Task 2
Questions 13-18
Read the article about ‘Volcano climbing’. For questions 13-18, choose the correct answer
(A, B, C or D). Mark your answers on the answer sheet.
Volcano Climbing
Vesuvius was the first volcano I climbed. My father got a job in Naples when I was 13, and we lived in its shadow. As I climbed the mountain, I left behind the vineyards and entered a landscape without vegetation. The volcano, which had once destroyed the town of Pompeii, was now lying still and lifeless. At the summit, I stared into the vast crater, imagining it on fire, bubbling with magma. I felt as if I had entered another world, so different from my own, and it was this that was the start of an enduring love of volcanoes.
Some years ago, I had the opportunity to climb Costa Rica’s Arenal Volcano, one of the ten most active volcanoes in the world. Until 1968, Arenal was thought to be dormant, but in 1968 it suddenly erupted, burying three villages. Today, this natural wonder is a natural attraction that has become the main source of income for the region. It spits out red-hot rocks and blasts columns of lava hundreds of feet into the air on an almost daily basis. This was an opportunity not to be missed. After more than 400 years of silence, the 1968 eruption took everyone by surprise. You have to admire the bravery of the locals, many of whom have little choice about living where they do. I guess they try not to imagine the danger, but I couldn’t help feeling I’d joined them in a deadly game of chance.
Arenal is 1,657m high, and I was approaching the tree line, beyond which altitude sickness can finish you off. Suddenly, I heard thunder – or, rather, felt it. The ground trembled. I knew Arenal could produce lava that flowed downhill faster than a speeding car, and that I’d be toast if that happened. It’s a mountain that deserves respect. I knew I was in danger; all my senses were screaming at me to retreat, but I couldn’t help staying a little longer. Part of the attraction is being able to watch how these strange landscapes can change within minutes. As I finally headed for home, the great black cone of Arenal released another angry growl.
My partner and children know I always take care during my expeditions, and have no real fears for my safety. The following year, wanting to share the wonder I’d felt, I returned to Arenal and took them with me. While we were on its slopes, the volcano produced a series of menacing noises that terrified my teenage daughter. She now considers that moment a formative experience, one she’ll never forget. I’d like to think the strong interest she’s developed in geology was stimulated by that day.
My volcano-chasing has taken me to Easter Island, Guatemala, Chile, Bolivia and Costa Rica. I’m no thrill-seeker, and don’t have a death wish – the idea of storm-chasing or riding giant waves holds no appeal for me. At the core of my interest is the urge to witness the extraordinary, to build up layers of experience I can draw upon later. Then, at work, in the middle of annoying projects, I can think to myself, “Yes, that’s what it’s all about, really.”
The author was fascinated by Vesuvius because of
The author wanted to visit Arenal Volcano because
The author describes the people living close to Arenal as
When Arenal trembled, the author did not run because he felt
At Arenal, the author's daughter felt
The author continues to climb volcanoes because