Writing Exercise 295 - A HISTORIC ISLAND Last week, I visited a historic island (called?), which I have passed by countless times and visited many times before. Today, I would like to talk about it. The island is in the river in the middle of the city. (what city?) (Can I say by water? All islands are surrounded by water, that's why they are islands!). It is only around 74 acres, but it contains about 150 buildings with European style architecture. Most of them were built in the late 19th century. The island was an important commercial port for China during the dynasties of Song, Yuan, Ming and Qing. In 1861, it became part of the territory leased by Britain and France. Over ten countries set up their consulates there, such as America, Britain, France, Germany, Poland, Czech Republic, the Soviet Union, Korea, etc., some of which are still there. There were also two churches and a five-star hotel on the island. One was a Christian church, built in 1864, and the other was Catholic, built in 1890. Religious activities have been held in the churches again since 1991. The hotel opened in 1983. Since then, it has received over 150 chiefs (presidents? prime ministers? Heads of state? and members of royal families from over 40 countries. The one most people delight in talking about is Queen Elizabeth II, who visited China in 1986. Now this island has become a popular sightseeing spot and attracts many young people who take photos of themselves in front of the historic buildings. Question: I think I have tense problems in my post. Are you confused by that?