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THE BLUE TREE
Travel & Nature
CEFR B1
Intermediate
warm up
Answer the questions below.
| Which of the seasons do you like the best and why? |
TRANSCRIPT
I love autumn the most. The air feels fresh and crisp, and the colours of the trees are amazing. I also enjoy wearing cozy clothes, drinking warm tea, and reading when it gets dark early. For me, autumn is the most peaceful and inspiring season.
| Why do people live in places which are so inhospitable for humans, like Yakutsk? |
TRANSCRIPT
Well, I guess it’s a mix of history, culture, and family roots. People often stay where they were born because they feel connected to the land and the community. In places like Yakutsk, life may be hard, but people learn how to manage. They have their traditions, warm homes, and strong social ties. And sometimes, jobs in mining or other industries keep them there too.
| Imagine you were given a choice: to live in the Sahara Desert or in Yakutsk. Which place would you choose? Why? |
TRANSCRIPT
Hmm, tough choice! But I think I’d go for Yakutsk. I don’t mind the cold if I have the right clothes and a warm house. The extreme heat of the Sahara would be much harder for me. Also, I’ve always found snowy landscapes beautiful, and the way people survive in Siberia is really fascinating.
part one
KEY LANGUAGE
Go through the flashcards below. Make sure you understand all the words and expressions.
VIDEO
Watch the first part of the video.
COMPREHENSION
Answer these questions. Refer to the information from the video.
- ⌚ 0:08 What is Yakutsk famous for?
- ⌚ 0:30 What’s the first rule for keeping warm in cold weather?
- ⌚ 0:40 Which part of the body is particularly prone to freezing in extreme cold?
- ⌚ 0:56 What was special about the boots Dayana was wearing?
- ⌚ 1:10 What two looks do women have in Yakutsk?
- ⌚ 1:32 How do they protect their hands from frostbite?
part two
KEY LANGUAGE
Go through the same words once again. This time play a matching game. Try to get the shortest time possible, ideally somewhere in the region of 10 seconds.
VIDEO
Watch the second part of the video.
COMPREHENSION
Answer these questions. Refer to the information from the video.
- ⌚ 1:49 Where did Dayana go?
- ⌚ 3:09 What is the mean temperature in January?
- ⌚ 3:24 Why is it a bad idea to wear glasses in such cold weather?
- ⌚ 3:33 What happens to people when they stay outdoors in such extreme cold weather?
- ⌚ 3:39 What is the longest time people can stay outdoors when it’s -70C?
- ⌚ 3:34 How do people get to work or school?
- ⌚ 4:00 How do the drivers protect their vehicles?
- ⌚ 4:08 What type of clothes is best for keeping them warm?
part three
Collocations are words that are often used together in a particular way. For example, we say “a cup of coffee” instead of “a coffee of cup.” It is important to learn collocations because they help us speak and write more naturally in a particular language.
Here are some more examples of collocations:
- “make a mistake” instead of “do a mistake”
- “have a conversation” instead of “have a talk”
- “do homework” instead of “make homework”
Learning collocations can help you sound more fluent and natural when you speak or write in a language, and it can also help you understand native speakers better.
Study the entry from the Oxford Learner’s Dictionary (Collocations) about snow and do the exercises that follow. Your teacher will share their screen with you.
Create a mind-map similar to the one below.
Complete the sentences in this Wordwall game with the most appropriate collocation. Check the dictionary or refer to your mind-map for help.
Two friends (Joana) and (Greg) are meeting in the street. They haven’t seen each other for a long time. The weather is cold and snowy. They are talking about life using many idioms and collocations with the word ‘snow’.
Read this dialogue aloud with a pertner or your teacher. Do you understand what all these idioms and collocations mean in this context?
Joana: Hey Greg, long time no see! How have you been?
Greg: Hey Joana, I’ve been good. How about you?
Joana: I’ve been busy as a one-armed paperhanger.
Greg: Ha, that’s a new one. So what have you been up to?
Joana: Just trying to stay on top of things. How about you?
Greg: Same old, same old. Just trying to keep my head above water.
Joana: Yeah, it’s been a rough winter. I feel like I’ve been shoveling snow every day.
Greg: Tell me about it. It’s been snowing nonstop for weeks. I’m sick of the white stuff.
Joana: I know what you mean. I’m ready for spring to come and melt all this snow away.
Greg: Me too. Let’s hope for a warm thaw soon.
Now, create a similar dialogue. Make sure your characters use collocations and idioms connected with snow and cold weather.
DISCUSSION
DIALOGUE
Alita and Pete are chatting over coffee after watching a documentary about Yakutia, one of the coldest inhabited places on Earth. Fascinated by how people survive there, they reflect on what it takes to live in such a harsh environment.
Read or role play their dialogue.
Alita: Can you believe people live in Yakutia, where the mean temperature in winter can be below -50°C?
Pete: I know, right? I’d probably get frostbite just by stepping outside. You really need to wear the right layers to survive there.
Alita: Absolutely. I was surprised to see how many of them wear fleece, down jackets, and even wadded pants. They must be incredibly insulated.
Pete: And let’s not forget the mittens. Your fingers would be the first to freeze! Did you see that woman with a coat made from reindeer and mink fur?
Alita: Yeah, I noticed the beaded patterns too—so beautiful and traditional. But it’s not just about looks. In that kind of cold, every detail is crucial.
Pete: For sure. I’d be so prone to complaining in that weather. I can’t even handle a Polish winter without a decent jacket!
Alita: Same here! I only have a rough idea of what -71°C must feel like. But the residents there seem so hardy. It’s impressive.
Pete: And did you notice how tired they looked after going outside? The cold must cause real fatigue. Even starting a vehicle is a challenge.
Alita: I read they sometimes tear off parts of their clothing when it gets stuck to the frozen metal. I can’t imagine dealing with that every day.
Pete: Honestly, I think I’ll stop complaining about icy mornings here. Compared to Yakutia, we’re living in a tropical paradise!
Alita: Haha, exactly. Still, it’s inspiring to see how humans adapt—even in the coldest corners of the world.
OVER TO YOU
Discuss these questions. Refer to the topic of the lesson and your own experience.
 | Do you own a down jacket or other insulated clothing? How effective is it in winter? |
| Why do you think layers are important when dressing for extreme cold? |
| Would you ever consider wearing reindeer or mink fur if you lived in a place like Yakutia? |
| What’s your rough idea of how it feels to live in a place with temperatures below -50°C? |
| What do you think makes the residents of Yakutia so hardy and resilient? |
POLL
Cast your vote in the poll below.
lesson glossary
COMMENTS
What do you think of life in Yakutsk? Is this something you would like to experience yourself? Why do you think people live in places like that? Is there anything else they could do to keep warm?
Share your thoughts and ideas below.
2 Comments
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Here are a few idioms that contain the word “snow”:
“Snowed under” – to have too much work to do
“Cold enough to freeze the balls off a brass monkey” – very cold
“To be as white as a sheet” – to be very pale, often from shock or fear
“To be snowed in” – to be trapped inside due to a heavy snowfall
“To be snowed under” – to be overwhelmed by a large amount of something
“To be a snowbird” – a person who moves to a warm location during the winter
“To be snowed out” – to be unable to attend an event due to bad weather
“To be snowed under with work” – to have too much work to do
“To be snowed in with someone” – to be trapped inside with someone due to bad weather
“To have a snowball’s chance in hell” – to have no chance of success
Yes, Yakutsk, the capital of the Sakha Republic in Russia, is located in a region that is rich in natural resources. Some of the valuable natural resources found in Yakutsk and the surrounding region include:
Diamonds: The region around Yakutsk is home to some of the world’s largest and most productive diamond mines, including the Mirny and the Udachny mines.
Oil and natural gas: The region has significant reserves of oil and natural gas, which are extracted and processed in the region.
Timber: The region is home to a large forest industry, with a variety of tree species that are used for lumber, paper, and other products.
Minerals: The region is also rich in minerals, including gold, silver, copper, and zinc.
Fish: The region is home to many rivers and lakes, which support a large fishing industry.
Agricultural products: The region has a relatively short growing season, but is still able to produce a variety of crops, including potatoes, carrots, onions, and grains.
Overall, the natural resources of Yakutsk and the surrounding region are a significant contributor to the local and national economy.