Pre-reading questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- What types of extreme weather have you experienced or heard about?
- How does extreme weather impact daily life and the environment?
Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- cite /sahyt/
- near /neer/
- monsoon /mon-SOON/
- concern /kuhn-SURN/
- overall /OH-ver-AWL/
[verb] – to quote as evidence for or justification of an argument or statement
The scientist cited several studies to support her theory about climate change.
[verb] – to come close to in distance, time, or degree.
The temperature is nearing 90°F, so it’s time to turn on the air conditioner.
[noun] – a season of heavy rain in tropical regions
During the monsoon, the streets in Mumbai often flood due to the heavy rainfall.
[noun] – a worry or anxiety about something.
There is growing concern about the impact of pollution on marine life.
[adverb] – taking everything into account; considering everything
Overall, the performance of the team was excellent despite the early setbacks.
Article reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
The USA is experiencing diverse and extreme weather: floods in Florida, a heat wave incoming, and cold in the Northwest with potential snow in the Rockies. The Midwest is facing severe storms and flash floods. Montana and the Dakotas are expecting strong storms, while the Gulf Coast is anticipating heavy rain. Meteorologist David Roth cites an amplified weather pattern. The Northwest has thunderstorms, and Idaho has frost warnings. Phoenix reached 111°F; cooling centers helped over 5,000 people. Florida may still experience flooding due to saturated soil. Atlanta is nearing 100°F, and El Paso is also hot, with cooling centers open.
Despite Arizona’s monsoon season, dry conditions are expected most of the week. The upper Midwest is dealing with excessive rainfall from an atmospheric river, especially impacting Minnesota. Events like Tennessee’s Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival have attendees coping with hot weather, with some needing medical attention for heat-related issues. Next week, the Mid-Atlantic and New England regions could see record-setting temperatures in the mid-to-upper 90s. Parts of Montana are under winter storm watches, with potential wet snow and concerns about hypothermia and impassible roads due to snow and fallen trees. Overall, the United States faces a wide range of extreme weather events, from heat waves to unexpected snowfall, all driven by an amplified weather pattern.
Despite Arizona’s monsoon season, dry conditions are expected most of the week. The upper Midwest is dealing with excessive rainfall from an atmospheric river, especially impacting Minnesota. Events like Tennessee’s Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival have attendees coping with hot weather, with some needing medical attention for heat-related issues. Next week, the Mid-Atlantic and New England regions could see record-setting temperatures in the mid-to-upper 90s. Parts of Montana are under winter storm watches, with potential wet snow and concerns about hypothermia and impassible roads due to snow and fallen trees. Overall, the United States faces a wide range of extreme weather events, from heat waves to unexpected snowfall, all driven by an amplified weather pattern.
Comprehension questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them based on the article.
- What weather events are currently affecting different parts of the United States?
- How are cooling centers helping people in Phoenix and El Paso?
- What does David Roth mean by an “amplified weather pattern”?
- Why might Florida still experience flooding despite current weather conditions?
- What weather conditions are causing concerns in Montana?
Discussion questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever been caught in extreme weather conditions? If so, how did you cope with the situation? If not, what preparations would you make in such a situation?
- Have you ever volunteered for or witnessed community efforts during extreme weather events? If so, what role did you play? If not, how do you think communities can best support each other during such times?
- Do you agree that climate change is likely contributing to the increase in extreme weather events?
- How might extreme weather events impact different sectors, such as agriculture, tourism, and public health?
- What steps should governments and communities take to better prepare for and mitigate the effects of extreme weather in the future?