Task 2. READING Time: 15 minutes
Read the texts and match each text (A-G) with its heading (1-8). You can use
each heading only once. There is one extra heading.
1. A range of activities
2. Spectacular wildlife
3. A dangerous beauty
4. A positive atmosphere
5. Nature`s cure
6. A disappointing journey
7. A mistaken belief
8. Getting around
Kuznetsk Alatay Reserve
A. I loved visiting the reserve. It has so much to offer with its beautiful scenery,
amazing wildlife and exciting activities, but one of the things that stood out about my
time there was the service I received. The people were so friendly and made my stay
very relaxing. I especially enjoyed the Russian baths after a day of trekking through
the mountains. They really cured all my aches and pains.
B. The reserve is a rich source of natural beauty and an excellent place to go if you
are a nature lover. You can see all kind of trees, flowers and grasses on the mountains
ВСЕРОССИЙСКАЯ ОЛИМПИАДА ШКОЛЬНИКОВ ПО АНГЛИЙСКОМУ ЯЗЫКУ
2020–2021 уч. г. ШКОЛЬНЫЙ ЭТАП. 7–8 КЛАССЫ
2
and in the valleys as you travel around the area. There is also a wide range of different
animals that live in this eco-system from bears and elks to foxes and squirrels.
C. Most think of Siberia as an eternally cold place but the temperature in the
reserve can reach as high as 38°С in summer. Of course, it`s cooler up in the
mountains where the atmosphere is thinner, but I think cold is better when you`re
hiking. The freezing weather that people associate with the area only happens in
winter. Then it gets really cold!
D. One of the main threats to the wildlife in the reserve is air pollution. In early 20th
century, factories were built in Novokuznetsk on the banks of the Tom which caused
acid rain. Every year, harmful chemicals in the atmosphere rain down putting the
mountain eco-system in danger. Luckily, the swamps high up in the mountains act as
natural filter of the rain water before it reaches the rivers.
E. For anyone who enjoys adventure holidays, the reserve has everything you could
wish for. From hiking in the mountains or fishing in the rivers to skiing on one of the
permanent snowfields, there is so much to choose from. And you won`t be
disappointed by what the area has to offer in terms of accommodation where you
prefer a comfortable log cabin or a tent surrounded by nature.
F. You could be forgiven for thinking that the reserve would be difficult to get to
but we found that access was easy. You can journey to that beautiful pocket of nature
by train and movement around the reserve was easy by boat and jeep. But that`s not
the only thing you come here for. While in the reserve, the best transportation is your
own feet. The only way to appreciate the beauty of the place is to walk through it.
G. You have to be careful when visiting the reserve. It is a beautiful place to
journey to in order to admire the mystery of nature but one small mistake can be
disastrous. Anyone who believes otherwise need only look at the history of the place.
A number of people have come to harm over the years. Even the most experienced
visitors can get into trouble as the weather can change in an instant.
A B C D E F G