Practice English Reading Exercises for B2 – Dream Jobs & Career Aspirations 2

Exercises:   123456

Reading 1

You are going to read an article about four students sharing their ambitions to work in the booming video game industry.

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 the satisfaction of resolving complex technical issues?

2   was motivated by a particular piece of media they experienced in the past?

3   points out the financial investment required to pursue their chosen path?

4   is driven by a desire to see more variety in the types of people depicted in games?

5   admits they initially found a collaborative online environment somewhat intimidating?

6   wants to create content that provokes a strong psychological response from the audience?

7   hopes to dictate how users navigate and experience virtual spaces?

8   acknowledges the valuable feedback received from an industry professional?

9   states that their chosen discipline requires an enormous amount of patience?

10   intends to give players the power to alter the outcome of the game?

Leveling Up: Future Stars of the Video Game Industry

A Liam

I’ve always been fascinated by what goes on behind the scenes of my favourite video games. Consequently, my ultimate goal is to become a gameplay programmer. Writing code is essentially like solving a massive, intricate puzzle. It demands an extraordinary amount of perseverance; you can easily spend hours trying to track down a single missing character that is crashing the entire system. However, the sheer sense of achievement I feel when I finally iron out those frustrating glitches is unparalleled. When I first started out, I joined a few coding forums to pick up tips. To be honest, I was initially rather overwhelmed by how advanced everyone else seemed, but I soon realised that veteran developers are incredibly willing to help beginners. Although the industry is highly competitive, I’m convinced that if I had given up at the first hurdle, I wouldn’t have acquired the complex programming languages I now use effortlessly.

B Maya

While many of my peers are obsessed with realistic graphics or fast-paced combat mechanics, I am completely captivated by storytelling. My ambition is to work as a narrative designer, crafting the intricate plots and dialogue that drive a game forward. I vividly remember playing a role-playing game a few years ago where the protagonist’s journey moved me to tears; it was that exact moment I knew I wanted to write for this medium. My primary aim is to script branching storylines where players’ decisions genuinely influence how the tale concludes. It’s an incredibly complex way to write, as you must anticipate numerous different choices. Other developers might focus on creating a fun distraction, but I want to construct profound narratives that leave a lasting emotional mark on the player long after they’ve turned off their console.

C Ethan

For me, a video game is only as good as the world it’s set in. I’m currently training to be an environment designer, which means I’ll be responsible for building the 3D landscapes that gamers explore. I love the idea of subtly guiding players through a ruined city or a dense, alien jungle using clever lighting and structural layouts. I want to dictate how they interact with their surroundings without them even realising it. However, creating high-quality, realistic environments requires a vast amount of processing power. I recently had to empty my bank account to purchase a top-tier graphics card and premium rendering software, which was a bitter pill to swallow. Although it was a massive expense, I had to come to terms with the fact that without the proper tools, my portfolio simply wouldn’t stand out to future employers.

D Chloe

I’ve been sketching non-stop since I was a child, and I’m now determined to turn that passion into a career as a character concept artist. The video game industry has grown exponentially, but I still feel there is a lack of diversity in the heroes we get to play. I am driven to design protagonists from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures, ensuring more players can see themselves reflected on screen. Getting a foot in the door is notoriously difficult, but I recently had a stroke of luck. I managed to connect with a senior artist at a major studio on social media, and she generously agreed to review my portfolio. Her constructive criticism was eye-opening; she pointed out subtle flaws in my anatomy proportions that I hadn’t noticed. Thanks to her direct advice, my digital paintings have improved dramatically over the last few months.

Reading 2

You are going to read an article about four young people discussing their goal of becoming commercial airline pilots and the training requirements they face.

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

Which person/section

1   had to give up an alternative career path to pursue their aviation dream?

2   admits to being startled by the level of technical or scientific knowledge demanded?

3   was motivated to enter the profession due to a relative’s career?

4  emphasizes the vital importance of psychological resilience under stress?

5   mentions passing a strict health or physiological evaluation?

6   notes that a realistic simulation exercise made them realize the scale of the challenge?

7   believes that automation will never entirely eliminate the need for human flight crews?

8   acknowledges selling a valuable possession to pay for their flight lessons?

9   struggles at times to maintain concentration during long hours of ground school?

10   did not expect the ground school theory to be quite so comprehensive?

Reaching for the Skies

A Toby

Ever since I can remember, I’ve wanted to take charge of a commercial jet. However, I didn’t expect the ground school theory to be such a mountain to climb. I had taken it for granted that flying was mostly about practical skills, so I was initially startled by the level of technical and scientific knowledge demanded in our meteorology and navigation modules. If I hadn’t brushed up on my physics, I would have fallen behind. It’s not just about memorizing facts; you must show psychological resilience under stress, a trait I’ve worked hard to develop. My instructors keep reminding us that calm problem-solving is what saves lives when things go wrong in the air. Although some of my classmates complain about the grueling schedule, my determination hasn’t wavered. I know that every hour spent reviewing complex flight instruments brings me one step closer to my ultimate destination in the cockpit.

B Chloe

For a long time, I was on track to become an architect, having even started a university degree in design. Yet, the pulling power of the skies was too strong, and I eventually decided to give up that career path entirely. This choice wasn’t made lightly, especially given the astronomical costs of commercial flight training. In order to fund my initial hours in a light aircraft, I had to sell my beloved car, which was a painful financial sacrifice. People often wonder where this obsession came from, but because my aunt was a captain for a major airline, aviation was always a frequent topic at family gatherings. Her successful career showed me what was possible. Some friends think I am crazy to trade a predictable office job for the uncertain aviation market, but I am convinced I have made the right move. I can’t wait to get qualified.

C Daniel

There is a lot of talk nowadays about how aircraft are becoming fully automated, but I firmly believe that automation will never entirely eliminate the need for human flight crews. Technology can fail, and that is when a pilot’s instinct is crucial. I recently had the opportunity to experience an advanced flight simulator, and that realistic simulation exercise made me realize the scale of the challenge ahead. Navigating a thunderstorm in a virtual Boeing 737 was eye-opening; it showed me how much multitasking is required simultaneously. Before that session, I thought I knew what to expect, but the sheer complexity of managing the radio, instruments, and weather charts at once was humbling. My parents are slightly worried about the responsibility I’ll have, but it only makes me more driven. I’ve already started saving for my upcoming multi-engine rating, which will be the next major milestone.

D Hannah

The path to getting a commercial pilot’s license is famously rigorous, beginning long before you even leave the ground. Before I could even enroll in my current academy, I had to pass a strict health and physiological evaluation to secure a Class 1 medical certificate. Knowing that perfect vision and cardiovascular health are non-negotiable was incredibly stressful, so getting the all-clear was a massive relief. Now that I’m deep into the coursework, my main battle is purely mental. I occasionally struggle to maintain concentration during long hours of ground school, as absorbing massive volumes of air law and operational procedures can be exhausting. Nevertheless, I am learning to pace myself better. I’ve taken up running in the evenings to clear my head, which definitely helps. It is a demanding lifestyle, but looking up at a passenger jet flying overhead always reminds me why it’s worth the effort.

Exercises:   123456