READING AND LISTENING PRACTICE

Hows the Weather Today?

3

You are going to hear different people talking about the weather. Listen and choose the correct answer.
(15 x 1 =15 points)

1.You hear a boy and a girl talking at a pool. What 5. a The woman became a meteorologist
does the boy want to do? because
a. continue swimming a. it is a family tradition
b. go inside the building b. it was her dream since childhood
c. get out of the water and sit next to the pool c. it is a very well-paid job.
2.a How many snowstorms have there been so far 5. b You hear a woman talking about her job. What
this year? kind of work does she do?
____________________________________________ a. She researches the weather.
2.b Which subject is the exam they have to sit b. She reports the weather on TV.
tomorrow? c. She teaches meteorology.
____________________________________________ 6. You hear a boy and a girl planning a party
2.c You hear two friends discussing the weather. despite the rain. Where will it be?
Whats the weather forecast? a. at the girls flat
a. a huge snowstorm b. at a restaurant
b. less than 20 cm of snow c. in the park
c. a mixture of snow and rain
7.a You hear a boy talking about experiencing a
3.a You hear a weather report. What is todays tornado. What was the experience like for
weather? him?
a. clear with a low of 11 a. terrifying
b. sunny and very warm b. thrilling
c. foggy with some rain c. exciting
3.b Tomorrows temperature will be. than today 7. b You hear a boy talking about experiencing a
tornado. Where did he go?
a. lower b. the same c. higher
a. He ran outside.
4. You hear a man and a woman talking about b. He stayed in his house.
weather changes. What is unusual about the
c. He lay under his car.
weather?
a. too much rain 8. You hear a local news reporter talking about
an extreme weather condition. What is the
b. no snow
condition?
c. very hot
a. flooding
4.b Why did the woman love winters? b. drought
____________________________________________ c. freezing temperatures
8. b What will happen if the citizens do not follow
the instructions?
____________________________________________
 Read the text and answer the questions that follow.

Talking About the Weather

I Nice weather, isnt it? All over the world, people talk about the weather. In fact, a recent survey has shown that,
on average, British people talk about the climate almost five times every day. Yet, the weather is not really a
fascinating topic. So, why is it so popular in conversations?
II Conversations are a way of establishing and maintaining social relationships. People often use the weather as an
icebreaker or as a way to start conversations. In many cases, the actual content of the weather-related conversation
is irrelevant. The weather is simply discussed as a way to get the conversation going. It enables the speakers to
find something in common to talk about and to build a comfortable relationship.
III Weather talk is an easy way of appearing friendly while making sure that the conversation remains safe and
impersonal. Whats more, because the weather can be discussed with superiors and with subordinates alike, it is a
topic that can be used to reduce the formal distance between people. For example, a boss and employee can safely
discuss the weather. Finally, the fact that the weather is variable means that there is always something new to talk
about.
IV Whereas in the past it was difficult to predict the weather with any expectation of accuracy, this is no longer the
case. Technological advances have ensured that the weather forecasts that are posted on websites are generally
reliable. In many cases, the forecasts are updated on an hourly basis and there are even apps that can be
downloaded to mobile devices that give users regular weather updates about the weather at their particular
location. As a result, many people regularly consult weather forecasts and use them as a guide to help them plan
their day. It is hardly surprising that they then share this information with the people they interact with.
V Interestingly, the Digital Age has also altered the face of weather talk in another way. Every day, there are
thousands of weather-related tweets posted on the Twitter social networking site. It appears that weather talk is
here to stay!

1 Choose the correct answer. (1 points)

Which of the following is NOT a reason that the weather is a popular topic of conversation?
a. It is fascinating.
b. It is unpredictable.
c. It is a good way to begin talking to someone.
d. People are comfortable talking about it.

2 Decide if the following sentences are true (T) or false (F). Find evidence in the text to justify your answers.
(2 x 2 = 4 points)
...... 1. People often choose to talk about the weather because its an important topic.
........................................................................................................
...... 2. Modern technology has affected the way people talk about the weather.
........................................................................................................

3 Complete the sentences. (4 x 1 = 4 points)

1. A boss and an employee are able to talk about the weather because ...
2. In the past, weather was .........................................................................
3. Today, many people turn to weather forecasts as a way of ....................
4. When people check weather forecasts regularly, they are more likely to

4 Find words or expressions in the text that mean the same as: (5 x 0,5 = 2,5 points)
1. creating (paragraph II) ....................................................................
2. ensuring (paragraph III) ....................................................................
3. changeable (paragraph III) ....................................................................
4. check (paragraph IV) ....................................................................
5. changed (paragraph V) ....................................................................