And now, Words and Their Stories, from VOA Learning English.
Lightning is one of the most powerful forces in nature. Scientists describe lightning as a huge burst of electricity between clouds, the air, or the ground.
These bolts of electricity can heat the air around them to temperatures five times higher than the surface of the sun. And that is really hot!
When you watch lighting, you know it’s fast. That is why English speakers use the expression lightning speed to describe anything that is super-fast.
A runner can have lightning speed. An Italian restaurant can drop off a nice, warm pizza at your front door at lightning speed. And unconfirmed stories often spread online at lightning speed.
So, lightning is fast; it also can be dangerous. When a thunder and lightning storm starts, it is best to find shelter. Do not stand in an open field.
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Words in This Story
draw – v. to cause (attention) to be given to someone or something
reassure – v. to assure anew
underlying – adj. used to identify the idea, cause, problem, etc., that forms the basis of something
miracle – n. something (as an event or accomplishment) that is very outstanding, unusual, or wonderful
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