Learn English with the News: “Piano Stairs”

Howdy,

How are you today? We have a very musical news story for you to help you learn some English! Are you ready?

You know what to do:

1. Read the text
2. Understand the vocabulary
3. Watch the video

Text

A compelling incentive to take the stairs instead of the escalator. Thirty-four steps of the flight of 42 at this Sao Paulo train station have been fitted with “piano keys” that activate when stepped on.

The harmonious flight was launched by the Social Services of Commerce (SESC) to encourage people to get a little extra exercise by walking instead of riding. Supervisor Marcelo de Souza hopes the project will add “incidental” exercise into people’s lives.

– We decided to bring this set up here because we wanted to encourage people, with something playful and fun, to think a bit more and add some movement and physical activity into their daily routines. And ultimately replace using the escalator with the stairs when going to the train station.

And most commuters took note of the symphonic staircase.

– I like them because they sound like a piano and you can step on them and make great sounds.

– I came to pay my bills, all stressed out, with my son and husband and all of a sudden I come across a piano staircase. People, this is so relaxing! All of a sudden you are skipping. I went back up to skip down again. It is really cool and relaxing.

And it puts a spring in your step and a smile on your face.

Vocabulary

Compelling – very interesting : able to capture and hold your attention.

Incentive – something that encourages a person to do something or to work harder.

Flight – a series of stairs going from one level or floor to another.

Incidental – happening as a minor part or result of something else.

Ultimately – at the end of a process, period of time, etc.

Commuters – people who  ravel regularly to and from a place and especially between where they live and where they work.

Skipping – to move forward in a light or playful way by taking short, quick steps and jumps.

Spring – a lively and energetic quality.

Video