Practice English Reading Exercises for B2 – Destination Reviews & Hidden Gems 5

Exercises:   123456

Reading 1

You are going to read an article about four travelers sharing their surprise at finding a bustling, modern art scene inside a historically conservative and traditional old city.

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 their expectations were entirely dictated by the destination’s famous past?

2   observes a younger demographic using art to push back against strict societal norms?

3   decided to completely alter their travel schedule to accommodate their new discovery?

4   points out that the contemporary art movement makes use of disused, hidden venues?

5   was amazed by the integration of modern technology into ancient structures?

6   mentions the successful transformation of former trading buildings into creative hubs?

7   appreciated the opportunity to observe the artists physically constructing their artworks?

8   notes that the modern pieces are heavily focused on highlighting serious political and environmental problems?

9   believes the contemporary installations add to, rather than detract from, the classical environment?

10   experienced a temporary sense of disappointment before finding the modern art district?

Hidden Canvases: Modern Art in Ancient Cities

A Liam

When I booked my trip to Florence, I took it for granted that my days would be strictly filled with Renaissance masterpieces. I confess my expectations were entirely shaped by the city’s historical fame; I hadn’t bothered to research anything post-1800. So, you can imagine my shock when I wandered into a 15th-century palazzo and found myself surrounded by cutting-edge digital projections. The exhibition featured interactive light displays illuminating the crumbling frescoes. It was a staggering juxtaposition of the ancient and the futuristic. If someone had told me I’d be watching a virtual reality show in a medieval courtyard, I would have laughed. What fascinated me most was how these high-tech installations didn’t feel out of place. Instead of ruining the historical atmosphere, I firmly believe they breathed new life into it, complementing the classical architecture beautifully. It proved to me that the city isn’t just a museum frozen in time, but a living, breathing canvas that continues to evolve.

B Maya

Kyoto is globally renowned for its ubiquitous temples, geishas, and highly conservative culture. Naturally, I expected a beautiful but strict adherence to the past. However, wandering off the main tourist trails, I stumbled upon an incredibly vibrant, avant-garde art scene. It turns out that a wave of younger locals is using this creativity to actively push back against the rigid traditions they are expected to conform to. I was particularly struck by a series of independent galleries housed in former merchant houses. Seeing these old commercial properties, once used for trading silk, successfully repurposed into contemporary art spaces was a revelation. The artworks were bold, chaotic, and completely at odds with the city’s serene image. It was refreshing to see the youth carving out their own modern identity without tearing down the physical heritage of their ancestors. If I hadn’t ventured down those narrow alleys, I would never have witnessed this dynamic subculture.

C Jonas

My getaway to Seville started with a mild sense of anti-climax. Don’t get me wrong, the Gothic cathedral and flamenco shows were stunning, but after two days, it all felt slightly repetitive. I was actually experiencing a brief feeling of letdown, craving something a bit more relevant to the present day. That all changed when I crossed the river into a less glamorous neighbourhood. Suddenly, I found myself in a massive, open-air contemporary sculpture park surrounded by modern studios. I was so captivated that I completely threw my planned itinerary out the window to spend the rest of my trip there. The highlight was stepping into the open workshops and watching the creators physically welding and painting their pieces. Seeing the artists hands-on, actively bringing their abstract concepts to life, added a thrilling dimension to my trip that the dusty guidebooks had completely failed to mention. I had assumed the city only looked backwards, but this thriving hub of innovation proved me wrong.

D Chloe

Most visitors to Edinburgh are captivated by the imposing castle and the medieval charm of the Royal Mile. However, if you scratch beneath the surface, you’ll discover an underground contemporary art scene that is absolutely thriving. What makes it so fascinating is that it’s largely tucked away from the average tourist’s gaze, taking place in abandoned warehouses and hidden basements. Far from the picturesque landscapes you see on postcards, the modern creations here are incredibly thought-provoking and heavily focused on tackling serious societal issues. From striking murals addressing climate change to installations critiquing economic inequality, the artists are clearly using their work to challenge the political status quo. It’s a stark contrast to the city’s formal, historic exterior. I went expecting bagpipes and tartan, but I left deeply moved by a passionate, modern community that is unafraid to speak its mind and demand social change through the visual arts.

Reading 2

You are going to read an article about four individuals describing their stay at a luxury eco-resort built entirely in the canopy of a rainforest.

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 bringing a particular item that proved to be redundant?

2   deliberately avoided falling asleep in order to catch a specific noise?

3   describes a sudden, loud sound that woke them up unexpectedly?

4   observes how the lack of solid walls was a deliberate choice by the creators?

5   draws a comparison between the volume of the rainforest and an urban setting?

6   admits that the invisible wildlife initially made them feel rather defenseless?

7   highlights the sharp contrast between the fierce environment and their luxurious room?

8   explains how the forest sounds actively shaped their subconscious thoughts?

9   eventually found the rhythmic noises of the wildlife to be surprisingly soothing?

10   expresses gratitude for being able to witness a rare auditory phenomenon?

A Symphony in the Treetops

A Mateo

Living in the heart of Madrid, I’m entirely accustomed to the relentless roar of traffic. Consequently, I had assumed our remote rainforest canopy suite would be a haven of absolute silence. I couldn’t have been more wrong. The sheer decibel level of the jungle at night is astonishing; it easily rivals the hustle and bustle of any major metropolis. The chorus of cicadas, croaking tree frogs, and rustling leaves creates a constant, deafening symphony. I had actually packed a heavy-duty pair of earplugs, anticipating that I might need them to block out the odd bird call, but they stayed firmly at the bottom of my suitcase. Instead of finding the racket irritating, I was utterly captivated. Once I came to terms with the sheer volume, the pulsating rhythm of the insects became incredibly therapeutic. It washed over me like a steady wave, completely easing my urban stress and lulling me into the deepest sleep I’ve had in years.

B Olivia

When we booked our spectacular treehouse suite, I was determined to make the absolute most of the nocturnal wildlife. I’d read extensively about the elusive ghost monkey, a creature notorious for its haunting midnight calls, and I made a point of fighting off exhaustion just to sit on the balcony and listen. Sitting there wrapped in a plush, Egyptian cotton robe while sipping premium hot chocolate, I was struck by the bizarre juxtaposition. Here I was, cocooned in absolute five-star luxury, while mere meters away, the unforgiving, brutal reality of the food chain was playing out in the dark. Just after 2 AM, my patience finally paid off. A long, echoing screech pierced the canopy. Hearing that incredibly scarce cry in its natural habitat was a spine-tingling moment, and I feel incredibly fortunate to have experienced it. It’s an auditory memory that no television documentary could ever replicate.

C Julian

To be brutally honest, my first night suspended fifty meters above the forest floor was slightly terrifying. You are completely surrounded by an impenetrable wall of darkness, and every snap of a twig or flutter of wings triggers your imagination. Knowing there were countless unseen predators prowling just beyond the railing left me feeling incredibly exposed and on edge. Just as I was finally drifting off to sleep, a tremendous crash reverberated through the branches, violently jolting me awake. My heart hammered in my chest as I pictured a jaguar leaping onto our deck. It turned out to be nothing more than a massive dead branch breaking off and plummeting to the earth, but it certainly set my nerves jangling. Nevertheless, surviving that initial panic gave me a newfound respect for the ecosystem. You quickly realise you are merely a guest in their domain, and once I accepted my lack of control, the fear gradually faded.

D Maya

What makes this eco-resort so unique is the architectural concept. The designers intentionally omitted glass windows, opting instead for sheer mosquito nets that allow the jungle to literally breathe through the room. This seamless integration meant that we weren’t just passively observing the rainforest; we were an active part of it. The auditory experience was incredibly immersive. Throughout the night, the melodic trills of nightjars and the distant hum of waterfalls drifted freely into our living space. Interestingly, I found that this uninterrupted soundtrack actively seeped into my sleeping mind. The sweeping, rhythmic noises dictated the flow of my dreams, turning them into vivid, jungle-themed adventures. Waking up to the calls of howler monkeys felt like a natural continuation of my state of mind rather than an abrupt interruption. It is a brilliant design that successfully forces you to disconnect from technology and reconnect with the raw pulse of the earth.

Exercises:   123456