English Lesson (Listening and Speaking): "Weather and Seasons"

LESSON: GENERAL ENGLISH
Topic: “Weather and Seasons” (B1 Level)
Goal: improve listening, speaking, and vocabulary

Vocabulary

A. Gloomy – (adj) in weather, gloomy means dark, cloudy, and depressing. Example sentence: The sky was gloomy, with thick clouds covering the sun.

B. Humid – (adj) weather that feels wet or sticky due to high moisture content in the air. Example sentence: The air felt humid, making it uncomfortable to breathe as sweat dripped down our faces.

C. Celsius – (noun) used to measure temperature.

D. Weather forecast – (noun) is a prediction of the weather conditions expected in a specific area over a certain period. Example sentence: I checked the weather forecast to see if it would rain tomorrow.

E. Mild – (adj) describes weather that is neither too hot nor too cold, pleasant and comfortable. Example sentence: It was a mild day, perfect for a stroll in the park.

F. Boiling – (adj) refers to very hot weather that makes you feel sweaty and uncomfortable. Example sentence: It is boiling outside. It is difficult to stay outside for a long time. I think it’s more than 37 degrees outside.

G. Drop – (verb) means a sudden decrease in temperature or a fall in atmospheric pressure. Example sentence: The temperature usually drops during a rainstorm.

H. Hot cocoa – hot chocolate drink

I. Loire Valley – a famous valley in France.

J. Chateaus – (noun) is a large French country house or castle, often luxurious and typically located in the countryside.

K. Stroll / strolling – (verb) to walk leisurely

 Guide Questions

1. What does the speaker say about the weather in his city today?
2. What will be the weather like in his city tomorrow?
3. What kind of weather does he like and dislike?
4. What is his favorite season and why?
5. What is the best place to visit during his favorite season and why?

American Accent

British Accent

For the complete transcript, click this

Questions and Answers

Describing the weather
1. (Present) What is the weather like in your city today?

A. It’s sunny.
B. It’s partly cloudy.
C. It’s mostly cloudy.
E. It’s overcast.
F. It’s rainy. It’s raining.
G. There’s a thunderstorm
H. It’s snowy. It’s snowing.
I. There’s a blizzard.
J. It’s foggy.
K. It’s humid.
L. It’s breezy.
M. It’s windy.

Your answer:

2. (Past) What was the weather like in your city yesterday? - It was rainy.

3. (Future) What will be the weather like in your city tomorrow? – According to the weather forecast, it will be sunny.

Describing Temperature

4. What is the weather like? What’s the temperature?
It’s around 23 degrees Celsius.
It feels like it is 30 degrees.
It’s mild (clément, modéré) not too warm, not too cold.

Descriptions

A. It is scorching - (40 degrees and up)
B. It is boiling. (37 degrees)
C. It is steaming. (35 degrees)
D. It is hot. (30 degrees)
E. It is warm. (27 degrees)
F. It is mild. (20 degrees)
G. It is cool. (15 degrees)
H. It is cold. It is chilly. (5 degrees)
I. It is freezing. (0 degrees or below zero)

Note: The temperature description is subjective. For some people, 25 degrees is mild but for others, it is cold.

Example: “I grew up in the Philippines so for me, 15 degrees is cold but I am okay with 30 degrees. It is just warm for me. However, for my British friend, 30 degrees is too hot.”

Your answer:

5. Do you like this kind of weather? What kind of weather do you like?
Yes, I do.
No, I don’t. I prefer partly cloudy and cool.
Your answer:

6. What is your favorite season?
My favorite season is autumn.
Your answer:

7. When does autumn begin and end in your city?

A. Early – first week of the month

B. Mid – middle of the month

C. Late – last week of the month

Autumn begins in late September and ends in late November.
Your answer:

8. What is the average temperature?
It is usually around 20 degrees Celsius. It can go up to 22 degrees in the afternoon and it can drop to 18 degrees at night and early morning.
Your answer:

9. What are your favorite autumn activities?
I like walking in the park, hiking in the mountains, reading a book, or taking pictures.
Your answer:

10. What do you like to eat or drink during autumn?
I love eating fruits and drinking hot cocoa.
Your answer:

11. What is the best place to visit in your country in autumn?
In my opinion, the best place to visit is the Loire Valley. It has many vineyards along the hills and valleys, and you see many chateaus along the Loire River.
Your answer: