TALKING NATURALLY ABOUT NATURE

Many English language learners use the word nature unnaturally.

In English we don’t say, “I like to see nature”, and we can't

“visit nature.”

We experience nature.

We can see things in nature, or see the natural beauty of a place.

WE CAN VISIT NATURAL AREAS

But we can’t see or visit “nature” itself/herself.

Nature is thought of like a force or a spirit and is often personified (i.e., given human qualities).

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THE ANCIENT GREEKS PERSONIFIED THE FORCES OF NATURE AS GODS AND GODDESSES.

Webster's online dictionary http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/personify definition of personify:

to think of or represent (a thing or idea) as a person or as having human qualities or powers

NATURE CAN BE A CREATIVE OR A DESTRUCTIVE FORCE.

We can feel her, and we can listen to her.

We can be in nature and we can be with nature.

Click icon to add picture

QUOTES ABOUT NATURE

Wm. Shakespeare"One touch of nature makes the whole world kin."(kin = family)

Lao Tzu 'Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.'

Albert Einstein "Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better."

Discuss the meaning of these quotes with your teacher.

SPEAK OF NATURE AS A SPIRIT OR WOMAN

Example: Nature whispers her secrets in the wind.

Let nature take ____ course.

Nature is _______ (use an adjective). Nature_______ (use a verb) when she wakes up Spring.

We have given nature a name, "Mother Nature," which is the ultimate in personification

NATURE VOCABULARY

Adjectives: ♣ Unspoiled ♣ Natural ♣ Scenic ♣ Wilderness/Wild ♣ Undeveloped ♣ Virgin ♣ Untamed ♣ Unsettled ♣ Uncultivated ♣ Uninhabited These adjectives are used in front of words describing spaces, such as: places, areas, country, territory, and land.For example: unspoiled country, scenic areas, or uncultivated land

NATURE VOCABULARY

Nouns: ♣ Outdoors ♣ The Great Outdoors ♣ The Wild ♣ The Wilderness ♣ The Bush (Australian) ♣ Nature Reserves, also called Preserves (areas kept in their natural state) ♣ Creation ♣ Mother Nature ♣ Mother Earth ♣ The Environment ♣ Flora and Fauna (“plants and animals”) ♣ Wildlife (animals) ♣ The Natural World ♣ A Vista/View

USE NATURE VOCABULARY TO DESCRIBE THESE PICTURES

Things that are grown naturally, are grown without human intervention.

The other use of nature refers to something's essence, its character.

This child has a helpful nature.

The words naturally and natural are also used when talking about one’s personality or natural abilities. When something is effortless, it is a natural ability.

“He swings the bat so naturally. He’s a natural ball player.”

Lack of effort is also implied in the response, “Naturally!” For example:• Annie: “Will you be able to watch the kids for me tonight?”

• Betty: “Naturally!” (In other words, it is no effort at all).

TALK ABOUT NATURE NATURALLY

• Describe something using the words nature, naturally, and/or natural.

• What comes to mind when you hear the words, “scenic view”?

This slide presentation was created by Michele W. Snider, teacher for SkimaTalk, Inc., and author of

http://www.myvirtualenglish.com

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