Coats and Heavy wear
Parka - Clothes and Fashion
20 chapters
intermediateDiscover our readings on coats and heavy wear to explore cozy and protective options for cold weather, from parkas to overcoats and beyond.
1.
wrap up
[v]
/ræp ʌp/
to put on garments for warmth or defense against the weather
2.
cozy
[adj]
/ˈkoʊzi/
providing warmth, softness, and a sense of ease or relaxation, often associated with comfort in clothing, accessories, or experiences
3.
thick
[adj]
/θɪk/
(of a piece of clothing, blanket, etc.) made of heavy, dense material that provides warmth and protection
4.
hood
[n]
/hʊd/
a part of a sweatshirt or coat that covers the head but leaves the face open
5.
fun fact
[n]
/fˈʌn fˈækt/
a piece of interesting or surprising information that is enjoyable to learn
6.
Inuit
[n]
/ˈɪnut/
a group of indigenous peoples from the Arctic regions of North America, including parts of Canada, Greenland, and Alaska, traditionally known for their hunter-gatherer lifestyle and expertise in surviving extreme cold
7.
survive
[v]
/sɚˈvaɪv/
to continue to function or exist despite difficult circumstances
8.
caribou
[n]
/ˈkɛɹɪˌbu/
large, migratory deer species native to North America, known for their impressive antlers and long-distance migrations in search of food and suitable habitat
9.
seal
[n]
/siːl/
a large sea animal with flippers that eats fish, can live on land and in water, and is hunted by humans for its fur
10.
synthetic fiber
[n]
/sɪnθˈɛɾɪk fˈaɪbɚ/
fiber created from natural materials or by chemical processes
11.
wearer
[n]
/ˈwɛɹɝ/
a person who wears or has something on, such as clothing, accessories, or equipment
12.
freezing
[adj]
/ˈfrizɪŋ/
regarding extremely cold temperatures, typically below the freezing point of water
13.
get through
[v]
/ɡɛt θɹˈuː/
to succeed in passing or enduring a difficult experience or period
14.
[weather] the storm
[phrase]
/wˈɛðɚ ðə stˈoːɹm/
to manage to go through a difficulty without many consequences
15.
down feather
[n]
/dˌaʊn fˈɛðɚ/
a soft, fluffy feather found beneath the tougher exterior feathers of birds
16.
padding
[n]
/ˈpædɪŋ/
soft material that is added to provide comfort or protection
17.
trap
[v]
/træp/
to stop or hold something in place, preventing it from moving
18.
handle
[v]
/ˈhændəɫ/
to deal with a situation or problem successfully
19.
lightweight
[adj]
/ˈɫaɪtˈweɪt/
having little weight or mass, making it easy to carry or move
20.
fur-lined
[adj]
/fˈɜːlˈaɪnd/
lined on the inside with fur for warmth or comfort
21.
waterproof
[adj]
/ˈwɔtɝˌpɹuf/
not damaged by the water or not letting water through
22.
worth {one's} weight in gold
[phrase]
/wˈɜːθ wˈʌnz wˈeɪt ɪn ɡˈoʊld/
extremely valuable or highly useful, especially because of skill, reliability, or importance
23.
hit
[v]
/hɪt/
to get to or reach a particular place
24.
stylish
[adj]
/ˈstaɪlɪʃ/
appealing in a way that is fashionable and elegant
25.
ice storm
[n]
/ˈaɪs stˈoːɹm/
a storm with freezing rain that leaves everything glazed with ice
26.
bitter
[adj]
/ˈbɪtɚ/
extremely cold, causing a sharp, painful sensation
27.
functional
[adj]
/ˈfʌŋkʃənəl/
made for practical use, not for looks
28.
[look] the part
[phrase]
/lˈʊk ðə pˈɑːɹt/
to appear suitable or convincing for a particular role, job, or situation based on one's appearance
29.
on the other (hand|)
[adv]
/ɑːnðɪ ˈʌðɚ hˈænd ɔːɹ/
used to introduce a contrasting aspect of a situation, especially when comparing it to a previous point
30.
mild
[adj]
/maɪld/
(of weather) pleasantly warm and less cold than expected
31.
[do] the trick
[phrase]
/dˈuː ðə tɹˈɪk/
to succeed in achieving the required result or solving the encountered problem
32.
adjustable
[adj]
/əˈdʒəstəbəɫ/
able to be changed or adapted to fit different needs, preferences, or circumstances
33.
cuff
[n]
/kʌf/
the part of a sleeve at the wrist that can be turned back
34.
[make] sure
[phrase]
/meɪk ʃʊr/
to take steps to confirm if something is correct, safe, or properly arranged
35.
the devil is in the [detail]
[sentence]
/ðə dˈɛvəl ɪz ɪnðə diːtˈeɪl/
used in a situation where details need to be closely inspected or paid attention to
36.
[make] (a|the) difference
[phrase]
/mˌeɪk ɐ ɔːɹ ðə dˈɪfɹəns/
to have a very strong and noticeable effect on someone or something
37.
essential
[adj]
/ɪˈsɛnʃəl/
very necessary for a particular purpose or situation
38.
depend on
[v]
/dɪpˈɛnd ˈɑːn/
to be determined or affected by something else
39.
degree Celsius
[n]
/dɪɡɹˈiː sˈɛlsɪəs/
a temperature scale where 0°C represents the freezing point and 100°C represents the boiling point of water at standard atmospheric pressure
40.
insulation
[n]
/ˌɪnsəˈɫeɪʃən/
the materials that are used to cover something in order not to let heat, electricity, or sound to enter or escape through it
41.
expedition
[n]
/ˌɛkspəˈdɪʃən/
a journey carefully organized for a specific purpose, such as exploration or research
42.
better safe than sorry
[sentence]
/bˈɛɾɚ sˈeɪf ðɐn sˈɔːɹi/
used to suggest that it is preferable to take precautions and be cautious in order to avoid problems or regret later on
43.
reliable
[adj]
/rɪˈlaɪəbəl/
able to be trusted to perform consistently well and meet expectations
44.
influential
[adj]
/ˌɪnfɫuˈɛnʃəɫ/
able to have much impact on someone or something
45.
battlefield
[n]
/ˈbætəɫˌfiɫd/
an area where a battle is being or was fought
46.
crouch
[v]
/ˈkɹaʊtʃ/
to sit on one's calves and move the chest close to one's knees
47.
harsh
[adj]
/hɑrʃ/
having an unpleasant or rough nature, in a way that is difficult to endure
48.
surplus
[n]
/ˈsɝpɫəs/
a quantity much larger than is needed
49.
catch on
[v]
/kˈætʃ ˈɑːn/
(of a concept, trend, or idea) to become popular
50.
over time
[adv]
/ˌoʊvɚ tˈaɪm/
as time passes or progresses
1
Chapter
Parka
Read a passage about a warm, insulated jacket with a hood, designed for cold weather, offering protection and comfort during winter activities.
What is a Parka?
1.1
When winter arrives, people need to wrap up warm to stay cozy. One of the best jackets for cold weather is the parka. This jacket is known for being long, thick, and having a large hood to keep out the cold. It is a popular choice for staying warm and dry in freezing weather. Let us take a look at where the parka came from, why it is so popular, and some fun facts about this special winter jacket.
The History of the Parka
1.2
The parka has a long history, starting with the Inuit people who live in places like Alaska, Canada, and Greenland. The Inuit needed strong, warm clothing to survive the extreme cold. They made their parkas from animal skins, usually caribou or seal. These parkas were perfect for keeping the cold wind and snow out. The word "parka" itself comes from their language and means "animal skin."
1.3
Today, parkas are made from lighter materials like synthetic fibers, but the basic idea is the same: to keep the wearer warm. These modern parkas protect people from the freezing temperatures, whether they are going on a winter adventure or just getting through their day. If you are wearing a good parka, you can weather the storm and stay comfortable, no matter how cold it gets outside.
Why Parkas Are Popular Today
1.4
There are many reasons why parkas remain popular. One of the biggest reasons is how warm they are. Most parkas are filled with down feathers or synthetic padding, both of which trap heat and keep people cozy. Down feathers are very warm and lightweight, but synthetic padding can handle wet conditions better. Many parkas also have fur-lined hoods that keep the cold wind away from your face.
1.5
Parkas are also very practical. They usually come with deep pockets to keep your hands warm or to carry small things. Some parkas are waterproof, which is helpful when it snows or rains. Because of these features, many people think a parka is worth its weight in gold when winter hits, as it provides both comfort and protection against the cold.
Parkas in Fashion and Pop Culture
1.6
Parkas are not only useful; they are also fashionable. Many designers include parkas in their winter collections, making them stylish as well as practical. You can see parkas in movies and books, too. For example, in the movie "The Day After Tomorrow," the characters wear parkas to stay warm during a huge ice storm. In the novel "To Build a Fire" by "Jack London," parkas help protect characters from the bitter cold as they face nature's challenges.
1.7
Celebrities are often seen wearing parkas in cold weather, which helps make them even more popular. Famous brands like "Canada Goose" and "The North Face" are known for making high-quality parkas, which are both functional and fashionable. For many people, wearing a nice parka is not just about staying warm—it is also a way to look the part during the colder months.
How to Choose the Right Parka
1.8
When choosing a parka, it is important to think about how cold it gets where you live. If your winters are very cold, you will need a thicker, warmer parka. On the other hand, if your winters are mild, a lighter parka might do the trick. It is also important to consider the material. Parkas filled with down feathers are very warm, but they may not work well in wet conditions. Synthetic fillings are less warm but perform better in rain or snow.
1.9
The length of the parka is another thing to consider. A longer parka provides extra warmth and covers more of your body, keeping out the cold. Some parkas also have extra features, like adjustable hoods and cuffs, which help make sure the coat fits just right. The devil is in the details, and with parkas, small features can make a big difference in how comfortable and warm you feel.
Parkas for Extreme Weather
1.10
Parkas are not only great for everyday winter wear, but they are also essential for surviving in some of the coldest places on Earth. Scientists and explorers who travel to places like Antarctica depend on parkas to keep warm in temperatures that can drop as low as -60 degrees Celsius. These parkas are designed with extra insulation and special materials to protect against the freezing wind.
1.11
One famous explorer, "Ernest Shackleton," wore a parka during his Antarctic expeditions. His team depended on these warm jackets to stay safe in the extreme cold. Better safe than sorry, and having a reliable parka in freezing conditions can make all the difference.
Fun Fact: The Parka That Fought a War
1.12
Did you know that one of the most influential designs of the modern parka was born on the battlefield? Back in the 1950s during the Korean War, the U.S. Army created the M-51 fishtail parka to keep soldiers warm in freezing conditions. It had a long back shaped like a fishtail, which helped protect them from cold wind and snow, especially when crouching or moving around. The coat was tough, lined for warmth, and built to handle harsh weather. After the war, these parkas were sold as military surplus and quickly caught on with everyday people. Over time, the M-51 became a style favorite too—especially among young people in the '60s—and helped shape the parka we know today.
1. Parka
Coats and Heavy wear
100%
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QuizSkip the quiz
1.
What is the main purpose of a parka?
A
To protect from rain only
B
To stay warm in cold weather
C
To carry heavy tools
D
To improve running speed
2.
What material did the Inuit originally use to make parkas?
A
Cotton
B
Wool
C
Plastic
D
Animal skins
3.
Sort the following events in the correct historical order:
inuit people make parkas from animal skins
modern parkas use synthetic materials
parkas appear in fashion collections
u.s. army designs the m-51 parka
4.
What is one reason someone might choose synthetic padding over down feathers?
A
It handles wet conditions better
B
It is more expensive
C
It smells better
D
It is lighter in weight
5.
Fill in the blank with the correct words from the text (Only one word is allowed in each blank).
Parkas are known for being long, thick, and having a large
.
The word "parka" comes from a language meaning
skin.
Modern parkas are often filled with down feathers or
padding.
Some parkas come with deep
to carry things or keep hands warm.
A
parka provides extra warmth and covers more of your body.
Parkas used in Antarctica are built with extra
to block freezing wind.
6.
Sort the following uses of parkas in the order they developed over time.
seen in movies and novels
worn for survival in freezing weather
used by soldiers in war
worn as everyday winter fashion
7.
Match each part of the parka to what it helps the wearer do:
Hood
Deep pockets
Down feathers
Synthetic padding
Longer length
Covers more of the body
Blocks cold wind from the face
Performs better when wet
Keeps hands warm or holds items
Very warm and lightweight
8.
Which of the following are materials or fillings used in parkas, according to the passage? (Choose all the correct answers)
Down feathers
Synthetic padding
Wool
Leather
Nylon
Animal skins
Cotton
9.
Match the material to its characteristic:
Animal skin
Synthetic fibers
Down feathers
Waterproof fabric
Lined interior
Used by the Inuit for survival
Soft, light, and very warm
Adds warmth in extreme weather
Lightweight and water-resistant
Useful during snow or rain
10.
Which of the following statements are true according to the passage? (Choose all the correct options)
Some parkas are waterproof
Parkas are often used in fashion collections
Parkas were first made in the 1900s
Longer parkas provide more body coverage
Parkas are only useful in urban areas
The M-52 parka was created for military use
Parkas are used in extremely cold places like Antarctica
