Practice English Reading Exercises for A2 – Part-time Jobs & Early Career

Exercises:   1234567

Reading 1

For each question, choose the correct answer.

1   Which person says the job helped them talk to strangers more easily?

     (A) Jake   (B) Mia   (C) Noah

2   Which person bought something for themselves from the shop?

     (A) Jake   (B) Mia   (C) Noah

3   Which person had to start their working day very early?

     (A) Jake   (B) Mia   (C) Noah

4   Which person found it difficult to keep the clothes tidy?

     (A) Jake   (B) Mia   (C) Noah

5   Which person was surprised by how tired their feet felt?

     (A) Jake   (B) Mia   (C) Noah

6   Which person worked with a family member?

     (A) Jake   (B) Mia   (C) Noah

7   Which person felt annoyed by some of the customers?

     (A) Jake   (B) Mia   (C) Noah

Working in a Clothing Store During Summer Sales

Jake

I worked in a large sports clothing shop in July. I usually prefer sleeping late, so I didn’t mind working in the evenings until the shop closed. The main problem was that my legs and toes ached so much after standing up for eight hours. I didn’t expect that! Folding the t-shirts and making them look nice on the shelves was quite simple, though. The best part was the staff discount. I used my first week’s money to get a cool summer jacket I really wanted.

Mia

My summer job was in a small fashion store. Before I started, I was quite a shy person. However, answering questions from so many different shoppers every day really improved my confidence. Most people were polite and happy, which was nice. I was allowed to wear comfortable trainers, so my feet were absolutely fine. But the changing rooms were a nightmare! After people tried on dresses and trousers, it was incredibly hard to fold them fast enough and put everything back in the correct place.

Noah

Working during the summer sales is extremely busy. I had to be at the store by 6:00 a.m. to help open the doors, which was terrible because I hate waking up! Luckily, my older sister is a manager there, so we travelled in the same car. I mostly stayed at the cash desk, so I didn’t chat with people much. Honestly, some shoppers shouted when we didn’t have the right size or colour, which made me feel a bit cross. I didn’t buy any items either, because I wanted to save all my cash for a new phone.

Reading 2

For each question, choose the correct answer.

1   Who prepares food for the children?

     (A) Emma   (B) David   (C) Sophia

2   Who says the children do not go to sleep early?

     (A) Emma   (B) David   (C) Sophia

3   Who cares for a child that is not in their family?

     (A) Emma   (B) David   (C) Sophia

4   Who receives money for looking after the child?

     (A) Emma   (B) David   (C) Sophia

5   Who plays video games with the children?

     (A) Emma   (B) David   (C) Sophia

6   Who helps the children finish their schoolwork?

     (A) Emma   (B) David   (C) Sophia

7   Who enjoys doing art activities with the children?

     (A) Emma   (B) David   (C) Sophia

Babysitting on Friday Nights

Emma

Every Friday, I watch my two little brothers while my parents go out. I usually have to make pizzas or boil pasta for them to eat because they are always hungry. My friend David gets paid for babysitting, but I do this to help my family, so I don’t ask for any cash. After we eat, we turn on the TV and have a racing match on the console together. They love it! I am terrible at drawing, so we never do anything creative. I always make sure they are in bed by eight o’clock, so I have time to relax.

David

I look after my neighbours’ six-year-old son on Friday evenings. He isn’t a cousin or a brother, but we get on really well. When his parents come home, they always give me ten pounds, which is great because I’m saving for a new bike! He usually completes all his maths tasks before I arrive, so I never need to explain his lessons to him. We don’t use any electronic screens when I’m there. Instead, we build tall towers with his plastic blocks or read some funny comics until he gets tired.

Sophia

I spend my Friday nights taking care of my little twin sisters. Our mum leaves plates of sandwiches ready in the fridge, so I don’t need to turn on the cooker. First, we sit at the table and I assist them with their reading and science tasks for Monday morning. Once that is done, we get the colourful paints out and spend ages making beautiful pictures. The only difficult thing is that they have so much energy. They are often awake until eleven or twelve at night!

Reading 3

For each question, choose the correct answer.

1   Who practised answering questions with a relative?

     (A) Liam   (B) Emma   (C) Noah

2   Who went shopping for something to wear to the interview?

     (A) Liam   (B) Emma   (C) Noah

3   Who found information about the business on the internet?

     (A) Liam   (B) Emma   (C) Noah

4   Who checked their journey to make sure they weren’t delayed?

     (A) Liam   (B) Emma   (C) Noah

5   Who looked at their own face while practising what to say?

     (A) Liam   (B) Emma   (C) Noah

6   Who used a library book to get some helpful advice?

     (A) Liam   (B) Emma   (C) Noah

7   Who thought of some things to ask the manager at the end?

     (A) Liam   (B) Emma   (C) Noah

Preparing for a First Job Interview

Liam

I was really nervous about my first interview at a local café. To help me get ready, my uncle sat with me at the kitchen table. He pretended to be the boss and listened to what I said. It made me feel much better! I didn’t want to get there after the meeting started, so I carefully checked the train times on my phone. I didn’t use the internet to read about the café, though, because I already eat there every week! I also packed a blank notebook in my bag.

Emma

I applied for a job in a large clothes shop. Before the interview, I used my laptop to look at their website and read about their history. I wanted to show that I really cared! Then, I stood in my bedroom and watched my reflection in the glass on the wall while I spoke. It felt silly, but it helped me smile more. Finally, I wrote down a few things I wanted to find out about the role to say before I left. I just wore a nice dress I already had in my cupboard.

Noah

I wanted to work at the new sports centre. My brother works there, but I didn’t ask him to help me practise speaking. Instead, I borrowed a great guide from the town library that explained how to succeed in interviews. It had so many brilliant ideas! I also realised I only owned jeans and t-shirts. Because I wanted to look professional, I went to the mall and bought a smart white shirt and dark trousers. I didn’t have any questions for them, I just hoped they would like me!

Exercises:   1234567