Describe a place near water (such as a river, a lake or the ocean) that you enjoyed visiting
You should say:
Where the place was What you did at this place Who you went there with
and explain why you liked this place
Sample:
The sight-seeing spot I'd like to talk about is called, translated in English, Viewing Fish at Flower Pond, a famous scene by the West Lake in Hangzhou. There are some wooden pavilions, connected by corridors over the water. Loads of red carp and goldfish are raised in the water there, and people can enjoy feed the swarm of fish swimming around. Above the water, there are masses of lotus and children are always happy to find some fish hidden under the leaves of lotus.
I had several visits there, and the best time to go must be summer. On early summer, when it's warm, waterfowls, like swans, return and reproduce near the water. Many photographers are attracted to take photos of the wildlife, and more people are interested in discovering the blooming of the first lotus. I prefer to sit in the bench of pavilion, relaxing or watching the birds, lotus and fish in the water. On times when it's windy, it's comfortable and enjoyable to see the waving wicker of the loads of willows growing around the lake. In July and August, workers can be seen being busy with harvesting lotus and leaves, with which people prefer to make teas, healthy drink. And the ripe lotus seeds which are sweet can be made into food and medicine.
Sometimes, I'd like to have a walk with my friends, around the area where it's lighted in colorful and soft light in summer nights. Walking or sitting by the Pond calms me down, that's why I am fond of going there.
Sample2:
I’d like to talk about a park on the bank of a tributary of Qianjiang River, a main river flowing through Zhejiang province. The park is actually part of my community, which is open to the public. Small as it is, it enjoys a rockwork, a summerhouse with a table and chairs, several benches along the river bank, a fifty-square-kilometer square, as well as a grove of ginkgo trees, which attracts loads of local people and tourists in summer. It’s an ideal place for people to relax. Many fishing lovers enjoy fishing on the river, where fishes coming from the Qianjiang River can be caught. The old living in surroundingcommunities spend a lot of time there. Some prefer to do morning exercises with their friends, since kinds of sports facilities having been set up. Some just enjoy the company of their peers, who either play chess and cards, or chat sitting in the summerhouse. On weekends, many young couples would like to spend some time there， some of whom just sit on the benches quietly and enjoy warm sunshine.
The best time to visit the park is summer when the leaves of ginkgo turn yellow since middle November, for which the park was made known to the
public. There are over three hundred ginkgo trees which are said planted thirty years ago. It’s fantastic and romantic to walk through the woods by the flagstone, especially when layers of fallen leaves cover the earth. Years ago, the amazing scene of yellow leaves of ginkgo in the sunshine attracted a photographer passing by, who took plenty of photos and shared them online. Since then, a growing number of visitors to Hangzhou would like to spare some time in the park, taking photos of the sea of yellow leaves. How wonderful it is!
PART 3: Discussion topics:
1. Why do so many people like going to places with water such as lakes, rivers or the ocean?
Because people can enjoy many things at places with water. For example by a lake, peoplecan hire a boat and row around by themselves; many people prefer to find a sheltered and quiet place to do fishing; some may walk around to appreciate the plants and fish near thebank.
2. What kinds of leisure activities do people like to do in places such as on the ocean, at a beach, at a river, at a lake, etc.?
Take beach for example. There are lots of leisure activities for people to do. Lying on the beach is a relaxing way for people to enjoy themselves. Most people will spend some time, playing or swimming, in the water. Water sports like water-skiing and surfing are also popular. Besides, people prefer to play games with ball on the sand.
3. As a place to spend some leisure time, do you think the beach or the seaside is more suitable for children or for old people?
Comparatively, I think seaside place may be more suitable for old people to spend some leisure time. The entertainment and leisure facilities are complete on seaside and the old can relax themselves during their stay there. For example, old people can sit on a terrace to appreciate the scene around while talking with friends.
4. Do you think children and old people do the same types of things when they go to a beach?
No, they do different things. Children will enjoy themselves doing kinds of things, such as swimming in the water, collecting shells and catching crabs. And they will never get tired of making animals or houses in the sand. Old people, however, prefer to relax by the sea. They like to appreciate the beautiful sunrise and sunset; they enjoy walking with family in the warm wind, or spend hours fishing.
5. What activities would you do if you are spending some leisure time at a beach or near the ocean?
Well, I will spend some time lying on the beach to have a sun bath if possible. Then I prefer to take photos of wonderful sunrise and sunset, and shoot the beautiful scene of flying birds, blue sky and water. Although I cannot swim, I would take a life buoy and enjoy floating on the water by the beach. Of course, it would be great to make a barbecue and cook the fresh sea food there.
People like water sports because they are very exciting. People have taken up various water sports, like rowing, water-skiing and sailing. Surfing, too, has been a favor for many people. It's not easy to surf against waves, but it's great fun to "fight" with the power of nature. And people can get completely relaxed after the challenge.
7. Do you think the government should invest money in developing facilities for water sports?
Well, not necessarily. For the places near the ocean or rivers, the government can spare some money in developing related facilities, for the recreation facilities will bring much income for the local. However, to those inland places where the supply of water is in short, it's just a waste of money to invest a lot to create large swimming pool, or something like that, which will waste plenty of water, too.
8. Do you think that human activity is posing a threat to the oceans of the world?
Yes, human activities have done much damage to the oceans. First of all, the unreasonable fishery has led to kinds of fishes being endangered. Secondly, loads of facilities have been constructed to exploit gas and minerals in the sea, which does harm to the habitat of sea animals. What's worse, many accidents of oil spills have caused great pollution to the oceans.
9. How important is water in people's everyday lives?
Water is said to be the source of life, and people cannot live without water. It's said, one can live at most four days without drinking water. Without water, people's daily life would not be possible, for people cannot get themselves washed, get the food cooked and get water to drink to help digest food and recover one's energy.
10. What do you think are the advantages and disadvantages of traveling on the ocean?
Travelling on the ocean is a wonderful experience. One can enjoy himself sitting on the dock and reading. Surrounded by endless water, one will feel fresh and gleeful. Besides, it's much cheaper, comparatively, travelling on the ocean. However, it costs a long time to complete an ocean travelling, and some people are sick of that. Also, it's a bit dangerous, especially when the weather is bad. The storms on the sea are destructive and terrified.