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Exercise 2 Different Seaside Towns

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For IGCSE ESL Exercise 2 Different Seaside Towns, you have to read texts about places in England and choose which statements are correct about them.

seaside, beach, holiday

This IGCSE ESL Exercise 2 about different seaside towns is in a computer-based version which is different in format from the paper-based version of the IGCSE ESL Examination.

IGCSE ESL Exercise 2 Different Seaside Towns

Read the text below about seaside towns in England.  Choose the statements which are correct about the places.

Brighton lies on the slope of a hill, in the middle of a broad and shallow bay with a pebble beach and some sand at low tide. Its chief attractions are its clear and bracing air, the fine expanse of sea, bordered by white chalk-cliffs, and the crowds of visitors, because it is a very popular place. There are a large number of old and interesting buildings in the town, in particular the Royal Pavilion, built in an Oriental style by the famous architect, John Nash, for the Prince Regent. In the summer, there is horse racing at the town race course, immortalized in Graham Greene's novel, Brighton Rock, and Brighton is well-known for its numerous public houses. Finally, there is an interesting aquarium near the Palace Pier. On the landward side of the town, the South Downs provide many interesting walks and viewpoints.

Bournemouth stands on two small hills in the sheltered valley of the Bourne river, the banks of which are laid out as public gardens. It is well-known as a healthy, attractive and modern resort, surrounded by gardens and pine forests, which are popular all year round. There are excellent and extensive sandy beaches for bathing, and a long line of picturesque cliffs, along with other very interesting things to see, such as the town art gallery and museum, and the East Cliff rock garden which attracts many geologists because it contains a large collection of British geological specimens.The town has literary connections, with Thomas Hardy and R. L. Stevenson, and Mary, the second wife of the poet, Shelley, is buried in St Peter's churchyard. Finally, walkers and ramblers can enjoy pleasant walks along the coast in both directions.

Torquay is a seaside town in Devon, England, about 29 km south of the county town of Exeter and 45 km east-north-east of Plymouth, on the north of Tor Bay. The place dates back to pre-historic times, and there are numerous archaeological remains. It is a well-known resort and spa, with excellent bathing on a sand and pebble beach, and because of its reputation for having a mild climate, it is a popular place for people with delicate chests and pulmonary problems. There is sub-tropical vegetation, palm-trees and the like, growing in the public gardens, and visitors can enjoy picturesque cliff walks, but the town is best seen from a boat in the bay. In fact, Torquay is an important yachting station and an annual regatta is held there in August or September.

Hastings is famous for the Battle of Hastings, 1066, in which the Normans defeated the Saxons and took over the country. One of the most interesting historical monuments in Britain, Battle Abbey, is near Hastings, and it was founded by William the Conqueror, after his victory over the English, led by Harold. The Abbey stands on the exact spot where the English king fell, and there are many old buildings, including the remains of a Norman castle, which is open to the public. The sea front, which is about three miles long with a fine esplanade, is striking. The beach is pebble with sand at low tide, and the town is active only in summer. Along the sea-front there are row upon row of cheap bed and breakfast hotels, and finally there are cliffs to the east, which provide walks to the well-known beauty spots of Fairlight and Ecclesbourne Glens.

1. Where would you go if you had breathing problems?

Question 1 of 10

2. Where would you go if you were interested in architecture?

Question 2 of 10

3. Where would you go if you had an interest in the history of the Saxons?

Question 3 of 10

4. Where would you go if you were interested in fish?

Question 4 of 10

5. Where would you go if you were interested in rocks?

Question 5 of 10

6. Where would you go if you liked drinking English beer?

Question 6 of 10

7. Where would you go if you preferred a warm climate?

Question 7 of 10

8. Where would you go if were interested in finding out about English writers who lived there?

Question 8 of 10

9. Where would you go if you loved sandy beaches with no pebbles?

Question 9 of 10

10. Where would you go if you wanted inexpensive accommodation?

Question 10 of 10


 

Exercise 2 PDF version available here.
PDF Word Search  available here.

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