Practice English Reading Exercises for B1 – Physical Health, Diet & Exercise
Reading 1
For each question, choose the correct answer.
My Energy Drink Nightmare
Last year, when I was preparing for my final school exams, I was incredibly stressed. I wanted to get the best grades possible, which meant studying late into the night. Because I was always feeling tired, I started buying bright cans of energy drinks from the local shop. At first, they were brilliant. They tasted like sweet fruit juice and immediately made me feel awake and ready to read another chapter. Soon, however, it became a daily habit. I was consuming three or four cans every single day just to keep myself going.
Everything seemed fine until one evening in late May. I was sitting at my desk, finishing my third energy drink of the day, when my chest suddenly felt very strange. My heart started beating so fast that I could almost hear it in the quiet room. My hands began to shake, and I felt completely terrified. I had read articles online stating that consuming too much caffeine could be dangerous, but I never actually thought it would happen to me. At that moment, I knew I had to stop drinking them immediately.
The following three days were some of the most difficult of my life. Without my usual sugary drinks, my body reacted horribly. I suffered from terrible headaches and felt an extreme level of exhaustion that I had never experienced before. During classes, it was almost impossible to keep my eyes open, and I couldn’t concentrate on my lessons at all. A few times, I was tempted to go to the shop and buy a can just to make the pain disappear, but I forced myself to drink ordinary water instead.
Looking back now, going through that tough period was the best decision I could have made. By the end of the week, the headaches had gone, and I noticed something amazing. Because I wasn’t drinking caffeine late at night, I was finally falling into a deep, peaceful sleep. Consequently, I was waking up feeling naturally refreshed. I successfully passed my exams, and I learned a vital lesson. Energy drinks only provide a fake, temporary boost, but getting enough natural sleep is the only real way to give your brain the power it needs.
1 Why did the writer start consuming energy drinks?
(A) He wanted to stay awake to prepare for his exams.
(B) He liked the sweet fruit juice flavour they had.
(C) He needed them to give him energy for his sports classes.
(D) He wanted to try them after seeing them in the local shop.
2 What happened to the writer one evening in May?
(A) He read an article online that made him feel terrified.
(B) He experienced a frightening physical reaction to the drinks.
(C) He was annoyed by a strange noise in his quiet bedroom.
(D) He accidentally drank more than three cans of his favourite drink.
3 How did the writer feel during the first few days of quitting?
(A) He was surprised by how much water he needed to drink.
(B) He found it very difficult to stay awake during the school day.
(C) He felt proud that his headaches disappeared so quickly.
(D) He was angry that the local shop had stopped selling his drinks.
4 What did the writer realise after he recovered?
(A) He actually preferred the taste of ordinary water.
(B) Getting proper rest is the most effective way to gain energy.
(C) He needed a small amount of caffeine to pass his exams.
(D) Studying late is impossible without a temporary boost.
5 What would the writer write in his blog?
(A) I can’t believe how much money I wasted on energy drinks. I’m going to start going to bed earlier to save my cash.
(B) The headaches were terrible, but I’m glad I quit. I’ve discovered that a good night’s sleep is much better for my studying than caffeine!
(C) I had a scary experience with my heart recently, so I’ve decided to limit myself to just one can of energy drink a day from now on.
(D) Quitting energy drinks was incredibly easy for me. If you just drink water instead, you won’t even miss the sweet taste!
Answer Key & Explanations
1 A – The first paragraph states that he “wanted to get the best grades possible, which meant studying late” and because he was always tired, he bought the drinks to “make me feel awake”.
2 B – In the second paragraph, the writer explains that his heart started beating very fast and his hands began to shake, causing him to feel “completely terrified”.
3 B – The third paragraph describes his extreme exhaustion during the withdrawal period, noting that “during classes, it was almost impossible to keep my eyes open”.
4 B – In the final paragraph, the writer concludes that “getting enough natural sleep is the only real way to give your brain the power it needs”.
5 B – This option captures the global meaning and emotional arc of the text: acknowledging the painful withdrawal symptoms but highlighting the ultimate realization that natural sleep provides true energy for studying.
Reading 2
For each question, choose the correct answer.
Winning the Morning
I have never been a particularly active person, but a few months ago, I decided it was time to get fit. I was spending too much time sitting in front of a screen, and I wanted to have more energy during the day. After considering different sports, I chose running because it is completely free and you don’t need to buy any special equipment. I made an ambitious plan to wake up at 6 a.m. every morning and run around my local park before school. I set my alarm, feeling extremely positive and motivated about my new healthy lifestyle.
However, when my alarm actually rang the next morning, reality hit me. My bedroom was freezing cold, and it was still completely dark outside. Instead of jumping out of bed full of energy, I just reached over, hit the snooze button, and went back to sleep. This exact same thing happened every single day for an entire week. By the time the weekend arrived, I felt incredibly disappointed with myself. I was convinced that I simply didn’t have the willpower to be a morning runner, and I seriously considered giving up on my fitness goal.
Before quitting completely, I started searching online for advice on how to build good habits. I read a fascinating article that suggested removing any ‘friction’ or difficulties from your morning routine. The writer explained that if you have to search for clothes in the dark, your brain will choose the easier option of staying in a warm bed. I decided to test this theory immediately. That night, I carefully laid out my running trousers, t-shirt, and trainers right next to my bed, ready for the morning.
When my alarm went off at 6 a.m. the following day, the first thing I saw was my running gear. Because I didn’t have to think about what to wear, it was suddenly much easier to pull back the warm covers and get dressed. Although the air outside was quite cold, that first run actually felt amazing. It has been a month now, and my morning run has become a permanent daily habit. I feel much healthier, and I’ve learned that achieving your goals is often about clever preparation rather than just relying on willpower.
1 Why did the writer initially decide to take up running?
(A) They wanted to enter a local park running competition.
(B) They wanted to improve their health and daily energy levels.
(C) They were told to spend less time in front of their screens.
(D) They wanted to find a sport that required expensive equipment.
2 How did the writer feel at the end of the first week?
(A) Upset with themselves for failing to wake up early to exercise.
(B) Exhausted and cold from running outside in the dark every day.
(C) Annoyed that their morning alarm clock was not working properly.
(D) Confident that they would have more willpower the following week.
3 What did the online article advise people to do?
(A) Make sure your bedroom is warm and brightly lit in the mornings.
(B) Go to sleep earlier so you don’t feel tired when the alarm rings.
(C) Buy more comfortable clothing to wear during morning workouts.
(D) Make the morning routine as easy and simple as possible.
4 What has the writer learned from this experience?
(A) That running in the cold is the best way to get physically fit.
(B) That waking up at 6 a.m. is impossible without strong willpower.
(C) That being organised the night before helps you achieve your goals.
(D) That finding comfortable running gear is the hardest part of the habit.
5 What would the writer write in their diary today?
(A) Leaving my clothes out didn’t help much, but I finally found the courage to force myself out of bed in the dark!
(B) I’ve been running at 6 a.m. for a month now, but it’s still so freezing that I might just go back to hitting the snooze button.
(C) Running is a fantastic free sport, but I wish I had chosen something that doesn’t require getting dressed so early in the morning.
(D) I almost gave up on my fitness plan, but changing my evening routine completely transformed my mornings. Now I love my daily runs!
Answer Key & Explanations
1 B – In the first paragraph, the writer states, “I decided it was time to get fit” and “I wanted to have more energy during the day.”
2 A – The second paragraph explains that after hitting the snooze button for a week, the writer “felt incredibly disappointed with myself” and thought they didn’t have the willpower to be a runner.
3 D – The third paragraph mentions that the article “suggested removing any ‘friction’ or difficulties from your morning routine,” which means making the process as easy as possible.
4 C – In the final paragraph, the writer reflects, “I’ve learned that achieving your goals is often about clever preparation rather than just relying on willpower.”
5 D – This option accurately captures the global meaning and narrative of the text: the initial struggle and desire to quit, the simple evening solution (laying out clothes), and the positive final outcome of building a lasting habit.
Reading 3
For each question, choose the correct answer.
My Dental Hygiene Reality Check
I always thought my teeth were perfectly healthy. I avoided sweets most of the time and never experienced any toothache. However, during my regular check-up last month, my dentist, Dr. Evans, gave me some surprising news. He discovered the beginnings of early cavities in my back teeth. When he asked how long I spent brushing, I had to admit the truth. I felt incredibly embarrassed as he explained that my poor habits were causing the damage.
To be honest, my morning routine was always a rush. I usually brushed my teeth for thirty seconds before running out of the door to catch the school bus. Dr. Evans told me that a manual toothbrush is fine if used correctly, but he highly recommended buying an electric one instead. He explained that models with built-in timers are excellent for teenagers like me who constantly rush. That afternoon, my mum took me to the pharmacy, and we chose a bright blue electric toothbrush.
Using the new brush for the first time felt quite strange. The vibrations tickled my mouth, and it was much heavier than my old plastic one. The biggest shock, though, was the two-minute timer. When I turned it on, I expected it to beep very quickly. Instead, I stood in the bathroom watching myself in the mirror, waiting for what felt like an eternity. I suddenly realised how little time I had actually been spending on my teeth before.
Despite the initial strangeness, I soon started to enjoy my new evening routine. Instead of just quickly cleaning my teeth, I began paying attention to what I was doing. I listened to music or simply relaxed while the brush did all the hard work. It transformed a boring chore into a mindful, calming activity before bed. If I hadn’t received that warning, I probably would have needed fillings very soon.
When I returned to Dr. Evans six months later, I felt confident. He examined my teeth carefully and smiled, confirming that there were no new cavities at all. My gums were healthier, and my teeth even looked whiter. I am so glad I finally took my dental hygiene seriously. It just shows that having the right equipment can completely change your daily habits and protect your health in the long run.
1 Why was the writer embarrassed during her visit to the dentist?
(A) She had eaten too many sweets before the appointment.
(B) She had to confess her bad cleaning habits to the dentist.
(C) She discovered that her back teeth were completely ruined.
(D) She had ignored a terrible toothache for a very long time.
2 What did Dr. Evans suggest the writer should do?
(A) Wake up earlier to catch the morning school bus.
(B) Stop using manual toothbrushes because they are dangerous.
(C) Purchase a cleaning device that tracks brushing time.
(D) Visit the local pharmacy to buy a blue toothbrush.
3 How did the writer feel when she first used the new toothbrush?
(A) She was surprised by how long two minutes actually felt.
(B) She found the buzzing sound too loud to handle.
(C) She was annoyed that it was heavier than her old one.
(D) She was disappointed because the timer was broken.
4 What does the writer say about her new brushing routine?
(A) She realised she needs to get fillings in her back teeth.
(B) She decided to listen to music instead of brushing her teeth.
(C) She stopped going to Dr. Evans for dental check-ups.
(D) She turned an annoying daily task into an enjoyable habit.
5 What would the writer text to a friend about her experience?
(A) I can’t believe I have to get fillings! I guess I should have bought that electric toothbrush my dentist recommended.
(B) I bought a new electric toothbrush, but the two-minute timer takes too long. I’m going back to my old plastic one.
(C) My dentist found some problems, but getting an electric toothbrush has completely fixed my routine. My teeth are doing great now!
(D) You should never use a manual toothbrush. Dr. Evans told me they cause cavities in your back teeth.
Answer Key & Explanations
1 B – In paragraph 1, the writer states, “When he asked how long I spent brushing, I had to admit the truth. I felt incredibly embarrassed…”, meaning she had to confess her bad habits.
2 C – Paragraph 2 mentions that Dr. Evans “highly recommended buying an electric one instead” and explained that “models with built-in timers are excellent.”
3 A – Paragraph 3 explains that the biggest shock was the timer, as the writer stood waiting “for what felt like an eternity” and realised how little time she had spent brushing before.
4 D – In paragraph 4, the writer states that her new routine “transformed a boring chore into a mindful, calming activity before bed.”
5 C – This option accurately captures the global meaning and emotional arc of the passage: receiving a warning about early cavities, buying an electric toothbrush, successfully changing her habits, and getting a positive result at the dentist.