Practice English Reading Exercises for B2 – Literature, Writing & Publishing 4

Exercises:   123456

Reading 1

You are going to read an article about four writers describing the highly emotional experience of holding a printed copy of their very own book for the first time.

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 preferring to be by themselves during this significant moment?

2   was captivated by a particular scent connected to the new publication?

3   initially suspected that the situation wasn’t entirely genuine?

4   enjoyed the physical sensation of the book’s outer design?

5   felt a sense of closure regarding a challenging period in their past?

6   struggled with the feeling that they were unworthy of their achievement?

7   observed an unfamiliar person showing interest in their novel?

8   directed a relative’s attention to a particular section of the printed copy?

9   stumbled upon their publication in a commercial setting?

10   had to overcome multiple disappointments before achieving this milestone?

The Weight of Words: Holding My First Book

A Arthur

When the heavy parcel arrived, I had been entirely convinced it was an elaborate practical joke orchestrated by my friends. After years of writing in obscurity, I simply couldn’t get my head around the fact that a reputable publisher actually wanted to distribute my work. Had my literary agent not called me directly to confirm the delivery, I would have probably tossed the package aside. Peeling back the layers of bubble wrap, my hands were actually trembling uncontrollably. Interestingly, I didn’t open the book immediately; instead, I just stood there running my fingers over the raised, embossed lettering of my name on the glossy dust jacket. It felt incredibly surreal. My brother was with me, and though he had always been my harshest critic, seeing the physical proof finally left him completely speechless. It wasn’t until I traced that beautifully textured cover that the magnitude of my achievement sank in. I wasn’t just a hobbyist anymore; I was a published author.

B Beatrice

The journey to getting my fantasy thriller into print was incredibly rocky and full of obstacles. I had been abruptly turned down by over forty literary agencies, which really took a massive toll on my self-esteem. By the time the advance copies were finally delivered to my doorstep, I had learnt to severely lower my expectations. Knowing I might become overly emotional, I deliberately waited until my flatmates had gone out for the evening before daring to open the box. I desperately needed to process this monumental milestone in absolute solitude. Slicing through the thick cardboard, the very first thing that hit me was the sharp, distinctive aroma of fresh ink and newly bound paper. It is a wonderfully intoxicating fragrance that no digital e-reader could ever hope to replicate. Breathing it in deeply, all those years of heartbreaking rejection letters simply melted away. I had finally bounced back from the brink of giving up entirely.

C Callum

Unlike most writers, I didn’t actually experience my grand unboxing moment in the comfort of my own living room. Due to a highly frustrating logistical mix-up, my author copies were heavily delayed in the post. Consequently, my first authentic encounter with the printed book occurred while I was casually browsing in a local, independent bookshop. I was wandering past the newly released fiction display when the vibrant yellow spine caught my eye. Seeing it sitting proudly on the shelf right next to famous, established bestsellers instantly triggered a massive wave of imposter syndrome. I genuinely felt like a total fraud who had somehow tricked the publishing industry into printing my words. As I stood there completely frozen, a young woman picked up my novel, read the blurb on the back, and proceeded to head toward the tills to buy it. Watching a complete stranger voluntarily invest in my imagination was absolutely mind-blowing.

D Diana

Writing my autobiographical memoir was an exceptionally emotionally draining process. It dealt heavily with a particularly turbulent phase of my adolescence, and laying those deeply personal memories bare for the general public was terrifying. When the publishing house eventually sent me the finished hardback edition, it felt as though an enormous weight had magically been lifted off my shoulders. Holding the heavy, bound volume physically symbolised that I had finally moved on from those dark days; the traumatic events were now just a story safely confined within those printed pages. My mother happened to be visiting that afternoon. Instead of reading the whole first chapter to her, I simply flipped to the very front page and pointed at the dedication, which read: “For Mum, who never stopped believing.” Seeing the tears well up in her eyes was the ultimate reward. That singular, shared moment meant infinitely more to me than any positive critic’s review ever could.

Reading 2

You are going to read an article about four individuals reflecting on how an autobiography of a famous historical figure fundamentally changed their own life choices.

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

Which person/section

1   initially doubted they would have anything in common with the book’s subject?

2   chose to walk away from a secure profession to pursue their true calling?

3   felt a sense of relief upon discovering that even great individuals experience insecurity?

4   learnt to accept that making errors is a crucial part of achieving success?

5   stopped believing that only grand gestures could bring about meaningful change?

6   was astonished by the historical figure’s refusal to surrender under pressure?

7   realised that remaining passive on important issues was no longer an option?

8   mentions how the autobiography altered their method of handling disagreements?

9   realised that genuine leadership involves actively taking in the opinions of others?

10   understood the value of making modest, local contributions to society?

Turning Pages, Turning Points: Books That Changed Our Lives

A Oliver

I used to work in corporate finance, chained to a desk and entirely focused on climbing the corporate ladder. I had always assumed that a predictable, stable income was the ultimate marker of success. Then, a colleague lent me the memoirs of the polar explorer Ernest Shackleton. Reading about his doomed Antarctic expedition completely turned my world upside down. I was utterly staggered by his unyielding resilience; no matter how dire the circumstances became, he simply refused to admit defeat. Shackleton’s ability to navigate extreme uncertainty made my own anxieties about career progression seem trivial. It dawned on me that I was playing it far too safe. Within a month, I handed in my resignation to set up my own outdoor adventure company. It was a massive leap of faith, but I finally realised that I would rather face the thrilling unpredictability of following my passion than settle for a comfortable but unfulfilling existence.

B Maya

For years, I had turned a blind eye to the social injustices in my local community. I convinced myself that unless you were a powerful politician or a wealthy philanthropist, there was absolutely no point in getting involved. That all changed when I picked up the autobiography of a prominent civil rights leader. What struck me most wasn’t the massive protests she organised, but her emphasis on grassroots activism. She argued that monumental societal shifts are always built on the foundation of minor, everyday acts of courage. This completely shattered my illusion that ordinary people are powerless. I realised with a heavy heart that my inaction was part of the problem. Consequently, I stopped making excuses and began volunteering at a local youth centre. The book taught me that you don’t need to change the whole world overnight; making a positive impact on just one person’s life is a victory in itself.

C Thomas

When my grandfather gifted me the diaries of a renowned 19th-century inventor, I was highly sceptical. As a software developer working in a fast-paced tech hub, I couldn’t fathom how a historical figure from the Victorian era could possibly relate to my modern struggles. At the time, my start-up was on the brink of collapse, and I was plagued by crippling self-doubt. However, delving into the inventor’s private thoughts was a revelation. I felt an enormous weight lift off my shoulders when I read about his constant battles with imposter syndrome. Seeing that even a globally celebrated genius experienced profound self-doubt was incredibly reassuring. Furthermore, he didn’t view his ruined prototypes as disasters, but rather as essential stepping stones to innovation. His mindset encouraged me to stop fearing rejection. I eventually learned to embrace my own professional blunders, understanding that making mistakes is an unavoidable and necessary part of the creative process.

D Sophie

As a newly promoted department manager, I initially believed that strong leadership meant dominating every meeting and projecting an image of absolute authority. I was convinced that showing any vulnerability would undermine my position. However, reading the personal memoirs of a famous wartime prime minister prompted a radical shift in my professional attitude. Despite his reputation as a formidable speaker, his writings revealed a surprisingly collaborative approach to problem-solving. He frequently stressed the importance of surrounding himself with critics and paying close attention to their opposing views. This insight completely transformed how I handled workplace disputes. Instead of stubbornly enforcing my own ideas to win an argument, I started actively listening to my team’s grievances. By fostering a more open, receptive environment, our office dynamics improved drastically. It was a humbling lesson that true strength lies in valuing others’ perspectives, rather than simply having the loudest voice in the room.

Exercises:   123456