Download this free C1–C2 English worksheet PDF for advanced English learners and teachers. This lesson is based on unusually warm rivers disrupting nuclear power production in France during a heatwave.
Students practise advanced reading comprehension, high-level vocabulary, phrase matching and speaking skills through a real-world topic about nuclear power, river temperatures, electricity infrastructure, drought, climate pressure and environmental restrictions. The worksheet is suitable for advanced conversation lessons, online English classes, private tutoring, IELTS-style speaking practice and critical thinking work.
The article explains that above-average temperatures and below-average rainfall have caused river levels to drop and water temperatures to rise. Students read that several French power stations rely on river water to cool their reactors, but environmental restrictions limit how much hot water they can discharge back into already warm rivers.
This worksheet encourages advanced learners to discuss the hidden weaknesses in modern infrastructure. Students consider whether environmental river protections should be relaxed during electricity shortages, whether nuclear power can still be called reliable if heatwaves force output cuts, and how governments should balance household comfort, energy demand and river health.
The article also explores the wider planning problem created by a warming climate. Students read about production cuts, a temporary shutdown at Golfech, higher demand for fans and air conditioning, and the knock-on effect when heat, drought and electricity demand build up together. The lesson asks what energy planning should take into account in hotter summers.
The PDF includes a C1–C2 reading article, True / False questions, Phrase Match, Synonym Match, a task where students use new language, discussion questions and a full answer key. It helps learners discuss energy reliability, climate adaptation, water stress, ecosystem protection, infrastructure strain and the relationship between rivers and electricity supply.
Level: C1–C2
Date: 15 July 2026
Focus: advanced reading, vocabulary, energy, nuclear power, heatwaves, infrastructure and speaking
This free worksheet includes:
- a C1–C2 reading article about warm rivers and French nuclear power
- True / False comprehension questions
- Phrase Match practice with advanced expressions
- Synonym Match with high-level vocabulary
- a sentence-writing task using new language
- discussion questions for Student A and Student B
- full answer key
The worksheet includes useful advanced phrases such as put pressure on, cool down, scale back, shut down, knock-on effect, under strain, keep the lights on, run into, take into account and build up. It also practises vocabulary such as prolonged, rely, environmental, discharge, restrictions, demand, infrastructure, vulnerable, scorching and forecasts.
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