Исследовательская работа по английскому языку "Amazing gems of the British Isles"
проект по английскому языку (8 класс)

Introduction.

When hear " Great Britain" most of people remember its biggest cities and landmarks such as London with Big Ben, Tower of London and Buckingham Palace, Birmingham, Liverpool, and Manchester in England, Edinburgh with Holyrood Abbey and old castles and Glasgow in Scotland, Swansea and Cardiff in Wales. And it is logical because we often meet these names: when watching political or sport news on TV, read books or travel magazines. These places are like business card of the country. But we often forget or simply do not know that the shores of Great Britain are dotted with hundreds of beautiful islands. Scenic, odd and often remote, Britain's islands are a world apart from daily life.

The research goal of my work is to prove that the British Isles deserve to be learnt about and some of them are as much interesting and unique as those cities of the UK we study at school during the lessons of English and geography.

To achieve this goal I put some tasksin front of me to study the topic thoroughly:

- study what is there under the term of "The British Isles"

- examine famous travelling magazines to find out the most unique and remarkable islands

-find information about the TOP 5 islands

- do the survey

- contact and do the interview with islanders.

- make conclusions.

In the process of the research I have been using the following methods:

1. Study of the literature and other informational resources

2. Survey of the students

3. Interview

4. Focus group.

5. Analysis

My hypothesis is that students do not know enough, or do not know at all, those geographically and historically unique islands surrounding Great Britain.

1. Main part

1.1 The British Isles

From the course of English we know about the United Kingdom and Great Britain. The United Kingdom is an island country located off the northwestern coast of mainland Europe. It contains England, Wales, and Scotland—as well as the northern portion of the island of Ireland. The capital is London, which is among the world’s leading commercial, financial, and cultural centres.

Great Britain is the official collective name of England, Scotland and Wales and their associated islands. It does not include Northern Ireland and therefore should never be used interchangeably with ‘UK’ – something you see all too often.

The British Isles is purely a geographical term – it refers to the islands of Great Britain and Ireland and over 5000 or so smaller islands(including: the Bailiwicks of Jersey and Guernsey and the Isle of Man) scattered around coasts. In total they cover an area of 315,159 km2 (121,684 sq mi) and collectively have a population of just over 67 million people. Remember this only refers to geography, not nationality, and while the Republic of Ireland is part of the British Isles, its people are not British – a very important distinction.

The British Isles consists of the following islands:

+ Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales)

+ Ireland (the Republic of Ireland)

+ The Orkney and Shetland Islands (islands off the northeast coast of Scotland)

+ The Isle of Man (an island in the Irish Sea)

+ Hebrides (including the Inner Hebrides, Outer Hebrides and Small Isles). All are islands off the northwest coast of Scotland

+ The Isle of Wight (an island off the southern coast of England)

+ Isles of Scilly (an island off the southwest coast of England)

+ Lundy Island (an island off the southwest coast of England)

+ The Channel Islands (a group of small islands in the English Channel, off the coast of Normandy, France. The principal islands of the group include Jersey, Guernsey, Alderney and Sark)

+ Many other offshore islands (the number depends on what time it is. Twice a day, the rising tide creates islands by flooding the causeways that connects them to the mainland. Others disappear altogether beneath the waves).

Altogether there are about 5000 islands with rugged coastline and varied landscape of mountains, moorlands, marshes and fertile, rolling farmland. However there are certainly more than 1000, which is quite amazing in itself!

1.2 TOP 5 Islands

Great Britain is an island in its own right, but aside from the mainland there are hundreds of islands around the British coast. Some estimates suggest that there are as many as 5000 islands in total but that number is difficult to verify.

From England to Scotland, Cornwall to the Highlands, there are a lot of islands along the coast of Great Britain. While some are well-known travel destinations, others are waiting to be discovered. We have studied quite a few famous travel magazines, journalism websites such as "Discover Britain", "National Geographic" and "Lonely Planet",   to find out top 5 the most unique islands of the country.   We have also turned to United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) official website to know if any islands of the British Isles are in the list of World Heritage. We got the following results:

1. Isle of Skye

2. Orkney Islands

3. St. Kilda

4. Lindisfarne. Holy Island.

5. Guernsey

1.2.1 The Isle of Skye

The Isle of Skye, one of the best and the most famous islands in Britain, lies close to the north-west coast of the Scottish Highlands. It is a great place to experience the beauty of the coast and colours of the towns.

The name ‘Skye’ is probably from the Norse words Ski (cloud) and Ey (island). On the territory of the island lived and fought at least three nations: Scandinavian, Celts and English people. And it is not surprising that most of names have Norse origin.

Skye is a romantic place though. The history, the legends, the scenery, the weather, the music and the poetry combine to produce something very special indeed. It is that peculiar magic that draws visitors to the island from all around the world, and makes it Scotland’s biggest tourist destination after Edinburgh.

The first site that can be seen for miles around is the Old Man of Storr. The Storr was created by a massive ancient landside, leaving one of the most photographed landscapes in the world. It is a 50 metres pinnacle rock formation named after its likeness to, well, an old man. The Storr, which refers to the group of looming outcrops that include and surround the Old Man, is a title derived from the Norse word for “Great Man.” Legend has it that the Old Man of Storr was a giant who lived in those places. When he died and was buried, his thumb remained partially above the ground and now it is known as "The Old Man". This natural site has appeared in a few Hollywood films like "Prometheus", "The Wicker Man" and "The SnowWhite and the Huntsman".

The second mysterious place to visit is the Fairy Pools. The series of small waterfalls that make up the so-called Fairy Pools are some of the most unspoilt swimming holes in the world. On a sunny day, the sky-blue waters of the natural pools are so clear, that one can see each moss-covered stone at the bottom.  The crystal-clear water flows between pools with waterfalls of various shapes and sizes. On wet, cloudy days after a good rain, torrents of water rush and whirl in thunderous cascades. Unfortunately, the water is freezing in the pools and if you are not ready to swim in icy-cold waters, you always can puddle.

You cannot leave the island without visiting the famous Kilt Rock. It is a 90 metres sea cliff in the north-east of the peninsula. It got its name because of the vertical basalt columns that looked like a kilt. With a bit of imagination you will notice that the colour of the rock also seen to be tartan - like traditional tartan kilt. Not here, not far from Kilt Rock there is the Mealt waterfall. It is a 55 metres waterfall fed by the nearby the Mealt lake. When the Skye wind is blowing particularly strong, the Mealt waterfall’s water is simply blown away and doesn’t reach the rocky bottom. It simply…vanishes.

Of course, these are only few attractions of the Isle of Skye but must see ones.

1.2.2 Orkney Islands

There’s a saying in Orkney that if you stick a spade in the ground, you’ll probably unearth an archaeological site. The islands have one of the highest concentrations of ancient sites in Europe and exciting new discoveries are continually being made. Orkney’s most famous archaeological treasures – Skara Brae, the Ring of Brodgar, the Stones of Stenness, and the Maeshowe chambered tomb – form the keystones of the UNESCO Heart of Neolithic Orkney World Heritage Site. These sites were granted prestigious UNESCO recognition in 1999. It shows the huge international significance of these four remarkable monuments and the role they play in helping archeologists understand more about the culture and beliefs.

The Ring of Brodgar is one of the most iconic symbols of Orkney. Covering an area of around 8,500 metres, this archaeological gem is the third largest stone circle in the British Isles, and once had an impressive 60 stones. A natural hill-hugged amphitheatre creates the perfect stage for what is one of the oldest stone circles in existence.

Many believe the Ring of Brodgar to be a religious temple or place of ritual, while others insist it was constructed for astronomical purposes to view the equinox and solstice. This stone circle dates back to the third milenium BC. Consisting of 38 stones and 13 prehistoric burial mounds, the Ring of Brodgar is circled by its lake and surrounding landscape, making it one of the most picturesque stone circle in Great Britain.

Skara Brae is the star of Orkney’s Neolithic-themed show. Skara Brae is a one of Britain’s most fascinating prehistoric villages. Archeologists estimate it was built and occupied between 3000 BCE and 2500 BCE, during what’s called the ‘Neolithic era’ or ‘New Stone Age’.

 The village is older than the pyramids and Stonehenge, in fact! Skara Brae is one of the best preserved Neolithic settlements anywhere in Western Europe – which makes it a super-special find for archeologists. The amazing artefacts discovered at this incredible site give us an insight into what life was like in Britain during that time. They can teach us how the Neolithic people built their homes, as well as the work they did, the tools they used, the food they ate and much, much more! A huge storm hit the island in 1850, blowing away the sand, earth and plants, and exposing the village to the outside world once again. Then, in the 1860s, a team of archaeologists led by a man called William Watt, got to digging and uncovered four buildings. Years later in 1926, another storm hit the island, leading to further excavations which revealed more of the village’s houses and artefacts.

Come rain or shine, the Standing Stones of Stenness will never fail to take your breath away. The ancient circle, which dates back over 5,000 years ago, dominates the skyline for miles and consists of four enormous upright megaliths standing up to six metres (19 feet) tall. However, it originally hosted 12 stones. Thought to be one of the earliest henge (circle) monuments in the British Isles, this ceremonial site, which once had a massive fireplace at its core, is one of Orkney’s most famous.

Maeshowe is a burial mound with underground graves. It was built during the Neolithic period, about 3000 years ago. The grave itself is a long narrow entrance opening into a large chamber. There are three smaller rooms which open into the main chamber.It has been built to line up with the sun at the Winter Solstice. Maeshowe had been dug up in the 12th century by the Vikings. It has many Norse carvings on the rocks.

1.2.3 St. Kilda

This volcanic archipelago, with its spectacular landscapes, is situated off the coast of the Hebrides and consists of 4 islands: Hirta, Dun, Soay and Boreray. It has some of the highest cliffs in Europe, which have large colonies of rare and endangered species of birds, especially puffins and gannets.

Internationally recognised for its birdlife, St Kilda is no less famous for its human history. A community existed here for at least 4,000 years, exploiting the colonies of gannets, fulmars and puffins for food, feathers and oil. for centuries the islanders survived by eating the meat and eggs of seabirds, fish caught near the islands, and such barley, oats and potatoes as they could grow and store to last the winter. Oil from fulmars and other birds provided them with fuel for lamps. In the late summer of 1885, the islanders’ corn, barley and potatoes were ruined in a bad storm. The people facing starvation, asked for help on 16 September. The final 36 islanders were evacuated about 100 years ago.

Now uninhabited, visitors can brave the weather to sail to the ‘islands at the edge of the world’ for the experience of a lifetime. There is an abandoned village on the island you can visit where the houses are still relatively intact and lots of stories and folklore about life on St Kilda has been preserved. You can visit the ruined houses and the restored church and school, as well as the graveyard. A small museum tells the story of the archipelago from its volcanic origins to life today.

St Kilda is the only World Heritage Site recognised for both its natural beauty and cultural significance.

1.2.4 Lindisfarne. Holy Island

The Holy Island of Lindisfarne, also known simply as Holy Island, is a tidal island off the northeast coast of England. This stunning and remote island is home to Lindisfarne Castle and Monastery and is surrounded by breath-taking coastal scenery. It is one of the most important centres of early English Christianity. The island is linked to the mainland by a causeway which twice a day is covered by the tide.

Lindisfarne was founded by St. Aidan, an Irish monk, who came from Iona, the centre of Christianity in Scotland. St Aidan converted islanders to Christianity and founded Lindisfarne Monastery in 635, becoming its first Abbot and Bishop. Lindisfarne was one of the first places in Britain to be attacked by Viking raiders. In 793 Viking raiders attacked the monastery at Lindisfarne. They killed several of the monks, set buildings alight, and stole valuable items. Many monks left the island after the violent Viking attack. The ruins you see today are from the early 12th century.

Lindisfarne Monasterywas the birthplace of a true national treasure - the Lindisfarne Gospels, a unique illuminated Latin manuscript of the gospels of Mark, Luke and John. The Lindisfarne Heritage Centre contains an electronic copy of the book - the real version is kept in London’s British Library - and also presents a complete history of the island.

Standing on a rocky outcrop overlooking the island is Lindisfarne Castle - a small fortress first built in 1550 to defend the island. The castle walls were strengthened with yak hair to stop the rain from eroding them. Today it is looked after by the National Trust. The 16th century castle has stunning views of the Northumberland coast.

Large parts of the island are protected as Lindisfarne National Nature Reserve to help safeguard the internationally important wintering bird populations. Grey seals are frequent visitors to the rocky bays at high tide.

1.2.5 Guernsey

Guernsey is the second largest of the Channel Islands. It is 48 km west of Normandy, France, and roughly triangular in shape. With Alderney, Sark, Herm, Jethou, and associated islets, it forms the Bailiwick of Guernsey. Its capital is St. Peter Port. Guernsey’s tidal range of 33 feet is one of the largest in the world, transforming the coastline every six hours or so. High tides are perfect for swimming, and children love to explore the rock pools at low tide.

Loyal to the British Crown, Guernsey and the rest of the Channel Islands became the British Isles during the Norman conquest creating a unique Anglo-French history that survives to this day. Today Guernsey is a self-governing 'Bailiwick', incorporating the smaller Channel Islands of Sark, Alderney and Herm. There are many quirky and charming features on the island, including unique Guernsey stamps and the island's own currency - legal tender only in the Channel Islands.

One of sightseeing that attracts visitors the most is Castle Cornet. It was built in the 13th century, and has since been under the control of England, France, Germany and even besieged by Guernsey itself, before being handed over as a gift to the islanders from King George VI after the Second World War. You can find the story of the castle and other aspects of Guernsey’s past in the five museums housed within the Castle. These comprise The Story of Castle Cornet, 201 Squadron (RAF) Museum, Maritime Museum, Royal Guernsey Light Infantry Museum and Royal Guernsey Militia Museum.

Visit Hauteville House, Victor Hugo’s house and work of art. Built on the heights of Saint Peter Port, Hauteville House was the residence of Victor Hugo during his exile in Guernsey and the only property of the writer. Many masterpieces were written here – Les Misérables, Toilers of the Sea, The Man Who Laughs, The Legend of the Ages, Le Théâtre en Liberté, etc. – and the house is also a work of art by its layout and décor, designed by Victor Hugo himself.

Another must visit sightseeing is The Little Chapel. It is a work of art built by Brother Déodat, who started work in March 1914. His plan was to create a miniature version of the famous grotto and basilica at Lourdes in France. The Chapel is made of hundreds of tiny ceramic pictures in amongst the pottery pieces, various sized pebbles and shells that decorate this strange church.

But no doubt, that the biggest attraction of the island is fantastic nature. Spring actually arrives four weeks earlier in Guernsey than on mainland Britain, which allows some unique and very beautiful flora to grow on the island. Dunes, creeks, sandy beaches, small harbors, nature reserves, horticultural treasures, wooded valleys and peaceful paths follow one another along 160 km of coastline. Guernsey's beaches are a real treat where people of all ages can enjoy the simple pleasures of swimming, sailing, diving, surfing, sunbathing and pooling about in tiny rock pools teeming with life. During his trip in late summer 1883 to the English Channel island of Guernsey, Renoir painted about fifteen views of the bay and the beach of Moulin Huet, on the island's rocky southern coast.

Guernsey, one of the Channel Islands off the coast of France, is a glorious little gem which punches well above its weight in culture, history and attractions.

2. Interview

This is the questionnaire we have used to find out whether our hypothesis is true or false. 40 students of different age and interests from our school answered the following questions:

1. What are the most famous places (sightseeing, cities and islands) to visit in Great Britain?

2. Do you know what does the term "the British Isles" mean?

3. Have you ever heard about Isle of Skye, Holy Island or St.Kilda?

4. Would you like to study more geography of Great Britain on English lessons?

We got the following results:

1. What are the most famous places to visit in Great Britain?

Top popular answers were London (100%), Buckingham Palace and the Tower of London (82,3% and 80,3%), Edinburgh Castle (61,3%) and cities of Liverpool and Manchester (40% and 38,9%). The result shows us that most of students mentioned those places they knew about at school.

2. Do you know what does the term "the British Isles" mean?

67,5% of students has given half correct answer. 7,5% of students has answered correctly and only 25 % has not given answer at all.

3. Have you ever heard about Isle of Skye, Holy Island or St.Kilda?

77,5% of answers were negative, 5 students have given positive answers (12,5%) and 10% of students has replied that names sounded familiar for them.

4. Would you like to study more geography of Great Britain on English lessons?

90% of students havegiven positive answer and 10% (4 students) has answered that they get enough information now.

The survey proved my hypothesis that our students do not know much about interesting and unique islands of the British Isles. But at the same time I am quite happy with the results because they show that students are ready and opened for new knowledge. They are not bored but interested and curious what confirms that topic of our research work is live.

But interview was not the only method of our survey. I have also tried to contact to the islanders from islands below, the Isle of Skye, St.Kilda, Holy Island and Guernsey asking to tell about their islands or send interesting pictures with comments. One man I talked to was from Guernsey. He was curious to know about my research paper and was happy to talk about his island. He even sent us a short video about his place of living.

As a practical part of my work, I decided to make some travel booklets advertising those islands I have mentioned before.

3. Conclusion

Having done my research, I have managed to investigate what is the British Isles and what islands are worth visiting because of their geographical or historical importance. When study websites, I deep into the amazing worlds of history and geography.

Studying and summerising all the informational resources I am able to say that my hypothesis which was mentioned at the beginning of the project, seems to be proved completely.

Having done my research paper I think I have managed to understand better the geography of the country which language we study. And I am sure that if there is more geographical information or topics for discussion during the English lessons, it will give additional interest in studying foreign languages.

Sources of information

1. https://www.nationalgeographic.co.uk/
2. https://www.discoverbritainmag.com/
3. https://www.lonelyplanet.com/the-united-kingdom
4. https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/whats-on/family-kids-news
5. https://www.bbc.com/news/uk
6. https://www.visitbritain.com/gb/en/guernsey
7. https://whc.unesco.org/en/statesparties/gb
8. https://www.britannica.com/place/British-Isles