Reading and Writing
Read the text thoroughly. Try to understand the context, not every single word.
This is Stephanie Miller reporting for KBC, Los Angeles.
Are you one of the many of Americans or Europeans who are dreaming of moving to sunny California? Well, before you say goodbye to November rain and cold winters and pack your belongings, listen to my report!
California is warm and nice, there is a lot of sun, there are beaches as well as mountains for skiing, and most people are very relaxed. But it isn’t a perfect place, as there are problems, too: people have to live with the possibility of natural catastrophes such as wildfires and earthquakes which can destroy a lifetime’s earnings in a matter of seconds. The big cities such as Los Angeles and San Francisco are crowded, the freeways there are hopelessly full and always jammed.
California’s smog is as famous as California sunshine, it can make and breathing difficult because of really high ozone levels. There are days, when children and old people are asked to stay inside their houses because the air is so bad and that breathing “fresh” air can be dangerous.
And do you know the song “It never rains in Southern California?” You’d better listen to the next line of the lyrics, too: “… but it pours!” Well, when it rains, it pours, and streets become rivers and houses on the hills are in serious danger.
Nevertheless, people keep coming to the so-called “Sunshine State”: It is not easy to find a job, and house prices and the cost of living are very high. So think twice: All you people who think about moving, you’re all welcome, because we like to hang loose, but when you get here – don’t say we didn’t warn you!
Write complete sentences to answer the following questions.
- Who is reporting for which kind of media?
- To whom is the report directed?
- What problems do the large cities have?
- What problems do Californians have with the air?
- What other natural catastrophe has an impact on life in California?
- What are possible risks for newcomers to California?
- What title would you give this article?
