Describing the weather

In Brazil, heavy rain led to massive mudslides and flooding. Flooding in the Philippines and in Sri Lanka has displaced thousands of people. And in Queensland, Australia, the clean-up after the worst floods in decades has just begun.

These days, the weather — and its effects — seems to be in the news almost every day, most often together with such adjectives as "extreme", "severe" and "catastrophic".

How would you describe the weather where you live? Good or bad? Hot or cold? Do you know any other adjectives for describing weather?

Using the right words and phrases to describe your experiences, your surroundings or the people you meet will make your stories more interesting and easier to understand.

In the language feature in Spotlight 1/2011, you can practise the language of description. The article contains exercises to practise talking about colours, movement, sounds and noises, appearance and looks, the weather and much more.

On the next page, you can get to know some of the most common adjectives for describing the weather — good and bad.

Dagmar Taylor