TravelSpeaking roleplay

Taking a taxi in English

Say where you are going, ask how long and how much, question a long route and pay, out loud, with a taxi driver who reacts to what you say.

Your level

Joe, taxi driver

Evening. Where are we going?

Your goal Give the address and a landmark, ask for a stop, pay by card and get a receipt.

Example conversation: taking a taxi

How the roleplay can go at each level, with answers that work. In the roleplay, Joe reacts to your own words, so it can go differently.

BeginnerSay where you are going, ask how long and how much, and pay.

IntermediateGive the address and a landmark, ask for a stop, pay by card and get a receipt.

Upper intermediateThe fare looks too high: question it politely, agree a fair price and decide on a tip.

Joe
The airport? Hop in, I'll start the meter.
You
Before we go, is there a fixed fare to the airport?
Joe
No, but it's usually about forty. Traffic's bad, so I'll go the back way. All right?
You
Is this the quickest way? I'd rather take the motorway.
Joe
Fair point. Back to the motorway. Here we are. That's fifty-eight pounds.
You
Sorry, that seems a bit high. You said about forty.
Joe
You're right. Call it forty-five? Right. Would you like to add a tip?
You
I'll round it up to fifty. Thanks for your help.
Joe
That's kind of you, thanks. Thanks. Have a good flight!

The phrases the roleplay listens for at each level. Use one and it lights up in the roleplay.

Beginner

Intermediate

Upper intermediate

Things people often say here, and a more natural way to say them. If you say one in the roleplay, you see the fix under your answer.

Instead ofHow long it takes?
SayHow long does it take?
In a question, use “does”: how long does it take?
Instead ofTo airport please.
SayTo the airport please.
Use “the” here: to the station.
Instead ofCan I pay with card?
SayCan I pay by card?
We say “pay by card”.
Instead ofCould I have a recipe please?
SayCould I have a receipt please?
A “recipe” is for cooking. You want a “receipt”.
Instead ofCould you stop to the cash machine?
SayCould you stop at the cash machine?
We “stop at” a place: stop at the bank.
Instead ofIt's near to the park.
SayIt's near the park.
Say “near the park”, without “to”.
Instead ofThe price is too expensive.
SayThe price is too high.
Prices are high. Things are expensive.
Instead ofYou made a detour.
SayYou took a detour.
We take a route: take the long way.
Instead ofI don't want to give tip.
SayI don't want to give a tip.
“Tip” needs “a”: leave a tip.

Eleven more everyday situations, each at three levels. See them all.