Trekking in Australia

Australia offers many exciting opportunities for adventure: rainforests, mountains, deserts, oceans and much more. Here we will introduce a few of these places for brave explorers – like you perhaps? //

Great Ocean Walk, Victoria

This amazing hike begins at Apollo Bay and from there it continues for 104 kilometers along the coast. On the trail you can admire the Twelve Apostles, a group of limestone stacks, or spot shipwrecks or even whales sometimes! When you walk through the gum and eucalyptus forests you might also come across koalas and wallabies, but remember to look out for those snakes as well. //

2. Overland Track, Tasmania

This track in Tasmania covers 65 kilometers over six days. If you are on a tight budget, you can trek independently but you must book with the Parks & Wildlife Service. Another option is to take part in a commercial guided-walk. The track goes through the Cradle Mountain - Lake St. Clair National Park. Here you can enjoy the amazing views of Cradle Mountain from Marion’s Lookout, see Ferguson Falls or climb Mount Ossa, the highest peak in Tasmania. //

3. Manly to the Spit Bridge

How about something quite original – an urban hike? One of our favorite trails is the 10-kilometre-track from Manly to the Spit Bridge, which only takes three hours. To get there you need to catch a ferry from Circular Quay and alight at Manly Wharf. With the help of our map, head towards Forty Baskets Beach and from there you will go through a peaceful reserve that offers some great views. Along the way you can stop at one of the lovely, quiet beaches and eventually you’ll come back to civilization and see Spit Bridge. //

Answer the questions according to the text.

1. What do you need to have to go trekking in Australia?

A. Courage
B. Money
C . Intelligence

2. What can you see along the Great Ocean Walk?

A. religious event
B . Piles of rocks
C. Whaling ships

3. What option is available at the Overland Track?

A . You can get a free guide book from the national park.
B . You can get information about the walk from a video.
C . You can pay to get some help.

4. What is special about the last hike?

A . It is so short.
B . It is partly in the city.
C . It goes through Aborigine areas.

Total: 4 x 2 p. = ____ / 8 p

2. KIRJOITELMA

Write a composition of between 150 and 250 words on ONE of the following topics.

1. Today’s youth

This message is a letter to the editor from a local newspaper. Write your response to this letter and comment on the things that are said about today’s youth. What is your opinion?

"Today on the bus I noticed that none of the kids on the bus were talking to each other. They were all glued to their smartphone screens. I'm worried about this generation. It seems that their phones will soon replace all other activities. Do they read books, play sports, create things with their hands? Or is that all old-fashioned?"

- A worried citizen

2. Invitation to Finland

Your school is taking part in an international project that focuses on protecting the environment. The next project meeting will be held at your school. Write an invitation letter to the other schools. In your letter you can introduce your hometown and school and tell about some of the nature-related activities you will do during the three-day meeting.

3. Working together

Being able to work well in a group is an important skill. Write about an experience involving group work that was somehow memorable (for example being in a sports team, preparing a surprise party, getting ready for a team competition, etc.). What was your task as a group? What was your role in the group? What did you learn from this experience?

4. A funny thing happened

A magazine that focuses on pets is organizing a writing competition. Take part in the competition with a true story about your pet. Follow the directions in the ad.

"We here at the Zoo love pets! We know how great they can be, and we know that you all have had some wonderful moments with your pet. Now we'd like to collect some of your funniest moments and publish them in an article. So, write a story about something hilarious that happened to you and your pet. Don't spare the details! And make us laugh, or at least giggle."