Practice English Reading Exercises for B2 – Destination Reviews & Hidden Gems 7

Exercises:   123456

Reading 1

You are going to read an article about four backpackers sharing their mixed reviews of staying in a famous ice hotel.

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

Which person/section

1   was forced to relocate to a different area during the night?

2   believes the experience did not justify the financial expense?

3   highlights the intense physical challenge of getting out of bed the next day?

4   admits they made their reservation without much prior thought?

5   states that the visual impact of the hotel compensated for the lack of rest?

6   successfully slept through the night thanks to the provided equipment?

7   appreciated the shared social spaces more than their actual sleeping quarters?

8   confesses to ignoring practical advice about what to wear?

9   mentions the striking and unique way the hotel was illuminated?

10   felt a strong sense of pride for enduring the entire night in the freezing conditions?

Sleeping on Ice: A Backpacker’s Ultimate Test

A Liam

I had always dreamt of visiting the legendary Ice Hotel, but I must admit I completely underestimated the sheer physical challenge of sleeping at minus five degrees. Despite having been warned to layer up, I stubbornly thought my standard winter pyjamas would suffice—a decision I bitterly regretted by 2 a.m. I spent the entire night shivering, desperately trying to generate some body heat. Nevertheless, the scale of the architectural achievement is mind-boggling. The intricate carvings on the walls of my suite were nothing short of a masterpiece. To be honest, witnessing such phenomenal craftsmanship somehow made the severe sleep deprivation worthwhile. Around dawn, I genuinely considered throwing in the towel and heading to the heated lobby, but I’m incredibly glad I didn’t. Enduring the full night in those freezing conditions gave me a massive sense of accomplishment, even if I felt like a human icicle by morning!

B Chloe

Before arriving, I had done my research and packed heavy thermal underwear, so the freezing temperatures didn’t come as a shock to me. What did take my breath away, however, was the astronomical price tag attached to the experience. While I appreciate that rebuilding an entire hotel from scratch every winter is a massive undertaking, paying top dollar for a room where you don’t even get an en-suite bathroom felt like a bit of a rip-off. Actually, the most enjoyable part of my stay wasn’t the bedroom at all, but rather the magnificent ice bar. Sipping hot berry juice from a glass made entirely of ice while chatting with fellow backpackers was a truly unforgettable experience. Would I recommend it? Perhaps for a quick daytime visit, but if you’re travelling on a tight budget, I’d suggest finding cheaper accommodation elsewhere.

C Raj

Booking a night at the Ice Hotel wasn’t something I had planned for months; it was a spur-of-the-moment decision made while chatting with some other travellers at a local hostel. I was completely blown away by the surreal atmosphere when I first walked in. Everything, from the bed frames to the grand chandeliers, was carved from crystal-clear river ice. However, the novelty quickly wore off once the lights went out. No matter how tightly I zipped myself into the expedition-grade sleeping bag, the biting cold seeped into my bones. By 3 a.m., I had to swallow my pride, grab my belongings, and make a dash for the adjacent heated dormitory provided for guests who can’t handle the chill. I felt a bit disappointed in myself for bailing out, but my survival instincts simply took over. It’s an incredible exhibition of art, but it definitely pushes your physical limits.

D Emma

I approached my stay at the Ice Hotel with a mixture of excitement and dread. However, I was pleasantly surprised to find that the heavy-duty sleeping bags provided by the staff are incredibly effective. Once I was tucked in, my body heat was securely trapped, and I actually managed to sleep soundly through the night, which I certainly hadn’t anticipated. What left the biggest impression on me was how the hotel was decorated. The designers had embedded soft, colourful LED lights within the ice blocks, creating a magical, ethereal glow that made you feel like you were sleeping inside a glowing diamond. The real struggle, predictably, was dragging myself out of my cosy cocoon the following morning. Exposing my warm skin to the sub-zero air just to get dressed was absolute torture. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, but I don’t think I’d rush back to do it again anytime soon!

Reading 2

You are going to read an article about four travelers describing the overwhelming claustrophobia and awe of navigating the narrow, labyrinth-like streets of an ancient Middle Eastern bazaar.

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

Which person

1   felt a sudden sense of relief upon discovering an unexpected open space?

2   initially felt anxious due to the sheer volume of people pressing in?

3   mentions that the height of the structures made them lose track of the outside world?

4   expresses admiration for the traditional skills demonstrated by the local workers?

5   was grateful for the assistance of someone familiar with the area?

6   points out that the intense mixture of scents and noises caused a feeling of faintness?

7   realised that their geographical disorientation actually enhanced their experience?

8   felt a deep, almost spiritual connection to the generations that had walked there before?

9   suggests that no photograph could accurately capture the intense atmosphere of the market?

10   initially considered leaving but was ultimately glad they persevered?

Lost in the Labyrinth: Voices from the Bazaar

A Liam

Stepping into the ancient souk was akin to entering an entirely different realm. I had my expensive camera ready, fully intending to document the experience, but I soon realised that a static lens could never truly convey the stifling, vibrant chaos of these ancient alleys. The sheer density and frantic energy of the place are simply impossible to capture on film. Eventually, I decided to put away my guidebook and just wander wherever my feet took me. Straying from the planned route turned out to be a massive blessing in disguise, as it allowed me to fully absorb the magic without stressing over an itinerary. Suddenly, after squeezing through a particularly narrow, dimly lit tunnel where the stone walls seemed to physically close in on me, I stumbled upon a sun-drenched courtyard. The unexpected contrast was staggering; breathing in the fresh air, I felt a massive weight lift off my chest. It was a serene haven, far removed from the claustrophobic madness just metres away.

B Priya

The sensory bombardment of the bazaar hit me the moment I crossed the arched threshold. I was immediately enveloped in a thick, almost suffocating cloud of burning frankincense, roasting meats, and unfamiliar spices. Combined with the deafening symphony of haggling merchants and ringing bells, the sheer intensity of the enclosed environment left me feeling somewhat light-headed and faint. I actually had to lean against a crumbling stone pillar for a moment to steady myself. However, once my head cleared, that initial claustrophobia was quickly replaced by pure awe. Tucked away in these tiny, cramped alcoves were silversmiths and weavers working exactly as their ancestors had done centuries ago. Watching them meticulously tap intricate, geometric patterns into brass plates was utterly mesmerizing. You cannot help but deeply respect the immense dedication required to master such delicate, time-consuming trades. Even though the passageways were uncomfortably tight, witnessing that level of breathtaking artistry made enduring the physical discomfort entirely worthwhile.

C Carlos

I certainly won’t deny that my initial reaction to the historic medina was one of sheer panic. The streets were little more than narrow crevices, and the relentless tide of shoppers pressing against me from all sides triggered a severe bout of claustrophobia. At one point, I genuinely considered turning on my heel and heading straight back to the quiet sanctuary of our tour bus. Thankfully, I was accompanied by Tariq, a local guide, who immediately noticed my distress. He expertly navigated us through the suffocating crush of human bodies, steering me into a slightly wider, quieter alleyway. His calm, reassuring presence was an absolute lifesaver in that moment. Once my heart rate returned to normal and I resolved to stick it out, I finally began to appreciate the majestic, vaulted ceilings towering above us. I am incredibly relieved that I didn’t give in to my urge to flee, as missing out on such a monumental location would have been a terrible shame.

D Amina

Navigating the labyrinthine bazaar is a profoundly disorientating experience, largely because the architectural layout seemingly defies all modern logic. The towering, weathered walls lean inward, almost entirely obscuring the sky and plunging the stone pathways into a state of perpetual twilight. Consequently, it is virtually impossible to figure out whether it is early morning or late afternoon, effectively severing any connection to the contemporary city outside. While this highly enclosed environment could easily make someone feel trapped, I found it strangely comforting instead. As I brushed my hand against the rough, uneven bricks, I was struck by a powerful realisation of how many millions of footsteps had polished these very cobblestones over the millennia. It felt as though I was walking side-by-side with history, experiencing a profound, almost spiritual bond with the generations who had traded in this exact spot. It serves as an awe-inspiring reminder of our fleeting place in the grand timeline of human civilisation.

Exercises:   123456