English Vocabulary in Use Upper-intermediate » Unit 23: Physical geography
Brazil is fifth largest country in world. In north, densely forested basin of River Amazon covers half country. In east, country 1s washed by Atlantic. Highest mountain chain m South America, Andes, does not lie m Brazil. Brazil's most famous city is Rio de Janeiro, former capital. Today capital of Brazil is Brasilia._____
You have to be careful about the use of ‘the’ with geographical features.
| use with ‘the’? | example | |
| countries | no | France |
| countries which are in a plural form | yes | the USA, the Philippines |
| mountains in the Bernese Oberland | yes | the Jungfrau /ˈjʊŋfraʊ/ |
| mountain chains | yes | the Himalayas /hɪməˈleɪjəz/ |
| islands | no | Sicily |
| groups of islands | yes | the West Indies |
| rivers | yes | the Volga |
| oceans | yes | the Pacific |
| seas | yes | the Mediterranean /medɪtəˈreɪniən/ |
| gulfs, bays and straits | yes | the Gulf of Mexico, the Bay of Biscay, the Strait of Malacca |
| lakes | no | Lake Erie |
| currents | yes | the Gulf Stream |
Although most countries do not take ‘the’ , they do need the definite article when they are followed by a phrase limiting the meaning, e.g. the Japan of today, the France we know from paintings, the South America of the past.
Iceland An island republic in the North Atlantic. The landscape consists largely of barren plains1 and mountains, with large ice fields particularly in the south west. The island has active volcanoes2 and is known for its thermal3 springs and geysers4. With less than 1% of the land suitable for growing crops5, the nation’s economy is based on fishing, and fish products account for 80% of the exports. Area: 103,000 km2. Population: 318,000. Capital: Reykjavik.1 flat land where little grows
2 volcanoes that still erupt
3 hot
4 hole in the ground that sends out hot water and
5 food that is growns
Where land meets sea: coast, shore, beachWords connected with rivers: valley, gorge [valley with very steep sides], stream [small river]
Words connected with mountains: foot, ridge, peak, summit, glacier [river of ice]
The words you need to communicate with confidence. Vocabulary explanations and practice for elementary level (A2) learners of English. Perfect for both self-study and classroom activities. Quickly expand your vocabulary with 60 units of easy to understand explanations and practice exercises.
The words you need to communicate with confidence. Vocabulary explanations and practice for pre-intermediate and intermediate level (B1) learners of English. Perfect for both self-study and classroom activities. Quickly expand your vocabulary with 100 units of easy to understand explanations and practice exercises.
The words you need to communicate with confidence. Vocabulary explanations and practice for advanced level (C1 to C2) learners of English. Perfect for both self-study and classroom activities. Quickly expand your vocabulary with over 100 units of easy to understand explanations and practice exercises.