Comprehensive reading

Read the text and mark the statements T (for true) or F (for false).

Wales – the Land of Song

Wales is one of the most beautiful countries in the United Kingdom. Cymru, as it is known in Welsh, is surrounded by sea on three sides, whereas the eastern part of the country borders with England. The country is full of little towns, castles and picturesque seaside villages. Cardiff, the capital, is a bustling university town with an impressive castle, wonderful museums, galleries and lovely buildings.

English is the official language, bur Welsh, one of the oldest languages in Europe, is still spoken in some parts of the country. In fact, a special committee was established in 1988 to protect the language and today Welsh schoolchildren are taught both languages. Welsh has a beautiful song-like quality, which is perhaps one reason why singing is such a favourite pastime. Playing music, including traditional instruments such as the harp, is another popular hobby.

Wales’ breathtaking beauty attracts travellers from around the world. Snowdonia, Britain’s second largest national park is located in the north of Wales. With its amazing forests, lakes, waterfalls, rivers and ancient burial sites, the park is a popular tourist attraction. In the north of the country, high above a pretty bay, stands Caernarfon Castle built in 1283 for the first Prince of Wales. In the west is St David’s a quaint village by the sea that has the largest cathedral in Wales.

Wales has many wonderful traditions. The Welsh are proud of their culture. One of the oldest cultural competitions, The Royal National Eisteddfod, takes place every year at the beginning of August. It is an eight-day festival of music and poetry to celebrate Welsh language, art and culture. It is the largest and most popular festival in Wales and attracts thousands of visitors.

1. Wales is one of the countries that is part of Britain.

2. The capital city of Wales is Cardiff.

3. Students in Wales are only taught English.

4. The Welsh are not very fond of singing.

5. Snowdonia is a great tourist spot.

6. St. David’s has the largest cathedral in Britain.

7. The Royal National Eisteddfod takes place every summer.

8. The Eisteddfod is a flower festival.

Match the highlighted words / phrases to their synonyms below.

9 actually 10 constructed 11 lovely 12 tourists 13 old-fashioned

14 happens 15 coastal

Brochure language

Read the advertisements and substitute the words in brackets with words from the lists.

bottomless, endless, vast, towering, unpolluted

The Kingsbrooke campsite in the Rocky Mountains is a must for all adventurous nature lovers who long to escape to a land of 16) ……… (very long rivers), 17) ……… (very deep) lakes, 18) ………(very tall) mountains and colossal cliffs. The helpful staff, washing facilities and shop also mean that you don’t even need to venture into town during your stay. Situated in one of the dew 19) ……… (very big) undeveloped areas in the world, with clean fresh air and 20) ………(clean) water, the Kingsbrooke experience is definitely one not to be missed.

peaceful, overpriced, cloudless, modern, uncomfortable

Are you looking for sandy beaches, sparkling waters and 21) ……… (clear) skies without the bother of 22) ……… (expensive) hotels or 23) ………(rough) campsites? If so, you’ll love the Sunnyside self-catering apartments near the town of Torremolinos. The cosy apartments are situated on the 24) ……… (quiet) seafront on the outskirts of this delightful resort and are fully equipped with 25) ………(new) cooking and washing facilities. Make this summer one to remember – come over to the Sunnyside.