Hi brainy professional teachers, This is JUNE 2008 ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE PAST PAPER.

I am homeschooling student, struggling how to write summary. Can anyone help me write this summary so that I can do my best with my own summary? Please help me with this summary then I will be able to summary of the rest papers.
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SECTION F

Next year you and your class are going to England on a school visit. Your teacher has asked
each of you to suggest a city you would like to go to. You would like to visit Cambridge.
Read the information about the city of Cambridge and write a summary for your teacher. In
your summary you should:

• give three reasons why you think your class should visit this city
• give examples of three things you and your class could do there.

THE CITY OF CAMBRIDGE

One of the busiest tourist spots in the country with over three million visitors a year, Cambridge
is also famously home to one of the world’s most prestigious universities, which is itself a
source of much of that tourism. With some colleges dating back to the eleventh century and all
schools of architecture – from Gothic to Modern – represented, the city is a magnet to anyone
with an interest in British history. This, coupled with the traditional sights of students and
cyclists, helps to create a romantic image of Cambridge that is known the world over.

Cambridge is most famous for its historic university. However, Cambridge is far older than
the university. The original settlement was north of the river, on Castle Hill. There is evidence
for pre-Roman activity in the area, but the Romans built the first town. The town was a port,
since it was the head of the navigation of what was then known as the River Granta. The area
by Magdalene Bridge is still known as Quayside, although now it only has punts.

In the 13th century the peaceful rural city (then a relatively small town) was chosen by
monks as a more tranquil place to study than busier Oxford, and this move sowed the seeds
for what was to become Cambridge University. Over the centuries the University went from
strength to strength, playing host to some of science’s greatest minds – Sir Isaac Newton, for
example. The world famous physicist and luminary Stephen Hawking works in Cambridge
and his seminal work, A Brief History of Time, was penned there.

In terms of leisure activities the city has more than its share of pubs and clubs to choose from,
some of which date back centuries like the Pickerel – supposedly the oldest pub in town.
But if you seek something more enlightening, there are also many options: Kettle’s Yard, a
small intimate gallery, showcases modern art and ceramics, and the museums of Zoology
and Anthropology in Downing Street are hidden treasure troves. Cambridge, with its long
association with education, is home to many museums; the Fitzwilliam showcasing artefacts
from Greece, Egypt and Rome is the best known, but there are also university museums
dedicated to the sciences.

Cambridge Market is open 7 days a week. It sells food, clothes and other goods, with
souvenirs in summer. On Sunday, there are craft stalls and a Farmers’ Market. The church of
Great St Mary’s is the university Church. You can climb the tower for a small fee for a good
view of Cambridge. There is also a Craft Fair in All Saints Garden, opposite Trinity College.
This is open for only part of the week, so see their website for details.
Cambridge has many attractive parks and open spaces. Christ’s Pieces is a formal park near
the centre, by the bus station. Parker’s Piece is an open sports ground, used by local schools
and sports clubs, and the location of some local events. Larger events take place at Jesus
Green or Midsummer Common.

To get a true understanding of Cambridge and its history and to see the most impressive
sights the city has to offer a walking tour is essential. Trained guides can explain the origins
of the city and University, the difference between the University and colleges and relate some
of the fascinating stories regarding the famous people connected with Cambridge whilst
looking at some of the most important and impressive sites Cambridge has to offer.

Just 100 km north of London, Cambridge is located in the heart of the East of England.
Excellent road and rail links ensure the city is accessible from all parts of the UK. National
Express operates coach services to Cambridge from major towns and cities throughout the
UK. There are also frequent coach services from both Central London and London Stansted
Airport through to the city. There is a fast and frequent rail service from London King’s
Cross and London Liverpool Street through to Cambridge. There are excellent connections
from Scotland and the North.

You should write between 100 and 150 words.