Unit 9 Unusual Happenings

Unit 10 Disasters

Questions for discussion • 1. Have you had any unusual

experiences? Have you read or heard about any unusual happenings? If yes, give an example.

• 2. What are natural disasters? And what are man-made disasters?

• 3. Describe an accident or a disaster you yourself have experienced or one you have read or heard about. When, where and how did it happen?

Language Focus • This is the most unusual thing that has ever

happened to me / most extraordinary story I’ve ever heard.

• Witnessing such an unusual happening has changed my view on life / made me think more deeply about …

• Natural disasters are caused by forces of nature. Earthquakes, floods, volcanic eruptions, wild fires and droughts are natural disasters that are beyond the control of humans, while plane crashes, traffic accidents, shipwrecks and fires being to man-made disasters.

Language Focus• Sometimes accidents or even disaster

happen due to human faults.• The damage was great, but fortunately no

one was injured.  • We should do our best to help / donate

money or clothing to / show sympathy for people in a disaster-stricken area.

• Chances of survival in a … are almost zero / very little. 

• Natural disasters like earthquakes or floods may claim hundreds of thousands of lives and leave thousands of people homeless.

Communicative FunctionInquiries & Responses

• 1. Inquiries :• Have you watched / read / heard the

news this morning?• Have you ever been in a flood / fire /

an earthquake?• What about the casualties?• Was anyone injured?• What do the government and people

do to help those in a disaster-stricken area / families of the victims?

Communicative Function• Responses• Yes, I have. It’s terrible, isn’t it?• No, I didn’t. What happened?• Yes, I have. It was a terrible experience that I

will never forget. / I still have vivid memories of that terrible experience.

• … were injured and … were left homeless.• The government is sending relief workers to

the area / expressing sympathy for families of the victims.

• People volunteer to donate blood / donate money and supplies / help out at the scene of disaster.