WE DIDN’T TAKE A TRAIN LAST TIME; WE WENT BY TAXI INSTEAD

 This topic helps students talk about past transportation choices using the simple past tense. It also shows how to compare options like trains and taxis, and describe what happened.

📌 Examples:

• We didn’t take a train last time; we went by taxi instead.

• They didn’t ride the bus yesterday.

• I took a taxi because the train was full.

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🧠 GRAMMAR (with examples)

✅ Past Simple (affirmative and negative):

• We went by taxi.

• They didn’t take the train.

• I walked to the station.

✅ Time Expressions (last time, yesterday, instead, ago):

• Last time we used the subway.

• We arrived 20 minutes ago.

✅ Connecting ideas with "instead":

• We missed the bus, so we took a taxi instead.

✅ Modal Verbs (can, must, should):

• We should plan better next time.

• You must check the train schedule.

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🗣️ VOCABULARY (10 words with definition)

1. Train – A long vehicle that travels on tracks.

2. Taxi – A car you pay for to go somewhere.

3. Instead – In place of something else.

4. Station – The place where trains arrive and depart.

5. Fare – The cost to travel by train, taxi, or bus.

6. Miss – To arrive too late to catch a train, bus, etc.

7. Plan – To decide something before doing it.

8. Late – Not on time.

9. Schedule – A plan showing when things happen.

10. Choice – A decision between two or more things.

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📝 USEFUL EXPRESSIONS

• We didn’t take the train.

• We went by taxi instead.

• The train was too late.

• It was easier to take a taxi.

• Next time, we’ll check the schedule.

• That was a better choice.

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✅ SENTENCES

Positive:

• We took a taxi.

• She arrived at the station on time.

• They went by bus.

• I got there early.

• We planned our trip.

Negative:

• We didn’t take a train.

• He didn’t like the taxi ride.

• They didn’t check the schedule.

• She didn’t want to wait.

• I wasn’t late.

Questions:

• Did you take a train?

• Why did you go by taxi?

• Was the train full?

• Did they arrive late?

• What did you do instead?

Answers:

• No, we didn’t.

• Yes, we went by taxi.

• It was too late, so we took a cab.

• They didn’t take the train.

• We missed it.

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💬 CONVERSATION

Noah: We didn’t take a train last time; we went by taxi instead.
Ava: Oh, really? Why?
Noah: The train was delayed, and we were late.
Ava: That makes sense. Was the taxi fast?
Noah: Yes, it was quick and comfortable.
Ava: Good choice! Did it cost a lot?
Noah: A bit more, but it was worth it.

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📚 READING

"Getting to the City: Train or Taxi?"

Last weekend, Maya and her brother had to go to the city. They checked the train schedule, but the next train was in 45 minutes. They didn’t want to wait, so they went by taxi instead. The taxi was more expensive, but it was fast. They arrived on time for their meeting. Maya said she will take the train next time if there is no delay.

Comprehension Questions:

1. Where did Maya and her brother go?
   → To the city.

2. Why didn’t they take the train?
   → Because it was leaving in 45 minutes.

3. What did they do instead?
   → They went by taxi.

4. Was the taxi fast?
   → Yes, it was.

5. What will Maya do next time?
   → Take the train if it’s not delayed.