REAL-LIFE SKILLS HOW TO DESCRIBE A CITY 7 Read the Oxford City Guide and say if the sentences are true (T) or false (F). Oxford, the City of Dreaming Spires, after the stunning architecture of its university buildings, is famous all over the world. For over 800 years, it has been a home to professors and researchers, and since the 9th century a recognised town, although people have lived in the area for thousands of years. Today, the city is a lively cosmopolitan town, still with its ancient University, but home also to a growing hi-tech community. With its mix of ancient and modern, there is plenty to do. You can visit one of the many historic buildings such as the Saxon Tower of St Michael, colleges such as Christ Church College or museums such as the Bate Collection of Musical Instruments or the Museum of the History of Science. If you walk in the historical centre, you can admire medieval, gothic, neoclassical and baroque architecture, all in perfect harmony. The varied selection of art and entertainment venues throughout Oxford is impressive. You can spend an enjoyable day in an art gallery or walking in beautiful parks and gardens, while for an entertaining evening you can choose from historical performance venues, theatres or cinemas. Direct train services run from London Paddington. Oxford Railway Station is a 5-10 minute walk from the centre of Oxford. The slogan ‘City of Dreaming Spires’ comes from the name of its old university. ☐ T ☐ F 1. People have lived in the area of Oxford since the 9th century. ☐ T ☐ F 2. Oxford is also a high-tech city. ☐ T ☐ F 3. St Michael’s Tower is of Roman origin. ☐ T ☐ F 4. In Oxford there are buildings of different architectural styles. ☐ T ☐ F 5. Oxford offers a lively cultural life. ☐ T ☐ F 6. 8 Now prepare a leaflet of your city (or a historic city in your region) containing information about history, museums and monuments, architecture, parks, entertainment, public transportation. Use the Oxford City Guide above as an example. : the name of the city is often followed by a slogan to draw the attention of the reader. Title and slogan : a short paragraph about important historical events. A bit of history : a short description of the main monuments, museums, architecture. What to see : entertainment and events. What to do : it includes information on location, scenery, climate, how to get to and how to move around. Fact file