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 did their job outside?

     (A) Leo   (B) Mia   (C) Sam

2   Which person bought a present for a parent?

     (A) Leo   (B) Mia   (C) Sam

3   Which person paid for a family meal?

     (A) Leo   (B) Mia   (C) Sam

4   Which person kept their money in a bank?

     (A) Leo   (B) Mia   (C) Sam

5   Which person bought some new clothes?

     (A) Leo   (B) Mia   (C) Sam

6   Which person got more money than they expected?

     (A) Leo   (B) Mia   (C) Sam

7   Which person got a new item for their bedroom?

     (A) Leo   (B) Mia   (C) Sam

Receiving Our First Monthly Salary

Leo

I got my first pay yesterday! For the last four weeks, I washed cars for people on my street. I really enjoyed it because I love being in the open air, especially when the weather is sunny. I didn’t get any gifts for my mum or dad, but they were very proud of me. I earned enough to go shopping, so I went to the mall and found a fantastic winter coat. It feels great to pay for my own things! I usually clean my bedroom on Sundays, but this weekend I am going to relax in what I bought.

Mia

I worked as an assistant in a local bookshop this month. When the manager gave me my envelope, I couldn’t believe it. I imagined it would be a little pocket money, but it was much more than that! First, I picked up a nice novel for my father to say thank you for driving me to work. Then, I found a bright lamp for my study desk where I sleep. My friend told me to put the rest in the bank, but I decided to keep it in my wallet to buy a nice lunch next week.

Sam

Getting my own money is the best feeling. I spent July helping in a busy restaurant. It gets very hot inside, so sometimes I wish I worked in the garden! When I got my cash, I wanted to buy some new shoes, but I changed my mind. Instead, I invited my mother and father to eat amazing pizzas, and I gave the waiter the money for everything. It was a lovely evening. After that, I walked to the town centre to open an account and left the rest of my coins and notes there for the future.

Reading 2

For each question, choose the correct answer.

1   Which person arrived at their job after the correct time?

     (A) Ben   (B) Zara   (C) Finn

2   Which person damaged an object made of glass?

     (A) Ben   (B) Zara   (C) Finn

3   Which person handed a shopper an incorrect item?

     (A) Ben   (B) Zara   (C) Finn

4   Which person asked someone they work with for assistance?

     (A) Ben   (B) Zara   (C) Finn

5   Who apologised directly to their boss?

     (A) Ben   (B) Zara   (C) Finn

6   Who felt extremely shy and silly about their error?

     (A) Ben   (B) Zara   (C) Finn

7   Who did not leave the building at the normal time?

     (A) Ben   (B) Zara   (C) Finn

First Day Mistakes at Work

Ben

On my first day at the café, I actually arrived early! Everything was going well until I carried some drinks to a table. I dropped a lemonade bottle on the hard floor and it smashed into pieces. The manager was out of the building, so I couldn’t speak to him. Instead, I called another waiter over to support me with the mess. He was very kind and brought a brush. I didn’t feel too bad because these things happen, and the customers still got the right food. I was so tired that I went home before five o’clock!

Zara

I started my job in a clothing boutique last Saturday. I got there on schedule, but it was incredibly busy. When a lady bought a large skirt, I accidentally put a small summer dress in her bag! She came back five minutes later to show me. I didn’t ask anyone for help, but my face went completely red! I quickly found the right clothes for her and said sorry to the buyer, not my boss. I was glad when I finished work exactly at six o’clock so I could finally relax!

Finn

My new job is in a large business office. Unfortunately, I missed my train on the first morning, which meant walking into the building twenty minutes late! As soon as I arrived, I went to the manager’s desk and told him how sorry I was. He was nice about it, but I still felt quite annoyed with myself. I didn’t break anything like a cup or a plate, but I had to catch up on my reading. To show I was a good worker, I remained at my desk for an extra hour that evening.

Reading 3

For each question, choose the correct answer.

1   Who had to buy their own clothes for the job?

     (A) Toby   (B) Aisha   (C) Liam

2   Who says their legs hurt after working?

     (A) Toby   (B) Aisha   (C) Liam

3   Who hopes to have a more important job at the pool one day?

     (A) Toby   (B) Aisha   (C) Liam

4   Who starts their workday very early?

     (A) Toby   (B) Aisha   (C) Liam

5   Who helped a young person who was frightened?

     (A) Toby   (B) Aisha   (C) Liam

6   Who doesn’t have to spend money on their lunch?

     (A) Toby   (B) Aisha   (C) Liam

7   Who says the job was hard when it wasn’t sunny?

     (A) Toby   (B) Aisha   (C) Liam

Working as Assistant Lifeguards

Toby

I really enjoy being an assistant lifeguard at the outdoor pool. We usually work in the afternoons, so I never have to wake up at six o’clock! Last week, I saw a little boy who was crying near the deep water. I talked to him and helped him feel safe again. One bad thing is that I had to use my pocket money to get my red shorts and t-shirt. Also, standing outside is terrible when it is raining 

Aisha

My job at the swimming pool is fantastic because it is outside and I love the hot summer weather. We don’t pay for our red uniforms; the boss gives them to us on our first day. My shift begins at 6:00 a.m., long before anyone else is awake! It is peaceful, but it means I go to bed very soon after dinner. During the day, there are no chairs for the assistants. Because I am always on my feet, my legs feel extremely heavy and tired when I finally go home.

Liam

On my first day as a lifeguard assistant, I was quite scared! However, the other workers were very kind. We swim a lot every day to stay fit, so my arms usually ache, but it is a fun job. I am saving a lot of my pocket money because the pool restaurant gives us a hot meal every afternoon, completely free! I am learning so much this summer. Next year, I plan to take a new test so I can become the head lifeguard and teach the new assistants what to do.

Exercises:   1234567