* Task 1. Weather conversations.Here are some unusual but still useful words about weather so that you can have typical weather conversations where you agree with someone by using a synonym. In these examples ¬ replies using more informal language. Read and translate the dialogues.
A: What a downpour/deluge!
B: Yes, it's chucking it down/it's pouring!
A: It's a bit windy today!
B: Yes, really blowy/breezy, isn't it?
A: Isnít it humid today?
B: Yes, horribly muggy/clammy.
* Task 2. Respond to these statements about the weather. Agree using slightly more formal language like that of speaker A in the dialogues above.
1. It's a bit nippy outside, isn't it?
2. What a sweltering day!
3. Isn't it muggy here?
4. It's blowy, isn't it?
5. Close today, isn't it?
6. It's chucking it down!
7. It's clammy today, isnít it?
8. What a stifling day!
Task 3. Climate metaphors.Climate metaphors are often used, particularly in written English. The word climate can refer to the general atmosphere or situation in society. Try to figure out the equivalents in your native language. Translate the following sentences in writing.
1. His dishonest policies towards the workers created a climate of distrust.
2. The government reforms have created a climate of change.
[Note: the words cultural, current, economic, financial, moral, political, social and prevailing all collocate strongly with climate in this social sense].
1. She has a very sunny disposition - she's hardly ever miserable.
2. Job prospects are sunny.
1. Unfortunately, our plans met with a frosty reception.
2. 'You lied to me, didn't you?' she said icily.
3. I'm snowed under with work - I'll never get through it all in time.
1. After the company accounts were examined, the manager left under a cloud of suspicion.
2. Don't let your love for him cloud your judgement.
1. The soldiers were hit with a hail of bullets.
2. The Prime Minister was greeted with a hail/storm of abuse.
G. Haze & mist
1. After the long flight I was in a haze for a day or two.
2. I've only a hazy idea what you mean.
3. The truth is hidden in the mists of history.
4. She looked at him misty-eyed - clearly in love.
1. The article sparked off a whirlwind of speculation.
2. They had a whirlwind romance.
1. The horses thundered down the race track.
2. Thunderous applause followed his speech. [Note that thunderyis used to describe stormy weather whilethunderousdescribes a loud noise]
1. The winds of change/discontent/democracy are blowing across the country.
Task 4. What is the link between the literal and metaphorical meanings of these words?
Example: sunny Ė pleasant and positive
3. snowed under
6. under a cloud
7. in a haze
8. to thunder
Task 5. Find collocations for these words. You will find some in the explanations above, but use a dictionary to find more if necessary.