War in the Middle East and Plane Travel

Introduction

Fighting in the Middle East makes plane fuel very expensive. This causes problems for airlines.

Main Body

Fuel prices are now double. Because of this, many airlines cancel flights. In May, 13,000 flights stopped globally. Some airlines, like Lufthansa, cancelled many flights. Others, like United Airlines, now charge more money for tickets and bags. Spirit Airlines stopped working because they had no money. People are changing how they travel. Many people now go to the Mediterranean or the Caribbean because these places are safe. More people are using trains instead of planes. For example, Eurostar train sales went up by 25%. Some experts worry about the UK because it buys many things from other countries. However, airlines like Ryanair and Wizz Air say they have a plan. They believe flights will continue normally during the summer.

Conclusion

Airlines are trying to survive. They have high costs, but people still want to travel.

Learning

The 'Cause and Effect' Logic

To reach A2, you need to connect two ideas together. This text uses a simple word to do this: Because.

How it works: [Reason] \rightarrow [Result]

Examples from the text:

  • "Because of this, many airlines cancel flights."
  • "Because these places are safe [people go there]."

Word Swap: Moving Up

Beginners use basic words. A2 students use more specific words. Look at how we can change 'bad things' into 'business words' using the text:

  • No money \rightarrow High costs
  • Stop working \rightarrow Cancel
  • Go up \rightarrow Increase (like the 25% Eurostar sales)

Quick Guide: Place Names

Notice how we use the for some regions but not for companies:

  • The Middle East (Region)
  • The Mediterranean (Sea/Region)
  • The Caribbean (Islands)
  • \checkmark Lufthansa (Company - No 'the')
  • \checkmark Spirit Airlines (Company - No 'the')

Vocabulary Learning

travel (v.)
to go from one place to another
Example:I like to travel to new countries.
fuel (n.)
a substance that gives energy for engines
Example:Cars need fuel to move.
cancel (v.)
to stop or call off
Example:The airline cancelled the flight.
ticket (n.)
a paper that lets you board a plane
Example:You need a ticket to fly.
safe (adj.)
free from danger
Example:The Mediterranean is a safe place.