Practice English Reading Exercises for B2 – Destination Reviews & Hidden Gems 4

Exercises:   123456

Reading 1

You are going to read an article about four tourists reflecting on the surreal, otherworldly experience of witnessing the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) in the Arctic Circle.

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

Which person/section

1   claims the intensity of the moment made them entirely oblivious to the harsh weather?

2   decided to abandon their attempts to capture the event on camera?

3   mentions how indigenous tales suddenly made complete sense?

4   highlights the surprisingly rapid pace at which the display shifted and changed?

5   temporarily doubted whether what they were looking at was actually real?

6   was convinced they could perceive a sound accompanying the visual spectacle?

7   was unexpectedly struck by the sheer variety of hues visible in the sky?

8   admits they were on the verge of abandoning their hope of seeing the phenomenon?

9   experienced a profound realization of their own smallness in the universe?

10   felt an unspoken connection with the unacquainted people sharing the experience?

Chasing the Aurora: Encounters in the Arctic

A Alex

It’s one thing to see photographs of the Aurora Borealis, but nothing truly prepares you for the reality. We had been standing on a frozen lake in Finnish Lapland for hours. The temperature had plummeted to minus twenty, yet when the sky finally erupted, I became so mesmerised that I completely forgot about my freezing extremities. Initially, a faint, milky glow appeared on the horizon. My immediate thought was that it must be light pollution from a nearby town, or perhaps my mind was just playing tricks on me. However, within minutes, the entire atmosphere was ablaze with shimmering emerald ribbons. Looking up at this vast, cosmic performance, it dawned on me just how insignificant human beings are in the grand scheme of things. It was a deeply humbling experience. I had brought my camera, hoping to document the magic, but honestly, no lens can truly do justice to the sheer scale of the phenomenon.

B Mia

As an amateur photographer, my primary goal in visiting Tromso was to snap the ultimate shot of the Northern Lights. When the display kicked off, I was frantically adjusting my tripod and fumbling with exposure settings in the biting cold. Suddenly, it hit me that I was experiencing this otherworldly spectacle entirely through a tiny digital screen. Making a split-second decision, I packed my equipment away and simply let myself be absorbed by the moment. I had always assumed the Aurora was a purely visual event. Yet, as the glowing waves intensified overhead, I could have sworn I detected a faint, static hissing noise. I later discovered that while scientists debate whether humans can actually hear the lights, many witnesses report similar auditory illusions. Standing there in the silence, enveloped by the immense energy of the cosmos, it felt as though the sky was whispering ancient secrets directly to me.

C Jonas

I travelled to Abisko, Sweden, with fairly modest expectations, having been warned that the Northern Lights can often be quite underwhelming to the naked eye. I couldn’t have been more wrong. While I had anticipated the classic neon green sweeps, I was entirely unprepared for the spectacular explosion of pinks, purples, and even deep crimson shades that cascaded across the stratosphere. The sheer diversity of the palette was mind-blowing. Before the trip, a guide had recounted old Sami legends, explaining how local populations once believed the lights were sparks flying from the tail of a mystical Arctic fox. At the time, I had merely smiled at the charming folklore. However, watching the sky ripple and twist with such seemingly deliberate, almost conscious energy, those ancient stories instantly resonated with me. It genuinely felt as if the heavens were alive. You could easily see why early inhabitants would have attributed this breathtaking occurrence to something supernatural.

D Chloe

We were on a remote hillside in Iceland, and the weather forecast had been terribly discouraging. After three hours of staring at a stubbornly overcast sky, exhaustion had well and truly set in. I was literally zipping up my backpack, ready to call it a night, when the clouds suddenly parted. What followed was nothing short of miraculous. The lights didn’t just drift; they darted and raced across the black canvas with astonishing speed, resembling a chaotic, brightly coloured ballet. I hadn’t expected them to be so dynamic. There were about ten of us gathered on that hill, hailing from all corners of the globe. Nobody uttered a single word. We just stood shoulder to shoulder in the snow, united by a profound sense of awe. Even without speaking, there was a deep, shared understanding that we were witnessing something fundamentally life-changing. It was a vivid reminder that the natural world still holds the power to leave us absolutely speechless.

Reading 2

You are going to read an article about four food critics reviewing their trips to famous Asian street food night markets.

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

Which person

1   admits their initial negative impression of a specific item was completely wrong?

2   managed to locate a quiet spot to escape the surrounding frenzy?

3   expresses admiration for a vendor’s lifelong dedication to their craft?

4   found a particular local specialty a bit too overpowering for their palate?

5   mentions becoming hopelessly lost in the maze of stalls?

6   was willing to put up with physical discomfort in order to taste something special?

7   praises the successful combination of traditional cooking and modern innovation?

8   was struck by the rapid pace at which the cooks operated?

9   suggests that prior research had not adequately prepared them for the actual experience?

10   successfully conquered their initial reluctance to dive into the bustling environment?

Midnight Feasts: Navigating Asia’s Chaotic Night Markets

A Marcus (Shilin Night Market, Taipei)

I had scoured dozens of travel blogs before touching down in Taipei, yet absolutely nothing could have braced me for the sheer sensory bombardment of Shilin Night Market. The intoxicating blend of sizzling garlic, sweet caramelised sugar, and pungent fermented vegetables is simply impossible to capture on a screen. Within ten minutes, I had lost my bearings entirely, wandering aimlessly through a labyrinth of neon-lit alleys. If I hadn’t misplaced my map, I might never have stumbled upon a tiny stall serving the infamous stinky tofu. Despite its famously off-putting aroma, which initially made me hesitate, one bite proved my prejudices completely unfounded; the golden, crispy exterior gave way to a delicate, savoury centre that was truly a revelation. While the muggy evening heat was quite draining, the thrilling unpredictability of the place more than made up for it. I quickly realised that surrendering to the chaos is the only way to truly experience it.

B Elena (Jodd Fairs, Bangkok)

Bangkok’s night markets are legendary for their relentless energy, and Jodd Fairs is certainly no exception. Upon arriving, I was immediately swept up in a tidal wave of hungry locals and wide-eyed tourists. It would have been easy to feel overwhelmed by the blaring pop music and the thick clouds of barbecue smoke. However, after navigating the main thoroughfares, I managed to track down a surprisingly tranquil seating area tucked away behind the main tents, allowing me to catch my breath. What fascinated me most here was the culinary evolution on display. Rather than strictly adhering to age-old family recipes handed down through generations, many young chefs are bravely reinventing street food. I sampled a phenomenal dish that seamlessly married classic Pad Thai with elements of molecular gastronomy. If you are looking for an authentic yet progressive dining experience, this vibrant hub is second to none.

C David (Old Quarter, Hanoi)

Venturing into Hanoi’s weekend night market feels like stepping back in time. The cacophony of roaring mopeds and shouting hawkers creates an atmosphere that borders on the frantic. To reach the most renowned Pho stall, I had to squeeze onto a tiny plastic stool right next to a bubbling cauldron of broth. The intense, suffocating heat radiating from the stove, combined with the thick humidity of the Vietnamese summer, left me drenched in sweat. Nevertheless, I would gladly endure that sweltering environment again for just one spoonful of that heavenly soup. The stall is run by a remarkable elderly woman who has been perfecting this single recipe for over five decades. Her unwavering commitment to her trade is deeply humbling. Unlike the trendy, experimental pop-ups you see elsewhere, her broth relies strictly on a fiercely guarded, time-honoured tradition that hasn’t changed a bit since she opened.

D Aisha (Gwangjang Market, Seoul)

I must admit, the sheer volume of screaming vendors and jostling crowds at Seoul’s Gwangjang Market was incredibly intimidating at first glance. For a brief moment, I genuinely considered turning back to the quiet sanctuary of my hotel room. Fortunately, I pushed past my nerves and dove headfirst into the madness. I was immediately mesmerised by the blur of motion behind the counters; the way the stallholders chopped, fried, and served at such a blistering pace was nothing short of a theatrical performance. Eager to challenge my taste buds, I ordered a steaming bowl of tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes) smothered in a fiery red sauce. While I typically pride myself on handling heat, the sheer ferocity of the chilli left me gasping for ice water. It was undoubtedly delicious, but slightly too punishing for my personal preference. Even so, the electrifying vibe of the market was highly infectious.

Exercises:   123456