WEATHER COLLOCATIONS AND IDIOMS-exercises 2 class (LEVEL B2)

 

1) Students complete with the Italian word

General Weather Conditions:

• Cold weather
• Hot weather
• Mild weather
• Rainy weather
• Dry weather
• Wet weather
• Stormy weather
• Foggy weather
• Windy weather
• Humid weather
• Freezing cold
• Blistering heat

Rain and Snow:

• Heavy rain
• Light rain
• Drizzle
• Torrential rain
• Rain showers
• Snow showers
• Flurries of snow
• Snowstorm
• Sleet
• Hailstones
• Patches of fog
• Thunderstorms
• Drenching rain

Wind:

• Strong winds
• Light breeze
• Gale-force winds
• Gusty winds
• Whistling wind
• Blustery winds

 

 2) Students write down the  Italian idioms next to the English ones

1.      A storm in a teacup___________________________________________________________

2.      Under the weather___________________________________________________________

3.      Save for a rainy day___________________________________________________________

4.      Every cloud has a silver lining________________________________________________________

5.      The calm before the storm___________________________________________________________

6.      Come rain or shine___________________________________________________________

7.      It’s raining cats and dogs___________________________________________________________

8.      A fair-weather friend___________________________________________________________

9.      Chasing rainbows___________________________________________________________

10.  Put something on ice___________________________________________________________

11.  Weather the storm___________________________________________________________

12.  Steal someone’s thunder___________________________________________________________

13.  In the eye of the storm___________________________________________________________

14.  A snowball effect___________________________________________________________

15.  The tip of the iceberg___________________________________________________________

 

 

 3)THEN I'LL READ THE SENTENCES and the students should say it aloud the idioms which perfectly fit in the sentence.

 1. 

    Meaning: A small problem or argument that is made out to be much bigger than it actually is

    Example: "Don’t worry about that argument with John. It’s just a storm in a teacup."

2.

• Meaning: Feeling ill or unwell.
• Example: "I think I’ll stay home today. I’m feeling a bit under the weather."

3.

• Meaning: Every difficult or unpleasant situation has a positive side or potential for improvement.
• Example: "I know you lost your job, but every cloud has a silver lining—you’ll find something better soon."

4.

• Meaning: A period of peace or quiet before a major event or difficulty occurs.
• Example: "The office was really quiet this morning—it's just the calm before the storm of deadlines next week."

5.

• Meaning: No matter what happens, regardless of the weather or circumstances.
• Example: "I’ll be there at 3 PM, come rain or shine."

6.

• Meaning: It’s raining very heavily.
• Example: "I was planning to go for a walk, but it’s raining cats and dogs outside."

7.

• Meaning: A person who is only your friend when things are going well but is not around during difficult times.
• Example: "Don’t rely on Tom—he’s a fair-weather friend. He disappears when things get tough."

8.

• Meaning: Pursuing something that is impossible or unlikely to happen.
• Example: "I think you’re just chasing rainbows by trying to get that contract—it’s unrealistic."

9.

• Meaning: To delay or postpone something.
• Example: "We had to put the project on ice until we get more funding."

10.

• Meaning: To survive a difficult or challenging situation.
• Example: "We lost a lot of customers during the recession, but we managed to weather the storm."

11.

• Meaning: A small, visible part of a much larger problem or situation.
• Example: "The issues with the new software are just the tip of the iceberg; there are many more problems to fix."

12.

• Meaning: To take attention or credit away from someone’s achievement.
• Example: "She announced her promotion at the meeting, but John stole her thunder by announcing his resignation right after."

13.

• Meaning: To be at the center of a difficult or chaotic situation.
• Example: "She was in the eye of the storm during the argument between the two team members, trying to keep the peace."

14.

• Meaning: A situation that starts small but grows bigger and more serious over time.
• Example: "The issue with the software bug had a snowball effect, and now the entire system is down."

15.

• Meaning: To keep money or resources for a time when you might need them in the future, especially in case of emergencies.
• Example: "I try to save a little bit every month for a rainy day, just in case something unexpected happens."

 

FLOWCHART created by CHAT GPT

 

CHAT GPT may also help create very useful flowcharts.

Here's an example

Flowchart: Daily Routines

1. Wake Up
   └── Time: Early morning or as per your schedule
   └── Action: Turn off alarm, get out of bed

2. Morning Hygiene
   ├── Brush Teeth
   │ └── Action: Use toothpaste and brush for 2 minutes
   ├── Wash Face
   │ └── Action: Splash water or use face wash
   ├── Shower
   │ └── Action: Cleanse body
   └── Get Dressed
   └── Action: Choose appropriate clothes for the day

3. Breakfast
   ├── Prepare Food
   │ ├── Examples: Cereal, eggs, toast, smoothie
   │ └── Action: Cook, assemble, or grab something quick
   └── Eat Breakfast
   └── Action: Sit down, eat, and enjoy

4. Work or School Preparation
   ├── Pack Bag
   │ └── Items: Laptop, books, papers, snacks, lunch
   ├── Check Calendar/To-Do List
   │ └── Action: Review tasks for the day
   └── Leave for Work/School
   └── Mode of transport: Walk, drive, public transport

5. Work/School Activities
   ├── Attend Meetings/Classes
   │ └── Action: Participate in meetings, lectures, or lessons
   ├── Complete Tasks
   │ └── Action: Work on assignments, projects, emails
   ├── Lunch Break
   │ └── Action: Eat, relax, recharge
   └── Continue Tasks
   └── Action: Finish work or school-related activities

6. Evening Routine
   ├── Finish Work/School
   │ └── Action: Pack up and wrap up tasks
   ├── Exercise (Optional)
   │ └── Examples: Gym, yoga, running, walking
   └── Relax/Unwind
   └── Action: Read, watch TV, listen to music

7. Dinner
   ├── Prepare Meal
   │ └── Action: Cook dinner or order food
   └── Eat Dinner
   └── Action: Sit down and enjoy the meal

8. Evening Hygiene
   ├── Brush Teeth
   │ └── Action: Brush for 2 minutes
   ├── Wash Face
   │ └── Action: Cleanse face for bed
   └── Prepare for Bed
   └── Action: Change into sleepwear, set alarm

9. Bedtime
   ├── Wind Down
   │ └── Action: Read a book, meditate, or relax
   └── Sleep
   └── Action: Turn off lights and sleep

JOB VOCABULARY- job interview

 

https://www.cristinacabal.com/?paged=2

https://manwrites.com/how-to-talk-about-your-job-in-english/

Types of Jobs:

• Full-time job
• Part-time job
• Temporary job
• Freelance job
• Casual job
• Internship position
• Entry-level job
• Senior position
• Contract position
• Remote work
• Desk job
• Manual labor
• Office job
• Shift work
• Creative job
• Skilled job
• High-paying job
• Blue-collar job
• White-collar job
• Overseas job

2. Job Actions/Tasks:

• Do a job
• Carry out responsibilities
• Handle tasks
• Perform duties
• Take on a role
• Manage a team
• Supervise staff
• Take on extra responsibilities
• Oversee operations
• Meet deadlines
• Write reports
• Attend meetings
• Give a presentation
• Complete assignments
• Provide feedback
• Respond to inquiries
• Make decisions
• Solve problems
• Plan events
• Handle clients
• Deal with customers
• Work overtime
• Travel for work
• Work shifts

3. Job Skills and Qualities:

• Communication skills
• Teamwork skills
• Problem-solving skills
• Leadership skills
• Time management skills
• Technical skills
• Organizational skills
• Attention to detail
• Decision-making ability
• Multitasking skills
• Negotiation skills
• Analytical skills
• Interpersonal skills
• Customer service skills
• Adaptability to change
• Creativity
• IT skills
• People management skills
• Project management skills

4. Job Titles:

• Chief executive officer (CEO)
• Project manager
• Marketing director
• Sales manager
• Customer service representative
• HR manager
• Operations manager
• Software developer
• Graphic designer
• Research scientist
• Accountant
• Product manager
• Business analyst
• Financial advisor
• Executive assistant
• Nurse practitioner
• Teacher assistant
• IT support technician
• Web developer
• Content writer

5. Job Search and Applications:

• Look for a job
• Apply for a job
• Send in a CV (curriculum vitae)
• Submit an application
• Write a cover letter
• Job interview
• Get hired
• Job vacancy
• Job offer
• Receive an offer
• Turn down an offer
• Pass an interview
• Shortlisted for a position
• Job search
• Apply online
• Network for jobs
• Search for opportunities
• Search job listings
• Get a recommendation

6. Working Conditions:

• Workplace environment
• Job satisfaction
• Work-life balance
• Healthy work culture
• Office politics
• Flexible working hours
• Workload management
• Employee benefits
• Paid vacation
• Sick leave
• Employee wellness program
• Competitive salary
• Job security
• High-pressure job
• Toxic work environment
• Stressful job
• Workplace stress
• Career prospects
• Opportunities for advancement
• Promotion prospects
• Work from home

7. Job Reviews/Performance:

• Do well in a job
• Excel in a role
• Perform well in a job
• Get a promotion
• Receive positive feedback
• Get a raise
• Meet expectations
• Exceed expectations
• Underperform at work
• Be evaluated at work
• Give a performance review
• Be recognized for work
• Get a bonus
• Achieve goals
• Review job performance

8. Job-related Problems:

• Face challenges at work
• Deal with difficult customers
• Tackle a problem
• Work under pressure
• Handle a crisis
• Overcome obstacles
• Burnout from work
• Experience job dissatisfaction
• Face job insecurity
• Get laid off
• Resign from a position
• Be made redundant
• Deal with workplace conflict
• Resolve a dispute

9. Job Benefits:

• Generous benefits package
• Health insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid sick days
• Paid maternity leave
• Employee discounts
• Bonuses and incentives
• Company car
• Flexible working hours
• Free lunch at work
• On-site childcare
• Gym membership
• Career development opportunities

Here’s an example of a real job interview for a marketing position, created by CHAT GPT. This example includes questions from the interviewer and responses from the candidate, as well as some typical elements of a job interview.

---

Example: Real Job Interview for a Retail Assistant Position (A2 Level)

Interviewer:
Hello! How are you today?

Candidate:
Hello! I’m fine, thank you. I’m happy to be here.

Interviewer:
Great! Let’s start. Can you tell me a little about yourself?

Candidate:
Yes, I am Maria. I live in this city, and I finished high school last year. I have worked in a small shop for six months. I like working with people and helping customers.

Interviewer:
That’s good to hear, Maria. Why do you want to work here as a retail assistant?

Candidate:
I want to work here because I like this store. I visit it often, and I enjoy shopping here. I think I would be a good fit because I like helping customers, and I am friendly and hardworking.

Interviewer:
That’s great! Can you tell me about your strengths? What are you good at?

Candidate:
I am good at talking to people. I am friendly, and I listen well. I am also very organized and can help keep the store clean and tidy.

Interviewer:
That’s very important in a store. What about your weaknesses? What do you think you can improve?

Candidate:
Sometimes, I can be a little shy when meeting new people, but I am working on being more confident and talking to customers more.

Interviewer:
It’s good that you are working on that. Now, can you give an example of a time when you helped a customer?

Candidate:
Yes! One time, a customer couldn’t find a product. I helped her look for it, and we found it together. She was very happy, and she said thank you.

Interviewer:
That’s a great example. What are your goals for the future?

Candidate:
In the future, I would like to work in a bigger store and learn more about sales and customer service. Maybe one day I can be a manager.

Interviewer:
That’s a good goal. Do you have any questions for me?

Candidate:
Yes, I want to know, what will my daily tasks be?

Interviewer:
You will help customers, keep the store clean, and make sure the products are in the right place. You will also work with a team to make sure everything is ready for the customers.

Candidate:
That sounds good. Thank you for your time.

Interviewer:
Thank you for coming, Maria. We will contact you soon. Have a nice day!

Candidate:
Thank you! Have a nice day too.

Goal 1 calls for an end to poverty in all its manifestations by 2030- Sustainable Development

https://www.egalite.org/en/when-food-is-a-luxury%2C-social-and-material-deprivation-in-the-EU-and-in-Italy/ 

JANE EYRE OPINION ESSAY " Resilience and identity: Jane Eyre's lesson for women's empowerment in contemporary society"

JANE EYRE

OPINION ESSAY

" Resilience and identity: Jane Eyre's lesson for women's empowerment in contemporary society"

This is the essay that came out by extracting the best parts from my students' essays and rewriting some passages.

They'll read it to better understand how to write an opinion essay.

Jane Eyre’s life experience offers an important lesson to all of us, thanks to her resilience and her will to find her true identity. Women in today’s society can learn a lot about empowerment by reflecting on many aspects of Jane’s way of life and her choices. I am firmly convinced of this, and I would like to elaborate on this point in the following essay.

One reason I agree with the above-mentioned idea is that Jane does something that even contemporary women often find difficult: she steps out of her comfort zone. Although she works as a teacher at Lowood School, she makes a decision that could change her life for better or worse—she leaves the school to accept a new job in a completely new place. Jane does what she can to face her fears and overcome various life challenges. I believe it is important for women to follow Jane’s example, whether in choosing what to study or applying for a job that may traditionally be considered a male-dominated field. What Jane does is take risks, and that is how one can step out of the comfort zone. It is what every woman should do in order to stand out, be recognized, and be fully appreciated for her value.

Secondly, Jane Eyre’s story shows the importance of resilience. She is bullied by her cousins at Gateshead Hall and mistreated by her aunt. Then, she spends a long time at Lowood School, enduring harsh punishment and humiliation, where she also deals with the death of her best friend, Helen Burns. Despite these challenges, she continues her journey of personal growth. In my view, Jane’s struggles reflect the difficult experiences we must all face in life—such as the death of a loved one or enduring harsh criticism that deeply affects us. Jane never gives up, and her resilience is a model for all of us, especially for women who experience unfair treatment and must take action for change.

In addition, stories like Jane Eyre highlight the critical role education plays in women’s empowerment. At Lowood School, Jane learns that education can make women independent. Her determination is inspiring. Her story reveals that education helps women find their own voice, enabling them to become strong and self-sufficient. In the past, women were often denied access to education, leaving them with few opportunities and contributing to gender inequality. Sadly, education is still a right denied to many girls, especially those in poverty, who are often confined to domestic chores. Jane gains her independence by working, which prevents her from having to marry a man she doesn’t love. Jane’s story also shows that when women are given the right to education, society as a whole benefits, as educated women can fully contribute to their communities.

Another important lesson from Jane’s story is that she embraces her individuality and works hard to fulfill her true self. She starts off as a shy, insecure girl who hardly believes in herself or thinks she could ever be loved. However, from her childhood, she understands the importance of taking action—she knows she must react, speak up, and take the initiative, even if it risks turning her life into turmoil. For example, she stands up to her cousin John, who constantly bullies her. Throughout the book, Jane learns the value of self-control and the importance of knowing when to speak up in defense of her beliefs or to better explain her thoughts. This allows her to stay true to herself, holding on to her dreams, hopes, and values. Once again, Jane communicates an important message for all of us, even today.

To sum up, I believe that Jane Eyre is not just a way to better understand the condition of women in the past, but also a role model for avoiding discrimination, gender inequality, and prejudice. She is a perfect example for women today. Going to school and getting a good education, finding a job and earning a wage, being resilient in the face of life's challenges, and remaining true to yourself—these are all powerful messages. The book continues to inspire women to be strong and seek independence, reminding us that the fight for women’s rights and equality is ongoing.

 

What's your favourite hobby

 Write about your hobby

MY HOBBY

Why do people have hobbies?
What is your hobby?                                           
Do you spend money on your hobby?
When did you start it?
When do you practise it?     
How many hours a week do you spend on your hobby?

What do you like most about your hobby?

What don’t you like about it?
Does your hobby interfere with your work/study/personal life?

Do you know anyone who has your own hobby?                                                            
Do you know anyone who has no hobby?

Which hobbies are the most popular with girls in your country? With boys?                             
Are there any hobbies you would like to try?

https://www.slideshare.net/slideshow/my-hobby-60566087/60566087#9

https://elllo.org/english/0051/094-Diana-Hobby.htm

https://www.elllo.org/video/M001/M020Freetime.htm

https://elllo.org/english/1501/1504-MegTodd-FreeTime-Gerunds.htm