1. a) Read the dictionary entry. What is the climate in Russia? b) What characterises tundra and hot desert climates? Listen and read to find out.

a) The climate in Russia is varied. It includes tundra, forest, steppe and hot desert climates in different parts of the country.

b) Tundra climate: it is cold all year round, with low temperatures. The summer is short, the sun shines almost 24 hours a day, winter is very dark, and temperatures can drop to −35°C. Not many plants can survive there.

Hot desert climate: it is very hot all year round, with temperatures over 46°C. There is very little rain, the dry periods are long, and temperatures can fall below freezing at night. Only plants that can hold a lot of water can survive there.