Practice English Reading Exercises for A2 – School Rules & Problems

Exercises:   12345

Reading 1

For each question, choose the correct answer.

A Terrible Mistake on the Bus

Fourteen-year-old David usually has a good time travelling to school. He catches the number 12 bus every morning with his friends. They always sit at the back, talk about video games, and listen to music. But last Friday, something terrible happened.

David had a very heavy backpack that day because he had his gym clothes, his lunch, and a big science project inside. When the bus arrived at his stop, he was talking to his friend, Leo. David quickly stood up and got off the bus, but he completely forgot to pick up his bag.

He only realised his mistake when he walked through the school gates. He reached to his back to get his phone from his bag, but it wasn’t there! David felt extremely upset. He didn’t know what to do about his science project or his lunch. He quickly ran to the school office to ask for help.

The school secretary, Mrs. Green, was very kind. She immediately telephoned the bus company. Luckily, the driver found the heavy bag on the back seat and promised to bring it to the school later. At lunchtime, David finally had his backpack again. He was so happy and decided he will always check his seat before leaving a bus!

1   What does David usually do on his journey to school?

     (A) He plays video games on his phone.

     (B) He chats with the other boys.

     (C) He listens to some terrible music.

2   Why did David leave his bag behind?

     (A) He was having a conversation with his friend.

     (B) He wanted to quickly stand up and leave.

     (C) He was carrying a very heavy backpack.

3   When did David understand that his bag was missing?

     (A) When he quickly ran to the school office.

     (B) When he tried to use his phone on the bus.

     (C) Just after he arrived at the school building.

4   How did the problem end?

     (A) Mrs. Green drove to the bus company.

     (B) The person driving the bus returned the bag.

     (C) David found the driver on the back seat.

5   What is the best title for the story?

     (A) How to make a big science project

     (B) The boy who hates travelling by bus

     (C) Losing something important on the way to school

Reading 2

For each question, choose the correct answer.

A sleepy afternoon at school

It was half past two on a warm Tuesday afternoon. Fifteen-year-old Leo was sitting in his history class. He felt extremely tired. The night before, he stayed up very late playing a new video game with his cousin. Because of this, he only got five hours of sleep. Now, it was very difficult for him to keep his eyes open.

His teacher, Mr. Clark, was talking about a war from hundreds of years ago. Mr. Clark was a nice man, but he always spoke in a very quiet voice. Leo really wanted to listen to the information, but he just felt too sleepy. He drank some cold water from his bottle, but it didn’t help him wake up.

Leo knew he needed to do something to stay awake. He opened his notebook, but he didn’t write any facts about the history lesson. Instead, he started drawing funny pictures of his classmates. This fun activity finally made him feel a bit better. His best friend, Sam, looked at the drawings and smiled.

After another twenty minutes, the loud school bell finally rang. The long lesson was over, and it was time to go home. Leo quickly put his books into his bag. He felt happy that the day was finished. As he walked out of the classroom, he promised himself to go to sleep early that night.

1   Why was Leo so tired in his class?

     (A) He didn’t get enough rest the previous night.

     (B) He had a very warm Tuesday afternoon.

     (C) He played a new video game for five hours.

2   What did Leo do to try and stay awake?

     (A) He spoke in a very quiet voice.

     (B) He had something cold to drink.

     (C) He talked about a war from hundreds of years ago.

3   In his notebook, Leo decided to

     (A) write facts about the history lesson.

     (B) create some art of the other students.

     (C) draw a picture of his best friend, Sam.

4   What did Leo do when the lesson ended?

     (A) He rang the loud school bell.

     (B) He left his books in his bag.

     (C) He made a decision about his bedtime.

5   What is the best title for the article?

     (A) A great history lesson about a war

     (B) A difficult afternoon in the classroom

     (C) How to win a new video game

Reading 3

For each question, choose the correct answer.

A Healthy Change at School

Fourteen-year-old Lily loves eating sweet things. Every day at break time, she usually buys a large bar of chocolate or a bag of crisps from the school shop. So, when the headteacher, Mr. Jones, announced a new rule in October, Lily was extremely upset. He told everyone that students could not bring unhealthy snacks to school anymore. Lily thought it was a terrible idea.

During the first week of the new rule, the school shop only sold fresh fruit, like apples and bananas, and small bags of nuts. Lily bought a green apple, but she really missed her favourite chocolate. She complained to her classmates that the new healthy food was boring. She often felt quite tired during her afternoon lessons and just wanted to eat something sweet.

Then, things began to change. On Thursday, her best friend, Noah, brought some carrot sticks and some special homemade banana bread to school. He gave a piece to Lily to try. She took a bite and was amazed because it tasted absolutely fantastic. It was sweet, but it was also very good for her. She asked Noah for the recipe and started baking it at home with her mum.

Now, it is December, and Lily feels completely different about the snacks. She has a lot more energy for her afternoon sports classes. She never buys crisps now, even at the weekend. Lily finally understands that the headteacher’s rule was actually a wonderful idea!

1   How did Lily feel when the headteacher shared the news?

     (A) She was very unhappy about the new instructions.

     (B) She usually buys a large bar of chocolate.

     (C) She told everyone it was a wonderful idea.

2   What was Lily’s problem during the first week?

     (A) She only sold fresh fruit, like apples and bananas.

     (B) She lacked energy later in the school day.

     (C) She complained to her classmates about her afternoon lessons.

3   What did Lily do after she ate Noah’s food?

     (A) She brought some carrot sticks to school.

     (B) She decided to make the delicious snack herself.

     (C) She gave a piece to Noah to try.

4   In December, what do we learn about Lily?

     (A) She never buys crisps now, except at the weekend.

     (B) She feels completely different about her afternoon sports classes.

     (C) She agrees that stopping the unhealthy food was a smart choice.

5   What is the best title for the article?

     (A) How to bake healthy banana bread at home

     (B) Learning to love better food choices

     (C) The headteacher’s favourite sweet snacks

Exercises:   12345