Cold Water Plunge
Each week, I will send out some handy tips and useful exercises for adults learning to navigate and use the English language. You are welcome to share this newsletter with friends and colleagues.
This week’s newsletter was inspired by a friend’s blog post about her husband’s daily ritual: starting each morning with a cold water plunge. She described it so beautifully, not just as a physical shock to the system, but as a psychologically empowering practice. The power, she wrote, comes from choosing to face discomfort head-on, knowing you’ll emerge stronger on the other side.
It got me thinking about the discomfort of speaking to native speakers in their language. It can be quite scarey. The fear of mispronouncing something, of getting it wrong, can be paralyzing. When I first moved to Portugal I couldn't speak to the young lady behind the food counter. Instead, I pointed and grunted at pictures like a caveman because I was frozen with fear.
But here’s the thing: you only get better by plunging in. So this week, I challenge you to face your speaking fears, wade into that linguistic cold water, and come out a little braver on the other side.
Vocabulary
Language Level - B2
We continue to add to our vocabulary words from the Oxford 3000.
A list of 3000 words someone should know if they are taking the CEFR (Common European Framework Reference) language tests.
- Reward (n, v)
- Rhythm (n)
- Rid (v)
- Root (n)
- Round (n)
- Routine (adj)
- Rub (v)
- Rubber (n, adj)
- Rural (adj)
- Rush (v, n)
Study this set of vocabulary words with this Quizlet.
Grammar Tip
Language Level - B2
Compare and Contrast
When comparing and contrasting, we often use specific words and structures such as:
Comparing:
- Similarly, Likewise, Both...and..., Just like, In the same way
- as...as, the same as
Contrasting:
- However, In contrast, Whereas, On the other hand, Unlike, while, although, but
Explanation
We use these words and phrases to show similarities (how things are alike) and differences (how things are not the same). For example:
Comparing:
A cold plunge feels refreshing, just like a morning run.
Both cold plunges and meditation can help reduce stress.
Contrasting:
A cold plunge wakes up the body, whereas meditation calms the mind.
Unlike a hot shower, a cold plunge can be shocking to the system.
Practice using these phrases when you speak or write in English. It will help you express more complex ideas clearly and naturally—whether you’re talking about wellness trends or your daily routine!
Let's Practice!
Complete the following exercises using the appropriate comparing or contrasting words. Pay attention to sentence structure, and try to use a variety of comparison and contrast words.
- Complete the sentence to compare:
A cold plunge is refreshing, ______ a morning swim in the ocean.
- Rewrite the sentence to show contrast:
A hot bath relaxes your muscles. A cold plunge activates them.
Rewrite using "whereas":
- Complete the sentence to compare:
_______ cold plunges _______ yoga can improve mental focus.
- Combine the sentences with "unlike":
Cold plunges are quick and energizing. Meditation is slow and calming.
- Complete the sentence to show contrast:
Cold plunges can feel painful at first, ______ many people keep doing them because of the benefits.
- Compare using “as…as”:
For some people, a cold plunge is ______ challenging ______ running a marathon.
- Contrast using “on the other hand”:
Cold plunges shock the system. Saunas soothe it.
Reading and Listening Tip
Language Level - B2
I learned some interesting things about how a cold plunge affects your body. Turn on the CC to practice reading and listening to English.
Weekly Challenge
Language Level - C1
Read about the risks and benefits of a cold plunge with this article from the Mayo Clinic:
https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/cold-plunge-after-workouts
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