Masks off? or on?
Masks have become a contentioustopic. Despite them being mandatoryon public transport and shops in London, I still sometimes see people not wearing one. Meanwhile, I am bending over backwardsto always use one!
The other day I was sprintingfor a train and realised I had forgotten my mask at home. I spoke to the station manager who directedme to a mask vending machine on one of the platforms. I had a mere3 minutes to buy one and then get to the correct platform for my train. As Isoared up the stairs the station manager was running down them with a pack of masks for me! Even though it was too late, I was very touched and am keeping an eye out for him to say thank you when I am next at the station.
Now I keep spare masks in my bag and also the mask my mum made for me in my purse. Unfortunately, some of my friends aren’t as organised! I went to the shop with two of my friends and they had both left their masks behind. We quickly put togethersome makeshiftones – for one of them this was some shorts tied upover his mouth. What a caper!
Glossary
1. Contentious (adjective)
To cause or be likely to cause an argument
2. Mandatory (adjective)
Compulsory, required by law or by the rules
3. To bend over backwards (phrase)
To do a lot or to try hard to help someone or to do something
4. To sprint (verb)
To run very quickly or as quickly as possible
5. To direct (verb)
To show someone how to get somewhere (in this context)
6. Vending machine (noun)
A machine that contains small things, usually food or drink, that people can buy using card or coins
7. Platform (noun)
The pathway next to a railway track where passengers stand to get on trains. For example, the next train to London Waterloo is on platform 5
8. Mere (adjective)
This is used to emphasise how small something is
9. To soar up (phrasal verb)
To rise or to go up very quickly
10. Touched (adjective)
Feeling gratitude
11. To keep an eye out (phrase)
To watch carefully for something or someone
12. Spare (adjective)
When something is additional to what is usually needed
13. To leave behind (phrasal verb)
To forget to take something or someone with you
14. To put together (phrasal verb)
To create something
15. Makeshift (adjective)
Something that is a temporarily created out of necessity
16. To tie up (phrasal verb)
To tie the ends of something together
17. Caper (noun)
A silly and entertaining activity