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!

Winter Storm Causes Chaos and Dangerous Travel Conditions

Try this article at a different level?

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)

πŸ“– Vocabulary:

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

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.

πŸ€” 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?

🎧✍️ Listen and Fill in the Gaps:

A big snowstorm recently hit some states in the northern US, things dangerous for who live there. This is the first big snowfall of the season, and it's been causing snow and whiteouts in some places. Thundersnow is when there's thunder and lightning during a snowstorm, which 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 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 show how intense and dangerous it was. It's a that can be really powerful and , especially in the winter. The snow-covered landscapes and the sound of thunder during a snowstorm are pretty to see. If you live in an area affected by the storm, it's to be careful and stay safe. Stay inside if you can, don't unless you have to, and dress warmly if you do go outside. It's also important to know about the 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 and to what local 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.

πŸ’¬ Discussion Questions:

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

πŸ“–πŸ’­ 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. snowstorm
2. thundersnow
3. whiteout
4. intense
5. unpredictable
6. landscapes
7. slippery
8. authorities

Meanings

(A) People who have the power to make decisions and enforce laws
(B) The natural scenery of an area, especially when covered in snow
(C) Not able to be predicted or known beforehand
(D) A heavy storm with a lot of snow
(E) When a surface is smooth and wet, making it easy to slide or fall
(F) When the snow makes it almost impossible to see anything
(G) When there is thunder and lightning during a snowstorm
(H) Very strong or extreme

πŸ”‘ Multiple Choice Questions:

1. What is thundersnow?
(a) When it's snowing heavily
(b) When it's snowing lightly
(c) When there's a blizzard
(d) When there's thunder and lightning during a snowstorm
2. What is a whiteout?
(a) When the snow melts quickly
(b) When the snow makes it almost impossible to see anything
(c) When the snow turns into rain
(d) When the snow is light and fluffy
3. What is the first big snowfall of the season?
(a) Thundersnow
(b) A whiteout
(c) The recent snowstorm in the northern US
(d) The sound of thunder during a snowstorm
4. Why are thundersnow and whiteouts dangerous for drivers and pedestrians?
(a) They make everything look beautiful
(b) They make the weather more intense and surprising
(c) They make it hard to see the road or anything around them
(d) They make the snow-covered landscapes look amazing
5. What is the best way to stay safe during a snowstorm?
(a) Stay inside if you can, don't travel unless you have to, and dress warmly if you do go outside
(b) Go outside and enjoy the snow
(c) Drive carefully and slowly
(d) Ignore the weather updates and local authorities
6. What should you do to handle the challenges of winter weather?
(a) Stay updated on the weather and listen to what local authorities say
(b) Ignore the weather and go about your normal routine
(c) Stay inside and never go outside
(d) Wear summer clothes to stay warm
7. What is the main message of the article?
(a) Thundersnow is a rare phenomenon
(b) Nature can be powerful and unpredictable, especially in the winter
(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

πŸ•΅οΈ True or False Questions:

Understanding the risks associated with thundersnow and whiteouts, such as poor visibility and slippery roads, is essential for staying safe.
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.
A recent rainstorm hit some states in the northern US, causing dangerous conditions for residents.
The heavy snow has created whiteouts in certain areas, making it extremely difficult to see anything.
Whiteouts are particularly safe for drivers and pedestrians because they cannot see the road or their surroundings.
Thundersnow, which is thunder and lightning during a snowstorm, has been occurring during this storm, making the weather even more intense.
Videos of the storm demonstrate the intensity and danger it posed, highlighting the power and unpredictability of nature, especially during winter.
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.

πŸ“ 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 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?

How about these other Level 3 articles?

Clusters of measles cases have been reported in several regions of England, including London, the North West, Yorkshire, The Humber, the East Midlands, and the West Midlands, with health experts warning that more people need to be vaccinated to prevent further spread.

Measles Outbreak Spreading in England, Urgent Vaccination Needed

Clusters of measles cases have been reported in several regions of England, including London, the North West, Yorkshire, The Humber, the East Midlands, and the West Midlands, with health experts warning that more people need to be vaccinated to prevent further spread.

Driverless cars could be on UK roads by the end of 2026, according to the UK transport secretary, Mark Harper, who emphasized the importance of a proper safety regime and people's confidence in the technology.

UK Driverless Cars Could Hit Roads by 2026

Driverless cars could be on UK roads by the end of 2026, according to the UK transport secretary, Mark Harper, who emphasized the importance of a proper safety regime and people’s confidence in the technology.

BYD Emerges as Strong Tesla Competitor in China

Chinese electric car maker BYD is emerging as a strong competitor to Tesla, with its shares jumping after it announced expected third-quarter profits to more than double compared to last year.

Online
Class
Writing
Coach
β˜• 컀피 3μž” &
무료 ν”Όλ“œλ°±! πŸŽ“
β˜• 컀피 3μž” & 무료 ν”Όλ“œλ°±! πŸŽ“

X

[100% 온라인] λž­μ»€μŠ€ν„° λŒ€ν•™κ΅ μ˜μ–΄ 연ꡬ μ°Έμ—¬μž λͺ¨μ§‘
λ³„λ„μ˜ μ°Έκ°€λΉ„ 없이 영ꡭ λŒ€ν•™ 연ꡬ에 도움도 μ£Όμ‹œκ³ , 무료 μ˜μ–΄ μ‹€μ „ μ—°μŠ΅κ³Ό ν”Όλ“œλ°±λ„ λ°›μ•„λ³΄μ„Έμš”!

영ꡭ λž­μ»€μŠ€ν„° λŒ€ν•™κ΅(Lancaster University)μ—μ„œ ν•œκ΅­μΈ μ˜μ–΄ ν•™μŠ΅μžλΆ„λ“€μ„ λŒ€μƒμœΌλ‘œ μƒˆλ‘œμš΄ 연ꡬ ν”„λ‘œμ νŠΈλ₯Ό μ§„ν–‰ν•©λ‹ˆλ‹€. μ „ κ³Όμ • 온라인으둜 μ§„ν–‰λ˜μ–΄ μ–΄λ””μ„œλ“  νŽΈν•˜κ²Œ μ°Έμ—¬ν•˜μ‹€ 수 μžˆμŠ΅λ‹ˆλ‹€. μ—¬λŸ¬λΆ„μ˜ μ†Œμ€‘ν•œ μ°Έμ—¬λ‘œ ν•œκ΅­μΈμ˜ μ˜μ–΄ μ‚¬μš© 방식을 μ•Œμ•„λ³΄λŠ” ν₯미둜운 연ꡬ가 μ™„μ„±λ©λ‹ˆλ‹€.

🎁 μ°Έμ—¬ ν˜œνƒ:
– 원어민 μ—°κ΅¬μ›κ³Όμ˜ 1:1 νšŒν™” μ—°μŠ΅
– μ‹€μ „ μ˜μž‘ μ—°μŠ΅ & λ§žμΆ€ν˜• μ˜μ–΄ ν”Όλ“œλ°± 리포트
– 컀피 κΈ°ν”„ν‹°μ½˜ 총 3μž” μ„ λ¬Ό! (첫 μ„Έμ…˜ ν›„ 1μž”, λ§ˆμ§€λ§‰ μ„Έμ…˜ μ™„λ£Œ ν›„ 2μž” 더 λ“œλ €μš”! β˜•β˜•)

πŸ“… μ°Έμ—¬ 방식: 총 2회의 온라인 μ„Έμ…˜ (Zoom 등을 이용, 각 μ„Έμ…˜λ‹Ή μ•½ 60~80λΆ„ μ†Œμš”) λ§ν•˜κΈ°μ™€ μ“°κΈ° ν™œλ™μ΄ μ„žμ—¬ μžˆμ–΄ λΆ€λ‹΄ 없이 즐겁게 μ°Έμ—¬ν•˜μ‹€ 수 μžˆμŠ΅λ‹ˆλ‹€.

βœ… λŒ€μƒ: μ˜μ–΄ μ‹€λ ₯에 상관없이 μ°Έμ—¬λ₯Ό ν¬λ§ν•˜λŠ” 18μ„Έ 이상 ν•œκ΅­μΈ λˆ„κ΅¬λ‚˜

Feedback