1 Reading
a Read the leaflet and underline the best heading for each section.
Orienteering is a sport where you follow a route with a map and compass and try to get between the points as quickly as possible.
1 Preparation / Getting into the sport / Advantages of orienteering
– Orienteering is usually organised in forests. Just do a website search to find a club near you.
2 Training / Dangers of forests / Running fast
– You need to be fit to run around forests. If you’re lucky, you might live near a forest, but most people will need to do some running in parks or on roads.
– Unless you are very fit already, start with fast walking and then build up to running.
3 What you need / Expenses / Shopping for orienteering
– You don’t need to spend a lot of money on equipment, but a good pair of shoes is essential.
– You’ll get a map at the course and you can borrow a compass as well.
4 Win! / Be careful! / On the day
– Set off slowly and save your energy.
– Don’t damage any plants or trees. You are only there for the day, but the forest is there forever.
– You won’t get lost provided you use your compass and go in a straight line.
– Enjoy yourself!
b Read the leaflet again. Are the sentences true or false?
1 It’s easy to find an orienteering club.
2 Everyone should do the same training.
3 You should buy some running shoes.
4 You won’t need to buy a map.
5 A fast start is important.
6 You should respect the environment you run through.
7 You only need a compass if you get lost.
8 The main thing is to have fun.
Answer
a 1 Getting into the sport 2 Training 3 What you need 4 On the day
b True: 1, 3, 4, 6, 8; False: 2, 5, 7
2 Writing Skills – Organising guidelines in a leaflet
Tick (✓) the best introduction to a leaflet about collecting mushrooms.
a For centuries, people have collected mushrooms all over the world. The purpose of this leaflet is to discuss the reasons why mushroom picking is popular and to provide some practical suggestions to those who want to follow this tradition.
b Collecting mushrooms might seem like a strange pastime, but it’s very popular in many countries, especially in Eastern Europe. You need to be careful about which mushrooms you pick, but this is a fun way of spending time.
c Why pick mushrooms? Many people think it is better to buy them from a supermarket, but there are advantages of getting them yourself provided that you don’t pick the wrong ones!
d One day I was at home when my friend phoned and suggested going out to the forest and picking some mushrooms. At first, I thought it was a crazy idea, but I went anyway and quite enjoyed it. Here is my advice for people who want to do the same.
Answer
c
3 Writing
Read the plan for the rest of the leaflet. Then complete the leaflet using these headings and notes.
Preparation
1 When? (Autumn, mornings)
2 Where? (forests, near trees)
3 Need warm clothes, good shoes/boots
4 Check weather
In the forest
5 Be careful in forest – animals, accidents
6 Only pick mushrooms you know (go with expert, use the Internet)
7 Don’t get lost!
8 Protect environment (litter)
At home
9 Eat or freeze mushrooms
10 Many recipes for mushrooms – soup, pies, etc.
Answer
Suggested answer
Preparation
1 The best time to go is in the autumn. You can find more mushrooms in the morning, when there are fewer people around.
2 Mushrooms grow everywhere, but forests are the best place to find them. They grow near trees, so look carefully there.
3 It can be cool in a forest, so wear some warm clothes. You’ll need strong shoes or boots.
4 Check the weather forecast before you go.
In the forest
5 Be careful. There may be dangerous animals, but the biggest risk is simple accidents like falling over.
6 You can’t eat every mushroom. Go with someone experienced and never pick mushrooms you don’t know. There are internet applications to check mushrooms.
7 Remember where you are going, use stones to mark your way if necessary. If you are lost, keep calm and plan how to get back.
8 Forests are beautiful places, so don’t drop any litter or damage anything.
At home
9 Mushrooms don’t last very long, so eat them at once or put them in the freezer.
10 There are many ways to cook mushrooms, for example in soups and pies. Enjoy your tasty meal and start planning your next trip to the forest!