Listening

Warm Up

Helpful Words and Phrases

Listen and repeat.

  1. heat exhaustion
    • ex. He suffered from heat exhaustion after working outside all day.
  2. a precaution
    • ex. The workers wore helmets as a safety precaution.
  3. a heat index
    • ex. The heat index can help people understand how hot it really feels outside.
  4. humidity
    • ex. Many people find it difficult to exercise in high humidity.
  5. a cramp
    • ex. She stopped running because of a painful cramp.

Article

Read the article below and answer your tutor's questions.

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Summer travelers are facing very hot temperatures this year. Weather experts say a climate pattern called El Niño is making the weather much warmer. This extreme heat is dangerous and can cause heat exhaustion, a serious condition that makes people feel sick. Experts say that taking a small precaution before your trip can help keep you safe.

Dr. Alexander Azan says travelers must check the weather forecast carefully. It is important to look at the heat index, which measures how hot it feels when humidity is added to the air temperature. If the heat index is too high, you should change your plans. You can walk early in the morning or visit cool indoor museums during the hot afternoon.

You should also watch for warning signs from your body. Travelers can get into trouble if they ignore feeling dizzy. Watch out for a stomach ache or a painful muscle cramp. If you or a friend feels sick, find a shaded area immediately and drink water. Prepare different trip options and be ready to change your plans to stay safe.

This material was based on an article by The Associated Press.

Discussion

Choose a topic and discuss the questions with your tutor.

Traveling During Summer

  • Do you usually travel during the summer? Why or why not? Discuss.
  • Experts say that taking a small precaution before a trip can help keep people safe. What precautions should a person take when traveling during the summer (ex. always drink water, wear sunscreen)? Discuss.
  • Do you think traveling should be banned as summer becomes hotter? Why or why not? Discuss.

Staying Safe in Hot Weather

  • Do you think people take extreme heat seriously enough? Why do you say so? Discuss.
  • Do you think indoor activities are better than outdoor activities during very hot weather? Why or why not? Discuss.
  • How do you decide whether the weather is too hot for an activity? Discuss.