Jet Suit Race
WORKSHEET
1. Suggested Use
Technology and innovation focus, followed by closed practice B1+-level vocabulary and grammar activities.
2. Suggested Activities
A. Project-based learning
Students work in small groups to promote the Jet Suit Race from the video. They watch the video (or read the videoscript) and make notes of the key ideas and people’s opinions of the event. They then prepare a short video and poster to get people interested in the event and increase attendance. Have an ‘exhibition day’ in the classroom where students present their ideas.
B. Mediation task: Relaying specific information (+ note taking)
Students imagine they’re journalists covering the Jet Suit Race in Dubai for a short online post or school magazine article. They read or listen to the script, then write 3–4 sentences summarising the key information - what the event is, where it happens, who takes part and why it’s special. They present their ideas to another student who provides feedback on the accuracy of the information.
C. Pronunciation task: Pronunciation of uncommon words
Have students identify words from the video they are unfamiliar with or haven’t seen before, e.g. gals, horsepower, diesel, biofuel etc. Have them watch the video and repeat the pronunciation of the words they hear, then write them down in their own way to help them remember how to say them. Have students create sentences with the new words and give them to a partner to practise the pronunciation in context.
3. Vocabulary
Technology
Jet Suit
pilot
engine
powerful
horsepower
technology
machine
biofuel
jet fuel
obstacle
course
design
lift / control / fly
People
pilot
company
designer
winner
inventor
adventurer
spectator
Adjectives
powerful
incredible
unbelievable
first ever / world first
alien
free
natural
fluid
4. Grammar
Modal verbs:
… and must avoid obstacles; … just can't describe it; what can happen when …; might be new …
Relative clauses:
… including UAE pilots, who are going to push the limits …; 1500 horsepower – that’s more than most sports cars; …shows what can happen when people mix adventure.
Similes:
I describe it almost like a bird, you know?; "Like nothing you've ever done before; unlike anything you've ever done.
Tenses:
(present perfect) … unlike anything you've ever done; (present continuous) … are taking part in a new kind of race in Dubai…; (future) This is going to consist of bringing together …
TRANSCRIPT
Jet Suit Race
NARRATOR:
Flying fast above the water, eight pilots wearing Jet Suits are taking part in a new kind of race in Dubai. They fly in pairs and must avoid obstacles. It’s being called the world’s first Jet Suit race. The event was created by Gravity Industries, a company that designs and tests Jet Suits, together with the Dubai Sports Council.
SOUNDBITE – Richard Browning:
"This is going to consist of bringing together a bunch of guys and gals, including UAE pilots, who are going to push the limits of human and machine technology using our 1500 horsepower Jet Suits flying around an obstacle course over water.”
NARRATOR:
These Jet Suits are very powerful and very fast. Each one has 1500 horsepower – that’s more than most sports cars.
SOUNDBITE – Rowan Poulter:
"It's absolutely incredible to be flying the first ever race, it's a world first. Like how incredible is that.”
NARRATOR:
Jet Suits were first launched in 2017. Now, they can fly faster than 80 miles per hour, and they fly over different types of land. The winner of the race, Issa Khalfon, explains what it feels like.
SOUNDBITE – Issa Khalfon:
"Like nothing you've ever done before. The feeling of doing this your first time is so alien. It's so unlike anything you've ever done. You just can't describe it. But it's so freeing. I describe it almost like a bird, you know? You just see them just going wherever they want it. It feels so fluid and natural and free. It's just unbelievable."
NARRATOR:
The Jet Suit uses five small jet engines to lift the pilot off the ground. The pilot moves their body to control the direction. It can use jet fuel, diesel or even biofuel to fly. Jet Suit racing might be new, but it shows what can happen when people mix adventure and technology.