An explanation for intermediate to advanced English language learners on talking about nature naturally. This is the second lesson of the SkimaTalk course Misused and Misunderstood Words written by Michele W. Snider, SkimaTalk teacher and author of My Virtual English blog.

1. TALKING NATURALLY
ABOUT NATURE

2. 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.”

3. We experience nature.

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

5. 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).

6. “
”
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

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

12. USE NATURE VOCABULARY TO
DESCRIBE THESE PICTURES

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

14. The other use of nature refers to something's essence, its character.
This child has a helpful nature.

15. 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).

16. 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”?

17. This slide presentation was created by Michele W. Snider, teacher for SkimaTalk,
Inc., and author of
http://www.myvirtualenglish.com
That's it!
We hope you enjoyed
it!