Task2 Dictation
The Knowledge
Becoming a London taxi driver isn't easy.
In order to obtain a licence to drive a taxi in London, candidates have to pass a detailed examination.
They have to learn not only the streets, landmarks and hotels, but also the quickest way to get there.
This is called 'The Knowledge' by London cab drivers and it can take years of study and practice to get 'The Knowledge'.
Candidates are examined not only on the quickest routes but also on the quickest routes at different times of the day.
People who want to pass the examination spend much of their free time driving or even cycling around London, studying maps and learning the huge street directory by heart.
The Underground
Travelling on the London underground (the 'tube') presents few difficulties for visitors because of the clear colour-coded maps.
It is always useful to have plenty of spare change with you because there are often long queues at the larger stations.
If you have enough change you can buy your ticket from a machine.
You will find signs which list the stations in alphabetical order, with the correct fares, near the machines.
There are automatic barriers which are operated by the tickets. You should keep the ticket, because it is checked at the destination.