Text 2 The giant trees pages 22-23
Illustration: Poster published by Tasmania’s environmental activists. Their campaign “Still Wild, Still
Threatened” aims to denounce the permanent threat to Tasmania’s ancient forests, particularly in the
Upper Florentine Valley.
A) Warming up
1) What is the aim of the poster? Who do you think issued it?
The aim of the poster is to denounce logging in Tasmania’s forests. The campaign “Still
Wild, Still Threatened” calls for a halt to industrial roading operations since they are a
threat to Tasmania’s giant trees. The poster must have been issued by environmentalist
activists or citizens concerned by the biodiversity of Tasmania’s wildlife.
B) Reading comprehension: Workbook correction pages 7-8
C) In your own words
Give an account of Clyde’s backpacking experience.
Clyde is a 23-year-old British anthropology graduate who was probably on a gap year in
Australia when he decided to visit Tasmania. As the climate is really hot in Australia, he was
attracted by the cool of the Tasmanian forests. Moreover, he wanted to see the famous giant
Eucalyptus Regnans, so he hitchhiked to the Upper Florentine Valley.
He was given a lift by TK, a Canadian biologist who told him about the protest action which
had been underway. TK was one of the activists struggling against a road building project
which could lead to the logging/ cutting down of giant trees.
So Clyde decided to settle in the conservation protest amp and share the activists’ communal
life. He joined the protesters and got involved in the protection of the Tasmanian forests. He
met all sorts of interesting people and delighted in contemplating the fantastic Tasmanian
landscapes.
D) Going further
2) What can you guess about Clyde’s personality?
Clyde must be an adventurous young man, always ready to go off the beaten track. He
seems to be curious, on the lookout for excitement or any thrilling experience. No doubt
he is an eco-friendly backpacker, prepared to be involved in environmental concerns. He
is willing to commit himself to the defence of environmental issues. he must be openminded as he socializes easily and seems ready to cross cultures.
3) Explain why ecologists protest against deforestation?
Ecologists protest because they want to protect Tasmania’s ancient forests. They ahev
launched the Still Wild, Still Threatened” campaign in order to raise people’s awareness.
They are determined to oppose the logging operations which are a threat to the Eucalyptus
Regnans. They claim that the giant trees are endangered. Their aim is to prevent the trees
from being cut down. The environmentalists are convinced that the logging of forests
destroys the habitat needed for the survival of species that depend on it. They are
determined to prevent soil erosion, to preserve Tasmania’s biodiversity and to struggle to
save the forest’s ecosystem.
4) Would you like to embark on a similar experience? (personal): enthusiasm, doubts likes
and dislikes
Expressing doubts, protests
- However, I'm not really sure that ……………..
-I am rather sceptical about ……………….
-In theory, it sounds ….. but in practice ………………
-I object to /disapprove of + noun or verb + -ING
-How can they ……? What right do they have to ……………..
Expressing enthusiasm
- It must be great, terrific ……………
- How interesting! fantastic!
- I'd just love to …………………..
-I was so impressed by ……………
-I can't wait to see that!
Expressing likes and dislikes
- I'm fond of / keen on noun or V+ -ING
- I fancy + noun /V -ING
- I enjoy V -ING
- I love + noun / V -ING
- I 'm mad/ crazy about + noun / V -ING
- I hate noun / V -ING
- I can't stand/ bear + noun / V -ING
- I can't put p with + noun / V -ING
-I don't go for it. (informal English)
Giving one's opinion
- To my mind/ In my opinion
- It seems to me that
- I feel/ I believe that ....
- I can't help thinking that....
- My feeling is that ................
-As a matter of fact, I am convinced that ...............
- For my part, I consider that .................
YOUR TASK: talk about your experience