1. What kinds of water sports are popular nowadays?

Well, sports aren’t really my cup of tea, so I don’t keep track of them458 too much. But when it comes to water sports, I’m fairly sure that swimming and water-skiing are pretty popular. You know, swimming is such a common activity. Basically everyone I know enjoys a good swim. But waterskiing isn’t as typical459 because it takes more skill, and it can be pretty expensive. But from what I’ve heard460, it’s a total blast to do.

2. Why do people like to do things near water (even though they can’t swim)?

I guess people like doing things near water because of the environment. Even if they can’t swim, they can still enjoy the sound of the waves461 and the fresh air if they’re around a lake or an ocean. It can really set your mind at ease to be around water. It’s such a beautiful sight as well. Personally, I like being around water even if I’m not swimming. It just calms me down.

3. Do you think schools should teach students how to swim?

I think it would be great if schools taught students how to swim. For one, it’s actually an important life skill. You might find yourself knocked out of462 a boat, or even a plane, and in that case swimming could save your life. Secondly, swimming is great exercise. Schools are trying to help their students become better, well-rounded463 individuals. So swimming could be a part of that. It definitely improves people’s health.

4. What are the advantages and disadvantages of water transportation?

Well, water transportation is great because it can fit a lot of people. When it comes to crossing the ocean, planes can only take hundreds of people at a time. But normally, a cruise464 can take thousands of people on it. Plus, air travel can cost an arm and a leg. So boats and ships are a really great alternative465. It’s very scenic466 too. But on the downside, water transportation can be very slow. Plus, some people get very seasick467 when travelling by water.

5. What are the differences between people9s feelings about living inland and living by the sea?

Well, it’s hard to say. It really depends on the person. Someone who’s very introverted and quiet might feel that living inland is too crowded. They might prefer living by the sea, since it means being surrounded by nature and not living such a hectic life468. But people who are extroverted and outgoing probably feel that living by the sea is too boring for those same reasons469. They might feel that living inland is the way to go470.

458 don’t keep track of them:不会关注
459 isn’t as typical:不那么的典型
460 But from what I’ve heard:但据我所知
461 the sound of the waves:海浪声
462 knocked out of:从…掉下
463 well-rounded:全面发展的
464 cruise:游轮
465 areally great alternative:很好的替代品（注意此处语法没有错误，有疑问请联系Penny)
466 scenic:风景优美的
467 seasick:晕船
468 such a hectic life:吵吵闹闹、忙碌的生活节奏
469 for those same reasons:同样因为前面说的这些原因
470 is the way to go: …才是应该的，才是正确的选择