Do Project Work 2. Complete a new page in your English Album. People say that there's a monster in one of the lakes in Scotland. Its name is Nessie. Find some information about it. Lllustrate your story with pictures. Ask your family or friends to help your if necessary.

Exploring the Mystery of Nessie: The Loch Ness Monster

For my Project Work 2, I decided to dive into the fascinating mystery of Nessie, the legendary Loch Ness Monster. Here's what I found about this intriguing creature and the lake it supposedly calls home.

The Legend of Nessie

Nessie, as the Loch Ness Monster is affectionately known, is believed to live in Loch Ness, a large, deep freshwater lake in the Scottish Highlands. The first recorded mention of a strange creature in the lake dates back to the 6th century, when a monk named St. Columba reportedly encountered a "water beast." Over the centuries, stories of a large, serpent-like creature lurking in the lake have persisted, fueling speculation and excitement.

The modern legend of Nessie began in 1933 when a couple driving along the lake claimed to have seen a large creature with a long neck. Since then, Nessie has become a symbol of mystery, attracting thousands of tourists and monster enthusiasts from around the world.

Description of the Monster

Eyewitness accounts of Nessie vary, but common descriptions include:

• A long neck, resembling that of a plesiosaur, an ancient marine reptile.
• A humped back or several humps protruding from the water.
• A large, dark body, often described as smooth or scaly.

Some believe Nessie could be a surviving member of an ancient species, while others suggest it could be a misidentified large fish, such as a sturgeon, or even floating debris.

Loch Ness: The Perfect Hiding Place

Loch Ness is an ideal location for such a legend. It is the largest body of freshwater by volume in the UK, with a depth of over 230 meters (755 feet). The dark, murky waters—caused by peat runoff—make it nearly impossible to see below the surface, adding to the mystery.

Searches and Evidence

Numerous expeditions and investigations have been conducted to find Nessie, including:

• Sonar Scans: Boats equipped with sonar have detected unexplained large objects in the lake, but these have not been conclusively linked to Nessie.
• Photographs and Videos: Some people have captured images and footage that they claim show the monster, but many of these have been debunked as hoaxes or misidentifications.

In 2019, scientists conducted a study of the lake’s DNA to identify all species present. While no evidence of a large, unknown creature was found, the study did reveal an abundance of eel DNA, leading to speculation that Nessie could be a giant eel.

Fun Facts

1. Loch Ness holds more freshwater than all the lakes in England and Wales combined.
2. The legend of Nessie contributes significantly to Scotland’s tourism industry.
3. The creature is so famous that it has inspired books, movies, and even a dedicated museum near Loch Ness.

Illustrations

For my English Album page, I included:

• A drawing of Nessie as imagined from eyewitness descriptions.
• A map of Loch Ness with its location in Scotland highlighted.
• A sketch of the sonar equipment used in Nessie hunts.

Family Collaboration

I asked my family for help. My dad shared some stories he had read about the monster, and my mom helped me research on the computer. Together, we discussed the mystery and had fun coming up with ideas for my illustrations.

Conclusion

The story of Nessie is a blend of history, mystery, and imagination. Whether it’s a real creature, a giant eel, or simply a legend, the Loch Ness Monster captures the wonder of the unknown and keeps the spirit of adventure alive.