Practice English Reading Exercises for B2 – Remote Work & Flexible Environments 9

Exercises:   123456

Reading 1

You are going to read an article about four remote workers talking about the necessity of scheduling mandatory ‘fake commutes’ (like a morning walk) to mentally prepare for the workday.

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

Which person/section

1   states that their morning ritual helps them strategise for the hours ahead?

2   refuses to let unpleasant weather conditions interfere with their routine?

3   uses their fake commute to clearly mark the end of their working hours?

4   admits that their initial lack of a routine led to a significant drop in vitality?

5   incorporated the advice of someone they live with into their daily schedule?

6   includes a brief visit to a local business as part of their imaginary journey to work?

7   appreciates having a designated time to consume fictional or educational content?

8   previously had a bad habit of starting their professional tasks while still in bed?

9   points out that leaving the house helps them ignore the temptation of unfinished housework?

10   utilises a motorised vehicle to recreate the physical sensation of travelling to an office?

The Fake Commute: Tricking the Brain for Remote Work Success

A Liam

When my agency shifted to permanent telecommuting, I assumed I’d relish the extra time in bed. However, skipping the morning rush hour turned out to be a double-edged sword. Without a physical transition, I felt incredibly lethargic; my energy simply plummeted, and I’d spend the first two hours of the day staring blankly at my monitor. It became obvious I needed a proper routine to wake myself up. Now, I force myself out of the door at 8:00 a.m. sharp to cycle to an independent coffee shop a mile away. I’ll grab a flat white and pedal back to my home office. That brief outdoor excursion tricks my brain into thinking I’ve actually travelled to a workplace. I tend to avoid going out if it’s pouring with rain, but on clear days, it works wonders. By the time I sit down at my desk, I feel remarkably alert and ready to tackle whatever challenges the day throws at me, rather than feeling like I’m still half-asleep.

B Maya

Before the shift to remote work, I had a forty-minute train ride that I dedicated exclusively to getting lost in a good novel. Losing that precious reading time was unexpectedly frustrating. Furthermore, being stuck inside my apartment meant my eyes were constantly drawn to the dirty laundry or unwashed plates, making it virtually impossible to focus on my professional duties. To combat this, I devised a mandatory ‘fake commute’. Every morning, I embark on a brisk thirty-minute walk around my neighbourhood, come rain or shine. Even if there’s a torrential downpour, I simply put on my waterproof gear and power through. I use this time to listen to audiobooks, which perfectly replaces my old transit habit. Returning to the flat, I bypass the kitchen mess entirely and head straight to my study. While I still find it quite tricky to switch off my laptop in the evenings, this morning ritual has been an absolute lifesaver for my concentration.

C Noah

At the beginning of the lockdown, my work-life balance completely disintegrated. Because my office was essentially my bedroom, I fell into the toxic habit of answering urgent emails on my smartphone the moment I woke up, before my feet had even touched the floor. I quickly realised this was a fast track to burnout. Now, I have a rather unconventional approach to starting my shift. I actually get into my car and drive around the local area for fifteen minutes. Being behind the wheel, dealing with a bit of light traffic, truly simulates the psychological shift of commuting. Even more importantly, I repeat the exact same drive at five-thirty. That evening spin is absolutely crucial; it acts as a mental boundary, signalling that I am officially off the clock. My sister thinks it’s hilarious that I actively seek out rush-hour traffic, but creating that clear division has allowed me to reclaim my evenings and protect my mental wellbeing.

D Chloe

I used to endure a stressful hour-long drive to the corporate headquarters, so I initially celebrated the end of my commute. However, without that structured journey, my mornings became chaotic. I’d wander into my home office without any clear direction, frequently becoming overwhelmed by my inbox. It was actually my flatmate who pointed out that I lacked a transitional phase and strongly recommended I start leaving the house before logging on. Following her advice, I began jogging around the local park for twenty minutes each morning. I don’t use this time to listen to music; instead, I mentally map out my upcoming shift, prioritising the most urgent assignments and setting my goals for the day. Having that quiet, uninterrupted space to strategise means I return to the house with a clear, focused agenda. I might grab a quick coffee from my own kitchen afterwards, but it’s the physical exertion beforehand that effectively prepares me for the corporate battlefield.

Reading 2

You are going to read an article about four individuals reflecting on how remote work allowed them to move away from expensive capital cities to more affordable countryside locations.

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

Which person/section

1   initially struggled with feelings of loneliness during a specific season?

2   miscalculated the financial benefits of relocating?

3   experienced unexpected technical difficulties that impacted their job?

4   travels back to their former location on a regular, infrequent basis?

5   feels nostalgic about the entertainment options the city offered?

6   mentions a specific activity that improved their mental well-being?

7   was motivated to relocate by a desire to pursue their physical hobbies?

8   values the strong sense of solidarity among their new neighbours?

9   expresses immense relief at no longer having to do a daily journey to work?

10   required more room because of a change in their personal life?

Trading Concrete for the Countryside: The Remote Work Revolution

A Elias

When my company announced a permanent work-from-home policy, I immediately started looking for properties outside the capital. Living in the city centre had been thrilling in my twenties, but getting on the property ladder there was an absolute pipe dream. By moving to a quiet village in Yorkshire, I managed to afford a detached cottage for the price of a cramped urban studio. I certainly don’t miss dealing with the constant noise pollution of the high street, though I must confess that I frequently long for the vibrant theatre scene and live music venues I left behind. To make up for it, I’ve thrown myself into cultivating my own vegetable patch. It was a steep learning curve at first, but spending my lunch breaks pulling up weeds has done wonders for my anxiety levels. It completely clears my head after a stressful morning of virtual meetings. If I had known how therapeutic getting my hands dirty could be, I would have relocated years ago.

B Nina

Trading my expensive London flat for a remote coastal town was primarily driven by a desire for a healthier lifestyle. The relentless pace and polluted air of the capital had taken their toll on me. However, the transition wasn’t entirely smooth sailing. During my first month, my rural broadband connection kept dropping out during crucial video conferences with my manager. I was absolutely frantic, convinced my boss would regret letting me work remotely. Fortunately, a local technician sorted it out, and it’s been perfectly reliable ever since. What I hadn’t anticipated was how warmly I’d be welcomed by the locals. In the city, I barely knew my next-door neighbour, but here, there’s an incredible spirit of mutual support. If your car breaks down, three people will immediately offer you a lift. That sense of belonging is worth far more to me than any city convenience.

C Julian

I’ve always been a rock climbing enthusiast, so paying extortionate rent to live in a concrete jungle never really made sense. The moment my employer went fully remote, I packed my bags and headed for the Scottish Highlands. Waking up to mountain views is incredible, and the sheer relief of not having to endure a crowded, two-hour train ride every morning is indescribable. However, I’ll admit that my first winter here was surprisingly tough. With the days getting shorter and the harsh weather keeping everyone indoors, I experienced a wave of profound isolation. To combat the feeling of being cut off, I ended up adopting a rescue dog. It turned out to be the best decision I could have made. Taking him for daily walks forced me out of the house and naturally sparked conversations with other dog owners, which eventually led to a solid circle of friends.

D Maya

My husband and I decided to leave the city when we found out we were expecting our first child. We desperately needed a property with an extra bedroom and a garden, which was simply out of our budget in the capital. While I love our new countryside lifestyle, I definitely had rose-tinted glasses regarding the financial benefits. I had taken it for granted that our cost of living would plummet. While our mortgage is indeed cheaper, I hadn’t factored in the reality of rural living: relying heavily on two cars, and the exorbitant cost of heating a drafty, older house during the winter months. My savings are nowhere near what I projected! Despite this, I wouldn’t change it. My firm requires me to attend in-person strategy meetings in the city once every four weeks. It’s a long journey, but it’s the perfect balance, allowing me to maintain my professional profile while raising my daughter in nature.

Exercises:   123456