Tsunami

How to use this topic

This speaking unit focuses on "Tsunami". The goal is to move beyond short answers and build paragraphs you could use in conversation, interviews, or presentations.

Strong answers usually mix description (what happened), explanation (why it matters), and evaluation (what you think now). Try to use at least three new words from the list below.

Use calm, precise vocabulary; avoid exaggeration unless you are telling a story.

In class, aim for clear structure: state one main idea, give one concrete example, then invite your partner to respond with a question.

Vocabulary

Headwords stay in English; the short explanations follow your language.

• hazard something that can cause harm or danger
• evacuation organized movement of people away from danger
• first aid simple medical care given immediately after an injury
• insurance an agreement that pays money if you have a loss
• emergency kit basic supplies kept ready for a crisis
• aftershock a smaller earthquake following a larger one
• shelter a safe place that protects you from weather or danger
• mitigation steps that reduce the seriousness of a future risk
• relevant closely connected to the subject you are discussing
• experience something that you have lived through
• opinion what you think about a topic, not necessarily a fact
• background earlier events or context that help explain a situation
• compare look at two things to see how they are similar or different
• contrast focus on differences between two things
• summarize give the main ideas in a short form
• bias a tendency to prefer one side or view unfairly
• clarify make something easier to understand by explaining it
• elaborate add more detail to what you are saying
• point of view a personal opinion or way of seeing a topic
• assumption something you accept as true without proof
• nuance a small, subtle difference in meaning or feeling
• hedging using careful language so you do not sound too absolute

Useful phrases

These lines are in English so you can use them directly in class.

• If I had to introduce “Tsunami” in one sentence, I would say…
• The aspect of Tsunami that affects me most directly is…
• Compared with five years ago, Tsunami seems to have become…
• I would explain Tsunami to a younger learner by saying…
• A common misconception about Tsunami is…
• What I still want to learn about Tsunami is…
• Could you elaborate on what you mean by that?
• I see your point; however, I would add that…
• I am not entirely sure, but my impression is that…

Example sentences

Model sentences in English; try adapting them with your own details.

1. When our teacher announced the topic “Tsunami,” I immediately thought of a story from my own life.
2. I would define “Tsunami” in everyday language as something people notice, talk about, and sometimes disagree on.
3. In my community, Tsunami comes up in conversations more often than strangers might expect.
4. If someone asked me for advice about Tsunami, I would first ask what situation they are facing.
5. One article I read connected Tsunami to wider social changes, not only personal choices.
6. I try to listen carefully when classmates discuss Tsunami because opinions vary a lot.
7. My family and I do not always share the same view on Tsunami, but we usually stay respectful.
8. On social media, Tsunami is often simplified, so I prefer longer discussions in class.
9. I would summarize my stance on Tsunami as cautious optimism, though details matter.
10. Studying Tsunami in English helps me express ideas I already have in my first language.
11. Talking about Tsunami reminds me that preparation is more useful than panic.
12. I would rather know basic safety steps than ignore risks related to Tsunami.

Discussion questions

Questions are in English to match oral practice.

• What is the first example you think of when you hear “Tsunami”?
• How is Tsunami viewed differently by different generations in your country?
• Has your personal attitude toward Tsunami changed over time? Why?
• What habits or policies could improve outcomes related to Tsunami?
• Who is most affected by Tsunami, and in what concrete ways?
• What is a respectful way to disagree with someone about Tsunami?
• Which news source or book has shaped your ideas about Tsunami?
• What is one myth or stereotype people should stop repeating about Tsunami?
• If you could interview an expert on Tsunami, what three questions would you ask?
• How does Tsunami appear in films, songs, or advertisements you know?
• What role should schools play in teaching students about Tsunami?
• Describe a time when Tsunami created a dilemma for you or someone you know.
• What would you like foreigners to understand about Tsunami in your culture?
• Looking ahead ten years, how might Tsunami evolve, in your opinion?

Writing prompts

Prompts are in English for written practice.

• Write a 150-word paragraph explaining why “Tsunami” matters to you personally.
• Write a dialogue between two friends who disagree politely about Tsunami.
• Write a short reflective journal entry: “What I learned after discussing Tsunami in class.”