Question Type 1: Basic Description Questions

Verbs

vary fluctuate differ

Adjectives

seasonal unpredictable erratic constant

Idioms

in blossom (= many flowers opening)

When you see the cherry trees in blossom you know spring is on its way.

down south (= in the southern part of a country)

Down south the winters are much milder.

up north (= in the northern part of a country)

Up north the winters can be quite harsh.

Topic 39: Birds

• 
  Are there many birds where you live?
  
• 
  How do people in China feel about birds?
  
• 
  Do birds have any special meaning in your culture?
  
• 
  Should we protect birds?
  

Nouns

poultry domestic fowl (= farm birds) species

habitat migratory bird resident bird pest

Verbs

symbolize offer protection provide food for

Adjectives

rare endangered widespread commonplace

mythical fairy-tale symbolic

Idioms

on the wing (= flying)

In my city you can often see pigeons on the wing.

dart in and out (= move quickly between two things, e.g. trees)

Almost every day I catch a glimpse of a woodpecker darting in and out of the pine trees near my house.

in one’s own backyard (= near where one lives)

You never really see rare birds like owls in your own backyard.

ten a penny / dime a dozen (= very common)

Sparrows are ten a penny in my city - you can see them everywhere.