The Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games are planning to launch a new air taxi service to help reduce the city’s well-known traffic problems. The group organizing the event, called LA28, is working with a company named Archer Aviation to create this service. The air taxis will help fans travel to and from different Olympic and Paralympic venues. This idea shows a growing interest in using flying taxis to make it easier for people to get around busy cities during big events.

Archer Aviation wants to use electric aircraft called Midnight, which can take off and land vertically. These flying taxis will offer short flights that last between 10 to 20 minutes, connecting important locations in Los Angeles, including major venues for the Games. However, for this plan to work, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) needs to approve the aircraft. The CEO of Archer, Adam Goldstein, is hopeful that they will get the necessary certification this year, which would mean the aircraft is safe and well-designed.

The air taxi service aims to have prices similar to high-end ride services like Uber. People will be able to book a flight using a mobile app, just like they would for a regular taxi. Each Midnight aircraft can carry up to four passengers and works like a helicopter, making it a good option for city travel. This new way of getting around is part of a larger trend where companies are trying to solve the problem of traffic in cities.

Even though flying taxis sound exciting, there are still many challenges to overcome, like safety rules and technology issues, such as battery life. The Midnight aircraft is designed to be quieter and produce less pollution than traditional helicopters, which could make it more appealing to people living in cities. Archer Aviation has support from big names in the aviation industry, like Boeing and United Airlines, which helps make their plans more credible. The introduction of flying taxis at the LA28 Games could be a big step forward for transportation in Los Angeles and other cities.

Original news source: LA 2028 Olympics plans air taxi service for spectators (BBC)

🎧 Listen:

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📖 Vocabulary:

Group or Classroom Activities

Warm-up Activities:

– CHARADES
Instructions: Students will work in small groups. Each group will choose a key term or concept from the article (e.g., “air taxi,” “LA28,” “Midnight aircraft”) and act it out without using any words. The other groups will guess what it is.

– OPINION POLL
Instructions: Create a set of questions related to the article, such as “Do you think air taxis will solve traffic problems?” or “Would you use an air taxi service?” Students will walk around the classroom, asking their classmates these questions and recording their answers. Afterward, discuss the results as a class.

– MIND MAP
Instructions: In pairs, students will create a mind map on a large sheet of paper that visually represents the main ideas from the article. They should include key points such as the purpose of the air taxi service, the technology involved, and potential challenges. After they complete their mind map, pairs will present their ideas to the class.

– HEADLINE CREATION
Instructions: Students will work individually or in pairs to create a catchy headline for the article that captures its essence. They will share their headlines with the class and discuss which ones they think are the most effective and why.

– SYNONYM CHALLENGE
Instructions: Prepare a list of vocabulary words from the article (e.g., “reduce,” “approve,” “certification”). Students will work in pairs to come up with synonyms for each word. After a set time, they will share their synonyms with the class, and the teacher will facilitate a discussion on the usage of these synonyms in context.

🤔 Comprehension Questions:

1. What is the main purpose of the new air taxi service being planned for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games?

2. Which company is collaborating with LA28 to create the air taxi service, and what is the name of their aircraft?

3. How long do the flights on the Midnight aircraft typically last, and what kind of locations will they connect?

4. What is necessary for the air taxi service to begin operating, according to the article?

5. How will people be able to book a flight on the air taxis, and how does this compare to traditional taxi services?

6. What are some of the advantages of the Midnight aircraft compared to traditional helicopters?

7. What challenges does Archer Aviation face in launching the air taxi service, as mentioned in the article?

8. How do the partnerships with companies like Boeing and United Airlines impact the credibility of Archer Aviation’s plans?
Go to answers ⇩

🎧✍️ Listen and Fill in the Gaps:

The Los (1)______ 2028 Olympic Games are planning to launch a new air taxi service to help reduce the city’s well-known traffic problems. The group organizing the event, called LA28, is working with a company named Archer Aviation to create this service. The air taxis will help fans travel to and from different Olympic and (2)______ venues. This idea shows a growing interest in using flying taxis to make it (3)______ for people to get around busy cities during big (4)______.

Archer Aviation wants to use electric (5)______ called Midnight, which can take off and land vertically. These flying taxis will offer (6)______ flights that last between 10 to 20 minutes, connecting important (7)______ in Los Angeles, including major venues for the Games. However, for this plan to work, the U.S. (8)______ Aviation Administration (FAA) needs to approve the aircraft. The CEO of Archer, Adam Goldstein, is hopeful that they will get the necessary certification this year, which would mean the aircraft is safe and well-designed.

The air taxi (9)______ aims to have prices similar to high-end ride services like Uber. People will be able to book a flight using a mobile app, just like they would for a regular taxi. Each Midnight aircraft can carry up to four passengers and works like a helicopter, (10)______ it a good (11)______ for city travel. This new way of getting around is part of a larger trend where (12)______ are trying to solve the problem of traffic in cities.

Even though flying taxis sound exciting, there are still many challenges to overcome, like safety (13)______ and technology issues, such as battery life. The Midnight aircraft is designed to be quieter and produce less pollution than traditional helicopters, which could make it more appealing to people living in (14)______. Archer Aviation has support from big names in the aviation industry, like Boeing and United Airlines, which helps make their (15)______ more credible. The introduction of flying taxis at the LA28 (16)______ could be a big step forward for transportation in Los Angeles and other cities.
Go to answers ⇩

💬 Discussion Questions:

Students can ask a partner these questions, or discuss them as a group.

1. What is your opinion on the idea of flying taxis? Do you think they would be a good solution for traffic problems?

2. How would you feel if you had the chance to ride in an air taxi? Would you be excited or nervous? Why?

3. Do you think flying taxis will become popular in many cities around the world? Why or why not?

4. What is a major advantage of using electric aircraft like the Midnight for city travel?

5. How would you feel if flying taxis became a common way for people to travel? Would it change your daily life? Why?

6. Do you like the idea of booking a flight through a mobile app, similar to how we book regular taxis? Why or why not?

7. What do you think are some of the biggest challenges that flying taxis might face in the future?

8. How important do you think safety regulations are for new transportation methods like air taxis? Why?

9. Do you think the price of flying taxis should be similar to high-end ride services like Uber? Why or why not?

10. What is your experience with traffic in your city? How do you think flying taxis could improve that situation?

11. How would you feel if you lived near a flying taxi landing area? Would you find it exciting or annoying? Why?

12. Do you think people would be willing to pay for a flying taxi service during big events like the Olympics? Why?

13. What is a technology that you think could improve the safety or efficiency of flying taxis?

14. How do you think the introduction of flying taxis could change the way we think about transportation in cities?

15. Do you believe that the environmental benefits of flying taxis, like reduced pollution, are enough to support their development? Why or why not?

Individual Activities

📖💭 Vocabulary Meanings:

Match each word to its meaning.

Words:
1. launch
2. venues
3. vertically
4. certification
5. app
6. helicopter
7. trend
8. challenges
9. pollution
10. credible
11. transportation
12. aviation
13. certification
14. technology
15. industry

Meanings:
(A) Places where events or activities happen
(B) A software application for a mobile device
(C) Official approval or permission
(D) The use of scientific knowledge for practical purposes
(E) A type of aircraft that can take off and land straight up and down
(F) The movement of people or goods from one place to another
(G) Difficulties or obstacles that need to be overcome
(H) Official approval or permission
(I) To start or introduce something new
(J) A general direction in which something is developing or changing
(K) Harmful substances released into the environment
(L) The design, development, and production of aircraft
(M) Believable or trustworthy
(N) A group of businesses that produce similar products or services
(O) In an up and down direction
Go to answers ⇩

🔡 Multiple Choice Questions:

1. What is the main purpose of the air taxi service being planned for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games?
(a) To increase tourism
(b) To promote electric vehicles
(c) To provide entertainment
(d) To reduce traffic problems

2. Which company is collaborating with LA28 to create the air taxi service?
(a) Boeing
(b) United Airlines
(c) Archer Aviation
(d) Uber

3. What is the name of the electric aircraft that will be used for the air taxi service?
(a) Sunrise
(b) Midnight
(c) Twilight
(d) Horizon

4. How long will the flights offered by the air taxis last?
(a) 30 to 40 minutes
(b) 10 to 20 minutes
(c) 5 to 15 minutes
(d) 20 to 30 minutes

5. How many passengers can each Midnight aircraft carry?
(a) Two
(b) Six
(c) Four
(d) Eight

6. What is a major requirement for the air taxi service to operate?
(a) Approval from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
(b) A partnership with local taxi services
(c) Funding from the city of Los Angeles
(d) A public vote

7. What is one advantage of the Midnight aircraft compared to traditional helicopters?
(a) It is quieter and produces less pollution
(b) It can carry more passengers
(c) It flies faster
(d) It has a longer flight range

8. Which major companies support Archer Aviation’s plans for the air taxi service?
(a) Tesla and Ford
(b) Amazon and Google
(c) Delta Airlines and Southwest Airlines
(d) Boeing and United Airlines

Go to answers ⇩

🕵️ True or False Questions:

1. Archer Aviation has backing from major companies in the aviation industry, including Boeing and United Airlines.
2. Each Midnight aircraft can carry up to four passengers and operates similarly to a helicopter.
3. Archer Aviation is designing electric helicopters named Midnight, which have the ability to ascend and descend vertically.
4. LA28 is the group organizing the Olympic Games and is collaborating with Archer Aviation for the air taxi service.
5. The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) must certify the Midnight aircraft for the operation to begin.
6. The air taxi service aims to have prices comparable to high-end ride services like Uber.
7. The Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games are considering implementing an air taxi amenity to address congestion problems in the city.
8. The air shuttles will enable supporters to move between various Olympic and Paralympic venues.
Go to answers ⇩

📝 Write a Summary:

Write a summary of this news article in two sentences.
Check your writing now with the best free AI for English writing!

Writing Questions:

Answer the following questions. Write as much as you can for each answer.
Check your answers with our free English writing assistant!

1. What is the main purpose of the air taxi service being planned for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games?
2. How does Archer Aviation plan to make their flying taxis environmentally friendly?
3. What are some of the challenges that need to be addressed before the air taxi service can start operating?
4. How will people be able to book a flight on the air taxi service?
5. Why is the support from companies like Boeing and United Airlines important for Archer Aviation’s plans?

✅ Answers

🤔✅ Comprehension Question Answers:

1. What is the main purpose of the new air taxi service being planned for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games?
The main purpose is to help reduce traffic problems in Los Angeles by providing a new way for fans to travel to and from different Olympic and Paralympic venues.

2. Which company is collaborating with LA28 to create the air taxi service, and what is the name of their aircraft?
LA28 is working with a company named Archer Aviation, and their aircraft is called Midnight.

3. How long do the flights on the Midnight aircraft typically last, and what kind of locations will they connect?
The flights typically last between 10 to 20 minutes and will connect important locations in Los Angeles, including major venues for the Games.

4. What is necessary for the air taxi service to begin operating, according to the article?
The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) needs to approve the aircraft for the air taxi service to begin operating.

5. How will people be able to book a flight on the air taxis, and how does this compare to traditional taxi services?
People will be able to book a flight using a mobile app, similar to how they would book a ride with traditional taxi services like Uber.

6. What are some of the advantages of the Midnight aircraft compared to traditional helicopters?
The Midnight aircraft is designed to be quieter and produce less pollution than traditional helicopters, making it more appealing to city residents.

7. What challenges does Archer Aviation face in launching the air taxi service, as mentioned in the article?
Archer Aviation faces challenges such as safety regulations and technology issues, including battery life.

8. How do the partnerships with companies like Boeing and United Airlines impact the credibility of Archer Aviation’s plans?
The support from big names like Boeing and United Airlines helps make Archer Aviation’s plans more credible and trustworthy in the aviation industry.
Go back to questions ⇧

🎧✍️✅ Listen and Fill in the Gaps Answers:

(1) Angeles
(2) Paralympic
(3) easier
(4) events
(5) aircraft
(6) short
(7) locations
(8) Federal
(9) service
(10) making
(11) option
(12) companies
(13) rules
(14) cities
(15) plans
(16) Games
Go back to questions ⇧

📖💭✅ Vocabulary Meanings Answers:

1. launch
Answer: (I) To start or introduce something new

2. venues
Answer: (A) Places where events or activities happen

3. vertically
Answer: (O) In an up and down direction

4. certification
Answer: (C) Official approval or permission

5. app
Answer: (B) A software application for a mobile device

6. helicopter
Answer: (E) A type of aircraft that can take off and land straight up and down

7. trend
Answer: (J) A general direction in which something is developing or changing

8. challenges
Answer: (G) Difficulties or obstacles that need to be overcome

9. pollution
Answer: (K) Harmful substances released into the environment

10. credible
Answer: (M) Believable or trustworthy

11. transportation
Answer: (F) The movement of people or goods from one place to another

12. aviation
Answer: (L) The design, development, and production of aircraft

13. certification
Answer: (C) Official approval or permission

14. technology
Answer: (D) The use of scientific knowledge for practical purposes

15. industry
Answer: (N) A group of businesses that produce similar products or services
Go back to questions ⇧

🔡✅ Multiple Choice Answers:

1. What is the main purpose of the air taxi service being planned for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games?
Answer: (d) To reduce traffic problems

2. Which company is collaborating with LA28 to create the air taxi service?
Answer: (c) Archer Aviation

3. What is the name of the electric aircraft that will be used for the air taxi service?
Answer: (b) Midnight

4. How long will the flights offered by the air taxis last?
Answer: (b) 10 to 20 minutes

5. How many passengers can each Midnight aircraft carry?
Answer: (c) Four

6. What is a major requirement for the air taxi service to operate?
Answer: (a) Approval from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)

7. What is one advantage of the Midnight aircraft compared to traditional helicopters?
Answer: (a) It is quieter and produces less pollution

8. Which major companies support Archer Aviation’s plans for the air taxi service?
Answer: (d) Boeing and United Airlines
Go back to questions ⇧

🕵️✅ True or False Answers:

1. Archer Aviation has backing from major companies in the aviation industry, including Boeing and United Airlines. (Answer: True)
2. Each Midnight aircraft can carry up to four passengers and operates similarly to a helicopter. (Answer: True)
3. Archer Aviation is designing electric helicopters named Midnight, which have the ability to ascend and descend vertically. (Answer: False)
4. LA28 is the group organizing the Olympic Games and is collaborating with Archer Aviation for the air taxi service. (Answer: True)
5. The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) must certify the Midnight aircraft for the operation to begin. (Answer: False)
6. The air taxi service aims to have prices comparable to high-end ride services like Uber. (Answer: True)
7. The Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games are considering implementing an air taxi amenity to address congestion problems in the city. (Answer: False)
8. The air shuttles will enable supporters to move between various Olympic and Paralympic venues. (Answer: False)
Go back to questions ⇧