Topic: Driving Test

Title: You Probably Don't Want to Drive behind This Guy

Source: WeirdSpot.com, Reuters

Date: Friday, April 15, 2005

Level: Intermediate

Click for article.

Vocabulary

Try to guess what these words mean from reading the article.
If you need help, check out OneLook Dictionary Search.

New words you will see in this article:

academic
attempt(s)
exam(ination)
failure
guy
illiterate
launch(ed)
license
manual
minimum
motto
official(s)
oral
process
regard
repairman
score
thrill(ed)

Interesting phrases:
If at first you don't succeed, try, try again.
along the way
rules of the road
turn (age)

Talking Points

With your tutor, conversation partners, or classmates, you may wish to discuss the following:

What do you think of this man's "never give up" attitude?

Do you agree with the proverb: "If at first you don't succeed, try, try again"?
Why or why not?

What can you learn from this man's experience?

Do you currently have a driver's license?

If so, was it easy or difficult to obtain?

What was the most difficult part of the exam?
(For example, driving test, written test, oral test, eye test)

Why do you think they make it so hard to get a driver's license?

For More Practice

Pretend you are a the man in this story, and you have just failed the exam
for the 270th time. What do you say to your wife?

Pretend you are the man's wife. What do you say to encourage your husband?

Pretend you are the examiner, and this man has just passed the test
on his 271st attempt! What do you say to the man?
What do you say to your co-workers?

Role play a situation in which you (or your partner) has failed at something
several times, but wants to keep trying. Offer encouragement and positive advice.