Practice English Reading Exercises for B1 – Wildlife Encounters 6
Reading 1
For each question, choose the correct answer.
My Day with the Reindeer Herders
Last winter, my family and I travelled to Lapland, in the far north of Finland. I had always been fascinated by the Arctic, so when my parents arranged for us to spend a day with traditional Sami reindeer herders, I was thrilled. I had seen reindeer in documentaries, but I didn’t know much about how people managed to look after such wild creatures. I was looking forward to finding out, although I felt slightly nervous about being so close to a large herd of animals.
We woke up early the next morning. I knew it would be freezing, but stepping outside into minus 20 degrees was a complete shock. Even though I was wearing thick winter trousers, a heavy jacket, and huge boots, the brutal wind made my face hurt. However, our Sami guide, Johan, seemed perfectly comfortable in his traditional clothing. He laughed warmly, handed me an extra pair of gloves, and led us into the snowy forest.
When we reached the herd, it was an incredible sight. Hundreds of reindeer were moving together through the deep snow. I expected Johan to use ropes or dogs to control them, like farmers do with sheep. Instead, he simply used his voice. He made a series of special sounds and soft calls. To my amazement, the animals immediately changed direction and followed him. Johan explained that they don’t treat the reindeer like pets. Rather, there is a deep mutual respect. Seeing how the animals trusted him was a magical experience.
Later, we sat around a small fire inside a wooden hut to warm up. While we drank hot berry juice, Johan told us stories. He explained that for the Sami people, herding isn’t just a job; it is their entire way of life. Their survival depends on the reindeer, and because of this, they do everything they can to protect the natural environment. I realised how deeply connected humans and nature can be.
Spending time with the Sami herders was an unforgettable adventure. Before this trip, I usually complained about the cold weather back home. Now, I understand that nature is something to be respected. If I ever have the chance to visit Lapland again, I will definitely take it!
1 How did the writer feel before meeting the reindeer?
(A) She was disappointed because she wanted to watch documentaries.
(B) She was excited but a bit anxious about the animals.
(C) She was worried that her parents hadn’t arranged the trip properly.
(D) She was confident because she knew a lot about wild creatures.
2 What surprised the writer about the weather?
(A) Johan needed extra gloves to stay warm in the forest.
(B) Her winter clothes were completely useless in the snow.
(C) The temperature was much harder to deal with than she anticipated.
(D) The wind made it impossible to walk towards the herd.
3 What did the writer find amazing about Johan and the reindeer?
(A) Johan used highly trained dogs to guide the herd through the snow.
(B) The reindeer behaved exactly like friendly farm pets.
(C) The reindeer knew how to untie the ropes used by the herders.
(D) Johan controlled the huge animals just by making noises.
4 What did the writer learn while sitting around the fire?
(A) The relationship with the reindeer is essential to the Sami culture.
(B) The Sami people protect the environment to earn more money.
(C) Johan’s family wants to find different jobs in the future.
(D) The herders prefer sitting by the fire to being out in the cold.
5 What would the writer write in her diary?
(A) The weather in Lapland was too cold to enjoy anything, so I spent most of the day inside drinking hot juice.
(B) I loved seeing the reindeer, though I felt quite sorry for them because they are kept as pets by the local farmers.
(C) I used to hate winter, but watching Johan communicate with his herd showed me the beauty of humans living in harmony with nature.
(D) The Sami herders were very kind, but I think they should use modern tools instead of just their voices to manage the animals.
Answer Key & Explanations
1 B – The writer states she was “thrilled” (excited) but also “felt slightly nervous about being so close to a large herd” (anxious).
2 C – The text says she “knew it would be freezing” but experiencing minus 20 degrees was “a complete shock”, meaning it was worse than she expected.
3 D – The writer expected ropes or dogs, but was amazed that Johan “simply used his voice” making “special sounds and soft calls” to change their direction.
4 A – Johan explained that herding “isn’t just a job; it is their entire way of life” and that their “survival depends on the reindeer”, showing its cultural importance.
5 C – This option perfectly captures the global meaning of the text: it reflects her previous dislike of the cold, her awe at the communication between the herder and the reindeer, and her newfound respect for the deep bond between humans and nature.
Reading 2
For each question, choose the correct answer.
Searching for the Snow Leopard
Last year, my parents and I travelled to the Himalayas in India. Our main goal was to spot a wild snow leopard. Ever since I watched a television documentary about these beautiful, rare animals, I had dreamed of seeing one in real life. I knew they were incredibly difficult to find because they hide so well in the snowy mountains, but I felt confident. I packed my best winter clothes and my camera, feeling certain I would return home with amazing photographs.
However, the reality of the trek was much harder than I had imagined. For the first few days, we walked for hours up steep, icy paths. The air was thin, which made breathing difficult, and my backpack felt heavier with every step. Our local guide, a friendly man named Tenzing, constantly checked the ground for animal tracks. He explained exactly how snow leopards behave and where they hunt. Despite the physical challenges and the freezing temperatures, I was still full of hope, keeping my eyes on the rocks above us.
As the days passed, my excitement slowly turned into frustration. We camped in tents every night, waking up before the sun to sit quietly in the freezing cold, just waiting and watching. Tenzing showed us fresh footprints in the snow on the fourth morning, which made my heart beat fast, but the leopard itself never appeared. When our final day arrived, I had to accept the sad truth. We were going home without seeing the creature I had travelled so far to photograph. I felt like the whole trip had been a complete failure.
But as we walked back down the mountain, my feelings began to change. I stopped looking for animals and finally noticed everything else around me. The mountains were absolutely breathtaking, with giant peaks touching the bright blue sky. I remembered the stories Tenzing had shared around the campfire and the millions of stars we saw at night. I suddenly realised that the experience of being in such a wild and beautiful place was incredible on its own. Although I never saw a snow leopard, the adventure was definitely worth it.
1 Why did the writer want to travel to the Himalayas?
(A) To test their new winter clothes in freezing weather.
(B) To fulfil a dream inspired by a television programme.
(C) To practice taking professional nature photographs.
(D) To prove they could find an animal that hides well.
2 How did the writer feel during the first few days of the trek?
(A) Annoyed because the guide walked too fast up the icy paths.
(B) Worried because they could not breathe in the freezing air.
(C) Bored of listening to the guide talk about animal behavior.
(D) Positive and optimistic despite the difficult conditions.
3 What happened on the fourth morning of the trip?
(A) The writer managed to take a photograph of a leopard.
(B) The guide saw a snow leopard hunting in the snow.
(C) They discovered evidence that a snow leopard was nearby.
(D) They decided to give up and return to their camp early.
4 How does the writer feel about the trip by the end?
(A) Glad they went because they enjoyed the beautiful environment.
(B) Upset that they wasted money on a disappointing holiday.
(C) Surprised that they actually prefer hiking to taking photographs.
(D) Disappointed because they failed to achieve their main goal.
5 What would the writer write in their diary after returning home?
(A) The trek was exhausting and we didn’t even see a snow leopard. I really wish we had chosen a more relaxing holiday instead.
(B) I am so proud that I managed to photograph such a rare animal. It was freezing cold, but my camera worked perfectly!
(C) Tenzing was a wonderful guide, but he promised we would see a leopard. Next time, I will try a different mountain.
(D) Even though we didn’t achieve what we went there to do, the scenery and the whole experience were completely unforgettable.
Answer Key & Explanations
1 B – The text states the writer “dreamed of seeing one in real life” ever since they “watched a television documentary” (programme) about the animals.
2 D – In paragraph 2, the writer mentions that “Despite the physical challenges and the freezing temperatures,” they were “still full of hope” (positive and optimistic).
3 C – The text says that Tenzing “showed us fresh footprints in the snow on the fourth morning”, which is evidence that an animal had been there, even though the leopard never appeared.
4 A – In paragraph 4, the writer stops looking for animals, notices the “absolutely breathtaking” mountains, and realises that the experience of being in such a “wild and beautiful place was incredible on its own.”
5 D – This option accurately captures the global meaning and emotional arc of the text: failing the initial goal of seeing the leopard, but ultimately appreciating the beautiful scenery and the unforgettable journey.
Reading 3
For each question, choose the correct answer.
Meeting the Gentle Giants
My family and I always go to the beach for our summer holidays, but last year’s trip to Mexico was completely different. Dad had booked a boat tour for us to swim with wild whale sharks. Although I love the ocean and enjoy swimming, the idea of getting close to any kind of shark made me extremely nervous. However, Dad explained that this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and promised me that it was perfectly safe, so I nervously agreed to try it.
When we boarded the small boat the next morning, I was shaking slightly. Our tour guide, Elena, gave us our diving masks and explained the rules. She told us that despite their frightening name, whale sharks only eat tiny plants and animals called plankton. They have no teeth for biting, so they couldn’t hurt us even if they wanted to. Her words helped calm me down a little bit, but when she suddenly shouted, “Put your masks on and jump!”, my heart started racing again. I took a deep breath and fell backward into the deep blue sea.
As soon as the bubbles cleared, I looked down into the water. Suddenly, a massive shadow appeared from the darkness. It was a whale shark, and it was easily the size of a school bus. The enormous creature was swimming straight towards me with its mouth wide open. For a terrifying second, I completely froze. Its mouth was so huge that I felt like I could easily fit inside it. I thought about swimming away, but my legs just wouldn’t move.
Then, something magical happened. The shark gently changed direction and swam smoothly past me. I was close enough to see the beautiful white spots on its dark skin and its small, calm eyes. It moved so peacefully and completely ignored me. At that moment, I realised that these creatures truly are gentle giants. My terrible fear disappeared immediately, and I spent the rest of the time swimming happily alongside the magnificent fish.
That short experience completely changed how I think about ocean life. Before, I believed the deep sea was full of dangerous monsters that we should avoid. Now, I understand that it is a delicate environment filled with wonderful animals that need our protection. If we are lucky enough to visit their home, we must treat them with respect. I have even decided that I want to study marine biology when I go to university!
1 Why did the writer agree to go on the whale shark tour?
(A) He wanted to overcome his fear of swimming in the ocean.
(B) His father persuaded him it was a special and safe experience.
(C) He had always wanted to see sharks in the wild.
(D) He was bored of doing the same things on his summer holidays.
2 How did the writer feel after the guide’s safety talk?
(A) slightly more relaxed but still anxious before getting into the water
(B) completely confident that the sharks would ignore him
(C) terrified because she mentioned what the sharks usually eat
(D) annoyed that he was suddenly told to jump into the sea
3 When the writer first saw the whale shark, he
(A) tried to swim away as fast as he could.
(B) was amazed by the beautiful patterns on its body.
(C) was unable to move because he was so frightened.
(D) thought the animal was smaller than he had expected.
4 What is the writer’s opinion of the ocean now?
(A) He thinks it is a place full of frightening monsters.
(B) He believes its animals are fragile and require our care.
(C) He feels it is too dangerous for tourists to visit.
(D) He says it is only safe if you have a tour guide with you.
5 What would the writer write in his blog after the trip?
(A) I can’t believe my dad made me swim with sharks. The guide said it was safe, but I was terrified the whole time and couldn’t wait to get out!
(B) The whale shark tour was amazing because I finally got to touch one of these giant creatures. I definitely want to study marine biology now!
(C) Although the whale sharks were huge and beautiful, I was disappointed that they swam away from us so quickly. I wish they had come closer.
(D) Swimming with the world’s biggest fish was incredible. It was scary at first, but seeing how peaceful they are really changed my view of the ocean.
Answer Key & Explanations
1 B – In paragraph 1, the writer states that “Dad explained that this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and promised me that it was perfectly safe, so I nervously agreed.”
2 A – Paragraph 2 mentions that the guide’s words “helped calm me down a little bit,” but when told to jump, his “heart started racing again,” showing he was slightly relaxed but still anxious.
3 C – In paragraph 3, the writer explains that when he saw the shark swimming towards him, he “completely froze” and “thought about swimming away, but my legs just wouldn’t move.”
4 B – Paragraph 5 reveals the writer’s new perspective: “Now, I understand that it is a delicate environment filled with wonderful animals that need our protection.”
5 D – This option perfectly captures the global meaning and emotional arc of the text: starting with fear of the giant fish, experiencing the peaceful encounter, and ending with a changed perspective on ocean life.