There is a legendary monster that people say lives in the deep loch

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Scientists to use DNA to find Loch Ness Monster

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There is a legendary monster that people say lives in the deep Loch Ness lake in the north of Scotland. It is called the Loch Ness Monster, or «Nessie» for short. It looks kind of like a dinosaur, with a small head on a long neck and humps on its back. People first spotted Nessie in 1933. Since then, there have been many sightings and a few photographs. Now, scientists from New Zealand will use a special technique to see if there really is a Loch Ness Monster. A research team, led by Professor Neil Gemmell of the University of Otago, will use a technique called eDNA sampling to try and find some of Nessie’s DNA. Professor Gemmell says this will show if the monster really exists or not.

Sightings of the Loch Ness Monster are often in the newspapers. Loch Ness is in the Scottish Highlands. The word «loch» is the Scots word for «lake». Many scientists have tried to find the monster before. They have even sent sonar equipment to the bottom of the loch, which is 230 metres deep. All of the photographs that people have taken of Nessie over the years are blurred. Some people say they are just car tyres floating in the water. Gemmell says he will test water from the loch. He said there should be DNA from the monster’s skin, urine and other things. He will check all DNA found and make sure it is not from other marine animals. If he finds DNA not known to scientists, that could belong to Nessie.

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There is a legendary monster that people say lives in the deep Loch Ness lake in the north of Scotland. It is called the Loch Ness Monster, or «Nessie» for short. It looks kind of like a dinosaur, with a small head on a long neck and humps on its back. People first spotted Nessie in 1933. Since then, there have been many sightings and a few photographs. Now, scientists from New Zealand will use a special technique to see if there really is a Loch Ness Monster. A research team, led by Professor Neil Gemmell of the University of Otago, will use a technique called eDNA sampling to try and find some of Nessie’s DNA. Professor Gemmell says this will show if the monster really exists or not.

Sightings of the Loch Ness Monster are often in the newspapers. Loch Ness is in the Scottish Highlands. The word «loch» is the Scots word for «lake». Many scientists have tried to find the monster before. They have even sent sonar equipment to the bottom of the loch, which is 230 metres deep. All of the photographs that people have taken of Nessie over the years are blurred. Some people say they are just car tyres floating in the water. Gemmell says he will test water from the loch. He said there should be DNA from the monster’s skin, urine and other things. He will check all DNA found and make sure it is not from other marine animals. If he finds DNA not known to scientists, that could belong to Nessie.

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Breaking News English Lesson: Loch Ness Monster

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Scientists to use DNA to find Loch Ness Monster (26th May, 2018)

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There is a legendary monster that people say lives in the deep Loch Ness lake in the north of Scotland. It is called the Loch Ness Monster, or «Nessie» for short. It looks kind of like a dinosaur, with a small head on a long neck and humps on its back. People first spotted Nessie in 1933. Since then, there have been many sightings and a few photographs. Now, scientists from New Zealand will use a special technique to see if there really is a Loch Ness Monster. A research team, led by Professor Neil Gemmell of the University of Otago, will use a technique called eDNA sampling to try and find some of Nessie’s DNA. Professor Gemmell says this will show if the monster really exists or not.

Sightings of the Loch Ness Monster are often in the newspapers. Loch Ness is in the Scottish Highlands. The word «loch» is the Scots word for «lake». Many scientists have tried to find the monster before. They have even sent sonar equipment to the bottom of the loch, which is 230 metres deep. All of the photographs that people have taken of Nessie over the years are blurred. Some people say they are just car tyres floating in the water. Gemmell says he will test water from the loch. He said there should be DNA from the monster’s skin, urine and other things. He will check all DNA found and make sure it is not from other marine animals. If he finds DNA not known to scientists, that could belong to Nessie.

Try the same news story at these easier levels:

News

«Much has been said and written on the utility of newspapers; but one principal advantage which might be derived from these publications has been neglected; we mean that of reading them in schools.»

The Portland Eastern Herald (June 8, 1795)

«News is history in its first and best form, its vivid and fascinating form, and. history is the pale and tranquil reflection of it.»

Mark Twain, in his autobiography (1906)

«Current events provide authentic learning experiences for students at all grade levels. In studying current events, students are required to use a range of cognitive, affective, critical thinking and research skills.»

Haas, M. and Laughlin, M. (2000) Teaching Current Events: It’s Status in Social Studies Today.

Buy my 1,000 Ideas and Activities for Language Teachers eBook. It has hundreds of ideas, activity templates, reproducible activities, and more.

$US 9.99

Warm-ups

1. THE LOCH NESS MONSTER: Students walk around the class and talk to other students about the Loch Ness Monster. Change partners often and share your findings.
2. CHAT: In pairs / groups, talk about these topics or words from the article. What will the article say about them? What can you say about these words and your life?
В В В В В В legendary / monster / dinosaur / humps / sightings / research / sampling / team /
В В В В В В newspapers / scientists / equipment / photographs / water / DNA / skin / animals
Have a chat about the topics you liked. Change topics and partners frequently.
3. EXIST: Students A strongly believe there are monsters on Earth; Students B strongly believe there aren’t.В Change partners again and talk about your conversations.
4. MONSTERS: What do you know and what do you want to know about these legendary monsters? Complete this table with your partner(s). Change partners often and share what you wrote.

What I Know

What I Want to Know

Loch Ness Monster

MY e-BOOK

See a sample

5. WATER: Spend one minute writing down all of the different words you associate with the word «water». Share your words with your partner(s) and talk about them. Together, put the words into different categories.
6. MONSTER ABILITIES: Rank these with your partner. Put the best at the top. Change partners often and share your rankings.

Vocabulary

Paragraph 1

Paragraph 2

Before reading / listening

1. TRUE / FALSE: Read the headline. Guess if 1-8 below are true (T) or false (F).

2. SYNONYM MATCH: Match the following synonyms from the article.

3. PHRASE MATCH: (Sometimes more than one choice is possible.)

Gap fill

There is a (1) ____________ monster that people say lives in the deep Loch Ness lake in the north of Scotland. It is called the Loch Ness Monster, or «Nessie» for (2) ____________. It looks kind of like a dinosaur, with a small head on a long neck and (3) ____________ on its back. People first spotted Nessie in 1933. Since then, there have been many (4) ____________ and a few photographs. Now, scientists from New Zealand will use a special (5) ____________ to see if there really is a Loch Ness Monster. A (6) ____________ team, led by Professor Neil Gemmell of the University of Otago, will use a technique called eDNA (7) ____________ to try and find some of Nessie’s DNA. Professor Gemmell says this will show if the monster really (8) ____________ or not.

Put these words into the spaces in the paragraph below.

Sightings of the Loch Ness Monster are often in the (9) ____________. Loch Ness is in the Scottish Highlands. The word «loch» is the Scots word for «lake». Many scientists have tried to find the monster before. They have even sent (10) ____________ equipment to the bottom of the loch, which is 230 metres (11) ____________. All of the photographs that people have taken of Nessie over the (12) ____________ are blurred. Some people say they are just car tyres (13) ____________ in the water. Gemmell says he will test water from the loch. He said there should be DNA from the monster’s (14) ____________, urine and other things. He will (15) ____________ all DNA found and make sure it is not from other marine animals. If he finds DNA not known to scientists, that could (16) ____________ to Nessie.

Listening — Guess the answers. Listen to check.

1)В It is called the Loch Ness Monster, or ______
В В В В a.В «Nessie» for shorts
В В В В b.В «Nessie» four short
В В В В c.В «Nessie» far short
В В В В d.В «Nessie» for short
2)В It looks kind of like a dinosaur, with a small head on a long neck and ______ back
В В В В a.В hump on its
В В В В b.В humps in its
В В В В c.В humps on its
В В В В d.В humps onyx
3)В Since then, there have been many sightings ______ photographs
В В В В a.В and a few
В В В В b.В and the few
В В В В c.В and are few
В В В В d.В and a phew
4) Professor Neil Gemmell of the University of Otago will use a ______ eDNA
В В В В a.В technical called
В В В В b.В techniques called
В В В В c.В tech nick called
В В В В d.В technique called
5)В Professor Gemmell says this will show if the monster really ______
В В В В a.В exits or not
В В В В b.В ex-its or not
В В В В c.В exhibits or not
В В В В d.В exists or not

6)В Many scientists have tried to find the ______
В В В В a.В monster afore
В В В В b.В monster beef four
В В В В c.В monster beyond
В В В В d.В monster before
7)В All of the photographs that people have taken of Nessie over the years ______
В В В В a.В are blurted
В В В В b.В are bloated
В В В В c.В are blurred
В В В В d.В are below
8)В Some people say they are just car tyres floating ______
В В В В a.В in a water
В В В В b.В in then water
В В В В c.В in that water
В В В В d.В in the water
9)В He said there should be DNA from the monster’s skin, urine ______
В В В В a.В and other thing
В В В В b.В and other things
В В В В c.В and another things
В В В В d.В and the other thing
10)В If he finds DNA not known to scientists, that ______ Nessie
В В В В a.В could belonging to
В В В В b.В could belong to
В В В В c.В could belongs to
В В В В d.В could belonged to

Listening — Listen and fill in the gaps

There is a legendary monster that (1) ___________________ in the deep Loch Ness lake in the north of Scotland. It is called the Loch Ness Monster, or «Nessie» for short. It (2) ___________________ like a dinosaur, with a small head on a long neck (3) ___________________ its back. People first spotted Nessie in 1933. Since then, there have been many sightings and a few photographs. Now, scientists from New Zealand will use a special (4) ___________________ if there really is a Loch Ness Monster. A research team, led by Professor Neil Gemmell of the University of Otago, will use a technique called eDNA (5) ___________________ and find some of Nessie’s DNA. Professor Gemmell says this will show if the monster (6) ___________________ not.

Sightings of the Loch Ness Monster (7) ___________________ the newspapers. Loch Ness is in the Scottish Highlands. The word «loch» is the Scots word for «lake». Many scientists have tried to find the monster before. They have (8) ___________________ equipment to the bottom of the loch, which is 230 metres deep. All of the photographs that people have taken of Nessie over the (9) ___________________. Some people say they are just car tyres floating in the water. Gemmell says he (10) ___________________ from the loch. He said there should (11) ___________________ the monster’s skin, urine and other things. He will check all DNA found and make sure it is not from other marine animals. If he finds DNA (12) ___________________ scientists, that could belong to Nessie.

Comprehension questions

Multiple choice quiz

1) In which country is Loch Ness?
a) Scotland
b) England
c) USA
d) Netherlands
2) What is the nickname of the Loch Ness Monster?
a) LN
b) Nestor
c) Nessie
d) Lochie
3) When was the first sighting of the Loch Ness Monster?
a) 1390
b) 1933
c) 1939
d) 1399
4) Which country are the scientists from who will look for the monster?
a) Portugal
b) Belize
c) England
d) New Zealand
5) В What is the name of the technique the scientists will use?
a) eDNA sampling
b) i-DNA sampling
c) eDAN sampling
d) iNDA sampling

6) Where are sightings of the Loch Ness Monster usually reported?
a) the World Monster Society
b) NASA
c) to the police
d) in the newspapers
7) What does the word «loch» mean in English?
a) dark
b) lake
c) deep
d) love
8) How deep is Loch Ness?
a) 3,200m
b) 203m
c) 2,300m
d) 230m
9) What is the quality of photographs of the Loch Ness Monster?
a) a little scratched
b) good
c) blurred
d) top quality
10) What part of the monster’s body do scientists hope to get DNA from?
a) its tail
b) its skin
c) its heart
d) its bones

Role play

Role A – Breathe Fire
You think breathing fire is the most useful monster skill. Tell the others three reasons why. Tell them what is wrong with their skills. Also, tell the others which is the least useful of these (and why): being invisible, casting spells or hypnotism.

Role B – Be Invisible
You think being invisible is the most useful monster skill. Tell the others three reasons why. Tell them what is wrong with their skills. Also, tell the others which is the least useful of these (and why): breathing fire, casting spells or hypnotism.

Role C – Cast Spells
You think casting spells is the most useful monster skill. Tell the others three reasons why. Tell them what is wrong with their skills. Also, tell the others which is the least useful of these (and why): being invisible, breathing fire or hypnotism.

Role D – Hypnotism
You think hypnotism is the most useful monster skill. Tell the others three reasons why. Tell them what is wrong with their skills. Also, tell the others which is the least useful of these (and why):В being invisible, casting spells or breathing fire.

After reading / listening

1. WORD SEARCH: Look in your dictionary / computer to find collocates, other meanings, information, synonyms … for the words.

• Share your findings with your partners.

• Make questions using the words you found.

• Ask your partner / group your questions.

2. ARTICLE QUESTIONS: Look back at the article and write down some questions you would like to ask the class about the text.

•Share your questions with other classmates / groups. •Ask your partner / group your questions.

3. GAP FILL: In pairs / groups, compare your answers to this exercise. Check your answers. Talk about the words from the activity. Were they new, interesting, worth learning…?

4. VOCABULARY: Circle any words you do not understand. In groups, pool unknown words and use dictionaries to find their meanings.

5. TEST EACH OTHER: Look at the words below. With your partner, try to recall how they were used in the text:

Student survey

Write five GOOD questions about this topic in the table. Do this in pairs. Each student must write the questions on his / her own paper. When you have finished, interview other students. Write down their answers.

(Please look at page 12 of the PDF to see a photocopiable example of this activity.)

STUDENT A’s QUESTIONS (Do not show these to student B)

STUDENT B’s QUESTIONS (Do not show these to student A)

Discussion — Write your own questions

STUDENT A’s QUESTIONS (Do not show these to student B)

STUDENT B’s QUESTIONS (Do not show these to student A)

Language — Cloze (Gap-fill)

There is a (1) ____ monster that people say lives in the deep Loch Ness lake in the north of Scotland. It is called the Loch Ness Monster, or «Nessie» for (2) ____. It looks kind of like a dinosaur, with a small head on a long neck and humps on its back. People first spotted Nessie in 1933. Since (3) ____, there have been many sightings and a (4) ____ photographs. Now, scientists from New Zealand will use a special technique to see if there (5) ____ is a Loch Ness Monster. A research team, led by Professor Neil Gemmell of the University of Otago, will use a technique called eDNA sampling to try and find some of Nessie’s DNA. Professor Gemmell will say this will (6) ____ if the monster really exists or not.

Sightings of the Loch Ness Monster are often (7) ____ the newspapers. Loch Ness is in the Scottish Highlands. The word «loch» is the Scots word for «lake». Many scientists have tried to find the monster (8) ____. They have even sent sonar equipment to the bottom of the loch, (9) ____ is 230 metres deep. All of the photographs that people have taken of Nessie over the years are blurred. Some people say they are just car tyres (10) ____ in the water. Gemmell says he will test water from the loch. He said there should (11) ____ DNA from the monster’s skin, urine and other things. He will check all DNA found and make sure it is not from other marine animals. If he finds DNA not (12) ____ to scientists, that could belong to Nessie.

Which of these words go in the above text?

Spelling

Paragraph 1

Paragraph 2

Put the text back together

(. )В Sightings of the Loch Ness Monster are often in the newspapers. Loch Ness is in the Scottish Highlands. The word «loch»
(В 1В ) There is a legendary monster that people say lives in the deep Loch Ness lake in the north
(. )В of Scotland. It is called the Loch Ness Monster, or «Nessie» for short. It looks kind of like
(. )В tyres floating in the water. Gemmell says he will test water from the loch. He said there should be DNA
(. )В sure it is not from other marine animals. If he finds DNA not known to scientists, that could belong to Nessie.
(. )В equipment to the bottom of the loch, which is 230 metres deep. All of the photographs that
(. )В from the monster’s skin, urine and other things. He will check all DNA found and make
(. )В is the Scots word for «lake». Many scientists have tried to find the monster before. They have even sent sonar
(. )В led by Professor Neil Gemmell of the University of Otago, will use a technique called eDNA sampling to
(. )В try and find some of Nessie’s DNA. Professor Gemmell says this will show if the monster really exists or not.
(. )В a dinosaur, with a small head on a long neck and humps on its back. People first spotted Nessie
(. )В people have taken of Nessie over the years are blurred. Some people say they are just car
(. )В in 1933. Since then, there have been many sightings and a few photographs. Now, scientists from
(. )В New Zealand will use a special technique to see if there really is a Loch Ness Monster. A research team,

Put the words in the right order

Circle the correct word (20 pairs)

There is a legendary / legend monster that people say lives in the deep Loch Ness lake in the northern / north of Scotland. It is called the Loch Ness Monster, or «Nessie» for small / short. It looks kind of like a dinosaur, with a small head on / in a long neck and humps on its back. People first spotted / spotty Nessie in 1933. Since then, there have been many sightseeing / sightings and a few / phew photographs. Now, scientists from New Zealand will use a special technique / technical to see if there really is a Loch Ness Monster. A research team, led by Professor Neil Gemmell of the University of Otago, will use a technique called eDNA sampling / simple to try and find some of Nessie’s DNA. Professor Gemmell says this will show if the monster really exits / exists or not.

Sightings of the Loch Ness Monster are often on / in the newspapers. Loch Ness is in the Scottish Highlands. The word «loch» is the Scots word for «lake». Many scientists be / have tried to find the monster before. They have even sent lunar / sonar equipment to the bottom / beneath of the loch, which is 230 metres deep. All of the photographs what / that people have taken of Nessie over the years are blurred / blushed. Some people say / talk they are just car tyres floating in the water. Gemmell says he will test water from the loch. He said there should be DNA from the monster’s skinny / skin, urine and other things. He will check all DNA found and make sure it is not from another / other marine animals. If he finds DNA not known to scientists, that could belongings / belong to Nessie.

Talk about the connection between each pair of words in italics, and why the correct word is correct.

Insert the vowels (a, e, i, o, u)

Punctuate the text and add capitals

there is a legendary monster that people say lives in the deep loch ness lake in the north of scotland it is called the loch ness monster or nessie for short it looks kind of like a dinosaur with a small head on a long neck and humps on its back people first spotted nessie in 1933 since then there have been many sightings and a few photographs now scientists from new zealand will use a special technique to see if there really is a loch ness monster a research team led by professor neil gemmell of the university of otago will use a technique called edna sampling to try and find some of nessies dna professor Gemmell says this will show if the monster really exists or not

sightings of the loch ness monster are often in the newspapers loch ness is in the scottish highlands the word loch is the scots word for lake many scientists have tried to find the monster before they have even sent sonar equipment to the bottom of the loch which is 230 metres deep all of the photographs that people have taken of nessie over the years are blurred some people say they are just car tyres floating in the water gemmell says he will test water from the loch he said there should be dna from the monsters skin urine and other things he will check all dna found and make sure it is not from other marine animals if he finds dna not known to scientists that could belong to nessie

Put a slash (/) where the spaces are

ThereisalegendarymonsterthatpeoplesaylivesinthedeepLochNessla
keinthenorthofScotland.ItiscalledtheLochNessMonster,or»Nessie»f
orshort.Itlookskindoflikeadinosaur,withasmallheadonalongneckan
dhumpsonitsback.PeoplefirstspottedNessiein1933.Sincethen,there
havebeenmanysightingsandafewphotographs.Now,scientistsfromN
ewZealandwilluseaspecialtechniquetoseeiftherereallyisaLochNessM
onster.Aresearchteam,ledbyProfessorNeilGemmelloftheUniversityo
fOtago,willuseatechniquecalledeDNAsamplingtotryandfindsomeofN
essie’sDNA.ProfessorGemmellsaysthiswillshowifthemonsterreallye
xistsornot.SightingsoftheLochNessMonsterareofteninthenewspape
rs.LochNessisintheScottishHighlands.Theword»loch»istheScotswor
dfor»lake».Manyscientistshavetriedtofindthemonsterbefore.Theyha
veevensentsonarequipmenttothebottomoftheloch,whichis230metr
esdeep.AllofthephotographsthatpeoplehavetakenofNessieoverthey
earsareblurred.Somepeoplesaytheyarejustcartyresfloatinginthewa
ter.Gemmellsayshewilltestwaterfromtheloch.Hesaidthereshouldbe
DNAfromthemonster’sskin,urineandotherthings.HewillcheckallDNA
foundandmakesureitisnotfromothermarineanimals.IfhefindsDNAno
tknowntoscientists,thatcouldbelongtoNessie.

Free writing

Write about Loch Ness Monster for 10 minutes. Comment on your partner’s paper.

Breaking News English Lesson: Loch Ness Monster

Home | Help This Site

Scientists to use DNA to find Loch Ness Monster (26th May, 2018)

PRINT

LISTEN

GRAMMAR

SPELL

WORDS

There is a legendary monster that people say lives in the deep Loch Ness lake in the north of Scotland. It is called the Loch Ness Monster, or «Nessie» for short. It looks kind of like a dinosaur, with a small head on a long neck and humps on its back. People first spotted Nessie in 1933. Since then, there have been many sightings and a few photographs. Now, scientists from New Zealand will use a special technique to see if there really is a Loch Ness Monster. A research team, led by Professor Neil Gemmell of the University of Otago, will use a technique called eDNA sampling to try and find some of Nessie’s DNA. Professor Gemmell says this will show if the monster really exists or not.

Sightings of the Loch Ness Monster are often in the newspapers. Loch Ness is in the Scottish Highlands. The word «loch» is the Scots word for «lake». Many scientists have tried to find the monster before. They have even sent sonar equipment to the bottom of the loch, which is 230 metres deep. All of the photographs that people have taken of Nessie over the years are blurred. Some people say they are just car tyres floating in the water. Gemmell says he will test water from the loch. He said there should be DNA from the monster’s skin, urine and other things. He will check all DNA found and make sure it is not from other marine animals. If he finds DNA not known to scientists, that could belong to Nessie.

Try the same news story at these easier levels:

News

«Much has been said and written on the utility of newspapers; but one principal advantage which might be derived from these publications has been neglected; we mean that of reading them in schools.»

The Portland Eastern Herald (June 8, 1795)

«News is history in its first and best form, its vivid and fascinating form, and. history is the pale and tranquil reflection of it.»

Mark Twain, in his autobiography (1906)

«Current events provide authentic learning experiences for students at all grade levels. In studying current events, students are required to use a range of cognitive, affective, critical thinking and research skills.»

Haas, M. and Laughlin, M. (2000) Teaching Current Events: It’s Status in Social Studies Today.

Buy my 1,000 Ideas and Activities for Language Teachers eBook. It has hundreds of ideas, activity templates, reproducible activities, and more.

$US 9.99

Warm-ups

1. THE LOCH NESS MONSTER: Students walk around the class and talk to other students about the Loch Ness Monster. Change partners often and share your findings.
2. CHAT: In pairs / groups, talk about these topics or words from the article. What will the article say about them? What can you say about these words and your life?
В В В В В В legendary / monster / dinosaur / humps / sightings / research / sampling / team /
В В В В В В newspapers / scientists / equipment / photographs / water / DNA / skin / animals
Have a chat about the topics you liked. Change topics and partners frequently.
3. EXIST: Students A strongly believe there are monsters on Earth; Students B strongly believe there aren’t.В Change partners again and talk about your conversations.
4. MONSTERS: What do you know and what do you want to know about these legendary monsters? Complete this table with your partner(s). Change partners often and share what you wrote.

What I Know

What I Want to Know

Loch Ness Monster

MY e-BOOK

See a sample

5. WATER: Spend one minute writing down all of the different words you associate with the word «water». Share your words with your partner(s) and talk about them. Together, put the words into different categories.
6. MONSTER ABILITIES: Rank these with your partner. Put the best at the top. Change partners often and share your rankings.

Vocabulary

Paragraph 1

Paragraph 2

Before reading / listening

1. TRUE / FALSE: Read the headline. Guess if 1-8 below are true (T) or false (F).

2. SYNONYM MATCH: Match the following synonyms from the article.

3. PHRASE MATCH: (Sometimes more than one choice is possible.)

Gap fill

There is a (1) ____________ monster that people say lives in the deep Loch Ness lake in the north of Scotland. It is called the Loch Ness Monster, or «Nessie» for (2) ____________. It looks kind of like a dinosaur, with a small head on a long neck and (3) ____________ on its back. People first spotted Nessie in 1933. Since then, there have been many (4) ____________ and a few photographs. Now, scientists from New Zealand will use a special (5) ____________ to see if there really is a Loch Ness Monster. A (6) ____________ team, led by Professor Neil Gemmell of the University of Otago, will use a technique called eDNA (7) ____________ to try and find some of Nessie’s DNA. Professor Gemmell says this will show if the monster really (8) ____________ or not.

Put these words into the spaces in the paragraph below.

Sightings of the Loch Ness Monster are often in the (9) ____________. Loch Ness is in the Scottish Highlands. The word «loch» is the Scots word for «lake». Many scientists have tried to find the monster before. They have even sent (10) ____________ equipment to the bottom of the loch, which is 230 metres (11) ____________. All of the photographs that people have taken of Nessie over the (12) ____________ are blurred. Some people say they are just car tyres (13) ____________ in the water. Gemmell says he will test water from the loch. He said there should be DNA from the monster’s (14) ____________, urine and other things. He will (15) ____________ all DNA found and make sure it is not from other marine animals. If he finds DNA not known to scientists, that could (16) ____________ to Nessie.

Listening — Guess the answers. Listen to check.

1)В It is called the Loch Ness Monster, or ______
В В В В a.В «Nessie» for shorts
В В В В b.В «Nessie» four short
В В В В c.В «Nessie» far short
В В В В d.В «Nessie» for short
2)В It looks kind of like a dinosaur, with a small head on a long neck and ______ back
В В В В a.В hump on its
В В В В b.В humps in its
В В В В c.В humps on its
В В В В d.В humps onyx
3)В Since then, there have been many sightings ______ photographs
В В В В a.В and a few
В В В В b.В and the few
В В В В c.В and are few
В В В В d.В and a phew
4) Professor Neil Gemmell of the University of Otago will use a ______ eDNA
В В В В a.В technical called
В В В В b.В techniques called
В В В В c.В tech nick called
В В В В d.В technique called
5)В Professor Gemmell says this will show if the monster really ______
В В В В a.В exits or not
В В В В b.В ex-its or not
В В В В c.В exhibits or not
В В В В d.В exists or not

6)В Many scientists have tried to find the ______
В В В В a.В monster afore
В В В В b.В monster beef four
В В В В c.В monster beyond
В В В В d.В monster before
7)В All of the photographs that people have taken of Nessie over the years ______
В В В В a.В are blurted
В В В В b.В are bloated
В В В В c.В are blurred
В В В В d.В are below
8)В Some people say they are just car tyres floating ______
В В В В a.В in a water
В В В В b.В in then water
В В В В c.В in that water
В В В В d.В in the water
9)В He said there should be DNA from the monster’s skin, urine ______
В В В В a.В and other thing
В В В В b.В and other things
В В В В c.В and another things
В В В В d.В and the other thing
10)В If he finds DNA not known to scientists, that ______ Nessie
В В В В a.В could belonging to
В В В В b.В could belong to
В В В В c.В could belongs to
В В В В d.В could belonged to

Listening — Listen and fill in the gaps

There is a legendary monster that (1) ___________________ in the deep Loch Ness lake in the north of Scotland. It is called the Loch Ness Monster, or «Nessie» for short. It (2) ___________________ like a dinosaur, with a small head on a long neck (3) ___________________ its back. People first spotted Nessie in 1933. Since then, there have been many sightings and a few photographs. Now, scientists from New Zealand will use a special (4) ___________________ if there really is a Loch Ness Monster. A research team, led by Professor Neil Gemmell of the University of Otago, will use a technique called eDNA (5) ___________________ and find some of Nessie’s DNA. Professor Gemmell says this will show if the monster (6) ___________________ not.

Sightings of the Loch Ness Monster (7) ___________________ the newspapers. Loch Ness is in the Scottish Highlands. The word «loch» is the Scots word for «lake». Many scientists have tried to find the monster before. They have (8) ___________________ equipment to the bottom of the loch, which is 230 metres deep. All of the photographs that people have taken of Nessie over the (9) ___________________. Some people say they are just car tyres floating in the water. Gemmell says he (10) ___________________ from the loch. He said there should (11) ___________________ the monster’s skin, urine and other things. He will check all DNA found and make sure it is not from other marine animals. If he finds DNA (12) ___________________ scientists, that could belong to Nessie.

Comprehension questions

Multiple choice quiz

1) In which country is Loch Ness?
a) Scotland
b) England
c) USA
d) Netherlands
2) What is the nickname of the Loch Ness Monster?
a) LN
b) Nestor
c) Nessie
d) Lochie
3) When was the first sighting of the Loch Ness Monster?
a) 1390
b) 1933
c) 1939
d) 1399
4) Which country are the scientists from who will look for the monster?
a) Portugal
b) Belize
c) England
d) New Zealand
5) В What is the name of the technique the scientists will use?
a) eDNA sampling
b) i-DNA sampling
c) eDAN sampling
d) iNDA sampling

6) Where are sightings of the Loch Ness Monster usually reported?
a) the World Monster Society
b) NASA
c) to the police
d) in the newspapers
7) What does the word «loch» mean in English?
a) dark
b) lake
c) deep
d) love
8) How deep is Loch Ness?
a) 3,200m
b) 203m
c) 2,300m
d) 230m
9) What is the quality of photographs of the Loch Ness Monster?
a) a little scratched
b) good
c) blurred
d) top quality
10) What part of the monster’s body do scientists hope to get DNA from?
a) its tail
b) its skin
c) its heart
d) its bones

Role play

Role A – Breathe Fire
You think breathing fire is the most useful monster skill. Tell the others three reasons why. Tell them what is wrong with their skills. Also, tell the others which is the least useful of these (and why): being invisible, casting spells or hypnotism.

Role B – Be Invisible
You think being invisible is the most useful monster skill. Tell the others three reasons why. Tell them what is wrong with their skills. Also, tell the others which is the least useful of these (and why): breathing fire, casting spells or hypnotism.

Role C – Cast Spells
You think casting spells is the most useful monster skill. Tell the others three reasons why. Tell them what is wrong with their skills. Also, tell the others which is the least useful of these (and why): being invisible, breathing fire or hypnotism.

Role D – Hypnotism
You think hypnotism is the most useful monster skill. Tell the others three reasons why. Tell them what is wrong with their skills. Also, tell the others which is the least useful of these (and why):В being invisible, casting spells or breathing fire.

After reading / listening

1. WORD SEARCH: Look in your dictionary / computer to find collocates, other meanings, information, synonyms … for the words.

• Share your findings with your partners.

• Make questions using the words you found.

• Ask your partner / group your questions.

2. ARTICLE QUESTIONS: Look back at the article and write down some questions you would like to ask the class about the text.

•Share your questions with other classmates / groups. •Ask your partner / group your questions.

3. GAP FILL: In pairs / groups, compare your answers to this exercise. Check your answers. Talk about the words from the activity. Were they new, interesting, worth learning…?

4. VOCABULARY: Circle any words you do not understand. In groups, pool unknown words and use dictionaries to find their meanings.

5. TEST EACH OTHER: Look at the words below. With your partner, try to recall how they were used in the text:

Student survey

Write five GOOD questions about this topic in the table. Do this in pairs. Each student must write the questions on his / her own paper. When you have finished, interview other students. Write down their answers.

(Please look at page 12 of the PDF to see a photocopiable example of this activity.)

STUDENT A’s QUESTIONS (Do not show these to student B)

STUDENT B’s QUESTIONS (Do not show these to student A)

Discussion — Write your own questions

STUDENT A’s QUESTIONS (Do not show these to student B)

STUDENT B’s QUESTIONS (Do not show these to student A)

Language — Cloze (Gap-fill)

There is a (1) ____ monster that people say lives in the deep Loch Ness lake in the north of Scotland. It is called the Loch Ness Monster, or «Nessie» for (2) ____. It looks kind of like a dinosaur, with a small head on a long neck and humps on its back. People first spotted Nessie in 1933. Since (3) ____, there have been many sightings and a (4) ____ photographs. Now, scientists from New Zealand will use a special technique to see if there (5) ____ is a Loch Ness Monster. A research team, led by Professor Neil Gemmell of the University of Otago, will use a technique called eDNA sampling to try and find some of Nessie’s DNA. Professor Gemmell will say this will (6) ____ if the monster really exists or not.

Sightings of the Loch Ness Monster are often (7) ____ the newspapers. Loch Ness is in the Scottish Highlands. The word «loch» is the Scots word for «lake». Many scientists have tried to find the monster (8) ____. They have even sent sonar equipment to the bottom of the loch, (9) ____ is 230 metres deep. All of the photographs that people have taken of Nessie over the years are blurred. Some people say they are just car tyres (10) ____ in the water. Gemmell says he will test water from the loch. He said there should (11) ____ DNA from the monster’s skin, urine and other things. He will check all DNA found and make sure it is not from other marine animals. If he finds DNA not (12) ____ to scientists, that could belong to Nessie.

Which of these words go in the above text?

Spelling

Paragraph 1

Paragraph 2

Put the text back together

(. )В Sightings of the Loch Ness Monster are often in the newspapers. Loch Ness is in the Scottish Highlands. The word «loch»
(В 1В ) There is a legendary monster that people say lives in the deep Loch Ness lake in the north
(. )В of Scotland. It is called the Loch Ness Monster, or «Nessie» for short. It looks kind of like
(. )В tyres floating in the water. Gemmell says he will test water from the loch. He said there should be DNA
(. )В sure it is not from other marine animals. If he finds DNA not known to scientists, that could belong to Nessie.
(. )В equipment to the bottom of the loch, which is 230 metres deep. All of the photographs that
(. )В from the monster’s skin, urine and other things. He will check all DNA found and make
(. )В is the Scots word for «lake». Many scientists have tried to find the monster before. They have even sent sonar
(. )В led by Professor Neil Gemmell of the University of Otago, will use a technique called eDNA sampling to
(. )В try and find some of Nessie’s DNA. Professor Gemmell says this will show if the monster really exists or not.
(. )В a dinosaur, with a small head on a long neck and humps on its back. People first spotted Nessie
(. )В people have taken of Nessie over the years are blurred. Some people say they are just car
(. )В in 1933. Since then, there have been many sightings and a few photographs. Now, scientists from
(. )В New Zealand will use a special technique to see if there really is a Loch Ness Monster. A research team,

Put the words in the right order

Circle the correct word (20 pairs)

There is a legendary / legend monster that people say lives in the deep Loch Ness lake in the northern / north of Scotland. It is called the Loch Ness Monster, or «Nessie» for small / short. It looks kind of like a dinosaur, with a small head on / in a long neck and humps on its back. People first spotted / spotty Nessie in 1933. Since then, there have been many sightseeing / sightings and a few / phew photographs. Now, scientists from New Zealand will use a special technique / technical to see if there really is a Loch Ness Monster. A research team, led by Professor Neil Gemmell of the University of Otago, will use a technique called eDNA sampling / simple to try and find some of Nessie’s DNA. Professor Gemmell says this will show if the monster really exits / exists or not.

Sightings of the Loch Ness Monster are often on / in the newspapers. Loch Ness is in the Scottish Highlands. The word «loch» is the Scots word for «lake». Many scientists be / have tried to find the monster before. They have even sent lunar / sonar equipment to the bottom / beneath of the loch, which is 230 metres deep. All of the photographs what / that people have taken of Nessie over the years are blurred / blushed. Some people say / talk they are just car tyres floating in the water. Gemmell says he will test water from the loch. He said there should be DNA from the monster’s skinny / skin, urine and other things. He will check all DNA found and make sure it is not from another / other marine animals. If he finds DNA not known to scientists, that could belongings / belong to Nessie.

Talk about the connection between each pair of words in italics, and why the correct word is correct.

Insert the vowels (a, e, i, o, u)

Punctuate the text and add capitals

there is a legendary monster that people say lives in the deep loch ness lake in the north of scotland it is called the loch ness monster or nessie for short it looks kind of like a dinosaur with a small head on a long neck and humps on its back people first spotted nessie in 1933 since then there have been many sightings and a few photographs now scientists from new zealand will use a special technique to see if there really is a loch ness monster a research team led by professor neil gemmell of the university of otago will use a technique called edna sampling to try and find some of nessies dna professor Gemmell says this will show if the monster really exists or not

sightings of the loch ness monster are often in the newspapers loch ness is in the scottish highlands the word loch is the scots word for lake many scientists have tried to find the monster before they have even sent sonar equipment to the bottom of the loch which is 230 metres deep all of the photographs that people have taken of nessie over the years are blurred some people say they are just car tyres floating in the water gemmell says he will test water from the loch he said there should be dna from the monsters skin urine and other things he will check all dna found and make sure it is not from other marine animals if he finds dna not known to scientists that could belong to nessie

Put a slash (/) where the spaces are

ThereisalegendarymonsterthatpeoplesaylivesinthedeepLochNessla
keinthenorthofScotland.ItiscalledtheLochNessMonster,or»Nessie»f
orshort.Itlookskindoflikeadinosaur,withasmallheadonalongneckan
dhumpsonitsback.PeoplefirstspottedNessiein1933.Sincethen,there
havebeenmanysightingsandafewphotographs.Now,scientistsfromN
ewZealandwilluseaspecialtechniquetoseeiftherereallyisaLochNessM
onster.Aresearchteam,ledbyProfessorNeilGemmelloftheUniversityo
fOtago,willuseatechniquecalledeDNAsamplingtotryandfindsomeofN
essie’sDNA.ProfessorGemmellsaysthiswillshowifthemonsterreallye
xistsornot.SightingsoftheLochNessMonsterareofteninthenewspape
rs.LochNessisintheScottishHighlands.Theword»loch»istheScotswor
dfor»lake».Manyscientistshavetriedtofindthemonsterbefore.Theyha
veevensentsonarequipmenttothebottomoftheloch,whichis230metr
esdeep.AllofthephotographsthatpeoplehavetakenofNessieoverthey
earsareblurred.Somepeoplesaytheyarejustcartyresfloatinginthewa
ter.Gemmellsayshewilltestwaterfromtheloch.Hesaidthereshouldbe
DNAfromthemonster’sskin,urineandotherthings.HewillcheckallDNA
foundandmakesureitisnotfromothermarineanimals.IfhefindsDNAno
tknowntoscientists,thatcouldbelongtoNessie.

Free writing

Write about Loch Ness Monster for 10 minutes. Comment on your partner’s paper.

There is a legendary monster that people say lives in the deep loch

There is a legendary monster that people say lives in the deep Loch Ness lake in the north of Scotland. It is called the Loch Ness Monster, or «Nessie» for short. It looks kind of like a dinosaur, with a small head on a long neck and humps on its back. People first spotted Nessie in 1933. Since then, there have been many sightings and a few photographs. Now, scientists from New Zealand will use a special technique to see if there really is a Loch Ness Monster. A research team, led by Professor Neil Gemmell of the University of Otago, will use a technique called eDNA sampling to try and find some of Nessie’s DNA. Professor Gemmell says this will show if the monster really exists or not.

Sightings of the Loch Ness Monster are often in the newspapers. Loch Ness is in the Scottish Highlands. The word «loch» is the Scots word for «lake». Many scientists have tried to find the monster before. They have even sent sonar equipment to the bottom of the loch, which is 230 metres deep. All of the photographs that people have taken of Nessie over the years are blurred. Some people say they are just car tyres floating in the water. Gemmell says he will test water from the loch. He said there should be DNA from the monster’s skin, urine and other things. He will check all DNA found and make sure it is not from other marine animals. If he finds DNA not known to scientists, that could belong to Nessie.