Return to the island where eagles watch you brush your teeth

This is a list of key vocabulary and expressions from the article in order of how useful they are. The student must choose 6 items from the list to study in the lesson.

Weird

To look forward to (doing) something

To let (someone) down

A wide range (of something) 

To be in the same boat

To settle in 

To pop 

To have a go (at doing something) 

To slot (into something)

Vital

To soar

To match (something/ someone)

To dip (something into something)

To boast

A perk

To be immersed (in something)

The mainland 

To take a bit of getting used to

Remote

better, bigger, more, etc. than ever

To be stranded

Driving force

In any way, shape or form

To fare

Plain sailing 

15 conversation-provoking questions related to the article.

1. How did Buffy and Alex end up living on the Island?

2. What logistical challenges do they face on the island?

3. What did they say about their relationships with the other islanders?

4. What type of work and activities do they do on the island?

5. What type of wildlife have they seen on the island?

6. ‘I refuse to believe that Alex and Buffy are actually happy living on that island.’ Is this true for you?

7. ‘I envy Alex and Buffy.’ Is this true for you?

8. ‘Moving somewhere without ever having visited the place before is always a terrible idea.’ Do you agree?

9. ‘It’s impossible to be happy in a place where you don’t have good, strong relationships.’ Do you agree?

10. ‘It’s impossible to be happy in a place where the weather is awful.’ Do you agree?

11. ‘The Isle of Rum would be an ideal holiday destination for me.’ Is this true for you?

12. ‘Wildlife doesn’t interest me at all.’ Is this true for you?

13. ‘I love walking and climbing mountains.’ Is this true for you?

14. ‘I would love to live in a little hippy community where everybody shared everything.’ Is this true for you?

15. ‘The Isle of Rum would be an awful place to bring up a child.’ Do you agree?