Practice English Reading Exercises for A2 – Software Development & App Design
Reading 1
For each question, choose the correct answer.
Giving Computers a Voice
Leo is a fifteen-year-old high school student with a very unusual hobby. Most of his friends spend hours playing video games or watching videos online. Leo loves computers too, but he uses them for something completely different. He is trying to build a program that makes computers speak with real human voices.
His interest began a year ago when he saw a television program about people who cannot speak because they are sick. Leo wanted to help them. He didn’t know how to write computer programs, so he bought a big book about it. He started reading and practicing in his bedroom every evening after doing his homework.
At first, it was a very difficult project. When he typed words into his computer, the voice sounded like a cold robot. It didn’t sound like a real person at all. Luckily, his IT teacher, Mr. Davies, noticed his hard work. He stayed after school to help Leo fix some mistakes in his program. Because of this, the computer’s voice is much better now.
Leo has big plans for his future. When he finishes high school next year, he is going to study at a special technology college in London. His biggest dream is that one day, doctors will use his voice program in hospitals. He hopes it will help sick people talk to their families again.
1 What is Leo’s hobby?
(A) playing video games with his friends
(B) creating software that talks like a person
(C) watching videos online for hours
2 Why did Leo start learning how to write computer programs?
(A) He wanted to assist people with health problems.
(B) He needed to do his homework in his bedroom.
(C) He wanted to buy a big book about it.
3 How did Mr. Davies help Leo?
(A) He typed words into his computer for him.
(B) He showed him how to correct his work.
(C) He made his voice sound like a cold robot.
4 What is Leo planning to do when he finishes high school?
(A) use his voice program in hospitals
(B) talk to his family again
(C) go to a new place to learn more
5 What is the best title for the article?
(A) The boy who loves playing computer games
(B) A teenager’s plan to make computers speak
(C) How to get a job as a doctor in a hospital
ANSWER KEY
1 B 2 A 3 B 4 C 5 B
Reading 2
For each question, choose the correct answer.
Leo’s Summer in Technology
Fifteen-year-old Leo loves computers. He didn’t learn how to write computer programs at school. His older sister, Maya, taught him how to code when he was twelve. Usually, Leo spends his summer holidays playing video games in his bedroom. However, this year he wanted to do something different. He decided to find a summer job where he could use his computer skills.
One day, Leo saw an advertisement online. A local technology company called FutureTech needed young people for the summer. Leo felt a bit worried because he had never worked before. But he sat down at his desk and wrote a long email to the manager. He explained what he could do and attached some of his best projects.
A week later, Leo went to the FutureTech office for an interview. The manager, Mr. Harris, was very friendly. He didn’t ask Leo difficult questions about technology. Instead, he asked Leo to show him something he had made. Leo opened his laptop and showed a simple maths game he created for primary school students.
Mr. Harris loved the game. He told Leo that they needed someone to test their new software, not to write new programs. Leo agreed immediately. He was just so happy to get his first job. He couldn’t wait to learn new things and work with real software developers.
1 How did Leo learn to write computer programs?
(A) He had lessons at school.
(B) A family member helped him.
(C) He learned by playing video games.
2 Why was Leo worried about applying for the job?
(A) He didn’t have any experience of working.
(B) He had to write a very long email.
(C) He couldn’t find the manager’s name online.
3 What did Mr. Harris do during the interview?
(A) He asked Leo some difficult questions.
(B) He introduced Leo to some primary school students.
(C) He looked at a project Leo had finished.
4 What will Leo do in his summer job?
(A) He will create new computer programs.
(B) He will try out the company’s software.
(C) He will manage the software developers.
5 What is the best title for the article?
(A) How to make your own computer games
(B) The best technology company in town
(C) A teenager’s first experience in the workplace
ANSWER KEY
1 B 2 A 3 C 4 B 5 C
Reading 3
For each question, choose the correct answer.
Alex’s Smart Solutions
Fourteen-year-old Alex is not like most boys his age. While his friends spend their afternoons playing video games or watching films, Alex prefers sitting at his computer. He is very interested in technology and loves finding ways to fix everyday problems. He really wants to invent smart applications that make people’s lives easier.
Last year, Alex noticed that his mother often forgot to buy things at the supermarket. Because of this, he decided to write a simple program for her. He created a special shopping app. His mother just uses her voice to speak to her mobile phone, and the app writes a list for her. She uses it every week and thinks it is fantastic.
Now, Alex is working on a bigger project. He wants to build a smart application for teenagers. School students often have a lot of homework and find it hard to organise their time. Alex’s new app will help them plan their afternoons. It will tell them exactly when to study and when to take a break.
To learn more, Alex goes to a coding club every Saturday morning. The classes are quite difficult, but his teacher always helps him. Alex knows he must study hard, but his dream is to start his own company in the future. He hopes his software will help people all over the world.
1 What does Alex like doing in his free time?
(A) using computers to solve problems
(B) playing video games in the afternoon
(C) watching films with his friends
2 Why did Alex make a shopping app?
(A) to help his mum remember what she needs
(B) to buy things at the supermarket
(C) to speak to her mobile phone
3 What is Alex’s new app going to do?
(A) give school students a lot of homework
(B) assist teenagers with planning their days
(C) show them how to take a break from school
4 How does Alex feel about his coding club?
(A) He thinks the lessons are hard.
(B) He helps his teacher every Saturday morning.
(C) He wants to start his own company there.
5 What is the best title for the article?
(A) A smart boy’s plans for the future
(B) How to write a simple shopping app
(C) The best computer games for teenagers
ANSWER KEY
1 A 2 A 3 B 4 A 5 A