Pre-reading questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Do you have any plans on traveling to a different country this year? Why or why not?
- Please share the travel rules in your country.
Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- transport /TRANS-pawrt/
- depart /dih-PAHRT/
- dependent /dih-PEN-duhnt/
- shortage /SHAWR-tij/
- assured /uh-SHOORD/
[noun] – a system of vehicles, such as buses, trains, aircraft, etc. for getting from one place to another
The authorities have been developing the city’s transport system for better traffic conditions.
[verb] – to go away from a place, especially on a trip
We depart from Manila at 6:00 a.m. tomorrow.
[adjective] – needing the support of something or someone in order to continue existing or operating
The charity is highly dependent on the company’s donations.
[noun] – a lack of something needed
There was a shortage of water a few months ago.
[adjective] – sure that something is certain or true
Rest assured that everything will be finished within the deadline.
Article reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
Singapore and Hong Kong will offer quarantine-free travel between the two cities starting May 26. Hong Kong was successful in putting the COVID-19 situation under control and according to Singapore’s transport minister Ong Ye Kung, the conditions are “now ripe again to re-launch the ATB (Air Travel Bubble).” For the first two weeks, ATB will process only one flight with a limit of 200 passengers a day in each direction. Those departing from Hong Kong are required to be vaccinated, and travelers from both cities must take a COVID-19 test within three days of departure and again upon arrival. People from each city must also download each other’s contact-tracing mobile applications before their departure.
Both cities aim to restart their tourism departments that are dependent on visitors. Based on a report by Singapore’s tourism board, the country’s international arrivals dropped by 81.2% in the third quarter of the previous year. Moreover, Hong Kong’s Cathay Pacific and Singapore Airlines experienced a shortage of lists for internal routes. “Our goal remains striking a right balance between public health and travel convenience so that the public will feel assured while providing certainty.” Hong Kong’s Commerce and Economic Development Secretary Edward Yau said.
Both cities aim to restart their tourism departments that are dependent on visitors. Based on a report by Singapore’s tourism board, the country’s international arrivals dropped by 81.2% in the third quarter of the previous year. Moreover, Hong Kong’s Cathay Pacific and Singapore Airlines experienced a shortage of lists for internal routes. “Our goal remains striking a right balance between public health and travel convenience so that the public will feel assured while providing certainty.” Hong Kong’s Commerce and Economic Development Secretary Edward Yau said.
Comprehension questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them based on the article.
- When will Singapore and Hong Kong start their quarantine-free travels?
- What is the maximum number of passengers of each flight during the first two weeks of the ATB?
- What must passengers departing Hong Kong do?
- By how many percent did Singapore’s international arrivals drop?
- What did Cathay Pacific and Singapore Airlines lack as mentioned in the article?
Discussion questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- For how long should the cities’ ATB last before each can open their flights to other countries?
- How would Singapore and Hong Kong’s travel bubble affect each other’s economic status?
- If the ATB is a success, should both countries open their international flights to other countries? Please explain your answer.
- What are the advantages of having flight agreements between two or more countries?
- Is it safe to fly during this time of the pandemic? Why or why not?