English at Home

✦ IELTS Topic: Extreme Weather – 10 Useful Phrases

Severe storm
e.g., A severe storm hit the region, causing widespread damage.
Flash flood
e.g., The flash flood caught everyone by surprise after heavy rainfall.
Prolonged drought
e.g., The crops failed after a prolonged drought during the summer months.
Hurricane warning
e.g., A hurricane warning was issued for the entire coastline.
Natural disaster
e.g., The earthquake and flood together created a huge natural disaster.
Emergency services
e.g., Emergency services worked all night to rescue trapped families.
Power outage
e.g., The storm caused a power outage that lasted two days.
Evacuation order
e.g., Residents received an evacuation order due to rising floodwaters.
Torrential rain
e.g., Torrential rain triggered landslides in the hilly areas.
Strong winds
e.g., The strong winds blew roofs off houses during the cyclone.

✦ IELTS Speaking Practice – Extreme Weather

Part 1: Introduction & Interview

Have you ever experienced extreme weather?
What kind of weather is common in your country?
How do people prepare for severe storms?
Do floods or droughts affect your area?
Do you think climate change is increasing extreme weather?

Part 2: Cue Card

Describe an experience you had with extreme weather.
You should say:

what the weather was
where and when it happened
what you did
and explain how it affected you or others.

✦ Sample Answers Using the Phrases

Part 1 Answers

1. Yes, we had a severe storm last year with strong winds and a power outage.
2. In my country, we mostly face droughts and flash floods.
3. People store food, charge devices, and listen for hurricane warnings.
4. Yes, a prolonged drought last year led to water restrictions.
5. Definitely — I believe natural disasters are more frequent now.

Part 2 Sample Answer

A few years ago, I experienced a flash flood while visiting a mountainous area during monsoon season. It started with torrential rain, and within hours, the streets were flooded.

There was a power outage across the town, and the local authorities issued an evacuation order. We stayed in a shelter overnight with help from emergency services.

It was frightening, but I also felt grateful for the help we received. It showed me how dangerous extreme weather can be, especially when it comes suddenly.

✦ Comprehension Test: Extreme Weather Vocabulary

1. "A severe storm hit the region, causing widespread damage."
Q: What happened in the region?

2. "The flash flood caught everyone by surprise after heavy rainfall."
Q: What caused the sudden flood?

3. "The crops failed after a prolonged drought."
Q: Why did the crops fail?

4. "A hurricane warning was issued for the entire coastline."
Q: What alert was given?

5. "The earthquake and flood created a huge natural disaster."
Q: What kind of event was it?

6. "Emergency services worked all night to rescue trapped families."
Q: Who helped during the disaster?

7. "The storm caused a power outage that lasted two days."
Q: What happened to the electricity?

8. "Residents received an evacuation order due to rising floodwaters."
Q: What were people told to do?

9. "Torrential rain triggered landslides in the hills."
Q: What caused the landslides?

10. "The strong winds blew roofs off houses during the cyclone."
Q: What damage did the wind cause?

✦ Answer Key

A storm caused damage.
Heavy rainfall.
Lack of water over time.
A storm warning.
A serious natural event.
Emergency responders.
Electricity was lost.
Leave the area.
Very heavy rain.
Roofs were removed.