Vocabulary List
Word / Phrase De nition
climate the usual weather in a place over a long time
weather what the sky and air feel like today (sunny, rainy, etc.)
temperature how hot or cold something is
humidity how much water is in the air
precipitation any form of water that falls from the sky (rain, snow, etc.)
arid very dry, with little or no rain
tropical hot and wet, often near the equator
temperate with mild summers and winters (not too hot or cold)
polar very cold, near the North or South Pole
monsoon a season of heavy rain and wind, usually in Asia
drought a long period with no rain
ood when water covers land that is usually dry
wind air moving across the surface of the Earth
storm strong wind, rain, or snow, often with thunder or lightning
c l i m a t e long-term changes in Earth’s weather, caused partly by
change people
g l o b a l
the Earth getting hotter because of pollution
warming
Complete the sentences using the correct words from the box. You may need to
change the form of some words.
climate weather temperature humidity precipitation arid tropical
temperate polar monsoon drought ood wind storm climate
change global warming
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1. The Sahara Desert has an extremely ________ climate, with very little
rain.
2. Many countries near the equator have a ________ climate—hot, humid,
and often rainy.
3. ________ refers to the long-term pattern of weather in a certain area.
4. Today’s ________ is sunny with light ________, perfect for a picnic.
5. In ________ regions, like northern Europe, there are four seasons with
moderate temperatures.
6. Antarctica is located in the ________ zone, where it stays cold all year
round.
7. During the summer, India experiences a ________ season, with heavy
rain and strong winds.
8. If the ________ stays below freezing, the rain will turn into snow.
9. Farmers worry when there is a long ________, because their crops cannot
grow without water.
10. After days of heavy rain, the river over owed and caused a major
________ in the nearby village.
11. High ________ levels make hot days feel even hotter because there’s
more moisture in the air.
12. A strong ________ knocked over several trees and damaged roofs last
night.
13. Scientists agree that ________ is causing more extreme weather events
around the world.
14. The rise in Earth’s temperature is known as ________, and it affects both
people and animals.
Understanding Climate and Weather
Many people confuse the words climate and weather. While they are related,
they are not the same. Weather describes what is happening outside right now
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— it could be sunny, rainy, snowy, or windy. On the other hand, climate is the
average weather in a place over a long period, usually 30 years or more.
There are different types of climates on Earth. Near the equator, many countries
have a tropical climate. It is usually hot and very humid, with a lot of
precipitation (rain). Tropical areas often experience monsoon seasons, where
heavy rain and strong winds come for several weeks or even months. These
rains are important for growing rice and other crops, but they can also cause
oods.
In contrast, areas like the Sahara Desert in Africa are arid. This means they are
very dry and often extremely hot during the day and cold at night. These
regions receive little precipitation and often suffer from droughts. Droughts can
cause problems for farmers, as their crops cannot grow without water.
Temperate climates, like in much of Europe or parts of North America, have
four clear seasons: spring, summer, autumn, and winter. The temperature
changes throughout the year, and there may be snow in winter and sunshine in
summer. Many people enjoy living in these areas because the weather is
balanced—not too hot, not too cold.
Polar climates are found near the North and South Poles. These regions are
cold all year round. The land is often covered by ice and snow, and the
temperature rarely goes above freezing. Although not many people live here,
animals like polar bears and penguins have adapted to the harsh environment.
Today, we hear more and more about climate change. Human activities, such as
burning coal and driving cars, release gases into the atmosphere. These gases
trap heat and cause global warming, making the Earth hotter over time. This
can change climates around the world. Some places become hotter and drier,
while others experience more storms or heavier rainfall.
Climate change affects everyone. It can lead to stronger storms, more serious
oods, and longer droughts. Farmers may nd it harder to grow food. Cities
near the coast may face rising sea levels. That’s why many scientists and
leaders are working together to reduce pollution and protect the Earth’s climate.
In the end, understanding the difference between weather and climate, and
learning about the types of climates around the world, helps us take better care
of our planet.
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