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👉SKILLS 1
Reading
1. Work in groups. Look at the picture and answer the questions.
1. What do you see in the picture?
2. What activities do you think visitors can do there?
2. Read the text and match the highlighted words with their meanings or explanations.
The Dolomites - Paradise at Your Feet
If you haven't decided on where to travel this holiday, consider the Dolomites!
The Dolomites are a mountain range in Italy. It was recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2009. The Dolomites are part of the Alps, stretching from the Adige River to the Piave River valley. This mountain range has a total area of about 141,900 hectares. It has 18 peaks over 3,000 metres high. It is easy to get access to most parts of the Dolomites.
The Dolomites are a majestic site. They are widely regarded as being among the most attractive mountain landscapes in the world. There are steep rocky cliffs, sharp peaks, narrow and deep valleys, and white snow on the mountain top. Their natural scenery attracts tourists from many parts of the world.
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The Dolomites are a popular place for winter skiing, mountain climbing, hiking, and cycling any time of the year. An annual bicycle race covering seven mountain passes on the Dolomites occurs in the first week of July.
So do not hesitate to book a tour to the Dolomites to see and do these things for yourself!
Dolomites /dɒlǝmaits/
| Words | Meaning/Explanation |
| 1. consider 2. peaks 3. majestic 4. occurs | a. impressive, magnificent b. happens c. to think about something carefully d. pointed tops, mountains |
3. Read the text again and choose the correct answer to each question.
1. According to the text, the Dolomites are a _____.
A. river B. work of art
C. mountain range D. valley
2. The word "hesitate" in the last sentence of the text is closest in meaning to
A. be unhappy B. be indecisive
C. hurry D. decide
3. Which of the following is NOT true, according to the text?
A. The Dolomites are in Italy.
B. You can get access to the Dolomites easily.
C. The Dolomites are a World Heritage Site.
D. You can cycle in the Dolomites only in July.
4. This text is probably taken from
A. a travel brochure
B. a science journal
C. a novel
D. an arts magazine
Speaking
4. Work in pairs. Ask and answer about the Great Barrier Reef, using the facts below. Then prepare a short talk about it.
• World Heritage Site (1981)
• Location: the Coral Sea, Australia
• Total area: about 334,400 km2
• Over 400 different types of corals
•Tourists' activities: coral watching, sailing, scuba diving
5. Work in groups. Introduce the Great Barrier Reef to the class.
