Cette série de conversations en anglais suit une famille qui part en voyage aux États-Unis. Allez avec elle à la découverte des passe-temps et de l’histoire associés aux lieux qu’elle visite. Ces conversations s’adressent à des personnes ayant un niveau d’anglais intermédiaire, voire plus avancé.

Si vous voulez suivre toute la leçon exclusivement en anglais, cliquez ici.

Dans cette conversation, la famille voudrait aller au Kentucky Derby, une course de chevaux qui se tient à Louisville, au Kentucky. Paul parle au concierge de l’hôtel pour savoir comment se procurer des billets.

Cliquez sur le lien audio et écoutez la conversation tout en la lisant ci-dessous. Les mots importants sont expliqués à la fin, en anglais, de façon à favoriser une immersion totale dans la langue. Certains sont suivis d’une brève traduction ou explication en français.


Concierge: May I help you?

Paul: Yes. We would like to go to the Kentucky Derby. Where can we buy tickets?

Concierge: You can buy the tickets online or at the gate on the day of the Derby. It’s cheaper to buy them online.

Paul: Thank you. This is our first time. Do you have any advice for us about the Derby?

Concierge: The weather is unpredictable, so be prepared for hot weather or rain or cool weather.

Paul: The actual Derby race is later in the day. Should we go early and see the other races?

Concierge: Yes, I recommend it. Take advantage of being there, and see some other races.

Paul: Great. We will. And is there any special food or drink to have at the event?

Concierge: The event is famous for the mint julep. And if this is your first time visiting the South, then you might want to try some garlic cheese grits.

Paul: Thank you for all of your help.

Un peu de vocabulaire

A horse race is an event in which people race on horses, often to win money. People sometimes bet on which horse will win the race. The Kentucky Derby is a large horse race that is held every year. The length of this race is 1.25 miles (2 kilometers). (course hippique)

A concierge is an employee at a hotel. This person’s job is to help guests by providing information and arranging things, such as restaurant reservations, theater tickets, etc.

In this conversation, the gate is the area which people pass through to enter the event area. At the gate, people buy and/or show their tickets to enter. (portail d’entrée)

Unpredictable means happening in a way that is not expected. When something is unpredictable, you do not know in advance what will happen or what something will be like. (imprévisible)

To take advantage of something means to use something in a way that helps you and to make good use of something. (profiter de)

A mint julep is a drink made with bourbon (a type of alcohol), sugar, mint and ice.

The South refers to the southern part of the United States.

Grits is a dish that is made of a type of ground corn. It is often eaten for breakfast or as part of a meal, especially in the South. (gruau de maïs)

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