Weather and Climate

FoundationA2–B1

Reading & Vocabulary

Everyday Weather

Text 1

A Chilly Day

A2–B1

It's a chilly day today. The wind is blowing and it feels very cold outside. I put on my warm coat, hat, and gloves before going out.

Yesterday was hot and sunny, but today it's cloudy and cool. I hope it doesn't rain because I don't have an umbrella with me.

Sometimes the weather can change quickly. Last week it was snowy and icy, but now it's dry and there is no snow left. I like it when it's warm and sunny, and I can wear shorts and a t-shirt.

But I also enjoy when it's rainy and I can stay inside and read a book or watch a movie.

The weather affects our mood and what we do. When it's hot, we can go swimming or have a picnic. When it's cold, we can drink hot chocolate and sit by the fire. Today,

I think I will go for a walk in the park and enjoy the fresh air, even if it's a bit chilly.

Task 1

Fill in the blanks with words from the text.

It's a chilly day today. The _____(1) is blowing and it feels very _____(2) outside. I put on my _____(3) coat, hat, and gloves before going out.

Yesterday was hot and _____(4), but today it's cloudy and _____(5). I hope it doesn't _____(6) because I don't have an umbrella with me.

Sometimes the _____(7) can change quickly. Last week it was snowy and _____(8), but now it's _____(9) and there is no _____(10) left. I like it when it's warm and _____(11), and I can wear shorts and a t-shirt.

But I also enjoy when it's _____(12) and I can stay inside and read a book or watch a movie.

The weather _____(13) our _____(14) and what we do. When it's _____(15), we can go swimming or have a picnic. When it's _____(16), we can drink _____(17) chocolate and sit by the fire. Today,

I think I will go for a walk in the park and enjoy the _____(18) air, even if it's a bit _____(19).

Task 2

Choose the correct answer.

1

What is the weather like today?

ahot and sunny

bsnowy and icy

ccloudy and cool

dwarm and sunny

2

What did the writer wear before going out?

ashorts and a t-shirt

ba warm coat, hat, and gloves

ca raincoat and boots

da sweater and jeans

3

What does the writer hope won't happen?

ait won't get too hot

bit won't get too cold

cit won't snow

dit won't rain

4

What does the writer say about the weather?

aIt never changes quickly

bIt can change quickly

cIt is always sunny

dIt is always cold

5

What was the weather like last week?

ahot and sunny

bsnowy and icy

crainy and stormy

dcloudy and cool

6

What does the writer like to do when it's warm and sunny?

ago swimming or have a picnic

bstay inside and read a book or watch a movie

cdrink hot chocolate and sit by the fire

dgo for a walk in the park

7

According to the text, what does the weather affect?

aOnly what we wear

bOur mood and what we do

cOnly outdoor sports

dNothing important

8

What can we do when it's cold?

ago swimming or have a picnic

bstay inside and read a book or watch a movie

cdrink hot chocolate and sit by the fire

dgo for a walk in the park

9

What does the writer plan to do today?

astay inside and watch TV

bgo swimming

cgo for a walk in the park

dhave a picnic

10

Why does the writer still want to go for a walk today?

aTo enjoy the fresh air

bTo buy an umbrella

cTo go swimming

dTo meet someone

Task 3

Decide whether each statement is True or False.

1

It's a hot and sunny day today.

2

The speaker is wearing a warm coat, hat, and gloves.

3

The weather can change quickly.

4

Last week it was rainy and cold.

5

The speaker likes it when it's rainy and they can stay inside.

6

The weather doesn't affect our mood or what we do.

7

When it's hot, we can go skiing.

8

When it's cold, we can drink hot chocolate and sit by the fire.

9

The speaker is going to stay inside today.

Text 2

Going for a Walk

A2–B1

Amanda

Hi, Lauren. How are you? Are you leaving?

Lauren

Yes, I'm just putting on my coat. It's a cold day today.

Amanda

Oh, okay. Where are you going now?

Lauren

Just for a walk in the park. I like it when it's dry outside. Yesterday was hot and sunny, but today it's cloudy and cool...

Amanda

That sounds nice! I hope it doesn't rain later because you don't have an umbrella with you.

Lauren

Me too. Sometimes the weather changes quickly, like last week - it was snowy and icy, but now everything is completely dry. Funny how that works.

Amanda

Yeah, I know what you mean. I prefer warm and sunny days myself. Do you like the warmth or the cold more?

Lauren

Definitely the warmth. I like wearing shorts and t-shirts.

Amanda

Same here! What about rainy or snowy days?

Lauren

Actually, I quite like it when it rains. The sound of the drops hitting the roof is soothing.

Amanda

And what do you usually do on windy days like this?

Lauren

I like to stay cozy by the fire and watch a good movie. What about you?

Amanda

I usually go for a run even when it's windy and cold outside. It makes me feel alive.

Task 1

Fill in the blanks with words from the text.

Amanda: Hi, Lauren. How are you? Are you leaving?

Lauren: Yes, I'm just putting on my coat. It's a _____(1) day today.

Amanda: Oh, okay. Where are you going now?

Lauren: Just for a walk in the park. I like it when it's _____(2) outside. Yesterday was hot and _____(3), but today it's _____(4) and cool...

Amanda: That sounds nice! I hope it doesn't _____(5) later because you don't have an umbrella with you.

Lauren: Me too. Sometimes the _____(6) changes quickly, like last week - it was _____(7) and icy, but now everything is completely _____(8). Funny how that works.

Amanda: Yeah, I know what you mean. I prefer _____(9) and sunny days myself. Do you like the warmth or the _____(10) more?

Lauren: Definitely the warmth. I like wearing shorts and t-shirts.

Amanda: Same here! What about rainy or _____(11) days?

Lauren: Actually, I quite like it when it _____(12). The sound of the _____(13) hitting the roof is soothing.

Amanda: And what do you usually do on _____(14) days like this?

Lauren: I like to stay _____(15) by the fire and watch a good movie. What about you?

Amanda: I usually go for a run even when it's _____(16) and cold outside. It makes me feel alive.

Task 2

Decide whether each statement is True or False.

1

Lauren is putting on her shoes.

2

Lauren is going to the park.

3

Yesterday was hot and sunny.

4

Lauren has an umbrella with her.

5

The weather changes quickly.

6

Amanda prefers cold weather.

7

Lauren likes wearing shorts and t-shirts.

8

Lauren doesn't like rainy days.

9

Lauren likes the sound of raindrops hitting the roof.

Task 3

Choose the correct answer.

1

Who is Amanda talking to?

aHer sister

bHer friend Lauren

cHer mother

dHer teacher

2

What is Lauren doing?

aShe is leaving

bShe is putting on her coat

cShe is going for a walk in the park

dBoth a and b

3

How does Lauren compare today's weather with yesterday's?

aYesterday was cloudy and cool; today is hot and sunny

bYesterday was hot and sunny; today is cloudy and cool

cBoth days were snowy and icy

dBoth days were warm and sunny

4

What kind of weather does Lauren say she likes for a walk?

aDry weather

bHeavy rain

cSnowstorms

dVery hot weather

5

What does Amanda hope for Lauren?

aThat she has an umbrella

bThat she enjoys her walk

cThat it doesn't rain later

dThat she stays cozy by the fire

6

What was the weather like last week?

aHot and sunny

bCloudy and cool

cSnowy and icy

dWindy and cold

7

What does Lauren prefer, warmth or cold?

aWarmth

bCold

cBoth equally

dNeither

8

What does Amanda prefer, warmth or cold?

aWarmth

bCold

cBoth equally

dNeither

9

What does Lauren say she likes about rainy weather?

aThe sound of raindrops hitting the roof

bRunning outside

cDriving in traffic

dGetting wet

10

What does Amanda usually do on windy and cold days?

aStay cozy by the fire

bWatch a good movie

cGo for a walk in the park

dGo for a run

Text 3

Four Opinions

Kim

I don't like rain. I like sunshine more because it's warm and feels good. Last year, I went to Spain where every day was hot - just what I love.

Jason

Climate change is a big problem. I do things to help, like riding my bike to work instead of driving, recycling, and eating less meat. It's important to take action!

Maggie

The weather can be good or bad, depending on the day and what I'm doing. Everyone has their own preferences.

Mark

Thunderstorms scare me a lot! When I was little, lightning hit a tree in our front yard and it was really scary. I try to stay inside when there are storms.

Discussion Questions

1

What is the difference between weather and climate?

2

How do you describe a sunny day?

3

What kind of clothes do you wear on a cold day?

4

What bad weather conditions do you know?

5

Do you prefer hot or cold weather? Why?

6

How does the weather affect your mood?

7

What is your favorite season and why?

Creative Writing

Personal essay topics

1

My favourite season and why I like it.

2

The best thing about a rainy day.

3

How I stay warm on a cold winter day.

4

My favourite outdoor activity during good weather.

5

A time when the weather ruined my plans.

General essay topics

1

Climate change is affecting our planet. What do you think?

2

Weather affects our daily lives in many ways. Do you agree?

3

Some people believe that extreme weather events are becoming more frequent. Do you agree or disagree?

4

Changes in climate can cause natural disasters. Are these changes man-made or natural?

5

Different regions of the world experience different types of weather. What kind of weather do you prefer?

AdvancedB2–C1

Reading & Climate Literacy

Text 1

Weather and Climate

B2–C1

Weather and climate are two terms that are often used interchangeably, but they actually have different meanings.

Weather refers to the day-to-day conditions of the atmosphere, such as temperature, humidity, clouds, and precipitation. The forecast can tell us if it's going to be sunny or if it will rain cats and dogs. When we feel under the weather, we are not feeling well.

Climate, on the other hand, is the long-term pattern of weather in a particular area. Climate change is a global issue that affects everyone. It refers to long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns over decades or longer. Today's rapid warming is driven mainly by human activities, especially the burning of fossil fuels. Rising global temperatures and widespread ice loss are among the clearest signs of current climate change.

Despite the seriousness of climate change, there are still some rays of sunshine. We can take action to reduce our carbon footprint and slow down the effects of climate change. For example, we can use renewable energy sources like wind and solar power instead of relying on fossil fuels.

When it comes to the weather, there are many different types of conditions that we can experience. A summer breeze can be refreshing, while a chilly wind can make us shiver. A light drizzle may be a welcome relief from the heat, but heavy showers can cause flooding and damage. And who doesn't love waking up to a frosty morning?

In conclusion, weather and climate are important aspects of our lives. By understanding the difference between the two, we can better appreciate the beauty of a sunny day or the power of a storm. Let's do our part to protect our planet and enjoy the weather while we can. Don't frown when it's raining outside, just remember that every cloud has a silver lining!

Task 1

Fill in the blanks with words from the text.

_____(1) and climate are two terms that are often used interchangeably, but they actually have different meanings.

_____(2) refers to the day-to-day _____(3) of the atmosphere, such as temperature, _____(4), clouds, and precipitation. The _____(5) can tell us if it's going to be _____(6) or if it will rain cats and dogs. When we feel under the _____(7), we are not feeling well.

_____(8), on the other hand, is the long-term _____(9) of _____(10) in a particular area. _____(11) is a global _____(12) that affects everyone. It refers to _____(13) shifts in _____(14) and _____(15) over _____(16) or longer. Today's _____(17) is driven mainly by _____(18), especially the _____(19) of _____(20). Rising _____(21) and widespread _____(22) are among the clearest signs of current _____(23).

Despite the _____(24) of _____(25), there are still some _____(26) of sunshine. We can take action to _____(27) our _____(28) footprint and _____(29) down the effects of _____(30). For example, we can use _____(31) energy _____(32) like _____(33) and _____(34) power instead of relying on _____(35) fuels.

When it comes to the _____(36), there are many different types of conditions that we can experience. A _____(37) can be refreshing, while a _____(38) can make us shiver. A _____(39) may be a welcome relief from the _____(40), but heavy _____(41) can cause _____(42) and damage. And who doesn't love waking up to a _____(43)?

In conclusion, _____(44) and climate are important _____(45) of our lives. By understanding the difference between the two, we can better _____(46) the beauty of a sunny day or the _____(47) of a storm. Let's do our part to _____(48) our planet and enjoy the _____(49) while we can. Don't _____(50) when it's raining outside, just remember that every cloud has a silver lining!

Task 2

Answer the questions.

1

What is the difference between weather and climate?

2

How does weather affect our daily lives, and what are some examples of different types of weather conditions?

3

What is climate change, and how does it impact the planet?

4

What are some signs of climate change that we have been experiencing in recent years?

5

What can individuals do to reduce their carbon footprint and slow down the effects of climate change?

6

Why is renewable energy important for addressing climate change?

7

What are some potential consequences of extreme weather conditions like heavy showers or flooding?

8

Does the author express a positive or negative attitude towards the topic of weather and climate?

9

What is the main message of the text?

10

How can understanding the difference between weather and climate help us appreciate the world around us?

Text 2

The Weather in My Hometown

B2–C1

The weather in my hometown is always unpredictable. One minute it's sunny and warm, the next it's raining cats and dogs. The climate in this region is known for its extreme conditions, with temperatures ranging from below freezing to scorching hot.

Last week, I woke up to a frosty morning with a chilly wind blowing outside. I frowned at the thought of going out in such weather, but I had to go to work. As I walked to the bus stop, I noticed the clouds gathering in the sky. The forecast had predicted light drizzle, but I knew that could change any minute.

Sure enough, as soon as I got on the bus, it started to rain. Not just a light drizzle, but heavy showers that made it difficult to see outside. The humidity inside the bus rose, making it feel like a sauna. I felt under the weather, wishing for a ray of sunshine to brighten up my day.

When I finally arrived at work, I was drenched and miserable. But as the day went on, the weather cleared up, and a summer breeze blew through the office. It was a welcome relief from the earlier downpour.

As I left work that day, I couldn't help but think about climate change and the broader question of how long-term climate shifts can influence weather patterns. A single rainy day cannot prove climate change, but it reminded me that we need to take care of our planet.

Despite the unpredictable weather, I love living in this town. There's something magical about the changing seasons and the way nature adapts to the climate. And even though it can be tough at times, I wouldn't trade it for anything.

Task 1

Fill in the blanks with words from the text.

The _____(1) in my hometown is always _____(2). One minute it's _____(3) and warm, the next it's raining cats and dogs. The _____(4) in this region is known for its _____(5) conditions, with temperatures _____(6) from below freezing to _____(7) hot.

Last week, I woke up to a _____(8) with a _____(9) blowing outside. I frowned at the thought of going out in such _____(10), but I had to go to work. As I walked to the bus stop, I noticed the _____(11) gathering in the sky. The _____(12) had predicted _____(13), but I knew that could change any minute.

Sure enough, as soon as I got on the bus, it started to rain. Not just a _____(14), but heavy _____(15) that made it difficult to see outside. The _____(16) inside the bus rose, making it feel like a sauna. I felt under the _____(17), wishing for a _____(18) to brighten up my day.

When I finally arrived at work, I was _____(19) and miserable. But as the day went on, the _____(20) cleared up, and a _____(21) blew through the office. It was a welcome _____(22) from the earlier downpour.

As I left work that day, I couldn't help but think about _____(23) and the broader question of how _____(24) can influence _____(25). A _____(26) cannot prove _____(27), but it reminded me that we need to take care of our planet.

Despite the _____(28) weather, I love living in this town. There's something magical about the changing _____(29) and the way nature adapts to the _____(30). And even though it can be tough at times, I wouldn't trade it for anything.

Task 2

Answer the questions.

1

What is the climate like in the author's hometown?

2

How does the weather change throughout the day in the author's hometown?

3

What was the weather like in the morning when the author had to go to work?

4

Did the forecast accurately predict the weather that day?

5

How did the author feel while on the bus during the heavy rain?

6

What happened to the weather as the day went on at the office?

7

What thoughts did the author have about climate change after experiencing the unpredictable weather?

8

Why does the author love living in their town despite the unpredictable weather?

Text 3

Four Opinions

Jenny

I hate it when it rains all day. It just ruins my mood and makes me want to stay inside all day. Last week it rained for three days straight and I ended up binge-watching Netflix instead of going out with my friends.

Tom

I love the warm weather. It just puts me in a good mood and makes me want to go out and do something. Last summer, I was able to go to the beach almost every weekend and it was so much fun.

Emily

I can't decide if I like hot or cold weather better. I love being able to wear cozy sweaters and drink hot chocolate in the winter, but I also love being able to swim and go to barbecues in the summer. It's a tough decision.

David

Climate change is such a devastating issue and it's affecting our planet in so many ways. It breaks my heart to see the destruction it's causing, like the melting ice caps and the increase in natural disasters. We need to take action now.

Speaking

Role-Play Games

1

Weather Forecasters: Divide the class into pairs or small groups and assign each group a specific weather condition (e.g., sunny, rainy, windy, snowy). Provide them with a weather forecast template or have them create their own. Each group prepares a weather forecast presentation for their assigned weather condition, including descriptions, temperature, and any other relevant information. They can present their forecasts to the class, using appropriate weather vocabulary and expressions.

2

Climate Policy Debate: Divide the class into two teams representing different policy approaches. One team argues for faster regulation and public investment; the other argues for a more gradual, technology- and market-led transition. Both teams should work from the evidence that current global warming is occurring and focus their debate on policy choices, costs, trade-offs, timing, and responsibility.

3

Extreme Weather News Report: Assign each student or pair of students a specific extreme weather event (e.g., hurricane, tornado, heatwave). They research and gather information about that event, including its causes, impacts, and safety precautions. Then, students prepare a news report, presenting the information to the class as if they were reporting live from the affected area. Encourage them to use descriptive language and engaging visuals to enhance their presentations.

4

Climate Solutions Panel Discussion: Organize a panel discussion on climate solutions and mitigation strategies. Assign each student a specific role, such as a scientist, activist, politician, or business leader. Students research their roles and prepare arguments, ideas, and proposals related to combating climate change. During the panel discussion, they engage in a dialogue, presenting their perspectives and engaging in a constructive conversation about climate solutions.

5

Weather Storytelling: Ask students to imagine they are characters experiencing different types of weather. Provide them with weather-themed prompts such as "You woke up to a snowstorm" or "You're spending a day at the beach under the scorching sun." Students take turns sharing their stories with the class, incorporating descriptive language and expressing how the weather impacts their activities and emotions.

Fact Check

Weather & Climate Facts

1

The WMO recognizes 56.7°C (134°F), recorded at Furnace Creek in Death Valley on 10 July 1913, as the highest officially recorded air temperature on Earth.

2

Thunderstorms can produce hailstones as big as baseballs or larger.

3

Antarctica is the coldest continent, but temperatures vary greatly: coastal summers are near freezing, while winter monthly means in the high interior can fall below −60°C.

4

The Great Barrier Reef in Australia is the world's most extensive coral reef ecosystem.

5

Tornadoes often form from supercell thunderstorms. On the Enhanced Fujita scale, EF5 tornadoes are associated with estimated three-second gusts above 200 mph (322 km/h).

6

Atlantic tropical cyclones use rotating name lists maintained through the World Meteorological Organization; the lists alternate male and female names and generally proceed alphabetically.

7

The Atacama Desert is among the driest places on Earth. Guinness records Quillagua at an average of only 0.5 mm of rain per year for 1964–2001, while Arica had a measured 172-month rainless period from 1903 to 1918.

8

El Niño is the warm phase of ENSO, marked by unusually warm sea-surface temperatures in the central and eastern tropical Pacific and associated changes in winds and rainfall that influence weather patterns worldwide.

9

Areas within the Arctic Circle experience at least one period of continuous daylight around the summer solstice, known as the midnight sun.

10

Climate change means long-term changes in climate conditions. The present rapid warming trend is driven mainly by human activities, especially greenhouse-gas emissions from burning fossil fuels.

Advanced Speaking

Discussion Questions

1

How does climate differ from weather?

2

What are some of the factors that influence global climate patterns?

3

Can you explain the difference between a hurricane and a tornado?

4

How do scientists measure changes in Earth's climate over time?

5

What is the greenhouse effect, and how does it impact our planet?

6

How have human activities contributed to climate change?

7

What are some of the potential consequences of continued global warming?

8

How can individuals reduce their carbon footprint and help mitigate climate change?

9

What role do oceans play in regulating global climate patterns?

10

How might future advancements in technology help us better understand and address climate change?

Creative Writing

Advanced Writing Topics

Personal essay topics

1

How growing up in a place with extreme weather conditions has shaped my perspective on climate change.

2

My experience volunteering for disaster relief efforts after a severe weather event.

3

The impact of climate change on my community and how we are adapting to it.

4

My favorite outdoor activities that are affected by the weather, and how I plan around them.

5

How studying meteorology has deepened my appreciation for the complexity of weather patterns.

General essay topics

1

Many people believe that extreme weather events such as hurricanes, floods, and droughts are becoming more frequent due to climate change. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?

2

Some people argue that individual actions, such as reducing meat consumption and using public transportation, can have a significant impact on mitigating climate change. Others believe that only government policies and regulations can make a real difference. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

3

In some parts of the world, people are experiencing more frequent and severe weather events, while others are relatively unaffected. Is this an issue of global justice? To what extent should wealthier countries be responsible for helping those most affected by climate change?

4

Climate change is often framed as a negative development, but are there any potential benefits to a warmer planet? To what extent can we mitigate the negative effects while also taking advantage of any positive ones?

5

Many people today are feeling eco-anxiety or climate grief due to the severity of the climate crisis. Is this a useful response, or does it hinder our ability to take meaningful action?