DISCUSS
• Do you like spending time in nature? Why? / Why not?
• What do you think are the most important environmental issues our planet is facing today?
• Read the expressions in bold that include the word ‘nature’. Can you guess what they mean?
Yes, I really enjoy spending time in nature because it helps me relax, breathe fresh air, and take a break from school and digital screens.
The most pressing environmental problems today are global warming, deforestation, air and water pollution, and the loss of biodiversity.
Meanings of the expressions in bold:
- going back to nature: living a simpler life close to the natural world and away from modern cities.
- comes as second nature: becomes so familiar or automatic that you do it easily without thinking.
- human nature: the normal feelings, behaviors, and characteristics that all people share.
- isn’t in his nature: not typical of someone’s character or personality.
- good-natured person: a kind, friendly, and pleasant person who does not get angry easily.
- forces of nature: powerful natural phenomena, such as storms or bad weather, which cannot be controlled.
- answer the call of nature: go to the toilet.
GO THROUGH THE MODULE AND FIND
• a radio programme about a country in South America
• an email expressing an opinion
• a description of a place in China
• three environmentally-friendly products
• three texts about interesting animal characteristics
- a radio programme about a country in South America: on page 65 (a programme about Peru).
- an email expressing an opinion: on page 73.
- a description of a place in China: on page 67 (an article about the Wolong National Nature Reserve).
- three environmentally-friendly products: on page 70.
- three texts about interesting animal characteristics: on pages 62–63 (Big Love, Clever Crows, and Dolphin to the Rescue).
READING
A. Discuss.
• Are there any animals that you would consider intelligent? Why?
• What characteristics make humans different from animals?
Animals such as dolphins, elephants, crows, and dogs are very intelligent because they can solve complex problems, communicate with each other, use tools, and show empathy.
Humans are primarily distinguished from animals by their advanced abstract reasoning, complex grammatical language, and the ability to create sophisticated culture, science, and technology.
B. Look at the title and the pictures. What do you think the text is about? Read and find out.
The text is about the extraordinary intelligence, emotions, and abilities of different animals, showing how elephants can form strong cross-species friendships, how crows create and use tools cleverly, and how dolphins can communicate and rescue other species.
C. Read the text again and write E for Elephant, C for Crow or D for Dolphin.
- uses its knowledge to help other species? D
- doesn’t care about species when building a relationship? E
- sometimes plays tricks on other members of the same species? C
- is intelligent despite the size of its brain? C
- has been known to succeed where people can’t? D
- has developed the ability to plan for future events? C
- shows an unusual level of loyalty? E
- uses humans to accomplish a task? C
D. Discuss.
• Do you know of any other amazing facts about animals?
Octopuses have three hearts and blue blood, and they are capable of solving complex puzzles and escaping from aquariums. Also, sea otters hold hands when they sleep so they do not drift apart in the water.
• Do you know of any other stories similar to these?
I read a story about a dog named Hachiko who waited for his owner at a train station every single day for nearly ten years after the owner passed away. Another example is a guide dog that safely led its blind owner down seventy flights of stairs during an emergency evacuation.
GRAMMAR
Complete the sentences with the correct form of the verbs in brackets.
- Roger was very happy to see his friends after the holidays.
- My brother’s angry at me. I promised to help him with a project, but in the end, I couldn’t make it, and I forgot to call home to say I’d be late.
- I don’t mind staying alone at home during the day, but I can’t stand being alone in the house at night.
- The authorities made all the people leave the scene of the accident.
VOCABULARY
A. Match the collective nouns to the animals they refer to.
| Collective Noun | Animals |
|---|---|
| a herd of | cows, deer, elephants |
| a flock of | birds, sheep, goats |
| a school of | fish, dolphins, whales |
| a pack of | dogs, wolves |
| a swarm of | bees, ants |
B. Read the sentences and match the phrasal verbs in bold with their meanings.
Phrasal verbs with ‘up’
- d (appear or arrive)
- a (stop trying)
- b (find yourself in a place or situation that you didn’t intend or expect to be in)
- f (invent sth, such as a story or an excuse)
- e (collect someone who is waiting for you, in your car)
- c (finish sth so there’s none left)
Phrasal verbs with ‘down’
- a (relax or make someone relax)
- b (stop working (for vehicles or machines))
- e (refuse an offer)
- c (become ill)
- d (reduce the size or amount of sth)
C. Read the note, look at the adjectives and write how they are formed, as in the example.
- cultural — culture (noun) + -al
- attractive — attract (verb) + -ive
- mountainous — mountain (noun) + -ous
- astonishing — astonish (verb) + -ing
- delightful — delight (noun) + -ful
- enjoyable — enjoy (verb) + -able
Now form adjectives to complete the sentences. Use the words in capitals.
-
The explorer’s remarkable journey followed the entire length of the Nile.
-
The café looked warm and inviting so we decided to go and have some coffee.
-
In the middle of the town there was an impressive building with a tall tower.
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In the spring, the park is full of colourful flowers.
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Mr and Mrs Davidson enjoyed a peaceful afternoon walking by the river.
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We wanted to stay at a luxurious hotel by the lake, but it was too expensive.
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After the earthquake, all the coastal areas were warned to prepare for a tsunami.
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This book contains valuable information about the city.
GRAMMAR
Complete the dialogues with how, what, so or such.
A: We spent all day on the boat looking for dolphins but never saw any. It was so annoying.
B: I saw one from the ship as we were travelling to the island.
A: How lucky you are! They’re such amazing creatures!
A: It’s such a nice day today. Why don’t we go for a walk in the forest?
B: What a great idea!
A: We had such a great time in Switzerland! Look at this picture.
B: How nice! The mountains look so beautiful!
LISTEN
A. Listen to the first part of a radio programme in which the presenter gives some information about a country in South America. Which country is the presenter talking about this week? Circle the correct name on the map.
The presenter is talking about Peru.
B. Listen to the rest of the radio programme and complete the sentences.
-
The Amazon Rainforest is to the east of the Andes.
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There are about 6,000 species of plants and animals that are found only in Peru.
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Machu Picchu is 2,340 metres above sea level.
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Machu Picchu was chosen as one of the New Wonders of the World in the year 2007.
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The Inca Trail is closed during February.
-
Ceviche consists of raw fish, lime or lemon juice, chilli peppers, salt, pepper and sometimes onion.
SPEAK
Talk in pairs. Imagine that your school is organising a day trip to a nearby area. Look at the ideas of places to visit or activities to do that are being considered. As members of the school committee, you have been asked to give your opinion. First, discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each. Then decide which three ideas would appeal most to your fellow students. Use the words/phrases in the boxes.
Student A: I believe going mountain biking through the forest would be an amazing choice because it is an active and energising sport. It offers a great escape from our daily routine, though some students might find it a bit dangerous or tiring if they are not used to cycling.
Student B: I agree with you. Mountain biking is really exciting. On the other hand, visiting a castle on a hill or exploring ancient ruins would provide students with an opportunity to enjoy spectacular views and have a valuable learning experience. However, some classmates might think that looking at historical sites is rather dull.
Student A: That is true. What do you think about exploring a cave or birdwatching? Cave exploration is definitely adventurous and thrilling, but it could be challenging for those who are afraid of dark, closed spaces. As for birdwatching, I don’t think many students would want to do it because teenagers usually find waiting quietly quite unappealing.
Student B: I completely agree. A walk in the countryside would give us fresh air and impressive scenery, but a bus tour of town might be less fun because we see the city every day. In contrast, visiting an animal sanctuary would allow everyone to come into contact with nature and see wonderful animals, which is both educational and entertaining.
Student A: Absolutely. So, which three activities should we finally choose for the school trip? I definitely think that mountain biking through the forest, visiting an animal sanctuary, and visiting a castle on a hill would appeal most to our fellow students.
Student B: I agree with this choice. These three options combine physical activity, interaction with animals, and impressive historic sightseeing with fantastic views, ensuring that everyone has an enjoyable time.
WRITING
A. The following announcement was posted in an online magazine. Read it and underline the key words.
The key words in the announcement are:
- nature reserve or place of natural beauty
- Describe the place
- say what attracts visitors to it
- refer to any other special features
B. Read the article one reader of Travel and Nature magazine wrote and answer the questions.
1. Which of the two titles below is the most suitable for it? Why?
Title a (Discover the Magic of Wolong) is the most suitable because it is catchy, interesting, and encourages the reader to read about the whole nature reserve and its unique atmosphere, whereas title b is too simple, generic, and focuses only on the animals.
2. What kind of information does the writer give in each paragraph?
- Paragraph 1: Introduces the place (Wolong National Nature Reserve in China) and mentions the writer’s personal visit.
- Paragraph 2: Describes what attracts visitors to the reserve (giant pandas living in panda houses and freely in their natural mountain habitat).
- Paragraph 3: Gives details about special features, the origin and legend behind the name “Wo Long”, and the scenery (valleys, rivers, waterfalls, and forest-covered mountains).
- Paragraph 4: Concludes the article by summarising the overall impression and inviting the reader to visit the place.
C. When we write an article, we want to attract and keep the reader’s interest. We can do that by: 1. having a title that catches the reader’s attention. 2. using descriptive language, e.g. colourful adjectives. 3. addressing the reader personally. 4. asking rhetorical questions. Find examples of these in the article and underline them.
- A title that catches the reader’s attention:
- Discover the Magic of Wolong
- Descriptive language (colourful adjectives):
- cute, cuddly (giant pandas)
- unforgettable (experience)
- endangered (species)
- natural (habitat)
- absolutely incredible (landscape)
- forest-covered (mountains)
- truly extraordinary (place)
- once-in-a-lifetime (experience)
- Addressing the reader personally:
- “Have you ever wondered…”
- “…pandas you see in animal sanctuaries…”
- “…if you are out hiking, you’re very likely to see them…”
- “If you are a nature lover, Wolong is sure to fascinate you.”
- “Why not plan a trip there and see for yourself?”
- Asking rhetorical questions:
- “Have you ever wondered where those cute, cuddly giant pandas you see in animal sanctuaries come from?”
- “Why not plan a trip there and see for yourself?”
D. Read the announcement in activity A again and write your article. Before you begin, read the tip and follow the plan in the Writing section.
Discover the Magic of Lake Synevyr!
Have you ever dreamed of visiting a place surrounded by crystal-clear waters and endless green forests? Last summer, I travelled to the Carpathian Mountains and visited the Synevyr National Nature Reserve. It was truly an unforgettable experience!
Lake Synevyr is the largest mountain lake in Ukraine, located high up in the dense pine forests. The area is home to diverse wildlife, including brown bears, wolves, and rare birds. Many visitors come here to walk around the tranquil lake, breathe in the fresh alpine air, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
According to a famous local legend, the lake was formed from the tears of a girl named Syn, who cried for her lost love, Vyr. In the centre of the deep blue water, there is a tiny island that looks like an eye, which is why locals call it the “Sea Eye”. The breathtaking views of the misty mountains reflecting on the water make it look like a fairytale.
If you are a fan of untouched nature and scenic landscapes, Lake Synevyr will take your breath away. Why not pack your bags and experience this magical place for yourself?