Practice English Reading Exercises for B2 – Solo Travel & Independence 8

Exercises:   123456

Reading 1

You are going to read an article about four individuals talking about the quiet introspection and mental clarity they achieved during a multi-day solo trek in the mountains.

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 the sheer scale of the landscape altered their perspective on personal troubles?

2   admits they typically fill their schedule to prevent themselves from thinking too deeply?

3   managed to resolve a complex issue related to their employment?

4   found that the steady, monotonous pace of the hike suppressed their negative thoughts?

5   arrived at a major decision to completely change their line of work?

6   experienced a moment of clarity regarding a relationship with another person?

7   went through a phase of nervousness after losing access to their modern technology?

8   was forced to overcome severe weather conditions in order to complete the hike?

9   acknowledged that they demand an impossible level of flawless performance from themselves?

10   realised that allowing themselves to fully experience their sorrow ultimately brought them peace?

Finding Clarity in the Clouds: The Power of Solo Trekking

A Elias

I’ve always been glued to my smartphone, constantly responding to emails and texts. Taking on the Pyrenees alone meant committing to a strict digital detox. For the first two days, being entirely cut off from the internet induced a mild sense of panic. I kept reaching into my empty pocket out of pure habit. However, once I pushed through that initial withdrawal, the profound silence of the valleys took over. Without the endless notifications competing for my attention, my mind finally decluttered. Ironically, I had been agonizing over a complicated logistical issue at my company for months, unable to see the wood for the trees. On the third morning, while watching the sunrise, the answer simply popped into my head with absolute crystal clarity. I hadn’t gone to the mountains to think about work—in fact, I had considered switching careers entirely before this trip—but the mental space I gained helped me fix the very problem that was stressing me out.

B Nina

As an ambitious architect, I have a tendency to be my own worst enemy. I’ve always set the bar incredibly high, beating myself up over the tiniest mistakes. A friend suggested a solo trek in the Scottish Highlands would do me good, though I doubted it. Initially, the physical strain was immense, and my mind was racing with all the things I could have done better back home. Yet, by day three, something shifted. Putting one foot in front of the other became a kind of moving meditation. The relentless, rhythmic effort required to climb those steep trails demanded all my concentration, naturally drowning out the harsh, self-critical voice in my head. I finally came to terms with the fact that my drive for absolute perfection was toxic. It was a liberating breakthrough. I didn’t solve all my life’s mysteries, but I returned with a much kinder attitude towards myself, realising that being ‘good enough’ is often perfectly fine.

C Julian

My trek through the Dolomites was far from the peaceful retreat I had envisioned. On the second afternoon, I was caught in a brutal, unexpected thunderstorm. Battling through howling winds and torrential rain just to reach the safety of the mountain hut tested my physical resilience to the absolute limit. Once the storm finally cleared that evening, however, the sky opened up to reveal a breathtaking canopy of stars. Staring out at the vast, indifferent mountain range, my own worries suddenly felt incredibly trivial. Before leaving, I had deliberately left my devices at home because I was endlessly obsessing over a bitter falling-out with my brother. Up there, surrounded by ancient, towering peaks, I had a sudden epiphany. I realised how foolish our argument had been and immediately knew how to mend the rift between us. The sheer magnitude of the wilderness has a remarkable way of shrinking your ego and showing you what truly matters.

D Maya

In my everyday life, I am an absolute master of distraction. I deliberately pack my diary with social events and extra shifts to avoid ever having a quiet moment alone. Following a recent personal tragedy, the thought of solitary hiking in the Alps terrified me, but I knew I couldn’t outrun my grief forever. For the first few miles, the silence was deafening, and I tried to focus merely on the physical rhythm of my boots. But eventually, the breathtaking isolation broke down my emotional walls. I found myself sitting by an alpine lake, weeping openly. Astonishingly, fully confronting that sadness head-on felt like a heavy rucksack being lifted from my shoulders; it brought a profound tranquility I hadn’t felt in years. That deep introspection also made me fiercely re-evaluate my trajectory. By the time I descended, I had firmly decided to hand in my notice and pursue a completely different profession that actually fulfilled my passions.

Reading 2

You are going to read an article about four backpackers sharing their best tips for packing extremely light to avoid the burden of heavy luggage while moving frequently.

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

Which person/section

1   admits to feeling slightly nostalgic for a traditional item they no longer carry?

2   prevents their luggage from expanding by following a rigid purchasing policy?

3   was forced to alter their packing habits due to uncompromising airline regulations?

4   relies on doing frequent laundry to manage with a highly restricted number of garments?

5   highly recommends a specific storage accessory to flatten their belongings?

6   advocates paying for the temporary use of heavy items upon arrival?

7   advises against bringing items for highly unlikely emergencies?

8   depends heavily on modern technology to eliminate the weight of paper?

9   highlights the bodily comfort of effortlessly moving through cities without a heavy load?

10   acknowledges that accepting a lack of clothing options was initially difficult?

The Art of Packing Light

A Liam

When I first started backpacking, my biggest flaw was packing for the worst-case scenario. I’d cram my bag with heavy jackets and extensive first-aid kits that I rarely used. Eventually, I realised that unless you’re heading into the remote wilderness, you can usually buy whatever you urgently need on the road. Now, I strictly avoid the ‘what if’ mindset. It took some time to get used to the idea of wearing the same three t-shirts on rotation, but letting go of that desire for an extensive wardrobe was incredibly liberating. My top tip is to choose lightweight, quick-drying fabrics and simply wash your garments in hostel sinks. It might sound tedious, but spending ten minutes scrubbing a shirt is a small price to pay for the freedom of a featherlight bag. I highly recommend taking items that can double up—like a sarong that works as a towel, a blanket, or a scarf.

B Zoe

I used to be that person struggling to zip up a massive rucksack filled with thick guidebooks, heavy novels, and folders of printed itineraries. The turning point came when I spent a month in Southeast Asia; the intense humidity combined with my monstrous luggage was utterly unbearable. Now, I have entirely embraced the digital approach to packing. Every document, booking confirmation, and map is stored securely in the cloud, accessible via my smartphone. Furthermore, investing in a high-quality e-reader was an absolute game-changer, allowing me to carry an entire library in the palm of my hand. I must confess, however, that I do occasionally feel a twinge of nostalgia for the tactile sensation and distinct smell of a real paperback while relaxing on a long train journey. Nevertheless, the sheer convenience of shedding several kilos of paper makes it completely worthwhile. Gadgets have essentially allowed me to shrink my bag by half.

C Carlos

My minimalist packing journey began out of pure necessity. Budget airlines have notoriously unforgiving baggage allowances, and after being hit with an outrageous fee for an oversized bag, I vowed never to check in luggage again. My golden rule is simple: if I can’t comfortably carry my backpack for an hour, it’s too heavy. The physical relief of effortlessly navigating crowded subway stations or cobbled streets without a massive burden on your back is phenomenal. A common mistake people make is bringing all their specialised equipment from home. If I plan to go trekking, I simply rent a sleeping bag and a tent when I arrive at the base town. Why lug bulky camping gear across three different countries for a hike that only lasts two days? Hiring cumbersome items locally is far more logical, and it supports the community too. It’s undoubtedly a win-win situation.

D Nina

No matter how strictly I pack before leaving home, my backpack always seems to mysteriously expand during a trip. To combat this, I swear by compression packing cubes. They not only keep your clothes meticulously organised by category, but they also squeeze everything down, preventing your belongings from taking over the bag. However, the most vital strategy I implement is the ‘one in, one out’ policy. It is incredibly tempting to pick up beautiful textiles or authentic handicrafts along the way, but if I buy a new jumper at a local market, an old piece of clothing has to be donated or thrown away. This uncompromising rule forces me to seriously consider whether a keepsake is genuinely worth it. By sticking to this method, I guarantee my luggage remains precisely the same weight from the day I depart to the moment I return home.

Exercises:   123456