Topic Vocabulary & Exercises
5. Driving & Traffic
VOCABULARY
Audio File
Topic Vocabulary:
behind the wheel (idiom):
Definition: Being the driver of a vehicle.
Example: Mum is behind the wheel, driving us to the park.
collision (noun [c]):
Definition: When two or more things crash into each other.
Example: The collision between the two cars caused a lot of damage.
commute (noun [u]):
Definition: The act of travelling from home to work or vice versa on a regular basis.
Example: Many people spend hours each day commuting to and from work.
congestion (noun [u]):
Definition: The state of being overcrowded or blocked, often used to describe traffic or a transport system.
Example: Congestion in the city centre is a major problem during rush hour.
exhaust emissions (noun [pl]):
Definition: The release of gases into the environment by vehicles, factories and other human activities.
Example: The factory's emissions contributed to air pollution in the surrounding area.
get around (phrasal verb):
Definition: Move from place to place, on foot, by car or by any other means.
Example: We use bicycles to get around the neighbourhood quickly.
give someone a lift (idiom):
Definition: To take someone in your car to where they want to go.
Example: Can you give me a lift to the store later?
gridlock (noun [u]):
Definition: A very bad traffic jam, when cars are stuck and can't move.
Example: The traffic was so bad that it led to gridlock on the highway.
heavy traffic (noun phrase):
Definition: When there are a lot of cars on the road, making it slow to move.
Example: We hit heavy traffic on our way to the concert.
jump a red light (idiom):
Definition: Driving through a traffic light when it's red.
Example: Don't ever jump a red light; it's dangerous and against the law.
penalty (noun [c]):
Definition: A punishment for doing something wrong, such as a fine.
Example: If you park in the wrong place, you might get a parking ticket as a penalty.
pile-up (noun [c]):
Definition: Many cars crashing into each other in a bad accident.
Example: Due to the heavy fog, there was a pile-up on the motorway.
reckless (adjective):
Definition: Not being careful or safe while driving.
Example: The reckless driver was going too fast and almost caused an accident.
roadworks (noun [pl]):
Definition: Repair or maintenance work being done on a road, often causing delays or diversions.
Example: The roadworks have been causing significant disruption to traffic in the area.
roadworthy (adjective):
Definition: When a car is safe to be driven on the road.
Example: Before a long trip, make sure your car is roadworthy and you won't have any problems.
rush hour (noun [c]):
Definition: The busiest time for travel, when most people are going to or returning from work.
Example: Avoid driving during rush hour if possible.
slam on the brakes (idiom):
Definition: To make a vehicle stop or slow down quickly by pressing the brake pedal.
Example: I had to slam on the brakes to avoid hitting the car in front.
speeding (noun [u]):
Definition: Driving faster than the speed limit of the road.
Example: The police officer gave him a ticket for speeding.
stuck in traffic (idiom):
Definition: When your car cannot move or moves very slowly, because there are too many cars on the road.
Example: We were stuck in traffic for an hour because of the accident ahead.
tailback (noun [c]):
Definition: A long line of cars stuck behind each other in a traffic jam.
Example: The tailback on the motorway stretched for miles due to the accident.
Exercise 1: Gap-fill Exercise
Fill in the blanks with the appropriate vocabulary from the list provided below.
1. During ___________, the roads are often filled with cars and it takes longer to get to work.
2. I'll ___________ to the airport so you don't have to take a taxi.
3. The ___________ on the motorway caused a long delay in our journey.
4. The driver caused an accident at the intersection after he ___________.
5. It's important to have a ___________ vehicle to ensure safety on the road.
6. The ___________ on the freeway involved multiple cars and caused a major traffic jam.
7. She was caught ___________ on the highway and received a speeding ticket.
pile-up
roadworks
give you a lift
jumped a red light
rush hour
roadworthy
speeding
Exercise 2: Matching Exercise
Match the vocabulary with its corresponding definition below.
1. behind the wheel
2. collision
3. commute
4. congestion
5. exhaust emissions
6. get around
7. give someone a lift
8. gridlock
9. roadworks
10. roadworthy
a. A vehicle that is safe and suitable for driving on the road.
b. To travel between various locations.
c. Construction or maintenance activities taking place on a road.
d. A situation where two or more vehicles crash into each other.
e. Harmful gases released into the atmosphere from a vehicle.
f. To drive a vehicle, especially a car.
g. A situation where traffic is very heavy and roads are very busy.
h. To travel regularly to and from work.
i. To provide transportation for someone in your vehicle.
j. A complete standstill of traffic caused by congestion or road closures.
Exercise 3: Mistake Correction
One word in each sentence is incorrect or not used in its usual way. Correct the sentences.
1. There was a long roadworks on the motorway due to an accident.
2. I drive to work very early so that I can avoid collisions.
3. He was caught skipping a red light and was given a large fine.
4. It's important to have a reckless vehicle to ensure safety on the road.
5. The best way to get over the city is by using the underground.
6. The driver pressed on the brakes when he saw a person crossing the street in front of him.
Vocabulary Answer Key:
Exercise 1: 1. rush hour, 2. give you a lift, 3. roadworks, 4. jumped a red light, 5. roadworthy, 6. pile-up, 7. speeding
Exercise 2: 1f, 2d, 3h, 4g, 5e, 6b, 7i, 8j, 9c, 10a
Exercise 3: 1. roadworks > tailback, 2. collisions > rush hour , 3. skipping > jumping, 4. reckless > roadworthy, 5. over > around, 6. Stood > slammed