What do you know about natural disasters? If a flood happens tomorrow, will you be prepared? Read on to find out more about some common natural disasters and how to prepare for them.
CITIZEN'S REPORT
ISSUE #16 | LEVEL B1 | Environment
October 19, 2023
VOCABULARY
Are you familiar with these words?
A) Make sure you understand some keywords in the text first with this vocabulary exercise!
predict (v.)
warning (n.)
evacuate (v.)
prone (v.)
authorities (n.)
B) Rephrase or complete it! ➡️ Now, can you rephrase or complete these sentences with the target vocabulary.
predict (v.)
warning (n.)
evacuate (v.)
prone (v.)
authorities (n.)
It is difficult to know what the weather is going to be in the mountains because the weather changes so quickly!
Since my son has a high chance of experiencing allergies we have to be careful when he tries new food.
When the COIVD pandemic happened, the people in charge all over the world had to work fast to create safety plans.
Unfortunately, being able to give information about natural disasters before they happen is still not completely possible.
During the Chernobyl disaster in 1986, 45,000 people had to immediately leave their homes and the town of Pripyat.
C) Use it ➡️ Discuss these questions with the target vocabulary.
Are there any natural disasters that your area is prone to, and if so, how have you or your community prepared for them?
Have you ever received a severe weather warning in your area? What actions did you take when you received it, and how did the authorities respond?
Can you think of a time when people in your community had to evacuate due to a natural disaster or other emergency? How did it affect you or your neighbours?
Have you ever predicted something?
READING
If there's an earthquake, you should....?
Read the text aloud and focus on your pronunciation.
Natural disasters can be scary, but knowing what to do can help a lot. Do you know what to do in certain natural disasters? Let’s have a look at five common natural disasters, where they often happen, and what you should do to stay safe.
1. Earthquakes
Shaking. Buildings falling down. No Power. These are some things that can happen when there's an earthquake. Earthquakes usually occur in areas where big pieces of the Earth's crust meet, like in California in the United States, Japan, Nepal, Turkey and other countries. Currently, there is no way to predict a major earthquake. But experts agree that if there's an earthquake, you must hide under strong furniture and stay away from windows.
2. Hurricanes
What exactly is a hurricane? Just think, a powerful storm over warm ocean waters that bring heavy rain and angry ocean waves. Don't forget the strong winds that can be very high- around 119 kilometers per hour. Hurricanes usually occur in areas near warm ocean waters, like in the Southeastern United States, the Caribbean, and parts of Southeast Asia. When a hurricane forms, scientists can use radars and satellites to predict the path (where it’s going) of a hurricane. Experts say that if a hurricane is coming, people must stay inside, collect water and food, and hide in a room with no windows.
3. Floods
Heavy rain and no where for the water to go? Floods! Floods can happen anywhere but often affect places near rivers and coastlines. Countries like Bangladesh, the Netherlands, and parts of India are prone to flooding. If you get a flood warning, experts say you should move valuable things to higher ground and don't try to cross flooded roads.
4. Forest Fires
When a fire starts and then spreads in wild area, you have a forest fire (or a wildfire). Forest fires usually happen in dry, wooded areas, especially during hot seasons. California in the USA, Australia, and parts of the Mediterranean are known for forest fires. If wildfires are near residential areas, people usually have to evacuate the area and leave quickly.
5. Tornadoes
Imagine a circle of wind moving so fast, that it forms a vaccum and picks up everything in its path. This is a tornado. 🌪️ Tornadoes are most common in places known as "Tornado Alley" in the United States, which includes parts of Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas. With winds as high as 480 kilometers per hour, the general advice when a tornado warning is received is to hide in a basement and don’t go outside.
Remember, being ready is important for staying safe during natural disasters. By understanding and following these tips for different regions, you can protect yourself and your family. Although it is hard to predict some natural disasters, most people agree that being prepared is the most helpful thing you can do!
COMPREHENSION QUESTIONS
A Decide if the statements below are true or false according to the text.
Earthquakes are the only natural disaster that can be predicted.
If an earthquake happens, you should hide under strong furniture and stay away from windows.
Hurricanes can have wind speeds of up to 119 kilometers an hour. olpl
Scientists can predict the path of a hurricane using radars and satellites.
If a hurricane is coming, people should stay inside, collect water and food, and hide in a room with no windows.
Floods often affect places near rivers and coastlines.
If you receive a flood warning, you should move valuable things to higher ground and avoid crossing flooded roads.
Forest fires usually happen during the whole year.
Tornadoes are most common in Africa and Europe.
DICUSSION QUESTIONS
Discuss the following questions with a tutor.
Have you ever experienced a natural disaster, like a hurricane or earthquake? If so, can you share your experience?
What types of natural disasters are common in your region? How do people prepare for them?
In the event of a wildfire, what items would you take with you if you had to evacuate your home?
Do you think governments and local authorities are well-prepared to handle natural disasters in your area? Why or why not?
How important do you think it is for individuals and families to have an emergency plan in case of a natural disaster?
Which natural disaster is the scariest, in your opinion?
Earthquake 🚨🌎🫨
Flood 💦🌊🦺
Forrest Fire 🔥🌲🚒
Tornado 🌪️🏚️
Tell your tutor why you voted the way you did!
Book a session with a tutor and start practicing your conversation skills.
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