top of page

English reading practice - Grey Seals (B1/B2 intermediate level English)

In the cool waters around the United Kingdom, there are some amazing animals called Grey Seals. They are loved by many as they are often found doing fun tricks and looking cute which makes people happy. These seals live in the ocean and are known for being playful and charming.


Picture yourself walking along a rocky beach. Suddenly, you see a group of grey blobs on the rocks. Don't be fooled and think they're just being lazy; they're actually Grey Seals, the ocean's cuddliest residents. They have big, sweet eyes and cute whiskers that make them extra charming.


One exciting time for Grey Seals is when they have babies, called pups. In the Autumn, you can find them on quiet beaches with their proud seal mums. It's like being in a nursery rhyme with fluffy white seal pups all around!


Grey Seals are excellent swimmers and can do acrobatic tricks in the water, they like to twirl and somersault. They are like gymnasts, dancing in the ocean. These seals are big, with a long body and flippers for swimming.


Photo by Me!


Their fur can be light grey, dark grey, or brown, and baby seals are born with a white coat that changes as they grow. Adult seals have a Roman nose shape, and both males and females have V-shaped nostrils. They also have whiskers, which are like underwater radar helping them find food in the ocean.


Seeing Grey Seals in their home is a joyful experience. They are special animals along the coasts of the United Kingdom. But, it's important to help them because they face challenges. People are working to protect where they live, so they can live happily with humans. Watching them from a distance and following rules at the beach helps keep them safe.


Would you like to go on a Grey Seal adventure? You can see them in many places around the UK including beaches in Scotland in the North and Norfolk in the South, and it's a great show for people who love nature or just want to enjoy the beach. So, get beach-ready, feel the ocean breeze, and let the Grey Seals take you to a world of wild charm. The UK's coasts are waiting, and the seals are ready to put on a splashy show!


Check your understanding

  1. What are Grey Seals known for that makes people happy?

  2. When is an exciting time for Grey Seals, and what are their babies called?

  3. What do Grey Seals do in the water that is compared to gymnasts?

  4. How does the fur of Grey Seals change as they grow, and what role do whiskers play in their lives?

  5. Why is it important for people to follow rules and watch Grey Seals from a distance when visiting their habitats?

You can now listen to this article as a podcast just click here


If you find this practice useful please consider supporting the author from just £1 per month here


Vocabulary
  1. Cuddliest: The superlative form of "cuddly," meaning extremely huggable and affectionate.

  2. Pups: In this context, it refers to the baby Grey Seals.

  3. Nursery rhyme: A traditional song or poem for young children, often with a playful or musical quality.

  4. Acrobatic: Relating to the performance of extraordinary physical feats, often involving agility and coordination.

  5. Flippers: Broad, flat, limb-like structures that Grey Seals use for swimming. In this context, it refers to their limbs adapted for aquatic movement.

  6. Roman nose: A distinctive nose shape characterised by a prominent, elongated bridge.

  7. V-shaped nostrils: The openings in the nose that are shaped like the letter "V."

  8. Whiskers: Long, coarse hairs on the face that are highly sensitive and serve as a tactile sensory organ, especially underwater.

  9. Habitats: The natural environments in which organisms or species live.

  10. Conservation: The protection and management of the natural environment and its wildlife to ensure its sustainability and health.

  11. Harmonious coexistence: Living together peacefully and in balance with the surroundings.

  12. Wildlife watching: The activity of observing and enjoying animals in their natural habitats.

0 views0 comments

Comments

Rated 0 out of 5 stars.
No ratings yet

Add a rating
bottom of page