B2 – Upper Intermediate
Our parents and grandparents often warn us about dressing appropriately in cold weather to avoid getting sick. We tend to believe them because there seems to be more cases of cold and flu cases at this time of the year. However, medical experts have explained that the cold weather alone is not the culprit.
Let’s watch the video and read the article to find out how people get sick when the temperature drops.
https://www.euronews.com/my-europe/2024/02/21/fact-check-can-cold-weather-actually-make-you-sick
Vocabulary Questions:
- What does the idiom “old wives’ tale” mean? “You’ve probably heard of the old wives’ tale that you should cover up once the temperatures drop.” Use it in a sentence.
- What is the meaning of the adverb “suppressed“? “In some respects, when we’re exposed to cold air, we can think that our immune system is suppressed.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘suppressed’ in your own sentence.
- Define the phrase “fend off“. “Well, one legacy of the COVID pandemic was the popularisation of one important device for fending off these pesky germs: a face mask.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘fend off’ in your own sentence.
Discussion Questions:
- What is the connection between cold weather and falling ill?
- How can one protect oneself against viruses during winter?
- How do you feel/What do you think about wearing a mask in winter?
- What are your thoughts on topical nasal medications?
- What other medical myths have you heard of?