Talking about winter

Neil
Hello and welcome to Real Easy English. In this podcast, we have everyday conversations in easy English to help you learn. I’m Neil.
 
Beth
And I’m Beth. Why not try the video of this podcast and the free worksheet that’s on our website, bbclearningenglish.com?
 
Neil
Hi Beth, how are you?
 
Beth
I am good, thank you. Although it’s very dark, isn’t it?
 
Neil
It is, yes, because it’s winter, and we’re going to talk about winter today. Do you like winter?
 
Beth
Yeah, winter’s OK, but I don’t like how dark it is. And it’s just cold. I know that winter is supposed to be cold, but it’s a bit too cold for my liking.
 
Neil
Hmm. I think I’ve decided this year to like winter.
 
Beth
OK. You don’t normally like it?
 
Neil
No, I really don’t. But I think there are some really nice things about winter.
 
Beth
Oh, yeah? What like?
 
Neil
I think it can be very cosy.
 
Beth
That’s true. I really like being inside, when you can see how cold it is outside and you’re just tucked up, maybe with the fire on. Hot chocolate is very good in the winter. So, yeah, there are some good things, but going outside isn’t always the best, especially if it’s also raining.
 
Neil
Mmm, yeah. But on a sunny winter’s day it can be really beautiful.
 
Beth
That’s true. I quite like going for a long walk in the winter because… well, if it’s sunny – because you’re cold, but if you’re wearing a coat and a hat, then it’s just really nice and the air feels really fresh.
 
Neil
Yeah, it’s crisp.
 
Beth
It is! Crisp, winter air.
 
Neil
Yeah.
 
Beth
What do you enjoy doing in the winter?
 
Neil
Well, I think in the winter it’s really important to get outside. Because it’s dark most of the time, you need to get out when it’s light and so, if it’s sunny, I like to go for a nice walk in the countryside – even a run. I think it’s really nice to do exercise outside when it’s cold.
 
Beth
I definitely am not sure about running, but going out for a walk is definitely really nice in the winter. Is there anything that you’re looking forward to doing this winter?
 
Neil
Well, I think the best thing about winter is Christmas, so I’m looking forward to Christmas because the kids get really excited. You meet up with your friends and family and it’s really cosy.
 
Beth
And the food is really good at Christmas. You need to eat more when it’s cold outside.
 
Neil
Yeah. Is there anything else you’re looking forward to?
 
Beth
Mmm. Well, I had a really busy year. There was just lots happening, a lot of social events, so I am looking forward to staying in and not going out that much because, like we said, it’s nice to be all cosy in winter, and I want to stay inside and drink hot chocolate and watch some nice films. Yeah, so staying in – I’m looking forward to staying in. What about you? Anything else you’re looking forward to, apart from Christmas?
 
Neil
Well, I like New Year as well because it’s a chance to start again. So, I’m looking forward to starting something new in the new year. Let’s recap the language that we heard in this episode, starting with looking forward to. If you’re looking forward to something, you’re excited about doing it in the future.
 
Beth
Yes, and we use looking forward to with the -ing verb. For example, I’m looking forward to staying in. And we can also follow it with a noun, like an event – Neil is looking forward to New Year.
 
Neil
We also heard two useful adjectives for winter: crisp and cosy. If the weather is crisp, it means it’s cold but also bright. And cosy means that you feel comfortable and warm even if it’s cold outside.
 
Beth
And we heard stay in, which means you stay inside. You don’t go out. 
Neil
That’s it for this episode of Real Easy English, but don’t forget to go to our website, bbclearningenglish.com, where you can find a free worksheet to download.
 
Beth
We’ll be back next week with another conversation in easy English. Thanks for joining us and goodbye.
 
Neil
Goodbye.