Reporting a Problem or Asking a Staff Member
A passenger needs to report a lost item, a broken facility, or ask a specific question to a bus driver, subway attendant, or station staff.
Dialogue
Listen and follow along with the conversation
Vocabulary
Essential words and phrases from the dialogue
backpack
A bag with two straps that you carry on your back, often used by students or travelers to carry books or laptops.
train
A public transportation vehicle that runs on tracks, like a subway or commuter train, used for traveling between cities or stations.
lost property
The department or office in stations where lost items are kept until the owner claims them; also called lost and found.
form
A printed document with blank spaces where you write information, like details for reporting a lost item.
distinctive
Something unique or special that makes an item easy to recognize, like a color or brand.
contact information
Personal details such as phone number, email, or address used to reach you if something is found.
notify
To inform or tell someone about something important, often by phone or message.
reference number
A unique code or number given to track a report or request, like for a lost item.
Key Sentences
Important phrases to remember and practice
Excuse me, I think I left my backpack on the train.
This is a polite way to start talking to staff and report a lost item. Use 'Excuse me' to get attention, and 'I think I left' to express uncertainty about forgetting something. It's useful when asking for help in public places.
When did you get off the train, approximately?
This question asks for an estimated time using 'approximately' to mean 'about' or 'roughly.' It's helpful for staff to gather details in reports. Use it when you need more information without being too precise.
It's a black backpack, a North Face one, with a laptop inside.
This sentence describes an item by color, brand, and contents. The structure 'a [color] [noun], a [brand] one' is common for identification. Practice this to report lost belongings clearly.
We'll need to fill out a lost property form.
This explains a next step using 'fill out' for completing a document. 'We'll need to' shows necessity politely. Use this in service situations to inform someone about procedures.
Can you describe the laptop or anything else distinctive inside?
This is a polite request for more details with 'Can you describe' and 'or anything else' to include options. 'Distinctive' means unique features. It's useful when helping someone identify their item.
Thanks for the details. I'll take down your contact information.
This thanks someone first, then states an action with 'take down' meaning to write down. It's a professional response in customer service. Use it to acknowledge information and proceed.
If it's found, we'll notify you right away.
This conditional sentence uses 'If [condition], we'll [action]' to promise future help. 'Right away' means immediately. It's reassuring and common when handling reports or complaints.
Thank you so much. I really appreciate your help.
This expresses strong gratitude with 'so much' for emphasis and 'appreciate' for valuing help. Use it to end conversations politely, especially after receiving assistance.