A Rainy Day, School Shut

It rains heavily all day, flooding the streets, and Rahul's school announces an unexpected holiday. He spends the day at home instead, watching the rain from the window.

Meanings in Rahul, Anita (mother), Class Teacher (on the phone)

Key words and phrases

heavy raina large amount of rainfall in a short timeHeavy rain continued through the entire morning.

downpoura sudden, very heavy fall of rainThe downpour flooded the street outside.

waterloggedcovered with standing water because it cannot drain awayThe road outside was completely waterlogged.

rainy daya day with continuous or heavy rainIt was too wet a rainy day to step outside.

school holidaya day when school is officially closedThe school announced an unexpected holiday.

announcementan official statement giving informationThey made an announcement about the school closure.

flooded streeta road covered in water due to heavy rainThe flooded street made it impossible for buses to pass.

umbrellaa device used to keep dry in the rainHe grabbed his umbrella just in case.

raincoata waterproof coat worn to stay dry in the rainShe wore a raincoat over her school uniform.

thunderthe loud sound that follows lightningA loud clap of thunder made him jump.

lightninga flash of light in the sky during a stormLightning lit up the sky for a moment.

drizzlelight rain falling in fine dropsThe heavy rain slowed down to a light drizzle by evening.

get soakedto become completely wetHe got soaked while running to the bus stop.

stay indoorsto remain inside a building rather than going outIt's best to stay indoors during this weather.

weather forecasta prediction of what the weather will be likeThe weather forecast had warned of heavy rain.

puddlea small pool of water on the groundHe loved jumping in puddles as a child.

clear upwhen weather improves and rain stopsThe sky finally began to clear up by afternoon.

leakwater entering through a gap, such as a roof or windowThere was a small leak near the window.

cosywarm and comfortableHe stayed cosy indoors with a hot cup of tea.

missed classeslessons that a student did not attendHe wondered if he'd need to catch up on missed classes.

Useful sentences

Ask Why is school closed today?
Answer It's because of the heavy rain and waterlogging.
Ask Did they announce the holiday last night?
Answer No, it was announced early this morning.
Ask Is the street outside flooded?
Answer Yes, it's completely waterlogged.
Ask Should I carry an umbrella?
Answer Yes, and maybe a raincoat too, just in case.
Ask Did you hear that thunder?
Answer Yes, it was really loud just now.
Ask Will the rain clear up soon?
Answer The forecast says it should slow down by evening.
Ask What will you do at home all day?
Answer I'll probably read a book and stay cosy indoors.
Ask Did the rain stop you from going out?
Answer Yes, I decided to stay indoors the whole day.
Ask Will you have to catch up on missed classes?
Answer Yes, I'll ask a friend for the notes tomorrow.
Ask Is it still drizzling outside?
Answer Just a little, it's much lighter now.

Dialogue

RahulIt's raining so heavily this morning.

AnitaYes, and I just heard the school announced a holiday.

RahulReally? No school today?

AnitaThat's right, the streets outside are completely waterlogged.

RahulThat's a relief, I didn't want to get soaked on the way.

AnitaJust stay indoors and keep yourself busy today.

RahulCan I watch the rain from the window for a bit?

AnitaOf course, just don't stand too close — I think there's a small leak there.

RahulI'll ask my friend for today's notes tomorrow.

AnitaGood idea. For now, let's just stay cosy and wait for it to clear up.

Common mistakes

Saying "school is off" instead of "school is closed" or "there's a school holiday" (use natural, complete phrasing).
Saying "rain is very much" instead of "it's raining heavily" or "there's heavy rain" (avoid the direct-Hindi-style phrase).
Saying "the road is full of water" instead of "the road is waterlogged" or "the street is flooded" (use the specific English term).
Saying "I am wet fully" instead of "I got completely soaked" or "I'm completely wet" (use natural word order).
Saying "thunder is happening" instead of "there's thunder" or "it's thundering" (use the correct natural expression).
Saying "rain will stop soon" for an official forecast instead of "the rain is expected to clear up soon" (use forecast-appropriate phrasing).

Quick quiz

1. What does "waterlogged" mean?

2. What is a "downpour"?

3. What do you call the loud sound that follows lightning?

4. Complete: "He grabbed his ___ just in case it rained."

5. What does "get soaked" mean?

6. What does "clear up" mean, when talking about weather?

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