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Unit 30 :
Getting a Car Serviced

Intermediate

Summary

To be able to learn how to take care of your cars.

  • Brain Storm : Share your ideas with your teacher. Try to make sentences.

What do you do to take good care of your cars?

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Vocabulary

Repeat the following words and phrases with your teacher and use them in a sentence.

  • windshield wipers(phr)
  • transmission(n)
  • brake pads(phr)
  •  tires(n)
  • got ripped off(phr)
  • crook(adj)
  • holding up(phr)
  • sponges(n)
  • vacuumed(v)
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Dialogue 1

Read the dialogue aloud with your teacher.

Mechanic

Sophia

Is my car ready?

I’m finished with your oil change and I replaced the oil filter. I’ve also replaced the wiper blades in your windshield wipers. But I’ve had a good look under your hood, and your car needs a lot of work.

Really?

Yes, you have some serious problems. I bet your engine is running really rough.

Your transmission is leaking,your shocks need to be replaced, and you need new brake pads. Your battery is very low and it should be replaced, too.

 I can’t believe it.

It’s true. Your tires need to be rotated, too, and I also suggest getting a wheel alignment.

Well, this is all a big surprise, especially since I just bought this used car a couple of months ago.

You did? Well, you got ripped off. Whoever sold you this car is a crook. Where did you buy it?

I bought it here! I bought this from the owner of this garage. He said that it was in tip-top shape!

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Let’s practice 1

Label the following picture using the words listed on the box.

1.
  1. wheels tires saddle frame gears pedals brakes chain spokers handlebars
  2. headlights bumper wheels wipers tires bonnet windscreen door steering wheel boot ing mirrors rear view mirror
2.
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Article

Read the article aloud with your teacher.

I was driving down the road when I saw a group of teenagers holding up signs for a fundraising car wash for their school. My car was very dirty, so I pulled over and paid for a car wash and a wax.

I think that the students had more enthusiasm than car washing skills. Yes, they had hoses, buckets filled with soapywater, and sponges, but they seemed more interested in getting each other wet than in getting the dirt off the car. I kept wanting to jump up and say, “Hey, you missed a spot!” but I didn’t.

After washing the car, they rinsed it and dried it with towels. They also vacuumed the interior and washed the windows. At least the windows were spotless. Finally, they waxed and polished the car, and were finished.

I went over to inspect the washed car. All I can say is I’m glad this was a fundraiser to support their school. If these students do as well in their classes as they did on my car, they need all the education they can get!

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Discussion：

Share your  ideas with your teacher. 

  1. Do you have a car? How often do you bring them for maintenance?
  2. In your opinion, is it recommended to have a  check on your automobiles/ cars? Why or why not?