Practice English Reading Exercises for B2 – Urban Cycling & Everyday Fitness 1

Exercises:   123456

Reading 1

You are going to read an article about four young professionals sharing their motivations and the daily challenges of commuting to work by bicycle in a busy city.

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

Which person

1   appreciates the predictability of their travel time?

2   was surprised by the financial benefits of their chosen mode of transport?

3   is frustrated by the lack of appropriate amenities at their workplace?

4   uses their journey as a way to mentally separate their job from their home life?

5   admits to experiencing anxiety about the safety of their property?

6   struggles with the practicalities of carrying specific equipment?

7   explains that commuting this way has replaced another form of exercise?

8   emphasises the necessity of remaining highly alert to the careless actions of others?

9   mentions an occasion when a mechanical issue caused them to be delayed?

10   explains that their choice of daily attire requires careful organisation?

Pedal Power: Commuting in the Urban Jungle

A Leo

When I first started my job at the architectural firm, I relied on the crowded underground, which left me feeling exhausted before the day had even begun. Switching to commuting by bike was an absolute game-changer for my physical and mental well-being. Getting a cardiovascular workout twice a day means I no longer need to spend my evenings at the gym, and I consistently arrive at the office feeling genuinely invigorated. However, it isn’t always a walk in the park. The primary downside is dealing with the unpredictable weather. Cycling in torrential rain is thoroughly miserable, and battling strong headwinds can be incredibly draining. Furthermore, my office building currently lacks proper shower facilities. Consequently, I have to rely on a quick change of clothes in the restroom, which is far from ideal. Nevertheless, despite these inconveniences, I wouldn’t trade the sense of freedom I get from pedalling past stationary traffic.

B Maya

As an environmental consultant, I felt like a hypocrite driving a car into the city centre every day. Making the transition to two wheels was primarily a moral choice, though the amount of money I save on fuel and parking has been an unexpected bonus. I’ve actually managed to set aside enough for a holiday just from my commuting savings! However, navigating the urban jungle can be an intimidating experience. You really have to keep your wits about you because many motorists seem completely oblivious to cyclists. I’ve had several close calls with cars suddenly pulling out of side streets or drivers opening their doors without looking. It requires constant vigilance and a great deal of anticipation. Some of my colleagues think I’m brave, but I just make sure I wear high-visibility gear and claim my space on the road. The sense of doing my bit for the planet makes the stressful moments worthwhile.

C Sam

For me, the decision to cycle to the tech startup where I work boiled down to pure efficiency. I used to rely on the bus network, but the constant delays and endless traffic jams drove me up the wall. Now, I know precisely how long my journey will take, down to the minute. I never have to worry about timetable changes or unexpected strikes. On the other hand, the practicalities of maintaining the bike can be a nuisance. Just last week, I hit a pothole and suffered a puncture in the pouring rain, making me late for a crucial meeting. There’s also the constant anxiety regarding security. Bike theft is rampant in this city, and even though I use two heavy-duty locks, I frequently glance out of the window to ensure my bicycle hasn’t vanished. Even so, the sheer reliability of the commute easily outweighs the maintenance hassles.

D Chloe

Working as a graphic designer involves staring at a screen for eight hours a day, which can leave my brain feeling completely fried. My evening ride home serves as a vital buffer zone between my professional and personal life. By the time I unlock my front door, I’ve worked out all my frustrations and left the stress of the studio far behind me. That said, cycling does pose some frustrating logistical challenges. Transporting my laptop and bulky design portfolios on a bike rack is incredibly awkward and constantly throws off my balance. Additionally, there’s the issue of what to wear. You want to dress smartly for client meetings, but cycling in a suit is impractical and uncomfortable. I’ve had to master the art of carefully rolling up my professional attire in waterproof panniers to avoid wrinkles. It takes a bit of extra planning each morning, but the mental clarity the ride provides is invaluable.

Reading 2

You are going to read an article about four people describing the process of buying their first serious road bike and the features they found most important.

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

Which person

1   sought professional help to ensure the bike matched their physical proportions?

2   bought a bicycle that was not entirely new?

3   felt patronised by a member of staff during the purchasing process?

4   prioritised safety features due to the possibility of encountering bad weather?

5   is dissatisfied with a particular component of the bike that causes physical discomfort?

6   experienced a frustratingly long wait before receiving their bicycle?

7   chose not to upgrade a specific component in order to keep costs down?

8   chose a bike primarily to cope with the steep gradients in their local area?

9   was more concerned with the history and appearance of a brand than the latest innovations?

10   required a bike capable of carrying heavy loads on varied surfaces?

My First Road Bike

A Mark

When I finally decided to upgrade from my heavy commuter bike, I thought it would be a straightforward purchase. I couldn’t have been more wrong. The sheer volume of choices was overwhelming. Ultimately, I realised that since I was planning to tackle long weekend rides, comfort had to be my top priority. I ended up visiting a specialist shop where they offered a comprehensive bike fit. It set me back a bit financially, but it was worth every penny. The assistant adjusted the saddle height, handlebars, and pedals to match my exact measurements. If I hadn’t had it fitted, I would have probably given up cycling due to back pain! I took it for granted that any road bike would feel fast, but the smooth ride of the carbon frame was a revelation. I did have to compromise on the wheels, though, as upgrading them would have blown my budget completely.

B Sarah

I’d been saving up for months, determined to find a bike that could help me keep up with my local cycling club. For me, weight was the deciding factor. I live in an incredibly hilly area, so dragging a heavy steel frame up steep inclines was out of the question. I spent hours reading online reviews and eventually tracked down a lightweight aluminium model with carbon forks. Surprisingly, it wasn’t a brand I was familiar with, but it offered exceptional value for money. One thing that annoyed me, however, was the attitude of the salesperson at the first shop I visited; he seemed to think I didn’t know what I was talking about. I promptly left and gave my business to a smaller, independent retailer who couldn’t have been more helpful. The bike flies up hills now, and I’ve never regretted my choice, even though the saddle it came with is rather uncomfortable.

C David

I must admit, I was heavily influenced by the visual appeal of the bikes. While my friends were obsessed with the latest technology, I was drawn to the classic Italian brands with a rich racing heritage. I wanted a bike that looked as fast as it rode. Knowing I couldn’t afford a brand-new top-tier model, I decided to explore the second-hand market. It was a risky strategy, but my patience paid off when I stumbled upon a pristine, five-year-old racing bike on an auction site. The previous owner had meticulously maintained it and even upgraded the braking system. Before handing over the cash, I had a mechanic friend look it over just to be on the safe side. It rides like a dream, and I constantly get compliments on its stunning retro paint job. It might not be the most cutting-edge machine, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

D Elena

For my first serious road bike, I knew exactly what I needed: a wide range of gears and reliable stopping power. I intend to use it for touring holidays, which means carrying extra luggage across unpredictable terrain. Therefore, I insisted on getting a model equipped with hydraulic disc brakes, rather than traditional rim brakes. Some purists argue they are unnecessary and add extra weight, but having that consistent performance in wet weather gives me enormous peace of mind. I also opted for a gravel-oriented frame, which allows for slightly wider tyres. Getting to grips with the complex gear shifters took some trial and error, but I’ve finally mastered them. Honestly, the hardest part of the process was waiting six weeks for it to be delivered due to supply chain issues! Nevertheless, the moment I took it out for its maiden voyage, the frustration of the delay vanished completely.

Exercises:   123456