Write out the words from the text which are related to the weather, e.g. weather forecast, snow. Arrange them into groups of opposites and synonyms.

2 Scan the text. For each statement 1 to 10 below choose a) true, b) false or c) doesn’t say. Give your arguments.

1 All pilots obtain a weather forecast before taking off.

2 A weather forecast gives a pilot the weather conditions which are expected along the route of his flight and his destination.

3 The meteorologist prepares a weather chart which shows the current weather conditions over the whole country.

4 The current weather chart is called a geographical map.

5 The synoptic chart shows the current weather conditions over the whole country.

6 A high pressure area means bad weather.

7 A headwind increases the ground speed.

8 Information on winds is very important.

9 Pilots don’t pay particular attention to a low pressure area, which lies en route.

10 A pilot flying IFR cancels his flight conditions en route.

3 Read the three summaries of the text. Which one do you feel is the most accurate? Why?

1 The meteorologist prepares a weather chat which shows the current weather conditions over the whole country.

2 A pilot needs to know the wind direction and speed. Information on winds is very important.

3 Weather conditions affect aircraft in flight.

4 Interview your partner, who works as a meteorologist about the particularities of his/her job. Use the questions given below. Tell the rest of the students about the information you found out.

What does a pilot obtain before taking off?

What kind of information does a weather forecast involve?

What does a meteorologist do?

What does a synoptic chart show?

Why is a pilot interested in a low pressure area?

What kind of wind do you know and how can wind affect the aircraft in flight?

What words are used to describe how strong the wind is?

What does a wind shear mean?

What does jet stream mean?

What can happen in severe turbulence?

What significant changes in met conditions should be transmitted without delay?

Under what meteorological conditions can a pilot postpone his flight?

What information does a pilot need before a flight?