Welcome to the second lesson in my new A Day in the Life… series.
This is a growing collection of short, story-based lessons all about different jobs and working lives.
Each lesson takes you inside a typical day at work, showing what people really do, how they talk, and what challenges or rewards their job brings.
You’ll learn natural English vocabulary, expressions, and comprehension skills through realistic stories.
In this lesson, we meet Mark, a taxi driver in a busy city, as he takes passengers across town — from early-morning airport runs to late-afternoon rides with tourists.
It’s an ideal way to practise reading and speaking about transport, work routines, and daily life in English.
I hope you like it!
Introduction
Read the following introduction.
Mark is a taxi driver in a large, busy city. Every day he picks up all kinds of passengers — office workers, tourists, students, and sometimes people heading home after a night out. His job is unpredictable, but that’s what he likes about it. Some days are calm, others are full of surprises. Whatever happens, Mark knows the city better than anyone else.
Introductory Discussion Questions
Read the questions out loud in class and answer them or give your thoughts on them.
Do you often take taxis? Why or why not?
What are taxis like in your city or country?
Do you think being a taxi driver is an easy or difficult job?
What skills does a good taxi driver need?
Would you like to drive a taxi for a living? Why or why not?
Morning
Before You Read
This section describes the start of Mark’s working day. As you read, think about what a taxi driver needs to do to prepare for a day on the road.
Read the following section and answer all the reading comprehension questions that follow.
Mark starts work early.
His alarm rings at 5:30, and by six he’s already in his car, checking the fuel and cleaning the dashboard.
He uses a phone app to find his first passenger — a woman going to the airport.
The city streets are quiet, and the morning air feels cool.
After dropping her off, Mark grabs a quick coffee from a petrol station and joins the traffic back into the city centre.
Soon his phone beeps again — another job request. This time it’s a businessman heading to an early meeting.
They chat a little about the weather and traffic before the man starts checking his emails.
By nine o’clock, the city is fully awake.
The roads are crowded, and horns echo between the buildings.
Mark takes a deep breath, switches on some of his favourite music, and reminds himself to stay calm.
Comprehension Questions – Morning
What time does Mark start work?
Who is his first passenger?
What does he do after dropping her off?
Who is his next passenger?
How does he stay calm in heavy traffic?
Midday
Before You Read
This section shows how Mark spends his lunchtime and afternoon. Think about what kind of people taxi drivers meet during the day and how they interact with them.
Read the following section and answer all the reading comprehension questions that follow.
Around noon, Mark has already completed several short trips — taking people to offices, shops, and train stations.
By lunchtime, he parks near a small café where other drivers often meet. They chat, drink tea, and share quick stories about their passengers.
Some laugh about funny conversations, others complain about rude customers or bad tips.
After lunch, Mark checks his app again and accepts a job in a different part of the city.
It’s a longer journey this time — a mother and her young son going to the hospital.
The boy talks the whole way, asking questions about the car and pretending to drive. Mark smiles and answers patiently.
When they arrive, the mother thanks him and gives him a generous tip.
“You made his morning,” she says.
It’s moments like this that remind Mark why he loves his job.
Comprehension Questions – Midday
What does Mark do during his lunch break?
Who are his passengers after lunch?
Where are they going?
How does Mark respond to the boy during the journey?
What happens at the end of the trip?
Afternoon and Reflection
Before You Read
In this final section, Mark finishes his day. As you read, think about what makes his job satisfying even after long hours on the road.
Read the following section and answer all the reading comprehension questions that follow.
By late afternoon, the traffic grows heavier.
The sun shines on the tall buildings, and the city feels restless.
Mark drives carefully through narrow streets, trying to stay patient as cyclists and buses cut in front of him.
Around five o’clock, he picks up a group of tourists who want to visit the river and see the skyline.
They ask for photos, and Mark helps them find the best viewpoint.
When they leave, one of them says, “Thanks, you’re the best guide we’ve had all day!”
As evening arrives, Mark feels tired but satisfied.
He parks his taxi near the park, watches the sunset, and finishes the last sip of his tea.
Another long day on the road is over.
He smiles and thinks, “It’s not just about driving people — it’s about hearing stories every day.”
Comprehension Questions – Afternoon and Reflection
What is the traffic like in the afternoon?
Who are Mark’s last passengers of the day?
Where do they want to go?
How does Mark help them?
How does he feel at the end of the day?
Key Vocabulary
Before You Begin
Here are some useful words and phrases from the story. Read through them before or after the story to help you understand the text and learn new vocabulary.
Word/Phrase | Meaning | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
shift | a period of time someone works during the day or night | Mark’s morning shift starts at six o’clock. |
dashboard | the front panel in a car showing controls and displays | He cleaned the dashboard before picking up passengers. |
fuel | petrol or diesel used to power a vehicle | He checked the fuel before starting his shift. |
traffic jam | when many cars are stuck and can’t move easily | The city centre was full of traffic jams during rush hour. |
passenger | a person who is travelling in a car, bus, or train | The passenger thanked him for the safe journey. |
fare | the money a passenger pays for a trip | The fare was higher because of heavy traffic. |
tip | extra money given to thank someone for good service | She gave him a big tip after the ride. |
route | the way or direction taken to get somewhere | He chose a faster route to the airport. |
meter | a device that measures distance and fare in a taxi | The taxi meter showed the total fare at the end. |
polite | showing good manners and respect | Mark is always polite to his passengers. |
Vocabulary Practice – A Day in the Life of a Taxi Driver
Before You Begin
Practise using the key words from the story. Do the following activities on your own or with a partner.
Activity 1 – Match the Words and Meanings
Match each of the words below with its correct meaning.
- shift
- fuel
- fare
- tip
- polite
a) extra money given for good service
b) work period during the day or night
c) respectful and well-mannered
d) petrol or diesel for a car
e) the amount a passenger pays for a trip
Activity 2 – Complete the Sentences
Fill in the blanks with the correct word or phrase.
Mark always checks the ________ before starting his car.
His ________ starts very early in the morning.
The passenger gave him a generous ________ after the trip.
The ________ was higher because of the traffic jam.
He is always ________ to his customers.
Activity 3 – Your Turn
Choose three new words from the list and write your own sentences.
Example: Mark started his shift before sunrise. The fare was fair and the driver was friendly.
Useful Expressions
Before You Begin
These expressions are often used when people talk about transport and daily work routines. Study them carefully and try to use them in your own sentences and conversations.
- pick up passengers
- drop someone off
- get stuck in traffic
- take a shortcut
- give someone a ride
- run out of fuel
- ask for directions
- make a good living
Activity 1 – Complete the Sentences
Use the expressions above to complete each sentence.
Change the form if necessary.
Mark used an app to ________ near the station.
He ________ a man at the airport just after sunrise.
It’s frustrating when you ________ during rush hour.
To save time, Mark sometimes ________ through side streets.
Many taxi drivers work long hours to ________.
Activity 2 – Match and Discuss
Match each situation with the expression that fits best, then discuss your answers or write short explanations.
Situation | Expression |
|---|---|
The taxi driver stops at the customer’s house. | |
The car is waiting in a traffic jam for twenty minutes. | |
The driver finds a faster way through small streets. | |
A passenger asks to go to another place on the way. | |
The driver is polite and earns enough money to live well. |
(Possible answers: drop someone off / get stuck in traffic / take a shortcut / give someone a ride / make a good living)
Discussion or Writing Prompts
Before You Begin
Now it’s your turn to share your ideas. Discuss these questions with a partner or write short answers to practise expressing opinions in English.
Have you ever had an interesting conversation with a taxi driver?
What are the advantages and disadvantages of being a taxi driver?
Do you think it’s safe to work as a taxi driver at night?
How have mobile apps changed the way people use taxis?
Should taxi fares be fixed or flexible?
What would you do if you found something valuable left in your taxi?
How is public transport different in your country compared to others?
What kind of person would make the best taxi driver?
Thanks for reading A Day in the Life of a Taxi Driver.
If you’d like the full version with vocabulary exercises, useful expressions, and answer keys, make sure to download the PDF lesson plan.
It’s completely free to use and share for study or teaching.
Click the link below!
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