Practice English Reading Exercises for B2 – Youth Entrepreneurship & Startups 10

Exercises:   123456

Reading 1

You are going to read an article about four young organizers sharing their experiences of turning a passion for event planning into a profitable local business.

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

Which person/section

1   acknowledges the valuable guidance they received from an experienced professional?

2   admits to having set their initial fees too low?

3   was taken aback by the sheer volume of official documentation required?

4   recruited people they already knew to help cope with a surge in bookings?

5   managed to get their enterprise off the ground without using their own financial resources?

6   successfully prevented what could have been a major catastrophe during a gathering?

7   highlights that their clientele expanded primarily through personal recommendations?

8   formed mutually beneficial alliances with other regional enterprises?

9   initially doubted that their pastime could become a viable career?

10   emphasizes the importance of specializing in a particular type of occasion?

Making It Happen: From Party Planners to CEOs

A Mia

I’ve always had a knack for bringing people together, but for a long time, I took it for granted that event planning was just an enjoyable hobby. I honestly never believed it could generate a steady income. When I eventually took the plunge and launched my corporate retreat business, I struggled significantly with the financial aspects. Initially, I felt guilty asking for money, so I ended up setting my rates far too low, which meant I barely broke even on my first few jobs. I even had to dip into my own savings since no bank would sponsor a teenager. The learning curve was incredibly steep. My most nerve-wracking moment occurred when a venue cancelled on us at the very last minute. Had I not managed to pull some strings and relocate the entire conference within hours, it would have been an absolute fiasco. Looking back, overcoming that hurdle gave me the confidence to push forward.

B Julian

Coordinating local music and arts festivals is undoubtedly thrilling, but the reality is far less glamorous than people assume. When I first established my company, I was entirely unprepared for the mountain of bureaucratic red tape involved. Securing noise permits, health and safety certificates, and public liability insurance felt like navigating an endless maze. Fortunately, I got the ticket pricing right from day one, so we turned a profit immediately. However, I wouldn’t have survived that initial phase had it not been for a retired festival director who took me under his wing. His invaluable insights and willingness to share industry secrets kept me from making rookie errors. Although my mates offered to volunteer, I insisted on employing professional security staff to ensure everything ran smoothly. Ultimately, seeing a crowd enjoying the music makes all the administrative headaches fade away.

C Chloe

Specialising in bespoke weddings is immensely rewarding, although it demands an infinite supply of patience. Couples are naturally under intense pressure, so managing their high expectations is part of the job. I never had an experienced mentor to guide me, which meant I had to learn everything through trial and error. What fascinates me most is how rapidly my enterprise expanded. I haven’t squandered a single penny on flashy online marketing campaigns; rather, my business has multiplied organically because satisfied newlyweds keep recommending me to their engaged acquaintances. During last year’s peak summer season, I was so inundated with work that I was on the verge of burning out. Consequently, I was forced to recruit a handful of trusted former schoolmates to assist with the logistics on the big days. Despite the rush, every single event went off without a hitch.

D Sam

The event planning market is incredibly saturated, so I figured out early on that carving out a distinct specialty was absolutely essential if I wanted to survive. Consequently, I chose to focus exclusively on eco-friendly community fundraisers and charity galas. Because I was still a full-time student, my bank balance was practically zero. However, by pitching my vision to corporate sponsors, I managed to launch the startup without investing any of my own personal funds. The administrative side of things was surprisingly straightforward, which was a relief. The real turning point for my agency was forming long-term partnerships with regional caterers and audiovisual suppliers. These collaborative arrangements mean I receive discounted rates, while they benefit from guaranteed regular work. It’s a highly effective strategy that has helped us build a stellar reputation in the local area.

Reading 2

You are going to read an article about four teenagers reflecting on how running a business has fundamentally changed their perspective on the value of money and hard work.

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

Which person

1   calculates the value of items by equating them to the time needed to earn the money?

2   admits they used to unfairly judge other retailers for their pricing?

3   accepts that a considerable amount of their effort does not yield immediate financial reward?

4   highlights the contrast between an allowance and self-generated income?

5   developed a newfound respect for jobs involving strenuous physical effort?

6   stresses the importance of keeping funds in reserve for unforeseen expenses?

7   was surprised by the secondary expenses required to run their enterprise?

8   initially misjudged the sheer volume of preparation required behind the scenes?

9   explains how they overcame their previous habit of making impulsive purchases?

10   now understands the price disparity between bespoke products and mass-produced goods?

Earning Every Penny: Teen Entrepreneurs Share Their Stories

A Oliver

Before I started my neighbourhood landscaping business, I didn’t think twice about blowing my cash on the latest video games. Now, I’ve completely abandoned those spontaneous purchases. Pushing a heavy lawnmower and hauling bags of soil all weekend is exhausting, and it’s given me a massive appreciation for anyone who earns a living through manual labour—something I previously took for granted. The biggest change, though, is how I view price tags. If I see a pair of trainers for £80, I immediately calculate how many lawns I’d have to mow to afford them. It really makes you stop and think. I used to rely on my parents for handouts, but earning my own keep has fundamentally shifted my mindset. Every pound in my pocket represents sweat and aching muscles, so I’m much more reluctant to part with it easily.

B Sofia

I run a small online shop where I upcycle old clothes into custom fashion pieces. In the past, I’d stroll into boutique stores and roll my eyes at the price tags, convinced they were ripping people off. Now that I’m the one behind the sewing machine, I have to eat my words. I was genuinely taken aback by how quickly the invisible expenses add up—things like thread, packaging, shipping materials, and platform fees eat into my profits before I’ve even paid myself for my time. I used to wonder why independent designers charged so much more than fast-fashion chains, but now I completely understand that creating something unique by hand requires a premium. It’s not just about the fabric; it’s about the hours of meticulous attention to detail. Consequently, I’m far more willing to support other small businesses.

C Liam

When I set up my IT repair service, I assumed that every hour I spent working would mean cash in my hand. I quickly discovered that’s not how the real world operates. I spend countless hours responding to emails, offering free troubleshooting advice, and updating my website—none of which brings in immediate money, but it’s essential for building a reliable reputation. Furthermore, running a business has taught me the hard way that you can never predict what’s around the corner. After my diagnostic laptop crashed and I had to pay for a costly replacement, I realised the absolute necessity of keeping a portion of my earnings in a dedicated emergency fund. I used to assume every penny I made was mine to enjoy immediately, but surviving that setback made me incredibly disciplined about budgeting for the future.

D Zara

My catering and baking venture started as a hobby, but turning it into a profit-making enterprise was a massive wake-up call. I completely underestimated the sheer volume of groundwork involved before the actual baking even begins. Sourcing ingredients, sanitising the kitchen, and measuring everything out takes hours of unglamorous effort. When you’re younger, receiving pocket money from your parents feels like free cash, and it’s easy to spend it without a second thought. However, there’s a profound difference between being handed a £20 note and standing on your feet for ten hours to earn it. The money I make from my cakes feels so much heavier, in a good way. I’ve become incredibly cautious with my finances because I know exactly how much energy went into generating every single coin. It’s given me a profound sense of independence.

Exercises:   123456