Practice English Reading Exercises for B1 – Beaches & Waterfront Activities 1
Reading 1
For each question, choose the correct answer.
The people below all want to find a safe family beach to visit.
There are descriptions of eight beaches.
Decide which beach would be the most suitable for the people below.
1 The Garcia family has young kids who aren’t strong swimmers. They want to sit in a restaurant for a hot lunch close to the sand, and they would also like to hire a small boat for the afternoon.
2 Tom’s small daughter loves playing in very warm water. Tom wants to relax in a quiet spot without noisy crowds. He is driving, so he must find a parking space right next to the beach.
3 The Lee family enjoys taking long walks along the coast. They need a beach with shallow sea where the children can safely play. They also want to buy ice creams and cold drinks during the day.
4 Anna’s children have lots of energy and want to join organized beach games. They are beginners in the water, so it must be safe. Anna wants to rent an umbrella so she can sit in the shade.
5 The Brown family wants to try exciting water sports like surfing. They prefer a beach with high sea temperatures so they don’t get cold. Before they leave, they want to purchase some gifts to take home.
Safe Family Beaches
A Turtle Bay
This beautiful spot is ideal for those who lack confidence in the sea. The completely calm waves make it incredibly safe for everyone. When you are hungry, our fantastic waterfront dining room serves delicious cooked dishes. Families can also pay to take out a little sailing vessel to explore the coastline.
B Sandy Cove
Experience the magic of the ocean in this deeply relaxing, silent environment. You won’t hear any loud radios here! The sea is heated by the sun, making it comfortably hot for bathing. Getting here is easy, as visitors can leave their vehicles in the massive space just steps from the sand.
C Clifftop Beach
If you love exploring on foot, there are amazing paths across the cliffs with fantastic views of the ocean. However, the sea here drops suddenly and is only suitable for expert swimmers, so it is dangerous for little ones. We sell wonderful frozen desserts and sodas at our wooden hut on the sand.
D Dolphin Sands
If you are just starting to learn how to swim, the flat, gentle sea here is perfectly secure. Adults can pay for comfortable seats and large sun shades to avoid the bright sun. Meanwhile, our friendly staff lead brilliant team sports and activities on the sand to entertain the younger guests.
E Sunset Point
The water temperature here is higher than anywhere else on the coast, which is lovely for bathing! It is a brilliant destination for visitors wanting to ride the big waves on a board. We have a fantastic restaurant serving hot pizzas, but unfortunately, our little souvenir store recently closed down.
F Shell Beach
Families love this location because the sea is only knee-high for a long way out, making splashing around totally safe. There are brilliant routes to explore along the edge of the water. Whenever you need to cool down, our small kiosk offers plenty of chilled sodas and delicious sweet frozen treats.
G Palm Tree Bay
This is the ultimate destination for riding the waves on a board! You will never feel freezing, as the ocean here is famously heated like a bath all year round. Before you head home, make sure you visit our wonderful coastal shop to pick up some beautiful presents for your friends.
H Lighthouse Strand
The ocean here is incredibly flat and completely safe for those who are still learning how to swim. Visitors can easily hire small rowing boats for a fun afternoon on the water. Please remember to bring a packed lunch, as we do not have any cafes or restaurants on the site.
ANSWER KEY
1 A 2 B 3 F 4 D 5 G
Reading 2
For each question, choose the correct answer.
The people below all want to find a distance swimming beach to visit.
There are descriptions of eight beaches.
Decide which beach would be the most suitable for the people below.
1 Lucas is a strong swimmer who wants the challenge of swimming two kilometres across a deep bay. He doesn’t drive, so he needs a beach near a bus stop. He also wants to buy a hot meal afterwards.
2 Maya is looking for a quiet beach without boats where she can practice swimming long distances in deep water safely. She goes swimming very early in the morning and needs a place where she can park her car for free.
3 Sam wants to improve his technique by joining a distance swimming class for advanced learners. He is looking for a sandy beach where he can relax after training, and he requires a place with warm showers to wash afterwards.
4 Chloe wants to swim a long route along the coast but doesn’t have her own equipment, so she needs to rent a wetsuit. She wants a beach with professional rescue staff watching the water and somewhere to buy snacks.
5 Tariq is an experienced swimmer looking for a deep-water beach to practice for a race. He needs to buy a new pair of swimming goggles. He also wants to bring his dog for a walk on the sand later.
Distance Swimming Beaches
A Blue Rock Bay
This fantastic location is perfect for confident athletes looking to cross a two-thousand-metre stretch of deep sea. Reaching us is incredibly simple, as the local transit route drops passengers right by the sand. Once you finish your serious workout, visit our excellent indoor restaurant for delicious cooked dishes and warm drinks.
B High Cliff Shore
Our beautiful coast is incredibly popular with serious athletes who enjoy completing long, deep-water routes before the sun fully rises. It is a completely boat-free zone, ensuring absolute peace and safety for everyone in the water. Please note that our visitor vehicle lot is quite expensive, costing ten pounds daily.
C Silver Sands Cove
If you want peaceful, deep-sea exercise away from noisy ships and crowds, this is the perfect destination. We are open from 6 a.m. for dawn training sessions. Drivers will be delighted to know that they can leave their vehicles in our large, complimentary parking area just behind the beach.
D Golden Point
This soft, comfortable coastline is a great place to rest in the sun after a tough swim. We offer fantastic group lessons designed specifically to help highly experienced swimmers perfect their style. Before heading home, you can comfortably wash off the salt in our excellent heated indoor bathing facilities.
E Oceanview Bay
Experienced athletes love the challenge of navigating the dark, deep waters from one side of this huge bay to the other, covering exactly two kilometres. Afterwards, you can enjoy fantastic hot lunches at the café. However, there are zero buses here, so all visitors must arrive by private car.
F Safe Waters Beach
With highly trained rescue experts watching the sea all day, you can complete your long coastal route without worrying. If you don’t own thermal swimming clothes, our helpful sports hut lets you hire them. You can also pick up cold drinks, crisps, and biscuits at our small beach kiosk.
G Pearl Pebble Coast
This wonderful sandy spot is a favourite for individuals training for intense sea competitions in deep waters. We happily welcome four-legged friends, so your pet can enjoy running on the shore. If you have forgotten any essential gear, our waterfront store sells excellent protective eye masks and swimming caps.
H Marine Activity Beach
This coast is patrolled by professional emergency swimmers, giving you confidence during your long exercise routine. Our visitor centre has a massive selection of high-quality wet suits available to borrow. Please remember to pack your own picnic, as there are absolutely no cafes or food stands on the site.
ANSWER KEY
1 A 2 C 3 D 4 F 5 G
Reading 3
For each question, choose the correct answer.
The people below all want to find a watersports or surfing beach to visit.
There are descriptions of eight beaches.
Decide which beach would be the most suitable for the people below.
1 Tom wants to try surfing for the very first time. He needs a beach that offers classes for new learners and wants to rent a board there. He also needs a café nearby where he can buy a hot meal afterwards.
2 Maria is an excellent surfer looking for a serious challenge. She wants a beach with really high water. She hopes to find a shop selling underwater cameras. She is driving and needs a free place to leave her car safely.
3 The Jackson family loves windsurfing during their holidays. They want a beach with great windsurfing opportunities. They need to book a hotel room right next to the sand. They also want somewhere they can listen to live music at night.
4 Leo is highly interested in exploring under the sea. He wants a beach that provides scuba diving trips. He doesn’t drive, so it must be easy to reach by public bus. He also prefers a peaceful spot without noisy crowds.
5 Sarah and her friends want an active day out. They want to paddle along the coast in small boats. They plan to bring their own sandwiches, so they need wooden tables. They also hope to spot rare sea birds.
Watersports and Surfing Beaches
A Sunny Bay
Perfect for those who have never been on a board before! Our friendly instructors will teach you the basics. You don’t need to bring anything, as we lend out all the necessary wetsuits and gear. When you finish, head to our excellent coastal restaurant for delicious warm cooked lunches.
B Shark Point
Experienced riders will absolutely love the massive, powerful ocean walls here. It is a fantastic spot to test your advanced skills! Visitors won’t pay a single penny to use our large visitor parking zone. Don’t forget to visit our brilliant retail store, which specializes in waterproof photography equipment for capturing your action.
C Blue Wave Resort
Enjoy the strong ocean breeze with our fantastic sail-boarding facilities. Guests can reserve beautiful ocean-facing bedrooms located just steps from the water. After an active afternoon, stay for our popular evening entertainment, where talented local bands perform fantastic songs while you relax by the beautiful moonlit shore and enjoy the atmosphere.
D Hidden Cove
Discover the magic beneath the surface with our daily underwater breathing excursions. This deeply relaxing, silent location is completely hidden from large tourist groups, offering total calm and quiet. Getting here is incredibly simple, as the city’s main coastal coaches stop directly outside our entrance every thirty minutes throughout the day.
E Whispering Pines Beach
Take out one of our narrow rowing vessels to explore the rocks. It is a fantastic way to observe the beautiful flying creatures that nest along the coastal cliffs. We do not sell any food, but we provide plenty of excellent outdoor seating areas to enjoy your own packed lunches.
F Crash Rock
Whether you are learning to ride for the very first time or want to tackle enormous ocean drops, our skilled instructors can help you. We rent out all the necessary riding equipment you need. Unfortunately, our popular beachside café recently closed, so visitors must pack their own snacks today.
G Coral Sands
Enjoy a perfectly silent, relaxing atmosphere far away from the noisy city crowds. It is a truly wonderful destination for those wanting to explore the deep ocean with our underwater breathing tanks. However, there is absolutely no public transport to this secret location, so driving a private vehicle is essential.
H Golden Marina
Enjoy a fantastic holiday with brilliant sail-boarding and narrow rowing boats available every single day. You can easily book a highly comfortable apartment right next to the ocean. To ensure all our guests get a peaceful night’s sleep, we have a strict rule against any concerts or evening music performances.
ANSWER KEY
1 A 2 B 3 C 4 D 5 E
