John White

John White is a bus driver. He likes his job, but he loves his boat. Once a year, John goes on a short journey in the boat. His wife Pauline and son Andy often go with him. This year is different. John is taking a year off from his job and is sailing around the world. And he’s doing it alone. An exciting journey? Yes and no. ‘Sometimes, dolphins and whales swim along with the boat, and sometimes I sail past beautiful tropical islands.’ Says John. ‘But sometimes the weather gets bad and then I have problems.’ John wants to be a sailor. And one day his dream came true. Now John is a sailor, he goes on a journeys alone, because it can be dangerous for his son and wife. But anyways John is happy, and his family supports his job.

Read the text again and listen. Write T (true) or F (false). Correct the false statements.

1. John sails around the world every year. F

2. John is sailing around the world now. F

3. Pauline is with him on his boat. F

4. Everything on his journey is good. F

Listen. Here is a telephone conversation between John and Pauline. Complete the conversation with the words from the box. Then listen and check your answers.

Pauline: Oh, a I’m eating breakfast in the kitchen. Andy’s upstairs in the bathroom. I’m getting he’s having shower. So, are you OK?

John: Yes, I’m making good progress. And I’m very close to South Africa.

Pauline: Great!

John: Yes, and guess what? I can see dolphins outside! They’re swimming next to the boat.

Pauline: Oh, how lovely!

John: It is! But I’m worried. The weather’s changing. There’s a strong wind now and a it’s starting to rain. A bad storm’s coming, I think. Sorry Pauline, I can’t talk any more. I have to go outside.

Pauline: John? Can you hear me, John?

B. Match the beginnings and endings of the sentences.

1. John is looking out of the window.

2. Pauline is having breakfast.

3. Andy is having a shower.

4. The dolphins are swimming.

5. The weather is changing.