1.2
THE BIG CHILL
READING AND SPEAKING
1
Discuss these questions with a partner.
1
Are there seasons in your country? If so, what’s your favourite
season? Why?
2
Do you like winter? Why?/Why not?
3
What do you know about winter in Russia? What do you know
about Siberia?
2
a
Understanding genre
Quickly read the introduction to the text
below. Where is the text from? Why do you think this?
1
a guidebook to Siberia
2
a book about climate change
3
a magazine about TV programmes
2
b
Read the rest of the text. What is the topic of each paragraph (A–J)?
paragraph A = the length of winter
A
Does winter last a long time?
Yes, it does. Generally speaking, winter
starts in September and lasts until May –
so for about nine months. In the north, the
sun never rises in December and January,
and it’s dark nearly all day.
B
Well, minus 30 or 40 degrees Celsius
is normal, but in northern Siberia, the
temperature sometimes drops to minus
60 or 70 degrees.
C
One reason is that, in the far north, the
sun is always low in the sky and produces
very little heat, so the ground stays cold all
year. Another reason is that freezing winds
come down from the Arctic because there
are no mountains or trees to stop them.
D
It often snows, but it’s rarely heavy. In the
far north, snow cover lasts between 260
and 280 days.
E
Yes, they are. Definitely. Western Siberia
is getting warmer faster than anywhere
in the world. In fact, it’s actually melting.
And in some places in eastern Siberia,
dangerous gases are rising from the
ground.They’re stopping the surface from
freezing, even in the middle of winter. But
it’s still very cold!
F
They wear fur. In theWest, we consider fur
a luxury, but it’s the only thing that keeps
you warm when it’s extremely cold.
G
And what’s life like? Is it very
difficult for people?
Yes, it is.Without gloves, your fingers
freeze.The little hairs in your nose freeze
too. It’s quite scary! The tyres of cars and
lorries burst. Sometimes children can’t go
to school because it’s so cold.They have
lessons on TV!
H
Actually, they don’t mind them.They enjoy
a lot of outdoor sports. Ice-skating is the
number-one sport – it’s really popular.
They also like cross-country skiing and ice-
hockey. Reindeer racing is quite popular
too. Some people swim in rivers and lakes
in the sub-zero temperatures.
I
They say there are health benefits to
swimming in icy water. It’s a way to avoid
colds. Also, it’s a real community event.
Everyone takes part – men, women and
children.
J
Well, to tell you the truth, I love it! In
my home city, Liverpool, the winters are
usually cloudy and mild, and I don’t like
them much.You don’t get many days when
the weather’s fine – you know, sunny and
not raining. In Siberia, it’s different. On
bright sunny days, it’s very beautiful.
Liam O’Connor is a familiar face in homes
all over the country. Millions of us watch
his documentaries. Now he’s making a new
programme about life in Russia. Here he
tells Gaby Redmond about winter in Siberia.
Surviving Siberia
Wednesday 14 May 8pm on Channel 7
2
c
Read the text again. Complete the
gaps (A–J) with these interview questions.
1
Does winter last a long time?
2
And what’s life like? Is it very difficult
for people?
3
Really? Why do they do that?
4
How do people keep warm?
5
Is the climate changing? Are winters
getting warmer?
6
Is it really cold?
7
What do Russians think about their
cold winters?
8
I see. What about snow? How much
snow is there in Siberia?
9
What about you? What do you think
about winter in Siberia?
10
That’s incredible! Why is it so cold?
