Practice English Reading Exercises for B2 – Musical Journeys & Creative Hobbies 10

Exercises:   123456

Reading 1

You are going to read an article about four people talking about how their eccentric hobby of birdwatching taught them to appreciate silence and stillness.

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 that their chosen pastime is considered highly unusual for someone of their generation?

2   was originally deterred by the negative assumptions surrounding the hobby?

3   explains how being completely motionless proved to be a significant physical challenge?

4   deliberately disconnects from modern technology to fully immerse themselves in the experience?

5   turned to this quiet activity to help them recover from a period of severe exhaustion?

6   realised that the absence of human noise is actually filled with natural sounds?

7   believes that the tranquility allows them to organise their own chaotic thoughts?

8   had to forcefully overcome their naturally impatient temperament to spot something?

9   felt a profound sense of reward after catching a glimpse of an elusive creature?

10   appreciates that the hobby forces them to observe the world at a much slower pace?

Finding Peace Among the Feathers

A Liam

I’ve always been surrounded by noise, whether it’s blasting music through my headphones or living in a bustling city centre. When I told my mates I’d taken up birdwatching, they burst out laughing, assuming it was a ridiculously eccentric hobby for a twenty-something to have. But I desperately needed to put the brakes on my fast-paced life. At first, sitting in a damp forest waiting for a bird to appear felt like watching paint dry. However, as I forced myself to slow down, my perspective entirely shifted. I slowly came to terms with the fact that true silence doesn’t actually exist in nature. Once the human chatter fades, you realise the woods are teeming with life. The rustle of leaves or the snapping of a twig suddenly becomes a symphony. Taking up this pastime has taught me to embrace the quiet, and it’s a relief to step away from the relentless speed of modern living, even if it means sticking out like a sore thumb among my peers.

B Maya

If you had asked me a year ago, I would have sworn that staring at trees with a pair of binoculars was an activity strictly reserved for retirees. I was completely put off by the stuffy stereotypes attached to the pastime. However, after experiencing a severe bout of burnout from my demanding corporate job, my doctor strongly advised me to find a calming outdoor pursuit. A colleague dragged me to a local nature reserve, and to my absolute astonishment, I was instantly captivated. I had spent so long running on empty, surrounded by ringing phones and urgent deadlines, that the profound stillness of the reserve felt like a soothing balm. It isn’t just about ticking off species in a guidebook; it’s the therapeutic process of simply existing in a quiet space without having to achieve anything. Overcoming my initial prejudice was the best thing I ever did, as the tranquility has undoubtedly helped me bounce back and regain my mental energy.

C Ethan

I have always possessed a terribly restless personality, so remaining stationary for any length of time has never come naturally to me. I’m the sort of person who constantly needs to be on the move. Consequently, when I first tried birdwatching, the sheer physical discipline required to stay perfectly still was incredibly gruelling. My muscles would cramp, and the urge to shift my weight was almost unbearable. Yet, learning to suppress that impatience was vital. If you fidget, you frighten the wildlife away. The turning point occurred one freezing November dawn. After crouching behind a makeshift hide in agonizing stillness for nearly three hours, I was finally rewarded with the sight of an incredibly rare kingfisher diving into the river. The rush of adrenaline I experienced in that fleeting moment was indescribable. It made every aching muscle entirely worthwhile. I now consider birdwatching to be the ultimate test of self-control, forcing my hyperactive body to embrace absolute stillness.

D Chloe

In today’s hyper-connected society, we are constantly bombarded with notifications, emails, and social media updates. I realised my brain was overloaded, and I desperately needed an escape route. Birdwatching became my sanctuary. Whenever I head out to the wetlands, my smartphone is strictly switched off and left at the bottom of my rucksack. It is remarkably liberating to cut those digital ties and surrender to the isolation of the landscape. What fascinated me most was how the sheer quietness of the environment mirrored my internal state. Without the constant pinging of devices, the peaceful atmosphere provides me with the perfect canvas to unravel my own tangled thoughts. Staring through a camera lens or a pair of binoculars requires such deep concentration that all my mundane worries simply melt away. For me, observing these feathered creatures isn’t just an eccentric hobby; it is a mindful meditation practice that relies entirely on cultivating absolute silence to restore my inner peace.

Reading 2

You are going to read an article about four musicians reflecting on the realization that keeping music purely as a hobby brings them more joy than trying to make it a career.

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

Which person/section

1   is glad they kept a separate career so their artistic choices remain unaffected?

2   was exhausted by the relentless travel involved in being a working performer?

3   strongly disliked having to market themselves to gain industry attention?

4   felt that their passion was being destroyed by an intensely competitive environment?

5   uses their instrument primarily as a tool for managing everyday stress?

6   initially believed that being paid to play their instrument would be the ideal scenario?

7   values the sense of unity and encouragement found in an amateur group?

8   felt a profound sense of liberation after officially giving up their professional ambitions?

9   resented having to perform material that did not align with their personal taste?

10   found that rigorous academic instruction removed the natural feeling from their performances?

Playing for the Love of It: Why We Left the Industry

A Leo

For years, I was absolutely determined to secure a record deal. I took it for granted that immense talent was all you needed to succeed. However, once I actually started trying to break into the industry, I quickly came to terms with a harsh reality. The actual playing was consistently overshadowed by the relentless need to build a brand. I despised having to constantly post on social media and network with promoters; that kind of self-promotion completely drained my energy. I had undergone years of classical training, which was incredibly useful, but the business side of things was a nightmare. When I finally decided to throw in the towel and just play for myself, it was as if a massive weight had been lifted from my shoulders. The sheer relief I experienced was indescribable. Now, I occasionally do informal gigs where I play whatever I want, but I’ve entirely abandoned the pursuit of fame. Keeping it as a pastime has brought the magic back.

B Maya

Music was my entire life until I enrolled in a prestigious conservatory. I had naively believed that studying my instrument full-time would be idyllic. Instead, the fiercely cut-throat atmosphere almost killed my love for the cello. Everyone was constantly trying to outdo each other, and if you weren’t flawless, you were left behind. Furthermore, the strict academic focus on perfect technique meant that all the joy and spontaneity were completely stripped away from my playing. By the time I graduated, I didn’t want to look at my instrument for months. Eventually, a former colleague convinced me to join a local community orchestra. It was a revelation. Playing alongside folks who are just there for the sheer joy of it, without any egos involved, is incredibly uplifting. The encouragement we give one another has completely reignited my spark. I do travel occasionally for our amateur concerts, but without the intense pressure, it feels like a holiday rather than an exhausting chore.

C Toby

Like many aspiring guitarists, I used to think that getting paid to play music was the ultimate goal. I assumed that earning a living from my art would be a dream come true. So, I started accepting bookings for weddings and corporate events. At first, it was genuinely exciting, but the novelty soon wore off. I became increasingly frustrated because I was constantly forced to perform cheesy pop hits that I absolutely loathed, simply to keep the clients happy. I realised that if music became my primary source of income, my own artistic vision would always be compromised. Consequently, I made the conscious decision to pursue a career in graphic design instead. Retaining a reliable day job ensures that my financial security is taken care of, allowing my musical expression to remain completely unrestricted. I still write and record my own original tracks in my garage studio, but I only play what genuinely moves me. It’s the best decision I could have made.

D Clara

In my early twenties, I spent three years touring with an indie rock band. We practically lived in a cramped van, driving from one poorly paid gig to another. While some musicians thrive on a nomadic lifestyle, the endless travelling left me utterly burnt out. Waking up in a different city every day might sound glamorous, but the physical and mental exhaustion eventually took its toll. Moreover, the unpredictable earnings meant I was constantly plagued by financial anxiety. I ultimately walked away from the band, feeling quite defeated at the time. Nowadays, however, my relationship with the piano is healthier than ever. I work a demanding job in finance, and when I get back to my flat, sitting down at the keys is my ultimate coping mechanism. Letting my fingers glide over the notes washes away all the tension built up during office hours. I wouldn’t trade this peaceful, private connection with music for any amount of commercial success.

Exercises:   123456