Practice English Reading Exercises for B1 – Beach & Coastal Holidays 1
Reading 1
For each question, choose the correct answer.
The people below all want to find a family beach resort for their summer holiday.
There are descriptions of eight family beach resorts.
Decide which resort would be the most suitable for the people below.
1 Marco and his family are travelling on a tight budget. They need a resort just a short drive from the airport. His young children have just learned to swim, so a very safe, shallow pool is essential.
2 The Garcia family wants a luxurious holiday. They have two energetic teenagers who want to try windsurfing and sailing. The parents want to relax but also enjoy watching live bands and performances after dinner.
3 The Patels want a peaceful holiday away from noisy crowds. They enjoy preparing their own meals, so they need a kitchen. They also want to go on long walks in the countryside near the resort.
4 Sarah and Tom want to rest while someone else looks after their five-year-old twins during the day. They hate travelling far after flying, and they want all their food provided so they don’t have to cook.
5 The Kim family loves history and wants to visit local museums or ancient ruins. They have four children, so they need accommodation with plenty of space without spending too much. The kids also want exciting water slides.
Family Beach Resorts
A Sunny Sands Resort
This inexpensive destination is just ten minutes by bus from the runway, perfect for tired travellers. While the beach is lovely, the main attraction for families is our special toddler swimming area, which is only knee-deep and watched by staff. It is a fantastic choice for a reasonably priced getaway!
B The Grand Palace
If you do not mind paying a bit more for five-star comfort, this is the place for you. Older kids can take sailing and surfing lessons every afternoon on the waves. When the sun goes down, the whole family can enjoy spectacular concerts and dancing in our beautiful outdoor theatre.
C Whispering Pines
Hidden away from busy towns, this calm resort offers relaxing apartments where you can cook your own family dinners using local ingredients. It is situated right next to a beautiful national park, offering endless paths for exploring the local forests and hills on foot when you leave the beach.
D Ocean Breeze Club
You will not waste time travelling, as we are located right next to the international terminal. We offer an excellent daily playgroup for young ones, giving adults time to relax. Plus, our fantastic restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner at no extra cost, so you can forget about kitchen duties!
E Coral Bay Village
Famous for its giant pool with exciting tubes and drops, this resort is brilliant for energetic kids. We offer huge apartments that won’t break the bank, perfect for larger groups. We also organise daily coach trips to nearby castles and ancient temples for those interested in the region’s past.
F Jetset Beach Hotel
Located only five kilometres from the arrival gates, this is an incredibly cheap option for families wanting a quick journey. We offer lovely large rooms and a fantastic restaurant where you can buy excellent seafood. However, please note that the sea here has strong waves and we have no pool.
G Golden Star Resort
This premium, high-class hotel guarantees an unforgettable stay. Every night after dinner, our fantastic team puts on magic shows and live music that everyone will love. During the day, it is perfect for relaxing by the pool, though teenagers might get bored as there are no activities or sports available.
H Seagull Apartments
These apartments come with large kitchens, making them ideal for families who prefer making their own food. The resort is surrounded by beautiful walking paths through the mountains. However, it is a very lively and noisy place, with loud music playing at the pool bars from morning until midnight!
ANSWER KEY
1 A 2 B 3 C 4 D 5 E
Reading 2
For each question, choose the correct answer.
The people below all want to find a surf camp to attend this summer.
There are descriptions of eight surf camps.
Decide which surf camp would be the most suitable for the people below.
1 Lucas has never surfed before and wants a camp that teaches the basics. He isn’t bringing his own board or wetsuit, so he needs to hire them. He loves staying up late and having fun by the sea with new friends.
2 Maya is an experienced surfer looking to improve her technique by watching videos of herself riding the waves. She has her own gear but needs a camp that provides meals without any meat, as she follows a strict diet.
3 Brothers Sam and Leo want to do different activities in the water, not just surfing. They have a limited amount of money to spend on their trip and want a location that is very quick to reach from the airport.
4 Chloe wants to stay in a room exclusively for female teenagers. After a long day on the waves, she’d like to do some relaxing stretching exercises. She also wants the chance to explore nearby villages and learn about local culture.
5 David knows the basics but wants individual teaching from an instructor to get better faster. He must spend a couple of hours each day finishing some school projects, so he requires a strong internet connection at the accommodation.
Surf Camps
A Wave Riders
Perfect for teenagers starting out, our instructors will guide you through your very first waves safely. There’s no need to buy expensive boards or wetsuits, as we supply all necessary gear. Once the sun goes down, join our famous campfires and music events right on the sand to celebrate!
B Pro Surf Hub
Aimed at teens who already ride confidently, our coaches use daily film sessions to correct your posture and boost your skills. We know athletes need good nutrition, so our dining hall serves delicious plant-based meals every day. Guests are required to bring their own boards and wetsuits for sessions.
C Ocean Fun Camp
We welcome teens of all levels, especially those catching their first waves. After dinner, we organize exciting music and dance gatherings by the shore. However, students must bring their own surfing gear to participate. Located two hours from the airport, it’s a premium, higher-priced getaway for serious ocean lovers.
D Blue Water Base
Located just ten minutes from the arrivals terminal, this highly affordable camp certainly won’t empty your wallet. While we offer daily wave-riding sessions, teenagers can also grab a kayak or a stand-up paddleboard to explore the coastline. It is the ideal economical choice for anyone seeking variety in the sea.
E Sunset Sisters
This camp provides female-only sleeping quarters for teenage girls. When you aren’t in the water, our guides take you on fascinating bus tours to historic towns and local markets. Instead of relaxing activities, we run high-intensity gym workouts every evening to build strength for your next big surfing session.
F Zen Surf Retreat
Teenage girls can feel completely comfortable in our dedicated female-only sleeping areas. To soothe tired muscles after catching waves, we hold daily mindfulness and flexibility classes on the grass. We also organize afternoon sightseeing excursions so you can discover the beautiful architecture and history of the surrounding coastal villages.
G Next Level Surfing
If you already know how to stand up but want to progress rapidly, our one-on-one sessions with professional coaches are perfect. We understand teenagers might have studies to catch up on, so our lounge features a high-speed broadband connection, ensuring you can easily research and submit your school assignments online.
H Tech Catchers
We use the latest technology, including drone filming, to help you understand your mistakes in the water. We offer excellent digital connectivity throughout the building for your devices. However, we only cater to complete beginners in large groups, and our kitchen strictly serves traditional meat-heavy barbecue dishes every night.
ANSWER KEY
1 A 2 B 3 D 4 F 5 G
Reading 3
For each question, choose the correct answer.
The people below all want to find a seaside cottage.
There are descriptions of eight quiet coastal cottages.
Decide which cottage would be the most suitable for the people below.
1 Sarah wants to stay somewhere completely isolated in the peaceful countryside without any close neighbours. She needs excellent cooking equipment to prepare her own daily meals, and she must be allowed to bring her pet dog.
2 Lucas and his wife are looking for a cottage just a few steps from the water. They want to eat out every evening, so it must be near cafes, and they need a parking space for their rental car.
3 The Martinez family needs a cottage with a large garden for their children. They plan to wash their clothes during their stay, and they want to be able to walk to a nearby sandy beach easily.
4 Emma is travelling alone and wants a peaceful place far from other houses. She hates cooking, so she wants a place that serves daily meals, and she needs a cozy fireplace for the cold evenings.
5 David wants a cottage where his large dog is welcome to stay. He needs a fast internet connection to finish some work, and he prefers a place with a traditional fireplace to relax in front of.
Quiet Coastal Cottages
A Cliffside Cabin
Far from the busy crowds, this lonely seaside house offers total peace with absolutely no other buildings in sight. Your furry animals are very welcome to join your holiday. You can easily prepare delicious family dinners here, as the property includes a modern stove, a large oven, and a spacious fridge.
B Gull’s Rest
Hidden away on a quiet, lonely cliff, this peaceful spot is perfect for visitors travelling with their pets. There are no other houses around to disturb you. We don’t have cooking equipment, but our friendly staff will bring a hot, freshly-made breakfast and dinner directly to your comfortable room every single day.
C The Old Lighthouse
Enjoy total silence at this remote historic property, located many miles away from the nearest town. Guests can stay warm and cozy beside the lovely open wood fire. Best of all, you won’t need to cook, as our talented chef prepares delicious breakfast, lunch, and dinner for you every single day!
D Sunny Sands Home
Just a short two-minute stroll to the sea, this lovely house is brilliant for families on holiday. Kids will love running around the huge grassy area outside the property. It also includes very useful appliances, like a machine for cleaning your dirty t-shirts and trousers after a long day exploring.
E Ocean View Cottage
Families always love this large home, which is located right next to the beautiful blue ocean. It features a fantastic outdoor area with lots of green grass for children to play on. Please note that there are currently no facilities available for washing your wet clothes or towels during your stay.
F Fisherman’s Hideaway
Your four-legged friends will absolutely love staying at this traditional stone holiday house. Guests can also stay easily connected with our high-speed Wi-Fi, which is perfect for business emails or streaming. In the living room, you can keep warm on cold nights by burning wood in the lovely old hearth.
G Seashell Cottage
You can almost touch the ocean from the front door of this charming holiday house. Guests can leave their vehicle safely in the private driveway provided. It has no cooking equipment, but it is conveniently surrounded by fantastic local bistros and dining spots for all your evening meals.
H Blue Bay Retreat
Located right on the edge of the sea, you can enjoy swimming every single morning. There is a safe and convenient spot to leave your car right outside the property. It is far from any shops or places to eat, so guests must use the excellent modern oven provided.
ANSWER KEY
1 A 2 G 3 D 4 C 5 F
