The Magic of Rainbows

This article is about an A2 level.

Rainbows are one of the most beautiful things in nature. They are colourful, bright, and make people smile when they appear in the sky. But how do rainbows form, and why do we see them?

A rainbow happens when sunlight passes through raindrops in the sky. The light bends and then spreads out into different colours. These colours are red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet. The colours always appear in the same order, which is why we see a perfect arc of colour in the sky.

Rainbows usually appear when the sun is shining, and it’s raining at the same time. The sun needs to be behind you, and the rain needs to be in front of you to see a rainbow. Sometimes, if you are lucky, you can see a double rainbow, which has two arcs of colour!

Rainbows have been special to people for a long time. In many cultures, they are a symbol of hope and happiness. In Irish folklore, it is said that there is a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, guarded by a leprechaun. This legend has made rainbows a symbol of good fortune in Ireland.

In other cultures, rainbows are seen as bridges between the earth and the heavens. For example, in Norse mythology, the rainbow bridge Bifröst connects the world of humans with the realm of the gods. In the Navajo culture, rainbows are seen as a sign of peace and harmony.

Rainbows are also popular in art, stories, and songs. People love to draw and paint rainbows because they are so colourful. Seeing a rainbow can make any day feel magical!

Vocabulary

Grammar Focus

Discussion Questions

  1. What is your favourite colour in a rainbow, and why?
  2. Have you ever seen a double rainbow? What was it like?
  3. What do you think about the idea that rainbows are a symbol of hope?
  4. Have you ever tried to draw or paint a rainbow? How did it turn out?
  5. Do you know any stories or songs about rainbows?
  6. Why do you think rainbows are used in art and culture so often?
  7. Have you ever seen something in nature that was so beautiful it made you stop and stare?
  8. What do you think the world would be like without colours?
  9. What are some symbols of hope in your culture?
  10. If you could live in a world where everything was one colour, which colour would you choose?
  11. How do you think ancient people explained rainbows before science?
  12. How does weather affect your mood, and why?

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