Practice English Reading Exercises for B1 – Winter, Outdoor and Adventure Sports 8
Reading 1
For each question, choose the correct answer.
The Modern Treasure Hunt
I have always enjoyed walking in the countryside, but following the same local trails every weekend was starting to feel a bit boring. I wanted a reason to explore new places. Last month, a classmate told me about an activity called geo-trekking, or geocaching. He explained that it is basically a modern treasure hunt where you use the GPS on your smartphone to find hidden containers. It sounded like an exciting challenge, so I downloaded the app and convinced my best friend, Sam, to join me on Saturday.
When we opened the app, we were amazed to see that there were dozens of hidden ‘caches’ right in our area. We chose one that was located in a large nature reserve. At first, the walk was extremely easy. We stayed on a wide, clear path, chatting and looking at the map on my screen. However, after about thirty minutes, the digital arrow suddenly pointed towards a line of thick, dark trees. To follow the directions, we had to leave the comfortable track completely.
Pushing our way through the dense bushes was much harder than I had expected. My jacket got caught on several sharp branches, and our shoes quickly became covered in thick mud. After searching the same spot for twenty minutes, Sam started to get frustrated. He complained that the app was probably broken and suggested we go home. However, I refused to give up because my phone screen showed we were less than two metres away from the target.
I started looking much more closely at the ground. Suddenly, I noticed something strange about a pile of rocks near an old tree. I carefully moved the top stones and saw a small, green plastic box hidden underneath. I eagerly pulled it out and opened it. Inside, there was a tiny paper logbook to sign our names, along with some cheap plastic toys left by previous finders.
The items inside the box were completely worthless, but that didn’t matter at all. The real reward was the incredible feeling of success after such a difficult search. Finding a secret object hidden in the wild made me feel like a true explorer. I am already planning our next geo-trekking adventure for next weekend!
1 Why did the writer decide to try geo-trekking?
(A) He wanted a purpose for walking in unfamiliar areas.
(B) His best friend Sam invited him to go on a treasure hunt.
(C) He needed to test a new GPS app on his smartphone.
(D) He wanted to find valuable items hidden in the countryside.
2 What happened during the first part of their journey?
(A) They got lost because the app gave them the wrong directions.
(B) They had to walk off the main path into a wild area.
(C) They were surprised by how many people were in the nature reserve.
(D) They found the first hidden container quite easily.
3 Why did Sam want to stop searching?
(A) He had ruined his jacket on some sharp branches.
(B) He was tired of walking in his heavy muddy shoes.
(C) He believed the navigation equipment wasn’t working properly.
(D) He thought they were still too far away from the target.
4 How did the writer feel when he opened the box?
(A) Disappointed that the toys inside were so cheap.
(B) Surprised that other people had already signed the logbook.
(C) Thrilled by the achievement of discovering the secret item.
(D) Relieved that the green box was waterproof.
5 What would the writer write in his diary that evening?
(A) I loved trying geo-trekking today! The treasure we found wasn’t worth money, but the adventure itself was the real prize.
(B) We found our first cache today, but I don’t think I’ll go again. Pushing through the dirty bushes was just too exhausting.
(C) The app is a great idea, but unfortunately, it took us to the wrong place and Sam was angry that we went home with nothing.
(D) I finally found some hidden treasure! Next time, I’m going to take the toys and sell them so I can buy better walking equipment.
Answer Key & Explanations
1 A – In the first paragraph, the writer states that his usual walks were “starting to feel a bit boring” and he “wanted a reason to explore new places.” This paraphrases perfectly to wanting a purpose for walking in unfamiliar areas.
2 B – Paragraph two explains that after thirty minutes on a clear path, “the digital arrow suddenly pointed towards a line of thick, dark trees” and they “had to leave the comfortable track completely.” This matches walking off the main path into a wild area.
3 C – In the third paragraph, the text states that Sam “complained that the app was probably broken and suggested we go home.” This means he believed the navigation equipment wasn’t working properly. Option A is a distractor because it was the writer’s jacket that got caught, not Sam’s.
4 C – In the final paragraph, the writer explains that the items being worthless didn’t matter because “The real reward was the incredible feeling of success after such a difficult search.” This means he was thrilled by the achievement of discovering the item.
5 A – This option successfully synthesizes the global meaning and emotional arc of the text. It accurately reflects his positive attitude toward the new hobby (paragraph 5), acknowledges that the objects were cheap/worthless (paragraph 4), and highlights that the feeling of being a “true explorer” on an adventure was the main reward.
Reading 2
For each question, choose the correct answer.
Taking charge in the arena
by Sam Davies
My name is Sam, and I’ve been playing laser tag with my friends for a couple of years. We usually just play for fun at the weekends, running around and shooting our laser guns without thinking too much about it. However, last month, we decided to enter a regional laser tag championship. I was incredibly excited but also quite nervous, because I knew we would be competing against much more experienced teams.
When we stepped into the championship arena for our first match, I immediately realised how difficult it was going to be. The room was massive, and the atmosphere was intense. There were bright neon lights flashing everywhere, and the floor was covered in thick, white fog. Along with the loud electronic music, the environment was completely confusing. Within the first two minutes, my team had separated, and we were losing points quickly because we couldn’t see the enemy players clearly.
I knew that if we continued playing like this, we would lose the match. I managed to find my friends and told them to follow me behind a large wooden wall. Even though I am usually the quietest person in the group, I decided to take charge. I told everyone to stop running around on their own. Instead, I quickly organised a plan to ambush the other team, giving each of my friends a specific position to hide in.
We waited silently in the shadows near the centre of the arena. A few moments later, the opposing team walked straight into our area, completely unaware that we were there. On my signal, we all stepped out and fired our lasers at the same time. The ambush worked perfectly. We tagged all of their players in seconds and managed to win the round!
We didn’t win the whole championship that day, but I wasn’t disappointed at all. That single match taught me that laser tag isn’t just about running and shooting accurately. It requires clear communication and a solid strategy. More importantly, I discovered that I can actually be a good leader when my team needs me. I am already planning our tactics for next year’s tournament!
1 Why was Sam nervous about the championship?
(A) He had never played laser tag with his friends before.
(B) He was worried about playing against better teams.
(C) He didn’t know how to use the laser gun properly.
(D) He thought his friends wouldn’t take the game seriously.
2 What does Sam say about the championship arena?
(A) It was too dark for his team to find each other.
(B) The loud music stopped him from hearing his friends.
(C) The conditions inside made it hard to understand what was happening.
(D) He was disappointed that it was smaller than his local arena.
3 When the match started going badly, Sam decided to
(A) become the leader and give his team a new strategy.
(B) leave the area to look for more wooden walls.
(C) let the most experienced player take charge of the group.
(D) ask the opposing team to stop running around.
4 How did Sam’s team win the round?
(A) They ran quickly to the centre of the arena to attack.
(B) They surprised the other team by hiding and waiting for them.
(C) They managed to use the neon lights to blind the enemy.
(D) They followed the opposing team carefully into the shadows.
5 What would Sam write in his diary that evening?
(A) The tournament was a complete disaster. We couldn’t see anything through the fog, and my friends refused to listen to my instructions.
(B) I realised today that laser tag is just about running and shooting. If we had been faster, we would have won the championship.
(C) I was so embarrassed when I had to tell my team what to do. Next time, I hope someone else decides to be the leader.
(D) We might not have won the whole competition, but taking charge and leading my team to win a round was a brilliant experience!
Answer Key & Explanations
1 B – In paragraph 1, Sam says, “I was incredibly excited but also quite nervous, because I knew we would be competing against much more experienced teams.” This matches being worried about playing against better teams.
2 C – In paragraph 2, Sam describes the neon lights, thick fog, and loud music, stating that “the environment was completely confusing” and they couldn’t see clearly. This paraphrases conditions making it hard to understand what was happening.
3 A – In paragraph 3, Sam explains that he “decided to take charge” and “quickly organised a plan to ambush the other team, giving each of my friends a specific position”. This maps perfectly to becoming the leader and giving a new strategy.
4 B – In paragraph 4, Sam notes that his team “waited silently in the shadows” and when the opposing team walked in, “we all stepped out and fired our lasers at the same time.” This describes surprising them by hiding and waiting.
5 D – This option successfully captures the global narrative arc of the text: entering a tough competition, stepping up to take an unexpected leadership role, winning a memorable round, and feeling positive about the experience despite not winning the overall championship.
Reading 3
For each question, choose the correct answer.
Rolling with the Punches
Last month, my best friend Liam invited me to try an activity called zorbing for his birthday. If you have never heard of it, zorbing involves climbing inside a giant, clear inflatable ball and rolling down a huge hill. I have always enjoyed trying unusual sports, so I immediately agreed to go. However, as we drove towards the countryside location, I started to feel quite nervous about the idea of tumbling down a steep slope.
When we finally arrived, the hill looked much taller and steeper than it had appeared in the pictures online. A friendly instructor gave us a safety talk and explained the equipment. Because we were doing a ‘dry’ ride, we had to be strapped into special seats inside the ball. Climbing through the small tunnel into the centre was quite difficult. Once I was strapped in tightly opposite Liam, I felt slightly trapped, but I was definitely ready for the adventure.
Suddenly, the instructor pushed the heavy ball, and we began to move. We quickly gathered speed, and as we rolled, the sky and the grass switched places again and again. Within seconds, I was completely disoriented and had absolutely no idea which way was up. The spinning motion made my stomach turn, and I actually felt slightly nauseous. Despite feeling a bit sick, I found the whole experience so ridiculous that I couldn’t stop laughing all the way down.
Eventually, the giant ball slowed down and came to a gentle stop in a flat field at the bottom. The instructor opened the tunnel and helped us undo our straps. Stepping out onto the solid ground was a strange experience. My legs were shaking, and I felt incredibly dizzy for a few minutes. I had to sit on the grass while the world stopped spinning. However, as I looked back up the massive hill, I realised just how much fun I had experienced.
Although the ride was a bit terrifying and definitely made me feel dizzy, it was an unforgettable afternoon. Zorbing is completely different from any other extreme sport I have ever tried. It doesn’t require any special skills, just a brave attitude. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a unique thrill, and I am already planning to go back.
1 Why did the writer agree to go zorbing?
(A) He wanted to celebrate his own birthday.
(B) He likes participating in sports that are not typical.
(C) He wanted to overcome his fear of steep slopes.
(D) He had watched several videos about the activity online.
2 How did the writer feel while sitting inside the ball?
(A) annoyed that the safety talk lasted so long
(B) surprised by how dark it was in the centre
(C) a little restricted but prepared for the ride
(D) anxious because his straps were too loose
3 What does the writer say about his journey down the hill?
(A) He was frustrated because the ball was moving too slowly.
(B) He had to close his eyes to stop himself from feeling sick.
(C) He felt confused about his position but found it very amusing.
(D) He was terrified that he would crash into the grass.
4 What did the writer do immediately after the ride finished?
(A) He ran back up the massive hill with his friend.
(B) He rested until he was able to balance properly.
(C) He helped Liam to undo his safety straps.
(D) He immediately booked another zorbing session.
5 What would the writer write in his diary that evening?
(A) Zorbing was a terrible mistake. I felt so sick that I couldn’t even enjoy the ride down the hill.
(B) The equipment was really uncomfortable, but I’m glad Liam made me do it. I’ll stick to normal sports from now on though.
(C) Rolling down that hill made me dizzy and confused, but it was incredibly fun! I absolutely loved the experience.
(D) It was quite a boring day because the hill wasn’t steep enough. I wish the ball had rolled much faster.
Answer Key & Explanations
1 B – The first paragraph states that the writer agreed to go because “I have always enjoyed trying unusual sports,” which paraphrases to liking sports that are not typical.
2 C – In the second paragraph, the writer notes that once he was strapped in, he “felt slightly trapped, but I was definitely ready for the adventure,” mapping perfectly to feeling restricted but prepared.
3 C – The third paragraph describes how the writer was “completely disoriented” (confused about his position) but also states “I found the whole experience so ridiculous that I couldn’t stop laughing” (found it very amusing).
4 B – In the fourth paragraph, the writer explains that his legs were shaking, he felt incredibly dizzy, and he “had to sit on the grass while the world stopped spinning” before he could stand properly.
5 C – This option accurately captures the global meaning and emotional arc of the text. It acknowledges the disorientation and dizziness caused by the spinning, while emphasizing that the activity was ultimately a hilarious and thrilling adventure.