Practice English Reading Exercises for B2 – Destination Reviews & Hidden Gems 6

Exercises:   123456

Reading 1

You are going to read an article about four tourists talking about their experiences visiting an abandoned ghost town in the desert.

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 feeling like they were invading someone’s private space?

2   admits that their initial expectations of the visit were entirely wrong?

3   was struck by the speed at which the former inhabitants must have departed?

4   reflects on the environment’s relentless ability to destroy human creations?

5   expresses annoyance at the disrespectful actions of previous visitors?

6   experienced a sudden shift in weather that heightened their anxiety?

7   points out the stark contrast between the town and the environment they had just travelled from?

8   notes that the layout of the settlement made it easy to become disoriented?

9   mentions a specific sensory detail that amplified the eerie atmosphere?

10   felt a lingering sense of unease even after leaving the site?

Echoes in the Sand: Exploring a Desert Ghost Town

A Liam

We had been driving for hours with the radio blaring, surrounded by the chaotic traffic of the coastal resorts. Stepping out of the car into the ghost town was a massive shock to the system; the absolute absence of sound hit me like a physical weight. What really fascinated me, though, was seeing how the unforgiving desert was slowly erasing any trace of humanity. Sand dunes had swallowed entire living rooms, and the fierce sun had bleached the wooden structures to a bone-like white. It makes you realise how fragile our existence really is when pitted against the elements. I thought I’d just snap a few cool pictures, but the oppressive emptiness of the place really got under my skin. Even when we were miles away, safely heading back to civilisation, I couldn’t completely shake the chills the visit had given me.

B Maya

As we wandered through the crumbling streets, I couldn’t help but peer through the shattered windows of the abandoned houses. I had expected empty shells, but many homes still had rusted pots in the sinks and faded children’s toys scattered across the floorboards. It was abundantly clear that whoever lived here hadn’t simply packed up and moved on; they had fled in an absolute panic, leaving their whole lives behind. Staring at a dust-covered family photograph still hanging on a cracked wall, I felt a sudden rush of guilt. It felt distinctly as though I were trespassing, poking my nose into someone’s private tragedy. The wind howling through the empty alleys only added to the sensation that we were being watched by the ghosts of the past. I was genuinely relieved when it was time to head back to the car.

C Noah

To be completely honest, when my friends suggested visiting a desert ghost town, I rolled my eyes. I assumed it would be a highly commercialised gimmick with tacky gift shops and fake artifacts. I couldn’t have been more mistaken. There wasn’t a single soul in sight, and the sheer authenticity of the decay was deeply unsettling. Furthermore, the identical rows of dilapidated miners’ cabins formed a confusing maze. At one point, I turned down a narrow lane and completely lost my bearings. Panic only truly set in when the afternoon breeze abruptly escalated into a fierce gale, whipping up a blinding wall of sand. I had to take shelter in a ruined post office until the dust finally settled. The whole ordeal felt like stepping into a post-apocalyptic film, and it definitely taught me to respect the harshness of the environment.

D Chloe

The history of this mining settlement is fascinating, yet the reality of standing in its deserted square is something else entirely. What struck me immediately was the rhythmic squeaking of a rusted iron sign swinging violently on its hinges; that repetitive, metallic groan was the only noise for miles and it set my teeth on edge. It was the perfect soundtrack for such a desolate place. However, my fascination quickly turned to intense irritation when I noticed the brightly coloured spray paint smeared across the nineteenth-century church walls. It is beyond me why some individuals feel the need to deface such poignant historical sites. Despite that frustration, the isolation of the town was palpable. You really get a sense of how difficult life must have been out here, cut off from the rest of the world and entirely self-reliant.

Reading 2

You are going to read an article about four travel journalists reviewing an emerging, up-and-coming destination before it becomes ruined by mass tourism and massive hotel chains.

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

Which person/section

1   fears that an officially approved transportation project will destroy the area’s charm?

2   points out that an arduous journey serves as a protective barrier against crowds?

3   expresses unease about overseas investors purchasing local buildings?

4   is impressed by the rigorous rules designed to protect the local ecosystem?

5   draws attention to the remarkably friendly nature of the local population?

6   highly recommends the authentic meals prepared by the inhabitants?

7   feels as though they have been transported to a previous era?

8   expresses hope that existing legislation will deter massive hospitality corporations?

9   suggests that the lack of modern facilities actually improves the overall atmosphere?

10   admits that the current peacefulness is on the verge of disappearing entirely?

Before the Crowds Arrive: Discovering the World’s Best Hidden Gems

A Elias – San Juanico, Mexico

San Juanico is a sleepy fishing village that has miraculously flown under the radar of major travel operators. What struck me immediately upon arrival was the extraordinary warmth of the residents. Within hours, I was invited to share a coffee with a local family, treated not as a paying tourist, but as an honoured guest. Currently, the town boasts only a handful of modest guesthouses, and the beaches are delightfully deserted. However, I can’t help but feel a lingering sense of melancholy. The government has recently approved the construction of a regional airport just twenty miles away. Once those direct flights begin, it is inevitable that the pristine coastline will be swallowed up by package holidays. The tranquil serenity that defines this village is on borrowed time. If you want to experience its authentic soul, you need to book your ticket immediately, before the concrete mixers roll in and the magic is lost forever.

B Nina – The Olaria Valley, Peru

Nestled high in the northern peaks, the valley of Olaria is a true revelation. It remains untouched by the blight of mass tourism, primarily because getting there is an absolute trial of endurance. You have to endure a punishing six-hour bus ride along terrifyingly narrow, winding dirt roads. Far from complaining, I consider this grueling transit a blessing; it effectively filters out those looking for an easy, luxurious getaway, leaving the valley exclusively to dedicated, adventurous travellers. Once you arrive, you are rewarded with breathtaking views and a vibrant, resilient indigenous culture. Furthermore, you absolutely must sample the regional dishes, which are cooked over open fires using organic ingredients and recipes handed down through generations. It is, without a doubt, some of the most flavourful and hearty gastronomy I’ve ever encountered. While there are whispers of developers wanting to pave the mountain pass, for now, the sheer difficulty of access keeps Olaria wonderfully isolated and genuine.

C Julian – Kasaba, Morocco

Wandering through the labyrinthine alleys of Kasaba is like stepping directly into a living museum. This ancient desert settlement has somehow managed to escape the relentless march of modernity. You won’t find reliable Wi-Fi, air conditioning, or even a paved central square here. Surprisingly, rather than being an inconvenience, this complete absence of contemporary infrastructure actually enhances the mystical vibe of the place. It forces you to disconnect and fully immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of the past. However, beneath the surface, changes are quietly brewing. Wealthy overseas buyers have started snapping up dilapidated courtyard homes, intending to convert them into boutique hotels. While the facade of the town remains intact, I am deeply concerned that this influx of foreign capital will soon drive out the local artisans. It is crucial that the authorities step in to regulate this real estate boom before Kasaba turns into an artificial theme park.

D Clara – The Marovo Archipelago, Solomon Islands

The Marovo Archipelago is a stunning collection of coral atolls that has narrowly avoided the fate of its overdeveloped neighbours. The water is astonishingly clear, teeming with vibrant marine life that thrives largely undisturbed. What sets Marovo apart is the local government’s proactive approach to conservation. They have implemented incredibly stringent environmental guidelines, capping visitor numbers and banning single-use plastics entirely. I was thoroughly impressed by how strictly these regulations are enforced; even our tour boat had its engines inspected for emissions before we set sail. My greatest hope is that these robust legal frameworks will act as an impenetrable shield against the massive multinational resorts that are constantly circling, eager to build their concrete monstrosities. While the demand for luxury accommodation is inevitably rising, Marovo proves that if a destination prioritises sustainability over quick profits, it can retain its wild, untamed beauty. Let’s just pray they stand their ground.

Exercises:   123456