A big snowstorm recently hit some states in the northern US, making things dangerous for people who live there. This is the first big snowfall of the season, and it’s been causing thundersnow and whiteouts in some places. Thundersnow is when there’s thunder and lightning during a snowstorm, which makes the weather even more intense and surprising.

The heavy snow has made it hard to see in some areas. This is called a whiteout, and it happens when the snow makes it almost impossible to see anything. It’s really dangerous for drivers and people walking because they can’t see the road or anything around them.

Videos of the storm show how intense and dangerous it was. It’s a reminder that nature can be really powerful and unpredictable, especially in the winter. The snow-covered landscapes and the sound of thunder during a snowstorm are pretty amazing to see.

If you live in an area affected by the storm, it’s important to be careful and stay safe. Stay inside if you can, don’t travel unless you have to, and dress warmly if you do go outside. It’s also important to know about the dangers of thundersnow and whiteouts, like not being able to see well and the roads being slippery.

As winter goes on, it’s really important to stay updated on the weather and listen to what local authorities say. By being prepared and taking the right steps, you can stay safe and handle the challenges of winter weather, even when it’s snowy and icy.

Original news source: Thundersnow and whiteouts as winter weather hits US (BBC)

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Group or Classroom Activities

Warm-up Activities:

– News Summary
Instructions: Have students read the article and then write a summary of the main points in their own words. They should focus on capturing the important information and key details. Afterward, they can share their summaries with a partner or in small groups.

– Opinion Poll
Instructions: Divide the students into pairs or small groups. Have them discuss their opinions on snowstorms and winter weather. Then, have each group create a poll with a few questions about the topic. They can survey other classmates and record their responses. Afterwards, they can share their findings with the class.

– Vocabulary Pictionary
Instructions: Select key vocabulary words from the article and write them on separate slips of paper. Divide the students into two teams. One student from each team will come to the front of the class and select a word without showing their teammates. They must then draw a picture to represent the word while their team tries to guess what it is. The team that guesses correctly gets a point. The teams take turns until all the words have been used.

– Headline Creation
Instructions: In pairs or small groups, have the students create catchy headlines for the article. The headlines should capture the main idea and be attention-grabbing. Afterward, they can share their headlines with the class and discuss why they chose them.

– Future Predictions
Instructions: Have the students discuss and make predictions about what might happen next in relation to the snowstorm and winter weather. They can talk about potential impacts, challenges, or changes that could occur. Afterward, they can share their predictions with the class and discuss the reasons behind their choices.

Comprehension Questions:

1. What is thundersnow?
2. How does a whiteout happen?
3. Why is the recent snowstorm dangerous for drivers and pedestrians?
4. What are some of the effects of the storm shown in videos?
5. Why is it important to stay inside during the storm?
6. What precautions should you take if you have to go outside during the storm?
7. Why is it important to stay updated on the weather during winter?
8. How can you stay safe and handle the challenges of winter weather?
Go to answers ⇩

Listen and Fill in the Gaps:

A big snowstorm recently hit some states in the northern US, (1)______ things dangerous for (2)______ who live there. This is the first big snowfall of the season, and it’s been causing (3)______snow and whiteouts in some places. Thundersnow is when there’s thunder and lightning during a snowstorm, which (4)______ the weather even more intense and surprising.

The heavy snow has made it hard to see in some areas. This is called a whiteout, and it happens when the snow makes it almost (5)______ to see anything. It’s really dangerous for drivers and people walking because they can’t see the road or anything around them.

Videos of the (6)______ show how intense and dangerous it was. It’s a (7)______ that (8)______ can be really powerful and (9)______, especially in the winter. The snow-covered landscapes and the sound of thunder during a snowstorm are pretty (10)______ to see.

If you live in an area affected by the storm, it’s (11)______ to be careful and stay safe. Stay inside if you can, don’t (12)______ unless you have to, and dress warmly if you do go outside. It’s also important to know about the (13)______ of thundersnow and whiteouts, like not being able to see well and the roads being slippery.

As winter goes on, it’s really important to stay updated on the (14)______ and (15)______ to what local (16)______ say. By being prepared and taking the right steps, you can stay safe and handle the challenges of winter weather, even when it’s snowy and icy.

Go to answers ⇩

Discussion Questions:

Students can ask a partner these questions, or discuss them as a group.

1. What is thundersnow and why is it dangerous?
2. Have you ever experienced a whiteout? If so, how did it make you feel?
3. How would you feel if you were driving during a whiteout?
4. Do you like winter weather? Why or why not?
5. How do you stay safe during a snowstorm?
6. Have you ever seen a snow-covered landscape? What did you think of it?
7. Do you think nature can be unpredictable? Why or why not?
8. What are some dangers of driving in snowy conditions?
9. How do you dress warmly in the winter?
10. What steps can you take to prepare for winter weather?
11. How do you stay updated on the weather in your area?
12. Have you ever been in a dangerous weather situation? What happened?
13. Do you think it’s important to listen to local authorities during severe weather? Why or why not?
14. How do you handle the challenges of winter weather?
15. What are some activities you enjoy doing in the snow?

Individual Activities

Vocabulary Meanings:

Match each word to its meaning.

Words:
1. snowstorm
2. thundersnow
3. whiteout
4. intense
5. unpredictable
6. landscapes
7. slippery
8. authorities

Meanings:
(a) When the snow makes it almost impossible to see anything
(b) Not able to be predicted or known beforehand
(c) The natural scenery of an area, especially when covered in snow
(d) When a surface is smooth and wet, making it easy to slide or fall
(e) When there is thunder and lightning during a snowstorm
(f) A heavy storm with a lot of snow
(g) Very strong or extreme
(h) People who have the power to make decisions and enforce laws
Go to answers ⇩

Multiple Choice Questions:

1. What is thundersnow?
(a) When it’s snowing heavily
(b) When it’s snowing lightly
(c) When there’s thunder and lightning during a snowstorm
(d) When there’s a blizzard

2. What is a whiteout?
(a) When the snow melts quickly
(b) When the snow turns into rain
(c) When the snow makes it almost impossible to see anything
(d) When the snow is light and fluffy

3. What is the first big snowfall of the season?
(a) Thundersnow
(b) The recent snowstorm in the northern US
(c) A whiteout
(d) The sound of thunder during a snowstorm

4. Why are thundersnow and whiteouts dangerous for drivers and pedestrians?
(a) They make it hard to see the road or anything around them
(b) They make everything look beautiful
(c) They make the weather more intense and surprising
(d) They make the snow-covered landscapes look amazing

5. What is the best way to stay safe during a snowstorm?
(a) Go outside and enjoy the snow
(b) Drive carefully and slowly
(c) Ignore the weather updates and local authorities
(d) Stay inside if you can, don’t travel unless you have to, and dress warmly if you do go outside

6. What should you do to handle the challenges of winter weather?
(a) Ignore the weather and go about your normal routine
(b) Stay updated on the weather and listen to what local authorities say
(c) Stay inside and never go outside
(d) Wear summer clothes to stay warm

7. What is the main message of the article?
(a) Nature can be powerful and unpredictable, especially in the winter
(b) Thundersnow is a rare phenomenon
(c) Whiteouts only happen in the northern US
(d) Winter weather is always dangerous

8. What is the purpose of the videos mentioned in the article?
(a) To demonstrate how beautiful snow-covered landscapes are
(b) To teach people how to drive in the snow
(c) To entertain people with the sound of thunder during a snowstorm
(d) To show how intense and dangerous the snowstorm was

Go to answers ⇩

True or False Questions:

1. Understanding the risks associated with thundersnow and whiteouts, such as poor visibility and slippery roads, is essential for staying safe.
2. If you live in an unaffected area, it is uncrucial to prioritize safety by staying indoors, avoiding unnecessary travel, and dressing warmly if venturing outside.
3. A recent rainstorm hit some states in the northern US, causing dangerous conditions for residents.
4. The heavy snow has created whiteouts in certain areas, making it extremely difficult to see anything.
5. Whiteouts are particularly safe for drivers and pedestrians because they cannot see the road or their surroundings.
6. Thundersnow, which is thunder and lightning during a snowstorm, has been occurring during this storm, making the weather even more intense.
7. Videos of the storm demonstrate the intensity and danger it posed, highlighting the power and unpredictability of nature, especially during winter.
8. Throughout the winter season, it is unimportant to stay informed about the weather and follow the guidance of local authorities to ensure your safety in snowy and icy conditions.
Go to answers ⇩

Write a Summary:

Write a summary of this news article in two sentences.

Writing Questions:

Answer the following questions. Write as much as you can for each answer.

1. What is thundersnow and why is it dangerous during a snowstorm?
2. What is a whiteout and why is it dangerous for drivers and pedestrians?
3. Why are videos of the snowstorm considered intense and dangerous?
4. What are some important safety tips for people living in areas affected by the storm?
5. Why is it important to stay updated on the weather and listen to local authorities during winter?

Answers

Comprehension Question Answers:

1. What is thundersnow?
Thundersnow is when there’s thunder and lightning during a snowstorm.

2. How does a whiteout happen?
A whiteout happens when the snow makes it almost impossible to see anything.

3. Why is the recent snowstorm dangerous for drivers and pedestrians?
The recent snowstorm is dangerous for drivers and pedestrians because the heavy snow makes it hard to see the road or anything around them, increasing the risk of accidents.

4. What are some of the effects of the storm shown in videos?
Some of the effects of the storm shown in videos include intense snowfall, thundersnow, and whiteout conditions.

5. Why is it important to stay inside during the storm?
It is important to stay inside during the storm to avoid the dangers of being outside in heavy snow and limited visibility.

6. What precautions should you take if you have to go outside during the storm?
If you have to go outside during the storm, you should dress warmly, be cautious of slippery roads, and try to limit your time outside.

7. Why is it important to stay updated on the weather during winter?
It is important to stay updated on the weather during winter because winter weather can be unpredictable and staying informed can help you prepare and stay safe.

8. How can you stay safe and handle the challenges of winter weather?
To stay safe and handle the challenges of winter weather, you should listen to local authorities, dress warmly, avoid unnecessary travel, and be cautious of slippery conditions.
Go back to questions ⇧

Listen and Fill in the Gaps Answers:

(1) making
(2) people
(3) thunder
(4) makes
(5) impossible
(6) storm
(7) reminder
(8) nature
(9) unpredictable
(10) amazing
(11) important
(12) travel
(13) dangers
(14) weather
(15) listen
(16) authorities
Go back to questions ⇧

Vocabulary Meanings Answers:

1. snowstorm
Answer: (f) A heavy storm with a lot of snow

2. thundersnow
Answer: (e) When there is thunder and lightning during a snowstorm

3. whiteout
Answer: (a) When the snow makes it almost impossible to see anything

4. intense
Answer: (g) Very strong or extreme

5. unpredictable
Answer: (b) Not able to be predicted or known beforehand

6. landscapes
Answer: (c) The natural scenery of an area, especially when covered in snow

7. slippery
Answer: (d) When a surface is smooth and wet, making it easy to slide or fall

8. authorities
Answer: (h) People who have the power to make decisions and enforce laws
Go back to questions ⇧

Multiple Choice Answers:

1. What is thundersnow?
Answer: (c) When there’s thunder and lightning during a snowstorm

2. What is a whiteout?
Answer: (c) When the snow makes it almost impossible to see anything

3. What is the first big snowfall of the season?
Answer: (b) The recent snowstorm in the northern US

4. Why are thundersnow and whiteouts dangerous for drivers and pedestrians?
Answer: (a) They make it hard to see the road or anything around them

5. What is the best way to stay safe during a snowstorm?
Answer: (d) Stay inside if you can, don’t travel unless you have to, and dress warmly if you do go outside

6. What should you do to handle the challenges of winter weather?
Answer: (b) Stay updated on the weather and listen to what local authorities say

7. What is the main message of the article?
Answer: (a) Nature can be powerful and unpredictable, especially in the winter

8. What is the purpose of the videos mentioned in the article?
Answer: (d) To show how intense and dangerous the snowstorm was
Go back to questions ⇧

True or False Answers:

1. Understanding the risks associated with thundersnow and whiteouts, such as poor visibility and slippery roads, is essential for staying safe. (Answer: True)
2. If you live in an unaffected area, it is uncrucial to prioritize safety by staying indoors, avoiding unnecessary travel, and dressing warmly if venturing outside. (Answer: False)
3. A recent rainstorm hit some states in the northern US, causing dangerous conditions for residents. (Answer: False)
4. The heavy snow has created whiteouts in certain areas, making it extremely difficult to see anything. (Answer: True)
5. Whiteouts are particularly safe for drivers and pedestrians because they cannot see the road or their surroundings. (Answer: False)
6. Thundersnow, which is thunder and lightning during a snowstorm, has been occurring during this storm, making the weather even more intense. (Answer: True)
7. Videos of the storm demonstrate the intensity and danger it posed, highlighting the power and unpredictability of nature, especially during winter. (Answer: True)
8. Throughout the winter season, it is unimportant to stay informed about the weather and follow the guidance of local authorities to ensure your safety in snowy and icy conditions. (Answer: False)
Go back to questions ⇧