Lesson 2 of 13 · Intermediate · B1

Travel stories and unexpected events

Describe a journey and explain what was happening when something changed.

1. Grammar: Past simple vs. past continuous

Use the past simple for completed events: the bus arrived. Use was/were + verb-ing for an action in progress at a past moment: I was waiting. When can introduce an event that interrupts an action; while can introduce a continuing background action. Use did + base verb in past simple questions.

I was + verb-ing when + past event. → I was checking the map when the bus arrived.
While I was + verb-ing, + past event. → While I was waiting, I called a friend.
What happened? → I missed the bus.
What were you doing? → I was looking for my ticket.

Model conversation

A: What happened on your journey?

B: I was checking the route when my phone stopped working.

A: How did you find the station?

B: I asked a passenger for directions.

2. Useful words and verbs

Read each meaning and example. Make your own sentence, then try to use the word during the conversation.

arrive

to reach a place

We arrived at the station at noon.

miss

to be too late for transport or an event

I missed the train.

notice

to become aware of something

I noticed a sign while I was walking.

explain

to make something clear with words

A passenger explained the route.

journey

travel from one place to another

The journey took two hours.

route

the way from one place to another

I was checking the route.

passenger

a person traveling in a vehicle

A passenger helped me.

delay

a period of waiting longer than expected

There was a short delay.

3. Conversation: 15 questions

Use complete sentences and add a reason or example when it fits. Open an answer starter if you need help. You may use imagined details.

Where did you go on a recent journey? A trip across town is fine.
Answer starter
I went to …
How did you travel there?
Answer starter
I traveled by … because …
What were you doing just before you left?
Answer starter
I was … before I left.
Who was traveling with you?
Answer starter
… was traveling with me. / I was traveling alone.
What were you doing while you were waiting for transport?
Answer starter
While I was waiting, I was …
Did you notice anything interesting along the route?
Answer starter
I noticed … while I was …
Was anyone talking to you during the journey?
Answer starter
… was talking to me about … / No one was talking to me.
Did you arrive on time?
Answer starter
I arrived … because …
Was there a delay? You can imagine one.
Answer starter
There was a delay because …
What were the passengers doing during the delay?
Answer starter
The passengers were …
Did you ask anyone to explain the route?
Answer starter
I asked … / I did not need to ask because …
What happened when you reached your destination?
Answer starter
When I reached …, I …
Did you miss anything during the trip?
Answer starter
I missed … / I did not miss anything.
What were you doing when you got a message or call that day?
Answer starter
I was … when …
How would you tell the main event of your journey in three sentences?
Answer starter
I was … when … Then I … Finally, I …

4. Extend your answer

Choose three questions and answer again without the starters. Use at least three words from the word bank. Add a reason with “because,” an example with “for example,” or a contrast with “but.” Ask your partner one follow-up question.