It’s true, discussing the weather is an English past time. It’s almost obligatory to discuss how bad the weather is when an Englishman meets another Englishman. Even if its a beautiful day. It will either be too hot, too cold, too wet or any other negative you can think of.
Introduction:
The English obsession with the weather is a well-known cultural phenomenon that reflects the nation’s deep-rooted fascination with meteorological changes. From daily conversations to longstanding traditions, discussing the weather serves as a universal language that unites people regardless of their background. This preoccupation stems from the unpredictability of the English climate, which has historically influenced daily life, agriculture, and social interactions. Over time, the weather has become a symbol of national identity, encapsulating the British tendency to find humor, camaraderie, and even philosophical reflection in the ever-changing skies above.
Listening Section: Nobody really understands a weather forecast and when you do understand what they are saying its always wrong.
Writing Exercise:
The weather has a significant influence on daily life, affecting everything from personal routines to economic activities. Discuss how weather variations can impact society both positively and negatively. In your opinion, should governments invest more in climate adaptation strategies? Support your arguments with relevant examples.
Instructions:
Write an essay of around 250 words that explores the effects of weather on society. Present a balanced view by analyzing both the benefits and challenges posed by weather changes. Use advanced vocabulary and complex sentence structures to showcase your language skills. Support your opinions with specific examples and ensure your essay has a clear introduction, body, and conclusion.
Glossary of terms:
1. Forecast
– Meaning: A prediction of the weather based on atmospheric data.
– Example: The weather forecast says it will rain tomorrow, so don’t forget your umbrella.
2. Temperature
– Meaning: The measure of how hot or cold the air is.
– Example: The daytime temperature is expected to reach 25°C today.
3. Humidity
– Meaning: The amount of moisture in the air.
– Example: High humidity levels can make the weather feel much hotter than it actually is.
4. Precipitation
– Meaning: Any form of water, such as rain or snow, that falls from the sky.
– Example: The forecast predicts heavy precipitation over the weekend.
5. Cloud Cover
– Meaning: The extent to which the sky is covered by clouds.
– Example: The sky has partial cloud cover, so it might stay dry all day.
6. Wind Speed
– Meaning: How fast the air is moving, usually measured in kilometers or miles per hour.
– Example: The wind speed is expected to reach 50 km/h during the storm.
7. Dew Point
– Meaning: The temperature at which air becomes saturated with moisture and dew forms.
– Example: A high dew point indicates very humid weather.
8. Barometric Pressure
– Meaning: The pressure exerted by the atmosphere, which can indicate upcoming weather changes.
– Example: Falling barometric pressure often signals that a storm is approaching.
9. Clear Sky
– Meaning: A sky with no clouds, usually associated with good weather.
– Example: The forecast predicts a clear sky tonight, perfect for stargazing.
10. Storm Warning
– Meaning: An alert issued when severe weather, such as a storm, is expected.
– Example: The authorities issued a storm warning for the coastal area this evening.
Grammar Quiz:
1. Choose the correct sentence:
A) If it **was** to rain tomorrow, we would cancel the picnic.
B) If it **were** to rain tomorrow, we would cancel the picnic.
C) If it **is** to rain tomorrow, we would cancel the picnic.
D) If it **has** rained tomorrow, we would cancel the picnic.
2. Select the correct form of the verb in parentheses:
By the time the storm **(arrive)**, we **(decide)** to stay indoors and wait it out.
A) arrives / decided
B) arrive / decide
C) arrives / decide
D) arrive / decided
3. Which sentence correctly uses the subjunctive mood?
A) It is essential that the weather **be** clear for the outdoor event.
B) It is essential that the weather **is** clear for the outdoor event.
C) It is essential that the weather **was** clear for the outdoor event.
D) It is essential that the weather **will be** clear for the outdoor event.
Weather Greetings:
1. “Lovely day, isn’t it?”
2. “Beautiful weather we’re having today.”
3. “It’s quite chilly this morning, isn’t it?”
4. “Looks like we’re in for some rain later.”
5. “Quite a hot day, for a change!”
Weather Slang:
- “What a poxy day!” (Poxy = lousy, bad)
- “It’s Baltic out there!” (Very cold)
- “It’s melting hot today, proper scorcher.” (Very hot)
- “Blimey, it’s chucking it down!” (Raining heavily)
- “This weather’s a total nightmare.”
- “It’s a bloody heatwave.” (Very hot, intense)
- “The weather’s playing up again.” (Unpredictable or bad weather)
- “It’s gloomy as hell.”
- “What a miserable day!”
- “It’s flipping freezing!”
Grammar Section:
The subjunctive mood in English grammar is a form of verb used to express wishes, suggestions, demands, or hypothetical situations. It often conveys something that is not a statement of fact but rather a desire, necessity, or condition that is uncertain or unreal.
**Key features of the subjunctive mood include:**
– **Present subjunctive:** Usually identical to the base form of the verb. It is used after certain expressions that imply necessity, importance, or urgency.
*Example:* It is essential that she **be** present at the meeting.
– **Past subjunctive:** Often appears in hypothetical or counterfactual statements, especially with the verb “were” for all persons.
*Example:* If I **were** you, I would apologize.
**Common contexts where the subjunctive is used:**
– After expressions like *recommend, suggest, demand, insist, important that, essential that.*
*Example:* I suggest that he **study** harder.
– In hypothetical or unreal conditions:
*Example:* If he **were** taller, he could play basketball.
– In wishes:
*Example:* I wish it **were** easier to learn English.
**In summary:**
The subjunctive mood often involves using the base form of the verb (e.g., be, go, have) in certain contexts, especially after specific expressions or in hypothetical situations. It emphasizes that the action is not a statement of fact but rather a suggestion, demand, or wish.