Do the Preparation task first. Then watch the video. Next go to Task and do the activity. If you need help, you can read the Transcript at any time.
Preparation
Before you watch
Think about the following questions:
- Are there places in your country where you go to enjoy the scenery?
- Are these places usually in the city or in the countryside?
- What type of activities do you do in these locations?
Now, watch Stephen and Ashlie as they discover the delights of Scotland.
Transcript
Transcript
Ashlie: Come on then Stephen, get up - let’s get going.
Stephen: Right, give me a minute. This is heavy.
Ashlie: I hope you’ve remembered everything. You’ve got your walking boots, haven’t you?
Stephen: Er yes, I’m wearing them. They’re brand new and they’re already starting to rub.
Ashlie: We’ve come to Loch Ness in Scotland. We’re going on a walking tour of the Highlands. It is such a beautiful place to explore.
Stephen: Thousands of people come here every year and try and take a photo of Nessie, the Loch Ness Monster. Fingers crossed Ashlie, let’s hope we get lucky!
Ashlie: Oh, come on Stephen you know that’s only a story. We’re here for the walking. Come on then, let’s get going.
......
Ashlie: Fancy a break, Stephen? Shall we take a look around the Visitors’ Centre?
Stephen: Boring! I thought we were here to go walking.
Ashlie: It won’t take long. And, you never know, you might learn something.
......
Stephen: See Ash, I told you we’d find the Loch Ness Monster.
Ashlie: Ha ha - mmm… very first sighting seventh century… lives in the loch. Possibly related to some species of reptile…oh honestly.
Stephen: Wow, I bet it’s true, look at all these photos. I really think we should try and find it. Come on Ash, it’ll be fun.
Ashlie: Oh Stephen, it’s a waste of time. People made these photos. They’re not real.
Stephen: That’s ridiculous. Look at all these reports. It’s got to be true.
Ashlie: There isn’t really a monster living in the Loch. You’ll believe anything. If I saw a real photo of this monster, then I’d believe it.
Stephen: I bet if someone took a photo of the monster, they’d make loads of money. I really want to find the Monster, but first I need to find a shop that sells socks. My feet are killing me.
Ashlie: OK then. Let’s head into town and get you some socks.
......
Ashlie: Oh wait a minute, Stephen. This looks interesting. I want to go in and take a proper look.
Stephen: That’s just tourist stuff. I want to go and get those socks! I’ll call you when I’m done.
Ashlie: OK, I’ll see you later.
......
Ashlie: These are amazing. Excuse me, how many different tartans are there?
Shop Assistant: At the last count, there were over three thousand tartans with new ones being designed every day.
Ashlie: This one’s nice. What’s this one called?
Shop Assistant: That’s the Royal Stewart tartan belonging to the Stewart Clan. Every clan has its own tartan; the MacKenzies, the Frasers, the Gordons and many, many more.
Ashlie: What about my surname, Walker?
Shop Assistant: Walker, yes, it’s a very popular Scottish name. We’ve got it in mugs, ribbons and even a kilt.
Ashlie: No way - a Walker tartan kilt!
Shop Assistant: We’ve also got it in a book here where you can learn about your clan history.
Ashlie: Maybe I should get my brother a kilt. No, on second thoughts, he’d probably kill me! I’ll just take the book, thanks.
......
Ashlie: Hiya Stephen, I’m all done here. Did you manage to buy some new socks?
Stephen: Sort of. I’ll come back to the shop. I’ll see you in a second.
Ashlie: OK.
Shop Assistant: that’s two pounds fifty, please
Ashlie: Great – thank you. There’s five.
Shop Assistant: Thank you, and two pounds fifty change, thank you.
Ashlie: Thank you very much.
Ashlie: Stephen!
Stephen: What do you reckon?
Ashlie: It suits you!
The Loch Ness monster is a large marine creature believed by some people to inhabit Loch Ness, Scotland. However, much of the alleged evidence supporting its existence has been discredited, and it is widely thought that the monster is a myth. Reports of a monster inhabiting Loch Ness date back to ancient times.
Hmm.... sounds interesting to me, but I still believe that monster is real. :D
Hello Aye Chan Moe,
Yes, it is supposed to be the Loch Ness monster, but actually it's just a special effect that is supposed to be funny, since of course Stephen and Ashlie don't realise it's there.
Good job spotting it!
All the best,
Kirk
The LearnEnglish Team
Hi BigSam,
'take a look' means 'look'. 'proper' means correct or careful. 'sort of' means something like 'in some way' here -- it's not completely clear what Stephen means here.
All the best,
Kirk
The LearnEnglish Team