Going to the beach — Student handout

This is a supplemental handout for pre-class or post-class homework for the lesson, “At the beach“. This handout includes beach vocabulary along with example phrases and conversations.

Beach vocabulary

1. Suntan (noun): A browning of the skin caused by exposure to the sun.
   • Example Sentence: After a week at the beach, she had a beautiful golden suntan.
2. Sunscreen (noun): A cream or lotion rubbed onto the skin to protect it from the sun.
   • Example Sentence: Don’t forget to apply sunscreen with a high SPF before you go out.
3. Tide (noun): The rise and fall of the sea, usually occurring twice every lunar day at a particular place due to the attraction of the moon and sun.
   • Example Sentence: We have to be careful when the tide comes in; it can cover our towels.
4. Seashell (noun): The hard, protective outer case of a mollusk or other marine animal.
   • Example Sentence: My little sister loves to collect seashells along the shoreline.
5. Lifeguard (noun): A person employed to rescue bathers from drowning at a beach or swimming pool.
   • Example Sentence: The lifeguard blew his whistle to warn the children about swimming too far out.
6. Boardwalk (noun): A promenade, typically made of wood, built along a beach or waterfront.
   • Example Sentence: After swimming, we walked along the boardwalk and grabbed some ice cream.
7. Current (noun): A body of water or air moving in a definite direction, especially through a surrounding body of water or air in which there is less movement.
   • Example Sentence: Be careful, the current here can be very strong.
8. Wade (verb): To walk with effort through water or another liquid or viscous substance.
   • Example Sentence: The children loved to wade in the shallow water at the edge of the beach.
9. Shoreline (noun): The line where a large body of water meets the land.
   • Example Sentence: We set up our umbrella right near the shoreline for easy access to the water.
10. Buoy (noun): An anchored float serving as a guide for boats or a marker for something underwater.
    • Example Sentence: Swimmers are advised not to swim beyond the buoys.
11. Jet Ski (noun): A small, motorized vehicle for one or two people, designed for riding across water. It is common for some speakers to use this as a verb as well (Are we going to Jet Ski a the lake?).
    • Example Sentence: We rented a Jet Ski for an hour and had a blast speeding across the waves.
12. Parasol (noun): A lightweight umbrella used as a sunshade.
    • Example Sentence: She brought a large parasol to provide shade for her baby.
13. Beachcomber (noun): A person who walks along beaches looking for interesting or valuable items.
    • Example Sentence: The old man was a regular beachcomber, always finding unique pieces of driftwood.
14. Rip current (noun): A strong, narrow current of water flowing outward from the beach through the surf zone.
    • Example Sentence: If you get caught in a rip current, remember to swim parallel to the shore, not against it.
15. Dune (noun): A mound or ridge of sand or other loose sediment formed by the wind, especially on the seacoast or in a desert.
    • Example Sentence: We climbed over the sand dunes to get to a more secluded part of the beach.

Useful phrases and example conversations

The following includes some useful phrases for going to the beach as well as some example conversations.

Phrases for going to the beach

• “Let’s head to the beach!”
• “Are you ready for some sun and sand?”
• “What time should we leave for the beach?”
• “Don’t forget your beach towel/sunscreen/swimsuit!”
• “The weather looks perfect for a beach day.”
• “Is the tide high or low today?”
• “Do you want to pack a picnic for the beach?”
• “Let’s check the forecast for beach conditions.”

Phrases for being at the beach

• “This water feels amazing!”
• “I’m going for a swim.”
• “Do you want to build a sandcastle?”
• “Let’s go collect some seashells.”
• “The waves are great for bodyboarding.”
• “I need to reapply my sunscreen.”
• “It’s getting a bit hot, let’s find some shade.”
• “I love the sound of the ocean.”
• “Watch out for that rogue wave!”
• “The sun is really strong today.”
• “Let’s take a walk along the shoreline.”

Example conversations

Conversation 1: Planning the beach trip

A: “Hey, the weather forecast for Saturday looks incredible. Fancy a beach day?”
B: “Absolutely! I’ve been craving some sun and the sound of crashing waves. What time should we leave?”
A: “How about 9 AM? That way we can beat the crowds and find a good spot.”
B: “Sounds perfect. Should we pack a lunch or grab something there?”
A: “Let’s pack some sandwiches and snacks. And don’t forget your sunscreen!”
B: “Definitely not! I don’t want a nasty sunburn. I’ll also bring my new parasol.”
A: “Great idea! I’ll check the tide schedule so we know when’s the best time for a swim is.”

Conversation 2: At the Beach

A: “Ah, this is the life! The water feels so refreshing.”
B: “It really does! I’m going to wade in for a bit before I go for a proper swim.”
A: “Good idea. I might just relax here under the umbrella and enjoy the sound of the waves. Have you seen any good seashells?”
B: “Not yet, but I’ll keep an eye out. Oh, look! The lifeguard just blew his whistle. Someone must be swimming too close to the buoys.”
A: “Yeah, it’s important to be aware of the currents here. They can be strong. Are you going to rent a Jet Ski later?”
B: “Maybe! After I’ve dried off, I want to take a walk along the boardwalk and grab some ice cream.”
A: “Sounds like a plan! I’m already looking forward to getting a nice suntan.”