Everything and a Little More

4.4

One day a teacher asked the pupils if they knew something interesting about England.

Two pupils held up their hands. Jessie wanted to speak about English weather, but Jackie said, “How many times shall we discuss weather? I know everything about it!”

“But if you don’t know everything?” asked the teacher. “Well, children, let’s listen to Jessie and then Freddy will speak. Freddy, what is it you want to tell us about?”

“About a lake which is not a lake.”

“Oh, it must be very interesting!”

“Some people say it always rains in Britain,” said Jessie. “Of course it rains sometimes, but it can be very hot too. There is more rain in the north-west of Britain. It doesn’t rain so much in the east of England, but it isn’t very warm either.

“A lot of Londoners go to the south coast for their holidays, because it is the warmest part of Britain. But when people in Britain go for their holidays, they are prepared for all kinds of weather.”

“Well, Jackie. What do you say now?” asked the teacher.

“Jessie knows a lot,” said Jackie. “Let’s listen to Freddy’s story about a lake which is not a lake.”

“Many people in Britain go to the Lake District for their holidays in summer. They camp there, go for walks, they go out in boats, and fish. The Lake District is very popular for holidays.

“But this is not a lake named District. It is a beautiful part of England with many lakes and mountains. Have you any questions, Jackie?”

“No,” said Jackie. “You know a little more.”