flying on a plane could be a stressful experience by itself. The fear of flying, missing a connecting flight, or misrouted luggages are some of the reasons for this anxiety. Apart from these, another reason a plane experience could be stressful is if you are sitting close to a disruptive child. A few airline companies have taken the initiative to launch child-free zones in their flights.
Let’s read the article and find out more about this “quiet zones” on the plane.
https://thepointsguy.com/news/child-free-flights/
Vocabulary Questions:
- What does the phrase “within earshot” mean?”I know how stressful it can be for the parents and how disruptive it can be for passengers within earshot.” Use it in a sentence.
- Define the word “shriek“. “One airline, though, has devised a plan to separate silence-seeking adults from the wails and shrieks that so often find their way out of a baby’s surprisingly strong lungs.” Use it in a sentence and give two synonyms.
- What is the meaning of the word “a pretty penny? “I’m kidding (or am I?), but my point is that unless you pay a pretty penny, flying — like life — has its inconveniences.” Use it in your own sentence.
Discussion Questions:
- What are child-free zones on a plane? Where can they be found and what is the passenger age requirement?
- Do you think child-free zones is a win-win solution or a form of alienation? Explain your stand.
- Should passengers pay extra to be in these quiet zones? Explain.
- Do you think it’s worth the added cost? Why or why not?
- Have you ever been disrupted by a child on a plane? If yes, how did you handle it?
- In your opinion, should there be child-free zones in other public places and transportation too?