Issue — June 2026

Sun, Sand, and Smiles: Beach Life Around the World

A2 Culture Feature 33 sentences

Sun, Sand, and Smiles: Beach Life Around the World 0 / 33

Speed

From Copacabana to Bondi — how people enjoy the sea in different countries

Brazil's Copacabana: A Big, Happy Beach

In Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Copacabana Beach is one of the most famous beaches in the world. Every day, thousands of people come to the shore to swim, play, and relax. The sand is soft and golden, and the water is warm most of the year. You can hear music, see vendors selling cold drinks, and watch people playing beach volleyball. The beach is also a great place to watch the beautiful sunset over the ocean.

Sun, Sand, and Smiles: Beach Life Around the World — image 2

Australia's Bondi: A Surfer's Paradise

Australia is famous for its love of the sea, and Bondi Beach in Sydney is a perfect example. Many people come here to surf the big waves or to swim in the cool blue water. Bondi is also home to a long boardwalk where people walk, jog, or just sit and enjoy the view. On weekends, the beach becomes very lively with families, friends, and travelers. Lifeguards watch the water all day to keep swimmers safe.

Japan's Shonan Beaches: Calm and Seasonal

In Japan, beaches have a different feeling. They are usually calm, clean, and peaceful places. Many families go to the coast in July and August, when the water is warmest. People enjoy swimming, building sandcastles, and eating special beach food. Japanese beaches are also known for their beautiful seashells and small fish in the shallow water. It is a time to relax with family and enjoy the simple things in life.

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Greece's Island Shores: Slow and Sunny

The Greek islands have some of the most beautiful beaches in Europe. The water is bright blue and very clear, and the small hammocks and beach chairs are perfect for resting. Many people like to read a book, swim in the sea, or take a walk along the shore. In the afternoon, small tavernas serve fresh fish and other local food. Life on a Greek beach is slow, sunny, and full of joy.

Smart Tips for Every Beach

No matter where you are, there are some easy rules to follow. Always put on sunscreen before you go outside. Drink water often, because the sun can make you tired. Look at the signs about the tide, so you know when it is safe to swim. Be respectful of the coral and the sea life around you. And finally, take your trash with you when you leave — every beach is beautiful, and we want to keep it that way.

Quiz

0/5

1Which beach is in Brazil?

The article says Copacabana is in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
2What is Bondi Beach famous for?

The article says many people come to Bondi to surf the big waves.
3When do Japanese families usually go to the beach?

The article says families go to the coast in July and August, when the water is warmest.
4What is special about the water on Greek islands?

The article says the water in the Greek islands is bright blue and very clear.
5What should you put on before you go outside at the beach?

The article says you should always put on sunscreen before going outside.

Must Know 13

boardwalk Noun A raised wooden walkway, typically built along a beach or waterfront for people to walk on.
calm Adjective Not worried, anxious, or excited; peaceful and quiet. Describes a state of tranquility and composure.
hammock Noun A bed or sleeping place made of canvas, rope netting, or similar material, suspended between two points such as trees or posts.
lively Adjective Full of life, energy, and enthusiasm; active, cheerful, and spirited.
sandcastle Noun A small model of a castle made from sand, typically built on a beach as a recreational activity.
seashell Noun A seashell is the hard outer covering of a sea creature such as a snail or clam, or a shell that washes up on the beach.
shore Noun The land along the edge of a sea, lake, or river.
sunscreen Noun A cream, lotion, or spray applied to the skin to protect it from the harmful effects of the sun's ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
sunset Noun The time of day when the sun goes down below the horizon and the sky often turns orange, pink, or red.
surf Verb To ride on a surfboard or similar board on the surface of waves, especially at the ocean, as a sport or recreational activity.
tide Noun The regular rise and fall of the sea caused by the gravitational pull of the moon and sun.
vendor Noun A vendor is a person or company that sells goods or services, especially one who sells in a market or on the street.
waves Noun Waves are moving ridges of water on the surface of the sea, ocean, or lakes. They can also refer to patterns of energy that travel through the air, such as sound waves or radio waves.