Practice English Reading Exercises for B2 – University Life & Transitions 10

Exercises:   123456

Reading 1

You are going to read an article about four students describing their experiences of peer-tutoring or mentoring younger students at their university.

For questions 1-10, choose from the people/sections (A-D). The people/sections may be chosen more than once.

Which person/section

1   mentions a shift from a formal dynamic to a genuine personal relationship?

2   discovered that explaining concepts helped reinforce their own academic knowledge?

3   was motivated to join the programme to repay the support they once received?

4   experienced anxiety about feeling accountable for their mentee’s exam results?

5   altered their tutoring style after realising they were being over-helpful?

6   initially feared the commitment would negatively impact their own studies?

7   struggled to establish a connection due to contrasting approaches to studying?

8   realised they had to establish clearer limits on their availability?

9   was taken aback by the initial lack of engagement from their student?

10   mentions that participating in the scheme significantly boosted their own self-assurance?

Guiding the Way: University Peer Mentors

A Liam: Biology Student

When I first considered signing up as a peer-tutor, I was hesitant. I’m a third-year biology student, and I took it for granted that the extra workload would inevitably take a toll on my own grades. Nevertheless, I decided to give it a go. At first, I was assigned to a first-year student who seemed incredibly apathetic. I’d prepare elaborate notes, only for him to stare blankly at me during our sessions, which really caught me off guard. However, I eventually figured out that he wasn’t lazy; he was just completely overwhelmed by the university transition. Once we broke the ice, his attitude transformed. The most unexpected perk for me was that breaking down complex genetic theories into simpler terms actually cemented my own understanding of the syllabus. If I hadn’t taken part, I wouldn’t have felt half as prepared for my own finals. It turned out to be a win-win situation.

B Maya: History Student

During my freshman year, I was extremely fortunate to have a mentor who helped me navigate the overwhelming maze of university life. Consequently, I always knew I wanted to return the favour. When I started mentoring, I was so eager to see my mentee succeed that I ended up spoon-feeding her the answers. I would meticulously proofread her essays and practically rewrite them. It quickly dawned on me that this was hindering her independent learning. I had to consciously step back and prompt her to figure things out for herself, which was tougher than it sounds! Watching her gradually develop her critical thinking skills was incredibly rewarding. Furthermore, taking on a leadership role has done wonders for my own self-belief. I used to be terrified of public speaking, but guiding someone else has dramatically increased my confidence when addressing larger groups in my own seminars.

C Sam: Engineering Student

To be completely honest, my peer-tutoring experience got off to a rather rocky start. I am a highly organised person who thrives on strict schedules, whereas the second-year student I was paired with had a chaotic, last-minute approach to coursework. Initially, we just didn’t click, and our weekly meetings felt forced and deeply frustrating. I couldn’t comprehend how he could leave assignments until the night before the deadline. However, instead of imposing my methods on him, I tried to introduce flexible planning tools that suited his spontaneous nature. That compromise was a turning point. Once we stopped clashing over study habits, the awkward, strictly academic barrier between us faded away. We actually discovered a shared passion for vintage cinema, and we now meet up for coffee just to chat. It’s brilliant how a structured university scheme organically blossomed into a lasting friendship.

D Chloe: Economics Student

Mentoring a struggling student was undeniably one of the most demanding challenges I’ve faced at university. My mentee was incredibly anxious about her upcoming economics exams, and her stress was highly contagious. I found myself losing sleep, terrified that if she failed, it would be entirely my fault. She would message me late at night in a panic over microeconomic formulas, and I would drop everything to reply. Eventually, I hit a wall and realised this dynamic was completely unsustainable. I had to have a gentle but firm conversation with her about setting boundaries, explaining that I could only respond during our scheduled afternoon sessions. I was worried she would take offence, but she was surprisingly understanding. Learning to say no without feeling guilty is a crucial life skill. When she finally texted me to say she had passed with flying colours, the immense sense of relief was indescribable.

Reading 2

You are going to read an article about four university alumni reflecting on the one piece of advice they wish they had been given before starting their degree.

For questions 1-10, choose from the people (A-D). The people may be chosen more than once.

Which person

1   points out that employers value personal development as much as grades?

2   regrets limiting their social interactions to people they already knew?

3   admits that a lack of financial planning caused them significant anxiety?

4   wishes they had recognised that teaching staff were actually willing to assist?

5   realises that striving for absolute perfection in their studies was detrimental?

6   mentions how a part-time role unexpectedly improved their study habits?

7   advises students to embrace feeling uncomfortable in order to make diverse connections?

8   laments not making use of the university’s dedicated guidance services much earlier?

9   points out that learning how to research efficiently was a game-changer?

10   discovered that acquiring basic everyday competencies is just as vital as achieving academic success?

If I Knew Then What I Know Now: Advice for Freshers

A Tom

I went into university believing that graduating with top honours was the sole ticket to a successful career. Consequently, I spent my entire first year cooped up in the library, turning down invitations and completely neglecting my mental well-being. If I could go back, I’d tell myself that perfectionism is a double-edged sword. Yes, grades matter, but recruiters are equally interested in your soft skills—things like leadership, teamwork, and communication. I only figured this out in my third year when I finally joined the debate society. That experience taught me more about public speaking and resilience than any textbook ever did. My advice? Don’t let the pursuit of a flawless transcript blind you to the myriad of opportunities on campus. Get involved in student union activities or sports clubs. Striking a healthy balance between your coursework and personal growth will ultimately make you far more employable and your university experience much more fulfilling.

B Sarah

My biggest regret is that I arrived at university completely clueless about how to manage a budget. When my first student loan instalment dropped into my account, I felt like a millionaire. I ate out constantly, bought brand-new textbooks, and blew through a massive chunk of my funds within a matter of weeks. The subsequent panic when I realised I barely had enough left for rent was overwhelming. If someone had sat me down and explained the basics of meal prepping and budgeting, it would have spared me a lot of sleepless nights. I eventually had to take on a weekend job at a local café to make ends meet. Funnily enough, juggling those shifts actually forced me to stop procrastinating and manage my time much more effectively. Ultimately, I learned the hard way that mastering basic independent living is just as crucial as passing your end-of-year exams.

C David

During my early days on campus, I was under the false impression that lecturers were unapproachable academics who couldn’t be bothered with the trivial questions of a first-year student. Whenever I struggled to grasp a complex theory, I simply suffered in silence, convinced I was the only one falling behind. It wasn’t until my second year that I tentatively knocked on my tutor’s door during his office hours. To my absolute astonishment, he was incredibly welcoming and more than happy to clarify the material. I honestly kick myself for not taking advantage of these support networks from day one. Furthermore, a librarian later showed me how to filter digital journals properly, which drastically cut down the hours I spent looking for relevant essay sources. I wish I had known earlier that university is packed with resources specifically designed to guide you; you just need the courage to step forward and ask.

D Elena

Because I chose a university in my hometown, several of my high school classmates ended up on the exact same course. Naturally, it felt incredibly safe to stick together, so we went to lectures as a group and sat at the same tables every day. Looking back, leaning so heavily on my existing friendship group was a massive mistake. I essentially trapped myself in a bubble and missed out on the quintessential university experience of meeting people from entirely different backgrounds and cultures. It wasn’t until they all went abroad for a semester in our third year that I was forced to branch out. Walking into a lecture theatre alone for the first time was daunting, but it pushed me to strike up conversations with strangers. The advice I’d give any fresher is to embrace the awkwardness. Putting yourself out there might feel intimidating initially, but it’s the only way to build a truly varied network.

Exercises:   123456