1
a. How does the title relate to the pictures?
b. In what context do you expect to find the
following words in the texts?
Blarney Castle
tourist attraction
in ruins
battlements
well-kept grounds
interesting historical site
Dunnottar Castle
cliffs
exciting past
the Scottish Crown
Jewels
the strongest fortresses
lodgings
stables
storehouses
popular with birdwatchers
Text A
payment (
l
. 9)
endure (
l
. 13)
merit (
l
. 24)
Text B
situated (
l
. 3)
deserted (
l
. 11)
modern (
l
. 15)
2
a. Think of three questions you would like to ask
about each castle. Read the texts and see if you
can answer them.
b. Read the texts again and answer the questions.
Write
A
(for Blarney Castle) or
B
(for Dunnottar
Castle).
Which of the castles ...
1
was used to hide sth precious?
2
has a special stone?
3
is associated with a famous film star?
4
has something that nobody really understands?
5
stands on a cliff?
c. Explain the words in bold. Which words are
similar to words in your language? Where could
you read such pieces of writing?
d. Find the synonyms.
Eight kilometres north of the city of Cork you will
find Blarney Castle, home of the famous Blarney
Stone. This stone is traditionally believed to give
whoever kisses it the gift of
eloquent
speech.
Built
in
1446 by Dermot McCarthy, King of Munster,
Blarney Castle has a
rich history
. It is believed that a
past king of Munster sent 4,000 men to help Robert
the Bruce win the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314. His
reward was said to be half of the Stone of Scone,
which was
renamed
the Blarney Stone.
Blarney Castle today is a very popular tourist
attraction although most of it is in ruins. Many
features
remain, though, like the tower and the
narrow
spiral
staircases. Visitors who wish to kiss
the stone must climb up a very narrow
winding
staircase to the top of the battlements, then lie on
their back and lean slightly over the edge of the
tower to reach the stone. Visitors can also enjoy a
walk through the beautiful,
well-kept grounds
,
where they will find the Rock Close. This is a
mysterious place with ancient stones and trees that
were used by the
druids
.
Blarney Castle is a very interesting historical site
and definitely well worth a visit. It is one place you
must not miss if you get the chance to go to Southern
Ireland.
5
10
15
20
25
Reading
A
16
