Practice English Reading Exercises for B1 – Health, Beauty & Personal Care

Exercises:   12345

Reading 1

For each question, choose the correct answer.

The people below all want to find a hairdresser for a party.

There are descriptions of eight hair salons.

Decide which hair salon would be the most suitable for the people below.

1   Lily is going to a graduation party tonight and wants her hair put up in a special style. She is in a hurry, so she needs a fast service, and hopes to save money by showing her university card.

2   Max is attending a music festival and wants to add some bright, temporary colours to his hair. He forgot to book, so the salon must accept people without appointments. He also wants someone to do his party makeup.

3   Sarah and her three best friends want to get ready together for a big celebration. They need a professional who can travel to their apartment. Sarah has extremely long hair and needs a stylist who specialises in that.

4   Elena wants lovely curls for a family celebration tomorrow. She works until 6 p.m., so the salon must remain open late in the evening. She cares about the environment and only uses natural, chemical-free hair products.

5   David needs a fresh, stylish cut for his short hair before his birthday dinner. He wants to relax with a hot drink and some snacks while he gets ready. The salon must be located right next to the railway lines.

Hair Salons for Your Party

A The Style Studio

Got a big event tonight? Our friendly experts are amazing at creating beautiful, pinned-up party looks. We know you are busy, so our team promises to complete your look in under thirty minutes! Bring your college ID with you to get a great twenty percent off your final bill today.

B Glow Hair & Beauty

Headed to a fun event? We offer amazing wash-out hair dyes in pinks, blues, and greens! There is no need to call ahead; just step inside our door whenever you are ready. Our talented staff will also paint your face with sparkling cosmetics to complete your amazing festival look perfectly.

C Mobile Magic

Relax and let us bring the salon to your living room! We are happy to visit your home to help you prepare for your special night. We offer special packages for parties of three or more, and our experts are highly trained in managing and styling hair that goes past your shoulders.

D Nature’s Touch

We believe in protecting the planet, which is why every shampoo and spray we use is completely organic and natural. We specialise in creating beautiful, bouncy waves for your big night out. Don’t worry if you finish work late, as our doors stay open until 9 p.m. every evening.

E City Snips

Located just a one-minute walk from the main train platforms, our salon is incredibly easy to find. We are the top choice for styling modern, cropped hair for guys and girls. Enjoy complimentary coffee, tea, and delicious fresh biscuits in our comfortable waiting area while you prepare for your big party.

F Quick Cuts Express

In a rush? We guarantee to wash and chop your hair in twenty minutes! We offer fantastic reduced prices for anyone studying at university. Please note that we only do basic, everyday haircuts, and unfortunately, we do not have the equipment to do complex party styles, updos, or dying.

G Green Glamour

We love using plant-based, chemical-free cosmetics to make you look fantastic for your celebrations. Our team can even travel to your apartment to get you and your friends ready! However, our stylists finish their shifts at 5 p.m. sharp, and we currently do not have the tools to create curly styles.

H The Glamour Lounge

We serve fantastic hot chocolates and sweet pastries to all our customers while they wait. Situated right opposite the railway ticket office, we are brilliant at creating complicated pinned-up styles for long hair. However, our luxury services are quite expensive, and we do not offer any cheaper rates for younger learners.

Reading 2

For each question, choose the correct answer.

The people below all want to find a local barbershop to visit.

There are descriptions of eight barbershops.

Decide which barbershop would be the most suitable for the people below.

1   Mark is a student with little money, so he needs a very cheap haircut. He doesn’t like planning ahead, so he wants a place where he doesn’t need to book. He also loves watching live football matches while getting his hair cut.

2   David needs to take his five-year-old son for a haircut and wants a barber who is great with young children. He is only free on Sunday mornings. He’d also love a place that offers complimentary coffee while he waits.

3   Ali wants a professional wet shave and beard trim before an important meeting. He travels by rail, so the shop must be right next to the train station. He also wants to buy some high-quality styling gel to take home.

4   Harry prefers a traditional, old-fashioned haircut rather than modern styles. He is very busy, so he must be able to reserve his time slot on the internet. He also wants a completely silent, relaxing environment without any loud screens or music.

5   Tom is looking for a fashionable, modern hairstyle. He has classes all day, so the barbershop must stay open late into the evening. He doesn’t have much cash, so he needs a place that offers special price reductions for university learners.

Local Barbershops

A The Sharp Cut

Just drop by whenever you feel like it, as we never ask customers to reserve a chair in advance! We keep our prices incredibly low, making it perfect for careful spenders. You can also catch all the latest athletic games and stadium matches on our big flat-screen monitors while we work.

B Little Snippers

We specialize in making little ones look smart, providing a highly entertaining and patient service for kids. We unlock our doors bright and early on the seventh day of the week. Parents can relax and enjoy a hot cup of tea or coffee at no extra cost while they observe.

C Platform Barbers

Located just steps away from the main railway platforms, we are highly convenient for travelling businessmen. We are famous for our incredibly smooth hot towel shaves and expert facial hair grooming. Before you leave, don’t forget to browse our shelves to purchase the finest pastes and sprays for your daily routine.

D Classic Gentleman

Step back in time and ask for a perfectly neat, vintage look. We guarantee a completely peaceful space to unwind, so we never turn on the television or play loud music. Because our barbers are in high demand, customers must arrange their visits through our website before stepping through our doors.

E City Trends

Do you want the newest, coolest haircut? Our highly skilled team specializes in the latest fashion trends. We keep the lights on until 10 p.m. every weekday, perfect for busy schedules. Show us your college identity card at the till, and you will receive a fantastic price drop on your bill!

F The VIP Lounge

No need to carefully plan your day—just walk straight in and take a seat! While our highly trained team works, you can enjoy live basketball and racing on our huge wall monitors. Please note that our premium, luxury service means our cutting prices are much higher than standard street salons.

G Family Snips

We provide a wonderfully friendly atmosphere for young boys getting their first trim, ensuring they feel completely safe and happy. Moms and dads also receive complimentary hot beverages while waiting. However, our staff take the whole weekend off to rest, so we only operate from Monday through to Friday afternoons.

H Central Shaves

Situated directly across from the busy train terminal, we are the best choice for excellent facial hair styling and wet shaving. You can quickly use your smartphone to secure a time slot on our web page. Unfortunately, we only offer cutting services and do not stock any take-home styling goods.

Reading 3

For each question, choose the correct answer.

The people below all want to find a relaxing day spa to visit.

There are descriptions of eight day spas.

Decide which day spa would be the most suitable for the people below.

1   Lily wants to take her best friend out for a special celebration. They want to enjoy full-body rubs and hot steam rooms. Lily has saved up a lot of money and wants a truly high-class, luxury experience.

2   Tom is looking for an affordable spa to relax on a budget. He needs a place located right next to the railway station. He would also like a healthy lunch like salads included in the price.

3   Elena wants to visit a spa late in the evening after work. She is particularly interested in professional facial skin treatments. She prefers a peaceful environment that does not allow children.

4   Oliver wants a spa with an outdoor pool surrounded by a beautiful garden. He also wants to join a morning yoga class during his visit. He is looking for a reasonably priced, mid-range option.

5  Sophia is traveling alone and wants a relaxing solo day. She specifically wants to get her nails done with a manicure and pedicure. She is driving there, so the spa must offer free parking.

Relaxing Day Spas

A The Grand Oasis

Treat a loved one to our ultimate luxury packages! We specialize in top-quality full-body massages and deep-heat saunas to completely refresh you. Our exclusive services are quite costly, but it is the perfect high-end reward for a memorable day out with your favorite companion.

B Station Serenity

Located just a short walk from the main train platforms, we offer the most inexpensive wellness deals in the city. Our special budget package includes access to all indoor pools and a delicious, healthy fresh salad at our café. It is ideal for travelers wanting to save money.

C Night Beauty

We keep our doors open until 11 p.m. every day, making us perfect for late-night relaxation. Our expert team focuses on deep-cleansing facial treatments to make your skin glow. To maintain a quiet and calm atmosphere, we strictly do not permit children under eighteen inside the building.

D The Garden Retreat

Sip a warm drink and look out at nature from our beautiful outdoor swimming pool, located in our peaceful green gardens. We host daily stretching and yoga sessions every morning. Our entry fees are very reasonable, offering great mid-range value for an active but peaceful morning.

E Solo Style

Enjoy some peaceful alone time with our fantastic solo packages. We specialize in luxury nail care, offering excellent hand and foot treatments including professional painting. Our countryside facility has a large, secure garage where all guests can leave their vehicles completely free of charge while they relax inside.

F The Premium Steam

This high-end wellness center is famous for its incredible steam rooms and deep-tissue rubs. Our luxury packages are designed strictly for individual guests who want to escape the world completely alone. Entry fees are very high, ensuring an exclusive, quiet, and expensive environment for your solo relaxation. We do not allow pairs.

G The Budget Terminal

Situated right outside the central railway building, this simple spot offers highly affordable entry prices for anyone on a tight budget. You can use our heated indoor pools and showers all day. Please note that we do not have a café or restaurant, so you must bring your own food.

H Twilight Skin

We welcome visitors until 10 p.m. every weeknight for wonderful evening pampering. Our staff specialize in excellent facial therapy and organic skin masks to help you look your best. We are a popular destination for families, and children of all ages are welcome to play in our indoor splash pools.

Exercises:   12345