2 The Big Red Bus

Steven looks at a picture of a big red bus and talks about it.

Todd: OK. Steven, you're looking at a picture. Please describe what you see.

Steven: I can see a red double-decker bus. It's the kind of bus you'll see very often in London. In fact, I know this bus is from London because I can see the names: Chelsea, Sloane Square, Victoria, Charing Cross. These are all areas in London.Obviously, the bus is in London.

Todd: OK. Have you ever been on a double-decker bus?

Steven: Yeah, many times. When I was younger, you used to get double-decker all over England but now you only tend to see them in the big cities.

Todd: Oh, really? How much is the fare?

Steven: Well, it depends on the journey. It's..I guess it's not too expensive but the minimum price you would pay is -- for a short journey is about a pound.

Todd: Yeah, who can you see on the bus? Can you pick out anybody on the bus who looks interesting?

Steven: This girl here at the back that's leaning on the door, she looks really bored actually. Maybe she is going to work or something and she doesn't want to go.

Todd: Yeah. Is that how you feel on the bus?

Steven: No, not really because I haven't worked in England for a long time so I haven't taken a bus for a long time.

Todd: So, you're British, do you missing them?

Steven: Yes, sometimes.

Todd: OK. Great. Thanks a lot.

Steven: No problem.

Learn Vocabulary from the lesson


Please describe what you see in the picture.

When you 'describe' something you use words to explain a visual image.  Notice the following:

  1. How do you describe your father?
  2. The hotel looked just like he described it.


I can see names of areas in London, so this is obviously a bus in London.

If something is 'obvious' it is easy to see or understand.  Notice the following:

  1. We are obviously going to be late.
  2. You obviously need to study to get good grades.

double-decker bus

Have you ever been on a double-decker bus?

A 'double-decker bus' is a bus with two floors and sometimes the top floor is open.  We can use 'double-decker' to describe something with two layers or levels. Notice the following:

  1. Did you take the double-decker bus tour around the city?
  2. Do you want to sit on the top or bottom level of the double-decker bus?

it depends on

It depends on the journey how much your fare is.

If something 'depends on' something else they are connected and change together.  Notice the following:

  1. Her wage depends on what kind of work she is doing.
  2. The plan depends on the weather.

pick out

Can you pick out anyone on that bus who looks interesting?

To 'pick out' something or someone is to choose or select that person or thing.  Notice the following:

  1. Does your daughter pick out what she wears?
  2. You should pick out a snack to take with you.


Answer the following questions about the interview.


Vocabulary Challenge

Complete the sentences with the words below.
describe • obviously • double-decker
depend on • pick out
  1. They sell an amazing sandwich here.
  2. It is not the best day for an outside wedding.
  3. Did you a present for her yet?
  4. How would you your city?
  5. Do your hobbies the season?