Before the lesson
Share your thoughts on remote places before the lesson begins. You'll answer the same questions again at the end to see what has changed.
Listening: Remote Places
Listen to five people (A–E) talking about remote places. Match each speaker to the statement that best describes what they say.
Discovering Remote Places — Listening
Listen to five speakers (A–E) and match each one to the correct statement. There are eight statements but only five are correct. You will hear the recording twice.
Reading: Journey to the World's Remote Corners
Read the passage about four remote locations, then the answers.
Journey to the World's Remote Corners — Reading
Read the passage carefully, then answer all questions in two parts.
Journey to the World's Remote Corners
Imagine a place where few people have ever walked, where the landscape looks almost untouched by time, and where nature rules with extraordinary beauty. These are the world's most remote and exotic places. One such location is Tristan da Cunha, a volcanic island in the South Atlantic Ocean. With a population of just over 250, it is considered the most isolated inhabited island on Earth. The people there live simple lives, relying mainly on farming and fishing.
Another example is Socotra Island, located off the coast of Yemen. Often called "the most alien-looking place on Earth," Socotra is home to hundreds of species that are found nowhere else. The Dragon Blood Tree, with its umbrella-shaped branches, is one of its most iconic sights. Due to its unique biodiversity, Socotra has been recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
In the frozen northeast of Siberia lies Oymyakon, known as the coldest permanently inhabited place on Earth. Temperatures can drop below -50°C, yet people have adapted to these extreme conditions, developing unique traditions and ways of life. Similarly, Easter Island in the Pacific Ocean is famous for its mysterious stone statues called moai, carved by the Rapa Nui people centuries ago.
These places may seem distant and difficult to reach, but they teach us important lessons about resilience, cultural heritage, and the fragility of nature. As more travellers seek adventures far from the ordinary, it becomes even more important to protect these incredible parts of our world.
Vocabulary Practice
Three exercises using key words from the unit.
Remote Places — Vocabulary Practice
Work through the three vocabulary exercises. All words come from the reading passage and listening task.
Speaking: Small Talk
Read both destination options carefully. Take one minute to prepare your ideas.
Writing Task: Informal Email
Write a short informal email to a friend (120–160 words) describing two remote places you watched a documentary about and suggesting one to visit together.
Informal Email — Remote and Exotic Places
Read the task carefully. Plan before you write. Aim for 120-160 words.
After the lesson
Complete the survey and compare your views with the start of the lesson.
Teacher Notes
Practise with
- biodiversitynoun
the variety of plant and animal life in an ecosystem
- breathtakingadjective
So beautiful, impressive, or surprising that it takes your breath away and makes you stop and stare.
- fragileadjective
easily damaged or broken; requiring careful handling or treatment to prevent harm.
- heritagenoun
the traditions and values passed down from previous generations
- isolatedadjective
separated from other people or places; not connected to or influenced by others
- resiliencenoun
The ability to recover quickly from difficulties and adapt to challenging circumstances.
- uniqueadjective
being the only one of its kind