Text d Read the text. How do you interpret the words “scenic grandeur”? Give as many Russian equivalents as possible.

Isle of Mull

Mull is one of the largest islands in the Herbrides, almost 30 miles long and about 24 miles across at its widest point. However, due to numerous sea lochs and indentations, its coastline measures about 300 miles, and owing to the sparse population, it is quite unspoilt.

Approaching Mull on the steamer many tourists feel that they have entered a different world, where the rush and cares of modern life can be forgotten, and where a much more leisurely existence is the commonly accepted way of life.

Much of the scenic grandeur of Mull is dominated by Ben More, which rises to a height of 3,169 feet. Very attractive routes are covered by the coach tours in Mull, travelling beside its many sea lochs, through wonderful glens with numerous wa­terfalls and giving panoramic views of many of the islands in the Inner Herbrides.

1. Answer the questions:

   1. How large is Mull?

   2. How long is its coast line?

   3. What is Ben More? How tall is it?

   4. What are the most wonderful tourist attractions of Mull?

   5. Why does the island still remain unspoilt ?

2. Correct the following statements:

1. Mull is the smallest of the Herbrides.

2. The island is densely populated.

3. Life on the island is as active as anywhere in the big world.

4. It is possible to get to the island only by plane or helicopter.

5. Only hiking tours are organized on the island not to spoil its nature.

Text E

Read the text. Be ready to speak on the following points:

1. Why is the island of Iona known as “The Sacred Isle”?

2. Which of the numerous attractive features of the island are you fascinated by?

Isle of Iona

Iona is widely known as “The Sacred Isle”, mainly due to the fact that St. Columba landed there in 563 and was the first to bring Christianity to the islands and main­land of Scotland. No doubt for this reason Iona was described by the famous Dr. Johnson as 'the luminary of the Caledonian regions.'

Every year thousands of tourists travel to Iona to visit the restored Abbey, view the ruins of the Nunnery founded in 1203, and stand beside St. Oran's Chapel at the burial ground of many Scottish Kings and Clan Chieftains – all very wonderful, im­pressive and interesting.

But in the very brief hour which they may have ashore it is impossible for such tourists to appreciate that this small island, about 3.5 miles broad, is brimful of interest and natural beauty. Only by staying on the island is it possible to absorb its atmosphere of peace and tranquility, to visit the west side of the island with its magnificent sandy bays protected by high rocks, to listen to the song of hundreds of larks and revel in the profusion of wild flowers and beauti­fully coloured pebbles, to and enjoy the wonderful colouring of its scenery.

Part 2

Text A