Weather

Target Level: Intermediate

Skill Focus: Reading, Listening, Speaking/Conversation

Lesson Outline

INTRO:

Welcome to today’s English lesson on an ever-changing and fascinating topic – the weather! Weather affects us all, from what we wear to how we feel. But have you ever stopped to think about how diverse weather can be around the world? From scorching sun to freezing snow, the Earth’s atmospheres serve up some dramatic variations. Have you ever experienced a weather event that truly surprised you? Or do you have a favorite type of weather you wish you could have every day? Let’s dive into the world of weather and discover not just new vocabulary and grammar, but also share our experiences and feelings about the weather.

Vocabulary:

1. Precipitation – Any form of water, liquid or solid, that falls from the atmosphere and reaches the ground. (e.g., rain, snow, sleet, hail)
2. Humidity – The amount of water vapor present in the air.
3. Drought – A long period without rain, causing a severe water shortage.
4. Blizzard – A severe snowstorm with strong winds and low visibility.
5. Hurricane – A tropical storm with strong winds that move in a circular pattern.
6. Forecast – A prediction or estimate of future weather conditions.
7. Breeze – A light and gentle wind.
8. Temperature – A measure of how hot or cold something is.
9. Climate – The average weather conditions in an area over a long period.

Grammar: Using ‘if’ for Weather Conditions

We often discuss weather in terms of possibilities and conditions. The conditional "if" is commonly used for such discussions in English.

Form: If + present simple, … can/will + base verb

Examples:

• If it rains, we will stay indoors.
• If the temperature drops below zero, it can snow.

Practice Activity: Create five sentences predicting what you would do in different weather conditions using the "if" structure.

Reading:

"The Perfect Storm"

Last year, the small coastal town of Willow Creek experienced what meteorologists call "the perfect storm." For days, the weather forecast had warned of a hurricane forming off the coast. As the hurricane approached, the residents braced themselves for the worst.

The hurricane hit Willow Creek with fierce winds and heavy rainfall, causing widespread flooding and damage. However, the community’s spirit was not dampened. Neighbors helped each other board up windows before the storm and clean up the debris afterward. The local government set up shelters for those whose homes were affected.

Despite the chaos, the storm brought the community closer together. People shared stories of past storms and how they overcame them, strengthening the bonds between neighbors.

Comprehension Questions:

1. What type of weather event hit Willow Creek?
2. How did the community prepare for and react to the storm?
3. What was the positive outcome of the storm?

Listening:

Listen to a weather forecast report from the National Weather Service.

Script: "Good morning, everyone! This is your daily weather forecast from the National Weather Service. Today, we’re expecting a high of 75 degrees with a gentle breeze coming from the west. However, towards the evening, expect some precipitation, as light showers are predicted to start around 6 PM. The temperature will drop slightly, so it might be a good idea to grab a light jacket if you’re heading out. Looking ahead to the weekend, we’re anticipating sunny skies with no chance of rain, perfect weather for any outdoor activities."

Questions:

1. What is the expected high temperature today?
2. When is precipitation expected?
3. What is the weather forecast for the weekend?

Speaking/Conversation:

Discussion Prompts:

1. Share a memorable weather experience you’ve had. How did it affect you and those around you?
2. Discuss the importance of weather forecasts. How do they influence daily decisions in your life?
3. Imagine you’re planning a week-long outdoor event. Discuss what weather conditions would be ideal and how you would prepare for unexpected weather changes.

Writing Task:

Write a short essay on the impact of weather on culture and daily life. Consider how weather influences clothing, festivals, food, and moods. Use the following structure:

1. Introduction: Introduce the topic and state your main points.
2. Body Paragraphs:
   • Paragraph 1: Discuss how weather affects clothing and festivals.
   • Paragraph 2: Explore the impact of weather on food and agriculture.
   • Paragraph 3: Describe how weather can influence mood and behavior.
3. Conclusion: Summarize the main points and reflect on the importance of weather in shaping cultural identities and daily routines.

OUTRO:

Today, we’ve explored the multifaceted topic of weather, covering vocabulary, grammar, reading, listening, and speaking. We’ve seen how weather not only shapes our daily decisions but also impacts our culture and community. As an extension activity, consider keeping a weather diary for a week. Note down the weather conditions each day and observe how they influence your activities, mood, and interactions with others. This practical exercise will deepen your understanding of today’s lesson and enhance your awareness of the world around you.