Questions:

1. What was the author's first impression of Iceland?

2. What makes Iceland stand out from other places, according to the author?
3. What percentage of Iceland is made up of volcanoes and a mountainous lava desert?
4. What did the author expect about the climate in Iceland during their trip in January?
5. What is the Great Geyser in Haukadalur, and why does the author consider it a breathtaking
natural wonder?
6. What is the famous volcano of Hekla, and what is its significance in Icelandic history?
7. How has Iceland harnessed the energy of its natural resources, particularly geothermal heat?
8. What is the Aurora Borealis, and when can you see it in Iceland?
9. What are some cultural traditions in Iceland, and what annual event takes place in Reykjavik
every August?
10. What activities did the author enjoy while visiting Iceland?

Correct answers:
1. The author was immediately struck by the unique natural beauty and absence of pollution in
Iceland.
2. Iceland stands out from other places because it is untouched by pollution and features a landscape
that includes volcanoes, glaciers, fjords, and hot springs.
3. About half of Iceland is made up of volcanoes and a mountainous lava desert.
4. The author expected extreme cold but found that the climate in Iceland is milder in winter than
most people think.
5. The Great Geyser in Haukadalur is a hot spouting spring that spouts hot water to a height of 60
meters, which the author considers a breathtaking natural wonder.
6. The famous volcano of Hekla is one of the 200 active volcanoes in Iceland, with its first recorded
eruption in 1104CE and a series of eruptions since then.
7. Iceland has built a power station that collects and uses the natural geothermal heat produced under
the ground to meet the energy needs of the island, and has also used geothermal heat for open-air
swimming pools and spas.
8. The Aurora Borealis is a spectacular sight that can be admired especially well in Iceland on cold,
clear nights from September to March, when the sky lights up with many different colors caused by
the interaction of particles from the sun with the earth's magnetic field.
9. Icelandic culture is rich with strong traditions in music, literature, and art, and Reykjavik has an
annual cultural event every third week in August that attracts about 100,000 people from all over the
world.
10. The author enjoyed riding on a famous Icelandic pony, river rafting, whale watching, and hiking
on glaciers while visiting Iceland.