Practice English Reading Exercises for A2 – Homework, Exams & Assessments
Reading 1
For each question, choose the correct answer.
1 Which person is creating a program for learners who already know some words?
(A) Thomas (B) Elena (C) Marcus
2 Which person wants students to practice talking with other people?
(A) Thomas (B) Elena (C) Marcus
3 Which person includes fun computer activities in their language lessons?
(A) Thomas (B) Elena (C) Marcus
4 Which person says it takes a long time to finish their course?
(A) Thomas (B) Elena (C) Marcus
5 Which person uses stories to help people learn new vocabulary?
(A) Thomas (B) Elena (C) Marcus
6 Which person gives learners a test before they begin the course?
(A) Thomas (B) Elena (C) Marcus
7 Which person plans to put short films into their system in the future?
(A) Thomas (B) Elena (C) Marcus
Creating a New Language Learning System
Thomas
I am building a language app for the lowest level. When students open the app, they must answer a few questions first. This helps us see what they already understand. In my app, students don’t read long books. Instead, they learn by completing different puzzles and playing things on their phones. It makes studying feel like a hobby! Right now, we only have audio and pictures, but I am going to add some moving pictures to the lessons next year.
Elena
My team is making a system for the middle level. It is not for complete beginners, so you need to understand basic grammar before you use it. I think the best way to learn is by looking at words on a page. Our students learn new language by reading interesting articles and short books about the world. Some apps use games, but I think adults don’t need them. Also, our students practice their pronunciation alone in their rooms, not with classmates.
Marcus
I am designing the highest level of our new language course. My course takes at least twelve months to complete, so it is not a quick program! We don’t ask students to check their knowledge when they start. Also, I don’t use any recorded shows or movies because I prefer real life. To pass this level, you must have discussions with real people online. Chatting together helps students use the new vocabulary correctly and feel more confident.
ANSWER KEY
1 B 2 C 3 A 4 C 5 B 6 A 7 A
Reading 2
For each question, choose the correct answer.
1 Which teacher prefers to record their own voice?
(A) Mr. Clark (B) Mrs. Garcia (C) Mr. Jones
2 Which teacher says the tests should be about everyday conversations?
(A) Mr. Clark (B) Mrs. Garcia (C) Mr. Jones
3 Which teacher asks other teachers to help them?
(A) Mr. Clark (B) Mrs. Garcia (C) Mr. Jones
4 Which teacher uses pictures in their tests?
(A) Mr. Clark (B) Mrs. Garcia (C) Mr. Jones
5 Which teacher includes music in their listening tests?
(A) Mr. Clark (B) Mrs. Garcia (C) Mr. Jones
6 Which teacher thinks listening assessments must be very short?
(A) Mr. Clark (B) Mrs. Garcia (C) Mr. Jones
7 Which teacher allows students to hear the recording three times?
(A) Mr. Clark (B) Mrs. Garcia (C) Mr. Jones
Creating Listening Tests
Mr. Clark
When I make a listening exam, I always speak the words myself instead of downloading audio from the internet. It is fun to use my new microphone at home! I know some teachers play songs for their classes, but I never do. My students often need help understanding the speakers, so I always put interesting images on the paper. Looking at these helps them guess the right answers. Usually, people only play the audio twice. However, I think that is not enough. I always let my class hear it once more before they finish.
Mrs. Garcia
I think listening exams can be very difficult for beginners. Because of this, my audio clips only last for about two minutes. If they take longer, the students get bored and stop paying attention. I don’t use photos because my teenagers don’t need them. Instead, I focus on useful situations. My students listen to people ordering food in a restaurant or buying train tickets. I never invite other staff at my school to make the recordings with me. I usually just buy professional CDs that come with our textbook.
Mr. Jones
To make a good test, I usually find a popular pop track on the internet. I ask my teenagers to write down the missing words as the singer sings. They really love this activity! When I don’t use the internet, I write my own short stories. I don’t like reading them alone, so I invite my friends who teach math and science to read the different parts with me. It sounds like a real radio show! During the exam, we play the audio exactly twice. I don’t give them extra chances to hear it.
ANSWER KEY
1 A 2 B 3 C 4 A 5 C 6 B 7 A
Reading 3
For each question, choose the correct answer.
1 Which teacher asks their students to work together?
(A) David (B) Sarah (C) Mark
2 Which teacher uses music during their classes?
(A) David (B) Sarah (C) Mark
3 Which teacher says their lessons take a lot of time to prepare?
(A) David (B) Sarah (C) Mark
4 Which teacher gives their class small presents?
(A) David (B) Sarah (C) Mark
5 Which teacher tells students to act like different people?
(A) David (B) Sarah (C) Mark
6 Which teacher says it is fine if students give the wrong answer?
(A) David (B) Sarah (C) Mark
7 Which teacher lets students use their mobile phones?
(A) David (B) Sarah (C) Mark
Teaching Grammar to Teenagers
David
I love teaching grammar to teenagers, but they get bored quickly. I design online quizzes for them to do in class. Finding the right questions means I spend hours planning before I even enter the classroom! The students don’t need to bring pens or paper. Instead, they look at their own smartphones and tap the answers. Some students worry about failing the quiz, but I always tell them that it doesn’t matter if they are incorrect. Learning is about trying! I don’t use songs because the room gets too noisy.
Sarah
My teenage students love pop culture, so I bring that into our grammar practice. I find popular bands that they listen to, and we look at the words the singers are saying. It is a great way to show how people really speak! Everyone puts their mobile devices away in my room because we don’t need technology. When the students finish an exercise perfectly, I usually hand out chocolates or sweet things to say ‘well done’. I don’t think it takes long to organise these activities at all.
Mark
Teenagers have a lot of energy, so my grammar exercises involve movement. I never ask my class to sit quietly by themselves. Instead, I put them in teams of three or four to solve language puzzles. Sometimes, they have to pretend to be a famous actor or a doctor, and they use specific grammar to talk to the rest of the class. It is really funny to watch! I never offer candy or rewards for good work. The students enjoy the games so much that they don’t need them.
ANSWER KEY
1 C 2 B 3 A 4 B 5 C 6 A 7 A