Practice English Reading Exercises for A2 – Office Environment, Tech & Automation
Reading 1
For each question, choose the correct answer.
1 Who finds it difficult to understand the words used on forums?
(A) Sam (B) Elena (C) Tariq
2 Which person reads old conversations instead of asking new questions?
(A) Sam (B) Elena (C) Tariq
3 Who says it can take a long time to get an answer?
(A) Sam (B) Elena (C) Tariq
4 Which person prefers to use a forum that is just for teenagers?
(A) Sam (B) Elena (C) Tariq
5 Who asks a family member to explain the forum answers?
(A) Sam (B) Elena (C) Tariq
6 Which person sometimes helps other people with their problems?
(A) Sam (B) Elena (C) Tariq
7 Who thinks it is important to be polite when writing on a forum?
(A) Sam (B) Elena (C) Tariq
Finding Coding Answers Online
Sam
I love making simple computer games, but I often get stuck. When I do, I look for help online. Many websites are full of adults who use very advanced coding language, which is often hard to read. Because of that, I usually visit a special website made just for people my age. It is much easier to use. When you write a message asking how to fix your code, you should always remember to say ‘please’ and ‘thank you’. If you are nice, people usually reply very fast, so you don’t wait long for a solution!
Elena
When my code isn’t working, I know someone else probably had the exact same problem before me. So, instead of typing a brand new question, I just search the website for messages from last year or before. The solution is almost always there! My older sister uses forums too, but she prefers to write new posts. When I have some free time, I don’t just read. I also like looking at what beginners are finding difficult so I can give them advice. It feels great to teach others how to build their apps.
Tariq
I am learning how to build websites, and online coding groups are very useful. The users are always very friendly to me, but there is one big problem. Sometimes it takes several days for anyone to reply to my post. You have to be very patient! Also, when someone finally gives me a solution, it can be difficult to follow. I often show the replies to my dad, who is a software engineer. He reads the instructions and tells me exactly what I need to do. After that, I can usually fix my code.
ANSWER KEY
1 A 2 B 3 C 4 A 5 C 6 B 7 A
Reading 2
For each question, choose the correct answer.
1 Which person worked on their app with someone related to them?
(A) David (B) Sarah (C) Marco
2 Which person hopes a large business will buy their app?
(A) David (B) Sarah (C) Marco
3 Which person says the app is good for people who don’t remember things?
(A) David (B) Sarah (C) Marco
4 Which person created the app because they had difficulties with their studies?
(A) David (B) Sarah (C) Marco
5 Which person is working to improve the way the app looks?
(A) David (B) Sarah (C) Marco
6 Which person says users don’t have to pay for the app?
(A) David (B) Sarah (C) Marco
7 Which person says the app can organise time for fun activities?
(A) David (B) Sarah (C) Marco
Designing a Smart Calendar App
David
I wanted to create a smart calendar because many people find it hard to organise their week. My uncle is a software engineer, and we wrote the computer code together over the summer holidays. The app automatically books meetings for you, which is great for small businesses. At the moment, the menu is quite ugly, so I am changing the colors and pictures to make it more beautiful. It costs $2 to get it on your phone, but I think it is worth the money! You won’t miss your appointments again.
Sarah
Last year, I had too much homework and often missed my basketball practice. I made this app to solve my own scheduling problems at college. You just type in what you need to do, and the calendar finds the perfect time for everything, including your sports and games. My brother loves using it! I am not giving it away for zero money, though. My dream is that a famous tech group will offer me a lot of cash for it in the future.
Marco
Designing this calendar was a fun project for my university class. The best thing about it is that it sends messages to your phone when you have a meeting. If you are someone who always leaves things behind or misses important dates, this will really help you! The design is already fantastic, so I don’t need to change how it looks. Some similar apps are very expensive, but anyone can put this on their phone without spending a single penny. I hope people enjoy using it.
ANSWER KEY
1 A 2 B 3 C 4 B 5 A 6 C 7 B
Reading 3
For each question, choose the correct answer.
1 Which person wears clothes that the company gives them?
(A) David (B) Elena (C) Marcus
2 Which person changes their clothes before leaving the office?
(A) David (B) Elena (C) Marcus
3 Which person uses the internet to get their office clothes?
(A) David (B) Elena (C) Marcus
4 Which person wears something different on Fridays?
(A) David (B) Elena (C) Marcus
5 Which person likes the dark colours they must wear?
(A) David (B) Elena (C) Marcus
6 Which person says their office clothes are not comfortable?
(A) David (B) Elena (C) Marcus
7 Which person pays a lot for their work clothes?
(A) David (B) Elena (C) Marcus
Office Clothes
David
I work in a large bank. From Monday to Thursday, I must wear a smart suit and a tie. But on the last day of the working week, we can come to the office in jeans and a T-shirt. I like that a lot. I buy my shirts in a shop near my house, and they don’t cost much money. The suits look great, but I don’t wear them on the journey back to my flat. Before I walk out of the building at five o’clock, I always take off my jacket and put on a comfortable sweater.
Elena
I have a job at a very important business. I don’t need to go shopping for work clothes because my boss hands everyone the same shirts and skirts to put on. Everything we wear is black or dark blue. I’m happy about that because those are my top choices! However, I don’t enjoy everything about it. The only problem is the formal shoes. My feet usually hurt after walking around the office all afternoon. I have to wear this every day, so I can’t wait to put on my own things when I finally arrive home.
Marcus
My company doesn’t tell us exactly what to wear, but we must look smart and tidy. We never get given any clothes from the business, so I order all my jackets and trousers from websites. It saves me time because I hate going to the shopping centre! I love fashion, so I buy things that cost a large amount of cash. They are not cheap, but they always feel great. Some people put on casual clothes when they finish work, but I like wearing my smart trousers to restaurants in the evening.
ANSWER KEY
1 B 2 A 3 C 4 A 5 B 6 B 7 C