Listening

Warm Up

Helpful Words and Phrases

Listen and repeat.

  1. clothing
    • ex. The store sells clothing for men, women, and children.
  2. a fabric
    • ex. She chose a light fabric for her summer dress.
  3. lightweight
    • ex. These shoes are lightweight and comfortable.
  4. evaporate
    • ex. Water can evaporate quickly on a hot day.
  5. sunburn
    • ex. She stayed in the shade because she wanted to avoid sunburn.

Article

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

Font size

Scientists say the right clothing can help people stay cooler during very hot weather, but there is no single best fabric for everyone. Researchers explain that clothes should support the body’s natural cooling system, especially sweating. Lightweight clothing that lets air move through the fabric can help sweat evaporate. Cotton and linen are often comfortable because they allow air to flow through the fabric.

The fit of clothing is also important. Loose clothes can give more space for air to move, making them useful for people sitting or doing light work. However, people exercising may prefer tighter clothes because they can help sweat move away from the skin more quickly. People who spend a long time in direct sunlight should cover their skin to reduce the risk of sunburn. Light-colored clothes can also help because they reflect more sunlight.

Scientists are also studying new ways to stay cool. Some clothes have small fans that move air under the clothing and help sweat evaporate. When choosing summer clothes, people should consider the fabric, weight, fit, color, activity, and amount of sunlight. These choices can help the body manage heat more effectively.

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

Discussion

Choose a topic and discuss the questions with your tutor.

Summer Clothes

  • What important things do you consider when choosing clothes to wear during summer? Discuss.
  • When choosing summer clothes, is comfort more important than looking good? Why or why not? Discuss.
  • What certain types of clothes do you avoid wearing in very hot weather? Discuss.

Adapting to Extreme Weather

  • How do you change your daily habits when the weather becomes extreme? Discuss.
  • How do you prepare when you know extreme weather is coming? Discuss.
  • Do you think people can get used to living with extreme weather? Why or why not? Discuss.