Let's Talk About Winter Safety
- englishiseasierwithamal.com
- Jan 22
- 6 min read
Updated: Feb 9
Let's Talk About Winter Safety
Read and practise the following conversation:
Lamia: I didn’t expect it to feel this cold today. The temperature is only -8, but it feels much worse.
Moica: That’s because of the high winds. When the wind is strong, your body loses heat faster.
Lamia: That explains why my face feels so uncomfortable and numb. I should have worn a thicker scarf.
Moica: Yes, covering your neck and face really helps. I usually wear a hat to protect my head and ears from the cold winds. I also wear a thermal layer under my jacket.
Lamia: I usually do, but I rushed this morning and didn’t get to bundle up.
Moica: Winter in Canada is difficult. Even a short walk can be unpleasant if you’re not prepared.
Lamia: How do you normally dress warmly in this weather?
Moica: I usually avoid cotton clothes completely. I make sure that I'm wearing three layers made of synthetic, fleece, polyester, or wool.
Lamia: You’re right. My boots are warm because they have lining and I'm wearing two pairs of socks, but the sidewalks are slippery today.
Moica: I noticed that too. I walk more slowly and try to keep my balance by using small steps.
Lamia: Do you check the weather forecast every day?
Moica: Always. It helps me decide what to wear and how long I can stay outside.
Lamia: Staying warm really makes a difference in how you feel during the day.
Moica: Exactly. When your body is warm, you have more energy and stay healthy.
I. Match the words (A) with the meanings (B).
A. Vocabulary
1. Expect
2. High winds
3. Loses
4. Uncomfortable
5. Protect
6. Thermal
7. Rushed
8. Bundle up
9. Unpleasant
10. Layers
11. Synthetic
12. Fleece
13. Polyester
14. Wool
15. Lining
16. Balance
17. The weather forecast
18. Decide
19. Exactly
20. Energy
B. Meanings:
A. Clothes worn in levels, one over another
B. To think that something will happen.
C. To keep something safe from harm or danger.
D. To have something taken away
E. To do something very fast because you are in a hurry.
F. The power or strength to move and do activities.
G. Not feeling good because of slight pain.
H. Used to say that something is 100% correct or true.
I. A thick, warm, natural hair that comes from a sheep.
J. To stay steady and not fall over.
K. To make a choice after thinking about it.
L. To dress warmly by putting on many clothes
M. A special material or clothing that keeps heat inside to stay warm.
N. An extra layer of material inside a piece of clothing
O. A report that tells you what the weather will be like in the future.
P. Something that makes you feel unhappy or annoyed.
Q. Very strong moving air.
R. Not natural. It is man-made in a factory (like plastic), not grown on a plant or an animal.
S. A strong kind of synthetic fabric. It dries quickly, and does not stay wet like cotton.
T. A soft, fuzzy, and warm synthetic fabric that looks a bit like wool, but much lighter and very soft.
II. Answer the following questions. Use complete sentences:
1. Why does it feel colder than -8 degrees today?
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2. What happens to your body when the wind is strong?
__________________________________________________________________
3. How does Lamia’s face feel because of the cold?
__________________________________________________________________
4. What item of clothing did Lamia forget to wear?
__________________________________________________________________
5. According to Moica, what does a warm hat protect?
__________________________________________________________________
6. What does Moica wear as a base layer under her jacket?
__________________________________________________________________
7. Why was Lamia not prepared for the weather this morning?
__________________________________________________________________
8. What does Moica say about winter in Canada?
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9. How does a short walk feel if you are not prepared?
__________________________________________________________________
10. What is the first question Lamia asks Moica about her clothes?
__________________________________________________________________
11. What specific material does Moica avoid wearing in winter?
__________________________________________________________________
12. How many layers of clothing does Moica usually wear?
__________________________________________________________________
13. What are three types of synthetic or natural materials Moica mentions?
__________________________________________________________________
14. Why are Lamia’s boots warm?
__________________________________________________________________
15. How many pairs of socks is Lamia wearing?
__________________________________________________________________
16. Why are the sidewalks dangerous today?
__________________________________________________________________
17. How does Moica walk to keep her balance on the ice?
__________________________________________________________________
18. How often does Moica check the weather forecast?
__________________________________________________________________
19. What two things does the forecast help Moica decide?
__________________________________________________________________
20. What are two benefits of staying warm during the day?
__________________________________________________________________
III. Fill in the Blanks. Use the words from the box. Use the correct verb tense if necessary.
expect - high winds - lose - uncomfortable - protect - thermal - rushed - bundle up - unpleasant - layers - synthetic - fleece - polyester - wool - lining - balance - the weather forecast - decide - exactly - energy
1. It is very cold today, so you should _______________ before you go outside.
2. Yesterday, I _______________ to the bus stop because I was late.
3. My new winter boots have a very soft _______________ made of faux fur.
4. I checked the _______________ this morning, and it said it might snow.
5. Wearing a heavy coat in a hot mall makes me feel very _______________.
6. The _______________ were so strong that they knocked over my garbage can.
7. My sweater is made of 100% _______________ from a sheep.
8. Most gym clothes are made of _______________ materials like _______________.
9. If you don't wear a hat, your body _______________ heat through your head.
10. I like my _______________ jacket because it is soft, light, and very warm.
11. It is hard to keep your _______________ when the sidewalks are icy.
12. I need to _______________ which pair of gloves to wear today.
13. That cold rain was very _______________; I am glad to be home now.
14. I am wearing three _______________ of clothing to stay warm at the park.
15. A good pair of sunglasses _______________ your eyes from the bright sun on the snow.
16. I did not _______________ it to be this sunny today!
17. I always wear _______________ underwear when I go skating.
18. That is _______________ what I was thinking! I agree with you.
19. After walking in the deep snow, I don't have any _______________ left.
20. Last winter, it was so cold that I _______________ feeling in my toes for a minute.
IV. Rearrange the following conversations:
Conversation 1: The Wrong Outfit
A. In Canada, the sun can be very deceiving. You should always check the wind chill.
A. You can borrow my extra warm coat on your way home if you want.
A. You look like you’re freezing! Why aren't you wearing your winter coat today?
B. I definitely learned my lesson. I’ll go home and change during my lunch break.
B. Thanks. I'll bring it back to you right after I get my own coat during lunch.
B. I thought it was going to be sunny today, but the wind is so sharp.
Conversation 2: Buying Winter Boots
A. These are just regular sneakers. I didn't realize I needed special soles for the ice.
A. Can we go today after work?
A. I almost fell down on my way to class because the sidewalk was so slippery.
A. Where can I find good ones?
B. You really need boots with a good grip. It makes a huge difference for your safety.
B. My pleasure.
B. Oh no! Are you wearing your autumn shoes or winter boots?
B. I know a good store with reasonable prices.
Conversation 3: Dressing in Layers
A. Doesn't that make you too hot when you get inside the building?
A. That's so smart. I'll do that tomorrow.
A. How do you stay so warm while waiting for the bus? I'm always shivering.
B. That will make you feel much warmer.
B. The secret is layering. I wear a thermal undershirt, a wool sweater, and then my parka.
B. Not at all! If I get too warm, I just take off the sweater. It’s very flexible.
Conversation 4: Frostbite and Treatment
A. I’ll go to the clinic if the feeling doesn't come back soon.
A. My fingers are white and I can't feel them at all.
A. Should I put my hands in very hot water to warm them up?
B. Be careful! That sounds like the start of frostbite.
B. No, use lukewarm water instead. Hot water can damage your skin.
B. That’s a good idea. You should also drink something warm.
Conversation 5: Checking the Weather Forecast
A. Why do you check the weather app on your phone every single morning?
A. That makes sense. I should start doing that too.
A. I didn't know the weather can change that fast. Is it really necessary?
B. Yes! It helps me dress properly and decide if I should drive or take the bus.
B. I do it because winter weather in Canada can change very suddenly.
B. It’s a great habit. It saves you from being surprised by a snowstorm!
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