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uk

Bomb threat

Describe the picture below.

Vocabulary

threat threaten screening detonate bomb plot weapon

conceal explode explosion explosives hostage

explosive device ignite blow up terrorism terrorist low-cost

high-tech surveillance dynamic unpredictable canine teams

behaviour observation non-intrusive stress fear sniffer-dog

The words detonate, explode and blow up are similar in meaning, but are
used differently.

Remember!

The terrorists blew up the plane. NOT The terrorists exploded the plane.

Complete the sentences below with a the suitable ending.

1. The terrorists are threatening to __________ the bomb.

2. There is a bomb on board and it could __________.

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Online Aviation English - English Teacher Oxford - www.englishteacheroxford.co.uk

3. The terrorists have taken a passenger as __________.

4. There is a bomb on board and it could __________ the plane.

5. We have a suspect passenger on board we require __________ to check

for explosives.

6. There was a small __________ at the back of the cabin which caused
minor damage.

7. The explosive device was __________ in his underwear.

8. The new __________ devices at the airport could cause considerable

delays.

Speaking and reading

1. Read the article “STRENGTHENING AVIATION SECURITY IN

A RESOURCE-CONSTRAINED ENVIRONMENT”, which you can download
at the following address:
http://www.icao.int/icao/en/assembl/a36/wp/wp087_en.pdf

2. Use ALL the words in the box on page 1 to talk about the current risks of
bombs to aviation and the possible solutions to this problem. Use the
questions below to help you. Speak for about 2 minutes.

1. What threats does the aviation industry face today?

2. How can air travel be made safer?

3. What surveillance techniques can be used to counter terrorism.

Speaking

Do you agree or disagree with the statements below.

1. Passengers should be prepared to pay more for air travel in order to fund
higher security measures at the airports.

2. All passengers should face the same security checks at the airport.

3. Governments should share information about suspected terrorists more

freely.

© Copyright English Teacher Oxford 2009

Online Aviation English - English Teacher Oxford - www.englishteacheroxford.co.uk

Answers:

1. The terrorists are threatening to detonate the bomb.

2. There is a bomb on board and it could explode.

3. The terrorists have taken a passenger as hostage.

4. There is a bomb on board and it could blow-up the plane.

5. We have a suspect passenger on board we require canine teams / sniffer

dogs to check for explosives.

6. There was a small explosion at the back of the cabin which caused minor
damage.

7. The explosive device was concealed in his underwear.

8. The new screening devices at the airport could cause considerable delays.

© Copyright English Teacher Oxford 2009