The lake district

On the north-west side of the Pennine system, marked off from it by the upper valleys of the rivers Eden and Lune 1) …… the Lake District, containing the beautiful lakes which give it its name. It is variously termed the Lake Country, Lakeland and The Lakes.

Much of the land is high and thinly peopled. These high parts are used as rough 2)…… for sheep. Most of the farmland is on the low ground and as conditions are too wet for 3) …… it is chiefly under grass. There are few mineral resources and ores proved too poor or too limited to be worth mining.

The lakes which 4) …… many of its ice-deepened valleys show a wonderful variety of character. The 5) ….. lakes are Windermere, Coniston water, Derwent water and Ullswater. There are numerous swift and 6) …. streams and small water-falls and though the altitude is not great (Scafell Pike which is the 7) …… peak is only 3,210 ft), the individual masses tower over the surrounding areas. The whole region is well known for its great natural 8) …… .

9.21. Put the following features of a holiday in the order of their importance to go:

● beautiful countryside ● good food ● plenty to read

● peace and quiet ● swimming ● sport facilities

● sunshine ● old buildings ● sandy beaches

● mountains ● good nightlife

9.22. Work in pairs (groups) and discuss the following answers to the questions:

Which are the most beautiful (attractive) regions in our country?

Where are they?

What are the landscapes like?

Do they have any special features?

■ Here are some useful words and expressions for describing:

To the north / south… On each side…

Half-way between… 70 kms from…

The road leads to… All around…

The river (stream) winds (flows) past… In the background (distance)…

At the top (bottom) of the hill… My holiday paradise is…

It’s surrounded by fields… My favourite holiday pastime is…

As far as you can see…

UNIT 10 ECOTOURISM

10.1. Read the information below and answer the questions after.

In recent years, more and more people have become aware of the negative effects of tourism and the ecological and social damage it may cause. There has been a call for a new orientation in tourist policies. Those who have espoused the idea of eco-tourism believe that policies for tourism should not be based on economic and technological considerations alone but should also take into account environmental conservation and the needs of local host populations.

Recently, a British politician was asked to give her views on the development of tourism. She was quoted in a national newspaper as saying: “Over recent decades, tourism has undoubtedly benefited both the holiday maker and the host country. The economic benefits are obvious. But it is now time to take stock. Tourism affects local communities and also wildlife in ways that are unpredictable and not always positive. We must ask ourselves whether tourism on the scale we have it now is a blessing or а curse.”

● 1. Is become aware a synonym or an opposite to realize?

2. How do you understand the following phrases: to espouse an idea / to take into account?

3. Does conservation mean protection?

4. Does the speaker think that tourism has been a good thing over the last few decades?

5. What does she mean when she says ‘it is now time to take stock’?

a) It is time to stop tourism.

b) It is time to consider the situation and what to do next.

6. Who has benefited from tourism, according to the speaker?

7. Who has probably benefited economically?

8. Who or what else is affected by tourism? How? Underline one adjective and one phrase which the speaker uses to describe these effects.

9. What question does the speaker say we must ask ourselves? What does she mean by ‘on the scale we have it now’?

10. Is a blessing a good thing or a bad thing? What about a curse?

10.2. In order to discuss the benefits and drawbacks of tourism let’s read the article from a British newspaper.