Free Materials For ESL Teachers and Learners

English Newsroom

Learn English through news articles - complete lesson plans, including articles, listening, classroom activities, quiz questions and more!

Brazil’s Heatwave: El Niño and Climate Change

Try this article at a different level?

The city of São Paulo has also been heavily impacted by the heat, with average temperatures reaching 37.3C on Tuesday. The National Institute of Meteorology has issued red alerts for a large part of the country, indicating that temperatures may be 5C above average for an extended period of time, posing a serious health risk. The heatwave has led to a surge in energy consumption as people try to stay cool.

This heatwave is occurring more than a month before the start of summer in the southern hemisphere. Inmet research has shown that the average temperature in Brazil has been above the historical average from July to October. Climate change is causing extreme weather events to become more frequent and intense worldwide, and heatwaves are expected to continue increasing in length and intensity as long as greenhouse gas emissions continue.

In addition to climate change, Brazil is currently experiencing an El Niño weather phase, which typically leads to higher global temperatures. The heatwave is expected to persist until at least Friday, affecting cities like São Paulo. The extreme heat has made it difficult for people to work and sleep, with some describing the conditions as unbearable. It is crucial for individuals and governments to take action to mitigate the effects of climate change and protect vulnerable populations from the dangers of extreme heat.

Original news source: Brazil: Health warnings as country gripped by 'unbearable' heatwave (BBC)

📖 Vocabulary:

1. heatwave
2. red alerts
3. temperature
4. humidity
5. El Niño
6. climate change
7. energy consumption
8. greenhouse gas emissions

Group or Classroom Activities

Warm-up Activities:

– News Summary
Instructions: Students will be asked to read the article individually and then summarize the main points in one to two minutes in front of the class. This will not only test their comprehension but also their ability to condense information and present it clearly.
– Opinion Poll
Instructions: Create a list of statements about climate change, heatwaves, and potential solutions. Students will walk around the classroom and poll their classmates, asking if they agree or disagree with each statement. Afterward, discuss the results in class and how opinions compare to the perspectives mentioned in the article.
– Word Association
Instructions: Write the term "heatwave" on the board. Students are to call out words or phrases that they associate with this term based on the article, such as "El Niño," "climate change," "red alert," "energy consumption," etc. This will activate their prior knowledge and help with vocabulary reinforcement.
– Future Predictions
Instructions: After discussing the article, students will write down their predictions about the future impact of climate change on global weather patterns and what actions they think will be taken. They will then share their predictions in small groups and discuss the likelihood and potential impact of each prediction.
– Think-Pair-Share
Instructions: Pose a question related to the article, such as "What measures can individuals and governments take to combat the effects of extreme heatwaves?" Students first think about their answer individually, then pair up with a partner to discuss their thoughts, and finally, share their findings with the larger group. This will encourage critical thinking and collaborative learning.

🤔 Comprehension Questions:

1. What temperature did Rio de Janeiro record on Sunday, setting a record for November?

2. How has the high humidity in Brazil affected the perceived temperatures during the heatwave?

3. What is the expected duration of the heatwave in Brazil, according to the article?

4. What two factors are officials attributing the current heatwave in Brazil to?

5. What has been the impact of the heatwave on energy consumption in Brazil?

6. When does summer officially start in the southern hemisphere, and how does this relate to the timing of the current heatwave?

7. What has Inmet research indicated about the average temperature in Brazil from July to October?

8. What are the two suggested courses of action for individuals and governments to deal with the effects of climate change, as mentioned in the article?

🎧✍️ Listen and Fill in the Gaps:

Brazil is currently experiencing an intense heatwave, with red alerts being issued for nearly 3,000 and cities. The city of Rio de Janeiro recorded a of 42.5C on , which is a record for November. The high humidity has made it feel even hotter, reaching a staggering 58.5C. This extreme heat has affected over a hundred million and is expected to continue until at least Friday. Officials attribute this heatwave to the El Niño phenomenon and climate change. The city of São has also been heavily impacted by the heat, with average temperatures reaching 37.3C on . The National Institute of Meteorology has red alerts for a large part of the country, indicating that temperatures may be 5C above average for an extended of time, posing a serious health risk. The heatwave has led to a surge in energy consumption as people try to stay cool. This heatwave is occurring more than a month before the start of summer in the southern hemisphere. Inmet research has that the average temperature in Brazil has been above the historical average from July to October. Climate change is causing extreme weather events to become more frequent and intense worldwide, and heatwaves are to continue increasing in length and intensity as long as greenhouse gas emissions continue. In to change, Brazil is currently experiencing an El Niño weather phase, which typically leads to higher global temperatures. The heatwave is expected to until at least Friday, affecting cities like São Paulo. The extreme heat has made it for people to work and sleep, with some the as unbearable. It is crucial for individuals and governments to take action to mitigate the effects of climate change and protect vulnerable populations from the dangers of extreme heat.

💬 Discussion Questions:

1. What is your personal definition of a heatwave, and have you ever experienced one?
2. How would you feel if your hometown recorded temperatures above 40C?
3. Do you think that the city infrastructure where you live is prepared for extreme heat events? Why or why not?
4. What measures do you take to stay cool during a heatwave?
5. Have you or someone you know ever suffered from heat-related illnesses, and how did you cope with it?
6. Do you believe that climate change is affecting the weather patterns in your country? Can you give examples?
7. How do you think governments should address the health risks associated with extreme heat?
8. What is your opinion on the role of greenhouse gas emissions in climate change?
9. Do you think that the occurrence of events like El Niño is well understood by the public, and why is awareness important?
10. How do you feel about the surge in energy consumption during heatwaves, considering its environmental impact?
11. What are some ways individuals can reduce their carbon footprint to help mitigate climate change?
12. Do you think that extreme weather events will become the new normal, and how should societies adapt?
13. In your opinion, what are the most vulnerable populations to extreme heat, and how can they be protected?
14. How would you describe the relationship between human activity and climate phenomena like El Niño?
15. Do you like the idea of living in a place with a hot climate year-round? Why or why not?

Individual Activities

📖💭 Vocabulary Meanings:

Click a dot next to a word, then click the dot next to its meaning to draw a line connecting them.

Words

1. heatwave
2. red alerts
3. temperature
4. humidity
5. El Niño
6. climate change
7. energy consumption
8. greenhouse gas emissions

Meanings

(A) A prolonged period of excessively hot weather
(B) Long-term alteration of temperature and typical weather patterns in a place
(C) A weather phenomenon characterized by warming of the ocean surface temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific
(D) The amount of moisture in the air
(E) Warnings issued to indicate extreme weather conditions
(F) The degree of hotness or coldness of a body or environment
(G) The amount of energy used by individuals or organizations
(H) Gases released into the atmosphere that trap heat and contribute to global warming

🔡 Multiple Choice Questions:

1. What is the cause of the heatwave in Brazil?
(a) Unusually high humidity levels
(b) The start of summer in the southern hemisphere
(c) Increased energy consumption
(d) The El Niño phenomenon and climate change
2. How many towns and cities have issued red alerts due to the heatwave?
(a) Over 100
(b) Only Rio de Janeiro
(c) Nearly 3,000
(d) Less than 50
3. What was the record temperature recorded in Rio de Janeiro?
(a) 58.5C
(b) 37.3C
(c) 42.5C
(d) 5C above average
4. How long is the heatwave expected to continue?
(a) Until the start of summer
(b) Until at least Friday
(c) Only for a few more days
(d) Indefinitely
5. What has been the impact of the heatwave on energy consumption?
(a) A decrease in energy consumption
(b) No change in energy consumption
(c) Energy consumption has not been affected
(d) A surge in energy consumption
6. What is the main cause of extreme weather events worldwide?
(a) Climate change
(b) El Niño
(c) Increased energy consumption
(d) Unusually high humidity levels
7. What is the average temperature in Brazil from July to October?
(a) Below the historical average
(b) Above the historical average
(c) The same as the historical average
(d) Not mentioned in the article
8. How are the conditions described by some people in Brazil?
(a) Unbearable
(b) Comfortable
(c) Mild
(d) Pleasant

🕵️ True or False Questions:

The National Institute of Meteorology has issued red alerts for a large part of the country, indicating that temperatures may be 5C above average for an extended period of time, posing a serious health risk.
The high humidity has made it feel even hotter, reaching a staggering 58.5C.
Brazil is not currently experiencing an intense heatwave, with red alerts being issued for nearly 3,000 towns and cities.
This extreme heat has affected over a hundred million people and is expected to continue until at least Friday.
The city of Rio de Janeiro recorded a temperature of 42.5C on Sunday, which is not a record for November.
Climate change is causing extreme weather events to become more frequent and intense worldwide, and heatwaves are expected to continue increasing in length and intensity as long as greenhouse gas emissions continue.
The city of São Paulo has not been heavily impacted by the heat, with average temperatures reaching 37.3C on Tuesday.
Officials do not attribute this heatwave to the El Niño phenomenon and climate change.

📝 Write a Summary:

Write a summary of this news article in two sentences.
Check your writing now with the best free AI for English writing!

Writing Questions:

1. What temperature did Rio de Janeiro record on Sunday, and why is this significant?
2. How is the current heatwave in Brazil linked to the El Niño phenomenon?
3. What are the consequences of the heatwave on energy consumption in Brazil?
4. According to Inmet research, how has the average temperature in Brazil from July to October compared to the historical average?
5. What actions are suggested as crucial for individuals and governments in response to the dangers of extreme heat?

How about these other Level 4 articles?

Online
Class
Writing
Coach
☕ 커피 3잔 &
무료 피드백! 🎓
☕ 커피 3잔 & 무료 피드백! 🎓

X

[100% 온라인] 랭커스터 대학교 영어 연구 참여자 모집
별도의 참가비 없이 영국 대학 연구에 도움도 주시고, 무료 영어 실전 연습과 피드백도 받아보세요!

영국 랭커스터 대학교(Lancaster University)에서 한국인 영어 학습자분들을 대상으로 새로운 연구 프로젝트를 진행합니다. 전 과정 온라인으로 진행되어 어디서든 편하게 참여하실 수 있습니다. 여러분의 소중한 참여로 한국인의 영어 사용 방식을 알아보는 흥미로운 연구가 완성됩니다.

🎁 참여 혜택:
– 원어민 연구원과의 1:1 회화 연습
– 실전 영작 연습 & 맞춤형 영어 피드백 리포트
– 커피 기프티콘 총 3잔 선물! (첫 세션 후 1잔, 마지막 세션 완료 후 2잔 더 드려요! ☕☕)

📅 참여 방식: 총 2회의 온라인 세션 (Zoom 등을 이용, 각 세션당 약 60~80분 소요) 말하기와 쓰기 활동이 섞여 있어 부담 없이 즐겁게 참여하실 수 있습니다.

✅ 대상: 영어 실력에 상관없이 참여를 희망하는 18세 이상 한국인 누구나

Feedback