esson 1 Vocabulary: severe weather

Look at the collocations in bold and try and work out their
meaning from context:
The city of Cadiz had abnormally high tides last night with water
reaching the buildings on all three of the beaches.
There was a severe weather warning last month due to the
amount of rainfall and likelihood of a torrential downpour.
The choppy seas prevented the guys from surfing.
Its nice when the sun is out and there is a slight breeze.
The gusty winds blew my hat off several times!
We are becoming more and more affected by rising sea levels
and flooding rivers.

esson 1 Vocabulary: severe weather

Now put the collocations with the correct meaning:
High tides
____________________________________________
Severe weather warning
____________________________________________
Torrential downpour
____________________________________________
Choppy seas
____________________________________________
Slight breeze
____________________________________________
Gusty winds
____________________________________________
Sea levels
____________________________________________

esson 1 Vocabulary: severe weather

Severe weather collocations quiz
1.

When water is rough:

____________________________
2. When there are alerts because the weather is going to be
dangerous.
____________________________
3. When rain is extremely severe:
____________________________
4. When there is a little bit of wind:
____________________________
5. Strong winds are:
________ winds.

Talking Point
1. Have you ever been caught in a storm with gusty
winds?
2. Has a severe weather warning ever been issued
where you live? If so, why?
3. What are the coldest and hottest temperatures
youve ever experienced? Where?
4. Have you ever tried to swim in choppy seas?

esson 2

Grammar: expressing future plans and arrangements

1.Using the future continuous instead of the present

continuous.
This emphasises that we are talking about something that will
happen anyway. It hasnt been arranged.
Im seeing Joe tomorrow (Its been arranged).
Ill be seeing Joe tomorrow (it hasnt been arranged.
Maybe hes your boyfriend or work colleague for example).

esson 2

Grammar: expressing future plans and arrangements

2. Using the future continuous for polite questions:

Using the future continuous can help to make a questions sound
more polite or distanced:
Will you be giving us a lift tomorrow? (you ask like this
because someone is doing you a favour and you dont want to
appear rude).
Will you be doing anything at the weekend? (you may ask
this to a colleague you dont know very well).

esson 2

Grammar: expressing future plans and arrangements

3. Due to
We use due to + infinitive to show that something is arranged or
expected:
They are due to arrive in Amsterdam at 8pm.
We can use due by itself to express that something is expected:
The bus is due (in five minutes).

esson 2

Grammar: expressing future plans and arrangements

4. Be about to
We use about to for something that is about to happen soon.
Sorry, youve caught me at a bad time, Im about to go
out.
Take you umbrella because its about to rain.

esson 2

Grammar: expressing future plans and arrangements

5. To be on the point of + gerund

We can also use to be on the point of when we want to say
something is about to happen. This is slightly more formal than
about to and usually used when something is going to happen
very soon.
Im on the point of quitting my job. Im sick of it.
Shes on the point of giving birth. Her waters have just
broken.

esson 2

Grammar: expressing future plans and arrangements

6. Be + to + infinitive
We can use this structure when we are talking about formal and
official plans.
He is to be crowned King next month.
The president is to visit the UK in the coming months.

esson 2

Grammar: expressing future plans and arrangements

Re-write these sentences using the given future

expressions underneath:
EXAMPLE:
Im seeing my work colleague tomorrow.
WILL
I will be seeing my work colleague tomorrow.

esson 2

Grammar: expressing future plans and arrangements

Re-write these sentences using the given future expressions

underneath:
EXAMPLE:
Im seeing my work colleague tomorrow.
WILL
I will be seeing my work colleague tomorrow.
1.Were going to go to the party soon.
ABOUT
___________________ party.
2. Are you going to pick us up from the airport?
WILL
___________________ us up from the airport?
3. The new prime minister is going to visit the US next week.
BE
___________________ the US next week.

esson 2

Grammar: expressing future plans and arrangements

4. The bus is coming soon, hurry up!

DUE
___________________ hurry up!
5. He is expected to arrive just after 6am.
DUE TO
___________________ just after 6am.
6. He is about to sign a new contract.
POINT
___________________ a new contract.

esson 2

Grammar: expressing future plans and arrangements

When do we use each future expression?

A. In an official and formal capacity
B. When something is going to happen soon (informal)
C. When something is expected
D. When something is going to happen very soon (formal)
E. When you want to make a polite enquiry
F. When something isnt actually arranged

______ 1. Future continuous

______ 2. Future continuous question form
______ 3. Due to
______ 4. About to
______ 5. On the point of + gerund
______ 6. To be + infinitive

Talking Point
What are you about to do?
What will you be doing tomorrow?
Are you on the point of doing anything drastic or surprising
with your life?
When is your next bill due? What is it?

Listening Corner
You are going to listen to a woman on a radio show talking about
weather in the last week. Listen and answer the questions below:
Transcript
Well this last week has seen extremes in parts of Europe. The UK has
experienced some of the most ferocious weather in its history. The past few
days have seen torrential downpours in the south east and there has been at
least three severe weather warnings issued. However, if youre in the north of
the country you wont be seeing as much of the fierce weather but you will
indeed be experiencing gusty winds and high tides.
Its also due to rain for at least three days straight in Wales. The west of the
country will be hit hard and a severe flood warning has been issued. In the
rest of the country there is nothing else major to report.
France is experiencing very choppy waters and more than just a slight
breeze. The cold weather is not about to change for them any time soon.
However, Spain is having its hottest summer on record would you believe?
Temperatures are soaring and coastal resorts are packed out, unsurprisingly.
It has even been reported that the King of Spain is to have his annual holiday
somewhere cold. I dont blame him.

Listening Corner
Well this last week has seen extremes in parts of Europe. The UK has experienced
some of the most ferocious weather in its history. The past few days have seen
torrential downpours in the south east and there has been at least three severe
weather warnings issued. However, if youre in the north of the country you wont
be seeing as much of the fierce weather but you will indeed be experiencing gusty
winds and high tides.
Its also due to rain for at least three days straight in Wales. The west of the
country will be hit hard and a severe flood warning has been issued. In the rest of
the country there is nothing else major to report.
France is experiencing very choppy waters and more than just a slight breeze. The
cold weather is not about to change for them any time soon.
However, Spain is having its hottest summer on record would you believe?
Temperatures are soaring and coastal resorts are packed out, unsurprisingly. It has
even been reported that the King of Spain is to have his annual holiday somewhere
cold. I dont blame him.

Listening Corner

1.How many different countries

did the woman talk about?

__________________________

2.What weather is France

experiencing?

__________________________

3.What is happening in England

and Wales?

__________________________

Listening Corner
Well this last week has seen extremes in parts of Europe. The UK has experienced
some of the most ferocious weather in its history. The past few days have seen
torrential downpours in the south east and there has been at least three severe
weather warnings issued. However, if youre in the north of the country you wont
be seeing as much of the fierce weather but you will indeed be experiencing gusty
winds and high tides.
Its also due to rain for at least three days straight in Wales. The west of the
country will be hit hard and a severe flood warning has been issued. In the rest of
the country there is nothing else major to report.
France is experiencing very choppy waters and more than just a slight breeze. The
cold weather is not about to change for them any time soon.
However, Spain is having its hottest summer on record would you believe?
Temperatures are soaring, in some places as high as 42 degrees Celsius and
coastal resorts are packed out, unsurprisingly. It has even been reported that the
King of Spain is to have his annual holiday somewhere cold. I dont blame him.

Listening Corner

4. What high temperatures is

Spain experiencing?

5. Where is the King of Spain to go

on holiday?
6. What does she say about
coastal resorts in Spain?

__________________________

__________________________

__________________________

Talking Point
Can you think of the last news story regarding weather you heard
about?
What is the most shocking weather you have experienced?
More here

Reading Corner
Before reading, answer some questions about climate change:
1.

What do you know about climate change?

2.

What are your views on climate change?

3. What do you think might happen in the future?

Reading Corner
This is an article outlining some facts and opinions about
climate change and what it might mean for us in the
future.
Climate change has been defined as a large-scale and long-term
shift in the planets weather patterns and/or average
temperatures.
Climate change will lead to an increase in; droughts, floods, heat
waves, tropical storms, tornadoes and wildfires. This will all have
drastic consequences on human beings, ecosystems and
agriculture. The effects of climate change will continue costing
more and more each year in terms of damage and having to
displace parts of the population.
Even when faced with these and many more cold harsh facts and
figure, people find them hard to believe. Or maybe its just a case
of being unwilling to believe them? Maybe its purely a case of
people not being educated enough on the topic? Take a look at
these opinions about future climate change and decide:

Reading Corner
Colin, 35, Ireland says:
I refuse to believe that my area will be wrecked by rising sea
levels. Im not a believer in this sort of stuff. Even if it does
happen in the future I wont be around to suffer the
consequences.
Miriam, 52, Paris says:
I dont really think about Climate change very much. Its probably
because where I live has very mild weather and I dont have to
deal with any damage brought about by extreme weather. Im
very lucky. Not sure there is very much I can do though so I think
Ill just stay oblivious. Its too scary to contemplate.
Ted, 21, New York says:
Ive just finished a degree in environmental science at college and
hence know an awful lot about the effects of climate change,
maybe too much! Weve also recently experienced a really bad
snow storm and so I know first-hand what things like this can do
to a place. I regret to say that in the space of a few years, fresh
water supplies will be vastly reduced and if we dont do

Reading Corner
Kate, 41, Norway says:
I think that my own approach to protecting our environment is
sensible. Its not me, its these other individuals who dont care.
This is what we can blame climate change on: carelessness. It
makes me angry that people are letting down our planet without
a second thought. Unfortunately, I will have to live with the
consequences of their actions.

Reading Corner
1.

What facts does the article mention regarding climate

change?

__________________________________________________________________
__
2. How would you describe each persons attitude towards
climate change?
__________________________________________________________________
__

Reading Corner
3.What do the words in bold from the text mean?
-.Harsh
_____________________________________
-.to be wiped out
_____________________________________
-.Purely
_____________________________________
-.to let down
_____________________________________
-.First-hand
_____________________________________

Functional language and pronunciation

Lesson 2

emphatic sentences

There are ways in which we can make sentences sound more

emphatic than others. Take a look at how we can achieve this.
1.

Putting an introductory word at the beginning of the

sentence:
The sea levels quickly began to rise.

-.Quickly, the sea levels began to rise. - this gets peoples

attention.
But how do we emphasise it with our voice?
Click on the sentence and repeat:
Quickly, the sea levels began to rise

Functional language and pronunciation

Lesson 2

emphatic sentences

2. Repeating adverbs:
Did you know?
The repetition of some words helps to get your readers or
listeners attention.
-Last night was very, very cold.
-The storm was really, really scary.

Functional language and pronunciation

Lesson 2

emphatic sentences

3. Using synonyms with an adjective and adverb can help to

bring a point or sentence to life.
Did you know? This can sound wrong if you dont use it cleverly.
Dont overuse it.
The high tides were awfully bad.
There was a massively large amount of rainwater.
But how do we emphasise it with our voice?
Click on the sentences and repeat:
- The high tides were awfully bad.
- There was a massively large amount of rainwater.

Functional language and pronunciation

Lesson 2

emphatic sentences

4. Using very short sentences. This can sound abrupt but really
helps to express something in a strong manner.
-The meteorologists predicted a hugely massive torrential downpour
last night. They were right.
-You wouldnt think the floods would have damaged so much. But
they did.
But how do we emphasise it with our voice?
Click on the sentences and repeat:
-The meteorologists predicted a hugely massive torrential downpour
last night. They were right.
-You wouldnt think the floods would have damaged so much. But
they did.

Functional language and pronunciation

Lesson 2

emphatic sentences

5. Interrogative sentences really grab peoples attention.

-What on earth was the news reporter thinking when he swore on
TV?
-What was that guy thinking when he said climate change
wouldnt affect us?
Did you know? Interrogative sentences like this should not be
used in formal writing.

Functional language and pronunciation

Lesson 2

emphatic sentences

But how do we emphasise it with our voice?

Click on the sentences and repeat:
-What on earth was the news reporter thinking when he swore on
TV?
-What was that guy thinking when he said climate change
wouldnt affect us?

Functional language and pronunciation

Lesson 2

emphatic sentences

1. Functional language:
Identify 4 emphatic sentences in the text about Thailand:
Sentence number 1 = repetition:
Anyone thinking about visiting Thailand should factor in the
weather. It can be very very extreme. The best time to visit
Thailand is from November to February. This is when the weather
is at its most pleasant. If you go in the months of July or August
for example, you are likely to experience monsoon season. This
will leave you soaking wet at some point on your trip, guaranteed.
However, if you do your research beforehand you can escape
some of these Islands and head a bit further south. Sometimes its
all about timing and a sprinkling of luck. Who knows, you might
be there in the middle of August and avoid any extreme weather.
Whenever you go, dont say you werent warned. And as the
years go by its getting more and more difficult to predict what
kind of weather there will be anywhere. One thing is for sure
though, if youre a foodie and like to experience new cultures,

Functional language and pronunciation

Lesson 2
1.

emphatic sentences

Functional language:

Identify 4 emphatic sentences in the text about Thailand:

Sentence number 2 = using synonyms:
Anyone thinking about visiting Thailand should factor in the
weather. It can be very very extreme. The best time to visit
Thailand is from November to February. This is when the weather
is at its most pleasant. If you go in the months of July or August
for example, you are likely to experience monsoon season. This
will leave you soaking wet at some point on your trip, guaranteed.
However, if you do your research beforehand you can escape
some of these wetter islands and head a bit further south.
Sometimes its all about timing and a sprinkling of luck. Who
knows, you might be there in the middle of August and avoid any
extreme weather. Whenever you go, dont say you werent
warned to pack for all eventualities. As the years go by its getting
more and more difficult to predict what kind of weather there will
be anywhere. One thing is for sure though, if youre a foodie and

Functional language and pronunciation

Lesson 2

emphatic sentences

1. Functional language:
Identify 4 emphatic sentences in the text about Thailand:
Sentence number 3 = using introductory words:
Anyone thinking about visiting Thailand should factor in the
weather. It can be very very extreme. The best time to visit
Thailand is from November to February. This is when the weather
is at its most pleasant. If you go in the months of July or August
for example, you are likely to experience monsoon season. This
will leave you soaking wet at some point on your trip, guaranteed.
However, if you do your research beforehand you can escape
some of these wetter islands and head a bit further south.
Sometimes its all about timing and a sprinkling of luck. Who
knows, you might be there in the middle of August and avoid any
extreme weather. Whenever you go, dont say you werent
warned to pack for all eventualities. As the years go by its getting
more and more difficult to predict what kind of weather there will
be anywhere. One thing is for sure though, if youre a foodie and

Functional language and pronunciation

Lesson 2

emphatic sentences

1. Functional language:
Identify 4 emphatic sentences in the text about Thailand:
Sentence number 3 = using a short sentence and/or
interrogative:
Anyone thinking about visiting Thailand should factor in the
weather. It can be very very extreme. The best time to visit
Thailand is from November to February. This is when the weather
is at its most pleasant. If you go in the months of July or August
for example, you are likely to experience monsoon season. This
will leave you soaking wet at some point on your trip, guaranteed.
However, if you do your research beforehand you can escape
some of these wetter islands and head a bit further south.
Sometimes its all about timing and a sprinkling of luck. Who
knows, you might be there in the middle of August and avoid any
extreme weather. Whenever you go, dont say you werent
warned to pack for all eventualities. As the years go by its getting
more and more difficult to predict what kind of weather there will

Functional language and pronunciation

Lesson 2

emphatic sentences

2. Pronunciation
Listen to the text and decide which 5 words are overemphasised:
Anyone thinking about visiting Thailand should factor in the
weather. It can be very very extreme. The best time to visit
Thailand is from November to February. This is when the weather
is at its most pleasant. If you go in the months of July or August
for example, you are likely to experience monsoon season. This
will leave you soaking wet at some point on your trip, guaranteed.
However, if you do your research beforehand you can escape
some of these wetter islands and head a bit further south.
Sometimes its all about timing and a sprinkling of luck. Who
knows, you might be there in the middle of August and avoid any
extreme weather. Whenever you go, dont say you werent
warned to pack for all eventualities. As the years go by its getting
more and more difficult to predict what kind of weather there will
be anywhere. One thing is for sure though, if youre a foodie and
like to experience new cultures, youll absolutely adore Thailand.

Functional language and pronunciation

Lesson 2

emphatic sentences

What are these sentences using to grab attention:

1.Its a really really big storm.
2.What on earth did she mean when she said he didnt
understand climate change?
3.The country experienced an awfully scary tornado.
4.People didnt think theyd be affected. But they were.
5.Scarily, people believe the strangest things.
An interrogative sentence
Repetition
Synonyms
An introductory word
A short sentence

Functional language and pronunciation

Lesson 2

emphatic sentences

2. Pronunciation:
Are people putting the emphasis on the correct words in each
sentence? YES or NO
_______ Its a really really big storm.
_______ What on earth did she mean when she said she didnt
understand climate change.

_______ The country experienced an awfully scary tornado.

Functional language and pronunciation

Lesson 2

emphatic sentences

2. Pronunciation:
Are people putting the emphasis on the correct words in each
sentence? YES or NO
_______ Its a really really big storm.
_______ What on earth did she mean when she said she didnt
understand climate change.
_______ The country experienced an awfully scary tornado.
_______ People didnt think theyd be affected. But they were.
_______ Scarily, people believe the strangest things.

Writing Corner
A local newspaper has asked you to write a report on
climate change and the future.
Your report should be:
-Concise
- easy to follow
- formal
-Well-organised
- polite but not complicated - appropriate
-Free of spelling and grammar mistakes
You must include in your report:
-An introduction
-A main body
-A conclusion
-A variety of emphatic language from the unit
-A variety of future uses from the unit
-No more than 1000 words