This listening and speaking activity is best delivered using an interactive whiteboard (IWB) or a laptop+projector combo. Note that this is a classic information gap activity; only the tools used are newer.

Note the URL of this video on Youtube:

Tell students that they will watch a video without the sound. Only one of them will listen to the sound using headphones while watching. Students will have to ask questions about the video and the student who has listened to it will have to answer, provided the information was in the video. Then they collect the questions that remained unanswered and watch this other video:

If there are still unanswered questions, you can get students to find the answers on the net, optionally as a task for homework. You can also have a discussion on the topic, with questions like

• Is this the transport of the future?
• What are the advantages and disadvantages?
• Could it be used in Hungary too?

For business English classes, you can emphasize the financial aspects of the story.

Students can also prepare presentations on the topic, arguing for or against the concept.

Of course, this is not a proper lesson plan; I just wanted to give you ideas, but I’m sure you’ll be able to implement this activity in your lesson, tailored to your needs.

Links you might find useful:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ULTra_(rapid_transit) (Wikipedia article on the topic)

http://www.ultraglobalprt.com/ (homepage of the company producing these pods)

http://youtu.be/B7hgipbHBK8 (promo video by the company)

http://youtu.be/pZ1cQVMm2rA (amateur video of a journey)

http://youtu.be/E5SchtSQcvY (Heathrow airport’s video at the launch)