Comprehension - Discover Seychelles - Exercise 1
Read the following information about Seychelles and then answer the questions on the opposite page.
Discover Seychelles
The Republic of Seychelles is a group of 115 islands of truly striking beauty, lying in the Indian Ocean 1800 km east of Kenya. Popular with tourists, Seychelles is also a natural sanctuary for an amazing diversity of bird and animal life, such as the world’s smallest frog, the heaviest land tortoise and the only flightless bird of the Indian Ocean.
Culture and cuisine
The Seychellois, numbering around 80,000 people, are a colorful and harmonious blend of different races. People from almost every race on earth have at one time or another contributed something of their own customs and cultures to the islands. This diversity is clearly reflected in Seychellois cooking. From Asian influences come delicious stir fries and fiery curries, while the European influence, especially French, is apparent in the use of herbs and garlic. Some of the best fish in the world can be found here-the popular red snapper or ‘bourzwa’ is a favorite with both locals and tourists.
Environment
Unique plants and animals have evolved in Seychelles to produce some of the rarest examples of flora and fauna in the world. Seychelles also boasts two world Heritage Sites: Aldabra Atoll and the Vallee de Mai, where the magnificent coco demer palm grows. The government has declared 46% of the total land mass (452 sq km) as national parks, nature reserves or protected areas. A further 228 sq km have been designated as Marine National Park to safeguard marine creatures and habitat. As land is scarce, waste disposal can be a problem. Where possible, therefore, rubbish such as toothpaste cartons and empty shampoo bottles should be taken back to the visitor’s country of origin.
The weather
Seychelles enjoys a pleasant tropical climate with an average humidity of 75%. The islands lie outside the cyclone belt and there are no extremes of weather. When the south-east trade winds blow between May and September, there is generally less rainfall, but rougher seas. The north-west trade winds, which blow from March to May and September to November, the seas are calmest, with the best visibility and conditions.
Average maximum temperature (°C)
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
30 30 31 31 30 29 29 28 29 29 30 30
Average monthly rainfall (mm)
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
379 271 169 178 101 51 6 101 117 210 217 283
Regulations for tourists
For immigration clearance, tourists need a valid passport, a return or onward ticket, proof of accommodation, and sufficient funds for the duration of their stay. A valid yellow fever vaccination certificate is also required from travellers who have recently come from an infected area.
1. What unique specimens of wildlife can be found on the islands?
Give two examples.
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2. Why is the food eaten in Seychelles so varied?
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3. What action has been taken to protect sea life?
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4. What are visitors asked to do to avoid pollution on the islands?
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5. What is the main influence on the climate?
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6. What are good times of the year for visitors interested in diving and other water sports?
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7. Which are the two driest months of the year in Seychelles?
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8. What evidence is required to prove that visitors from certain areas are not infected by disease?
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[Total: 8]


4 Comments:
this sucks
THANX. THIS IS REALY HELPFUL.
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Is it possible to get the answers?
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