Practice English Reading Exercises for A2 – Healthy Lifestyle & Mental Well-being
Reading 1
For each question, choose the correct answer.
1 Who leaves their home during their break?
(A) Alex (B) Ben (C) Charlie
2 Who uses a machine to tell them when to stop studying?
(A) Alex (B) Ben (C) Charlie
3 Who enjoys a sweet snack when they rest?
(A) Alex (B) Ben (C) Charlie
4 Who lies down to feel less tired?
(A) Alex (B) Ben (C) Charlie
5 Who spends their free time with an animal?
(A) Alex (B) Ben (C) Charlie
6 Who does some exercise when they stop working?
(A) Alex (B) Ben (C) Charlie
7 Who plays music when they are not working?
(A) Alex (B) Ben (C) Charlie
Taking a Break from Homework
Alex
When I have a lot of school work, I always plan my free time. After writing for an hour, I usually shut my laptop and step out into the garden for some fresh air. Sometimes, if the weather is nice, I go for a quick run around the park to move my body. My brother uses a timer, but I just guess the correct time to stop. If my brain hurts too much, I jump onto my bed and close my eyes for ten minutes. I never eat biscuits because I am not hungry.
Ben
Doing homework for hours gives me a bad headache. My plan is to take a short pause every thirty minutes. I don’t like running or doing sports, so I just relax in my bedroom chair. To make myself feel happier, I always grab a piece of chocolate or a large cake from the kitchen. While I sit there, I put my headphones on and enjoy the latest pop hits. I don’t have any dogs or cats to play with, so I usually just look out of the window until I start studying again.
Charlie
I easily get bored when I do my maths homework. To help me pay attention, my mobile phone makes a loud sound every forty-five minutes. That means it is time to take a break! During my pause, I don’t listen to bands or singers. Instead, I spend ten minutes throwing a small ball for my dog in the living room. It is great fun for both of us! I never go outside because it is usually raining. After playing, I return to my desk feeling ready to work again.
ANSWER KEY
1 A 2 C 3 B 4 A 5 C 6 A 7 B
Reading 2
For each question, choose the correct answer.
1 Which person goes walking very early in the day?
(A) Liam (B) Chloe (C) Mason
2 Which person enjoys walking completely by themselves?
(A) Liam (B) Chloe (C) Mason
3 Which person started a new hobby because of their walks?
(A) Liam (B) Chloe (C) Mason
4 Which person says that walking stopped a physical pain?
(A) Liam (B) Chloe (C) Mason
5 Which person likes listening to the sounds of the natural world?
(A) Liam (B) Chloe (C) Mason
6 Which person feels more relaxed and less worried after a walk?
(A) Liam (B) Chloe (C) Mason
7 Which person thinks walking helps them do better in their school lessons?
(A) Liam (B) Chloe (C) Mason
Walking in Nature
Liam
I love spending time outdoors, especially close to the sea. I don’t enjoy going with my classmates or family because they talk too much. For me, going by myself is the best way to clear my mind. When I am under the trees, I always take off my headphones. Hearing the birds singing and the wind in the leaves makes me feel so happy. I tried to do some drawing during my last trip, but I prefer just listening to nature. I usually go in the afternoon when it is warm.
Chloe
I love getting up before everyone else to go to the local forest. Starting my trip before it gets light outside is wonderful because the paths are completely empty. I used to get terrible pains in my head every afternoon because of stress, but since I started walking every morning, that problem has totally gone! My brother often joins me, and we love chatting about our favorite music tracks. Sometimes we see small animals like rabbits, but we never try to take pictures of them.
Mason
Walking in nature is the best medicine for me. If I am stressed about my exams, spending an hour in the green fields always makes me feel calm and stops me worrying. It also helps my brain work better, so I can concentrate much more on my homework and get higher marks. Last spring, I became very interested in wild plants during a walk, and now collecting and studying them is my favorite thing to do in my free time. I always go walking after school with a big group of friends.
ANSWER KEY
1 B 2 A 3 C 4 B 5 A 6 C 7 C
Reading 3
For each question, choose the correct answer.
1 Which person started eating more fruit to help them concentrate in class?
(A) Sam (B) Mia (C) Leo
2 Which person says that fruit helps them finish their sports practice without getting tired?
(A) Sam (B) Mia (C) Leo
3 Which person likes to eat fruit while they are traveling to school?
(A) Sam (B) Mia (C) Leo
4 Which person prefers to eat fruit that is easy to carry?
(A) Sam (B) Mia (C) Leo
5 Which person stopped eating unhealthy snacks during breaks?
(A) Sam (B) Mia (C) Leo
6 Which person finds that fruit helps them wake up in the morning?
(A) Sam (B) Mia (C) Leo
7 Which person is happy that they do not need as much coffee now?
(A) Sam (B) Mia (C) Leo
Eating Fresh Fruit for Energy
Sam
I used to feel very sleepy during my first morning lesson. I started having a large apple or a banana as soon as I wake up, and it really helps me feel ready for the day. Before this change, I always bought a chocolate bar during my morning break, but now I don’t eat those sugary things anymore. I feel much more awake now. Also, I don’t feel like I need to drink cups of tea or coffee to stay alert during my exams. My brain feels much sharper!
Mia
I train for my school swimming team three times a week. I used to find it hard to finish a long swim, but now I eat a big bowl of grapes or strawberries before I go to the pool. They give me lots of energy so I can swim for a long time. I also love that I can just throw an apple into my bag; it is much better than packing messy food. I have more power during my swim sessions, and I don’t get exhausted like I did before.
Leo
I realized that I was struggling to focus on my schoolwork in the afternoon. I decided to eat a piece of fruit, like a pear, while I am sitting on the bus on my way to school. This simple change has made a big difference to my work. I can now listen to the teacher much better and I find it easier to remember new information. I feel more active throughout the day, and I am glad that I don’t rely on sugary drinks to keep my energy levels up anymore.
ANSWER KEY
1 C 2 B 3 C 4 B 5 A 6 A 7 A
