Hurricane, earthquake, volcanic eruption, drought, flood, famine

1. It is blowing down trees and houses!

2. It shook me awake!

3. They have sent food to help the starving people.

4. Television stations gave warnings before it exploded.

5. The weather reporters expect even more rain in the next few days.

6. The government has asked people not to waste water.

Activity 12. Fill in the gaps with link verbs and prepositions.

Several villages in Scotland – completely cut off – three days snowstorm. It started – Saturday at 4 p.m. Since then, one person – found dead – three – still missing. Two motorists – trapped – their cars – five hours before – rescued. Many roads – still completely blocked and food supplies – running out quickly. Food – dropped – villages – helicopters later today. People – warned – police – avoid the area – poor weather conditions – expected – continue – three more days.

Activity 13. Read the text and it in the passive where possible. Then answer the questions.

1. What information is given in the first paragraph?

2. In which paragraph is the main event described in detail? Prove your viewpoint.

3. Dwell on the consequences of the event described.

4. Cite the people’s comments.

Quake hits Santa Maria.

An earthquake struck the town of Santa Maria in Peru early yesterday morning. The quake measured 7.5 on the Richter scale and is one of the worst earthquakes to have struck the area in over fifty years. The authorities have reported fifty people missing.

The quack struck at 5 am local time, and lasted fro about half a minute. Most buildings collapsed, ten people have died and hundreds are still buried under debris. Other countries are now sending emergency medical supplies to the town. Volunteers are building shelters and Red Cross doctors are treating the injured. Ambulances have taken others to a hospital in a nearby city.

The government will give money to the town to help pay for the rebuilding of the houses which the earthquake has destroyed. Local people are still trying to get over the shock. “It was horrible”, one resident said. “I’ll never forget it”.

Activity 14. Pick out the odd-word-out and explain your choice:

Hurricane: burn, destruction, blow, wind

Earthquake: debris, shake, rain, Richter

Volcanic eruption: lava, crater, explosion, avalanche

Drought: dry, ash, thirst, emergency

Flood: water, drown, smoke, wet

Famine: thunder, hunger, starve, death

Activity 15. Match the sentences:

When one thinks of California	droughts and rainy periods
We have to keep in mind that this state	hills of California are subjected to mudslides
California is subjected to	as an inevitable part of life.
During droughts	so they don’t seem to worry too much about them
In the rainy season	is subjected to some of the most terrible weather in the US.
Besides, California is covered with lines	one usually thinks of sunshine and relaxed life style.
California dwellers regard it	fires often occur in the dirty area.
They know that earthquake are going to happen	along which tremors and earthquakes can take place.

Activity 16. Fill in the gaps in the following sentences with an appropriate word.