3 Look at the weather symbols given below and say what they mean. Answer the questions.

What do you know about the history of weather symbols? Who created them? Can you suggest your own variants?

4 Before reading match the words 1-5 from the text to their definitions a-e .

1 symbol A someone who is not trained in or does not have a detailed 2 layman knowledge of a particular subject 3 creation B a statement of what the weather is likely to be for the next few days 4 forecast C a sign or object which is used to present something else 5 specifically D the act of creating something, or the things is created E for a particular reason, purpose, etc.

5 Read the text about the history of weather graphics on the BBC. Match the titles A-F to the paragraphs 1-4. There is one extra letter. The first is given as an example. (0) C

A Symbols for details D Magnetic-based method B Hand-made charts E color graphics C New design studio F new technology

The famous bbc weather symbols

0 ....C.................... Symbols have been featured on BBC weather charts since the earliest days of television in 1936. The first weathermen had to hand-draw their charts with wax crayons. This method was used for a long period after George Cowling's first broadcast in January 1954. 1 ................................. With the introduction of color television in 1967, the BBC brought in a new range of symbols which were based on international standards - with triangles for showers, and round dots for rain. Magnetic base was used for the symbols, which could be stuck to steel wall charts. They could also fall off again! 2.....…………………… On Saturday, August 16, 1975, a new set of weather symbols, designed to give viewers a clearer and quicker understanding of forecast details, was introduced. They were the creation of Mark Allen, a 22 year old graphic designer, who first offered his ideas to the BBC Office in 1974, while a student at the Norwich School of Art. 3 ………………………. In 1985, using the latest in computer graphics, the new system was designed to provide more information for the expert while remaining not clear to the layman. Weather graphics for BBC News 24, released in November 1997, had charts with a mainly blue and orange color scheme. The computer system was changed to produce charts in two different color schemes and in widescreen format for BBC News 24. 4 .................................... In May 2005, BBC Weather released the latest version of weather symbols. A new graphics system was designed specifically for the BBC. The look of the graphics used to present the forecast was also changed. The new technology allows the forecaster to take a virtual tour around the UK or world to show the current weather situation or forecast for the next five days. Rain and snow can now be shown to be 'falling' from clouds and forecasters can now combine different weather graphics to present the forecast more clearly. taken from www.bbc.co.uk/bbcweather_gr_symbols.jpg

6 Complete the sentences 1-4 choosing the best variant A, B or C.

1 Wax drawing was used on television because

A they didn’t want to use computer graphics. B there was not enough money. C there was no other method at that time.

2. Magnetic - based method was suitable unless

A color television appeared B new graphics appeared. C new audience appeared.

2. For ordinary people new graphics

A was difficult for understanding. B was attractive. C was not interesting.

2. The new technology allows to show

A not only symbols but moving pictures. B texts and subtitles. C a forecaster.