Practice English Reading Exercises for B2 – Green Lifestyle & Sustainable Consumerism 5

Exercises:   123456

Reading 1

You are going to read an article about four teenagers reflecting on the realization that upgrading to the newest smartphone every year is an environmental disaster fueled by clever marketing.

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

Which person/section

1   decided to restore their existing gadget instead of purchasing a replacement?

2   admits they were previously driven by a desire to impress their peers?

3   discovered that manufacturers deliberately create products that won’t last?

4   set up a local project to inform others about the issue?

5   felt deceived by campaigns that made small changes seem revolutionary?

6   highlights the damaging effects of extracting raw materials for phone components?

7   states that a broadcast programme completely altered their viewpoint?

8   notes the monetary benefits of resisting the urge to upgrade?

9   now chooses to acquire devices that have been previously owned?

10   feels remorse for adding to the growing pile of hazardous waste in the past?

Breaking the Upgrade Cycle: The True Cost of a New Phone

A Mia

I used to be first in line whenever a new smartphone launched. I was completely taken in by the slick commercials, convinced that I desperately needed the latest camera lens or a slightly faster processor. Looking back, those clever adverts merely hyped up trivial tweaks to make them seem like groundbreaking innovations. The turning point came when I researched what actually happens to our discarded electronics. I was weighed down by guilt upon realising I had been mindlessly adding to a toxic mountain of e-waste for years. It dawned on me that throwing away a perfectly functional device just to show off the sleekest model is an environmental catastrophe. Instead of falling for the marketing trap this year, I simply took my current phone to a high street shop and got the battery replaced. It works like a dream, and I feel infinitely better knowing I’m not contributing to the pollution crisis.

B Toby

For a long time, my tech habits were entirely dictated by a fear of missing out. If my mates upgraded their handsets, I immediately begged my parents for a newer version just to keep up appearances. However, my mindset shifted dramatically after reading an eye-opening article about the hidden ecological costs of our digital obsession. I was utterly shocked to learn about the destructive extraction of rare earth metals required for phone batteries. The mining process alone is literally scarring the landscape and devastating local ecosystems. Realising that my desire for social status was directly fuelling such environmental destruction was a bitter pill to swallow. I’ve completely changed my approach now. I firmly believe we must break this cycle of endless consumption. When my screen eventually shattered beyond repair last month, rather than purchasing a brand-new device, I opted to invest in a reconditioned model. It’s virtually indistinguishable from a new one!

C Aisha

I always suspected that smartphones naturally slowed down after a couple of years, but I never questioned why. That was until I stumbled upon an investigative documentary explaining the concept of planned obsolescence. It was an absolute revelation to discover that tech giants intentionally engineer their products to fail or become sluggish, effectively forcing us to buy replacements. The film also highlighted the sheer scale of the global e-waste crisis, showing horrifying footage of discarded screens and batteries leaking toxic chemicals into the soil in developing countries. I felt a profound sense of anger at how marketing departments continually brainwash us into accepting this devastating cycle as normal. I immediately shared the film with my classmates, urging them to watch it. Since then, I’ve vowed to hold onto my current mobile until it completely gives up the ghost. We urgently need to demand more durable technology from these massive corporations.

D Sam

It’s incredibly easy to be lured in by the flashy billboards promising a supposedly life-changing mobile experience every twelve months. I almost bought into the hype myself this autumn. However, when I sat down and calculated the actual financial cost of upgrading, I realised it was a tremendous waste. Keeping my hard-earned cash in my pocket felt far more rewarding than owning a slightly shinier screen. More importantly, the environmental toll of this constant manufacturing is terrifying. To tackle this, I recently launched an awareness campaign at my college to highlight the impact of electronic rubbish. We put up posters and hosted debates, encouraging students to pledge to keep their devices for at least three years. While some peers initially dismissed the idea, many have started to see the bigger picture. It’s highly satisfying to know that by simply doing nothing and retaining our old phones, we are making a genuine difference.

Reading 2

You are going to read an article about four young adults sharing their experiences of learning how to upcycle and repurpose old, broken furniture instead of buying new, cheap flat-pack items.

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

Which person/section

1   highlights the poor durability of contemporary, ready-to-assemble goods?

2   was primarily motivated by a desire to minimise their environmental impact?

3   successfully transformed a clumsy error into an appealing feature?

4   found guidance on the internet after initially feeling out of their depth?

5   underestimated the physical effort required for a certain restoration task?

6   appreciates how the craft provides an escape from the pressures of work?

7   admits that their hobby caused significant disruption in their living area?

8   restored a piece of furniture that has been in their family for a long time?

9   began repurposing furniture out of financial necessity when relocating?

10   has unexpectedly managed to turn a profit from their refurbished items?

Breathing New Life into Old Wood

A Mia

When I moved into my own apartment, I could have easily ordered a van full of cheap, flat-pack items. However, having recently watched a documentary on deforestation, I couldn’t bear the thought of contributing to a throwaway culture. Consequently, my primary goal was to furnish my home as sustainably as possible. I picked up a battered oak dining table from a charity shop. I had assumed that stripping off the old varnish would be a breeze, but I completely underestimated how exhausting it would be. After three hours of intense sanding, my arms were aching! Nevertheless, I persevered. Some people claim that upcycling helps them relax after a long day at the office, but for me, it was pure hard labour. Even so, the satisfaction of breathing new life into a discarded piece is incredible. It’s a million times better than just clicking a button online.

B Toby

I inherited a beautiful, albeit dilapidated, mahogany wardrobe from my grandfather. Initially, I was tempted to sell it because it looked completely beyond repair. I genuinely hadn’t got a clue where to start and felt entirely overwhelmed by the prospect of restoring it. Thankfully, I stumbled upon a series of fantastic video tutorials online, which broke the process down into manageable steps. The instructors explained everything from fixing broken hinges to applying wood wax. Replacing the cracked panels was a bit tricky, but having an expert demonstrate it on screen gave me the confidence I lacked. While I know many people buy cheap furniture because it’s convenient, I couldn’t bear to part with something that held such deep sentimental value. Now, it stands proudly in my bedroom. It is a stunning piece of craftsmanship, and every time I open its doors, I’m reminded of my childhood.

C Elena

As a university student, my budget was incredibly tight. When I moved into my unfurnished flat last year, purchasing brand-new furniture simply wasn’t a viable option. Out of pure necessity, I started scavenging for discarded chairs and coffee tables on street corners. I quickly developed a knack for painting and upholstering. During my first project, I accidentally spilled dark stain on a light pine drawer. Instead of throwing a tantrum, I carefully blended the spill to create a distressed, vintage look, which actually made the piece much more striking! What began as a desperate measure to save pennies has somehow blossomed into a lucrative side hustle. Friends started asking me to revamp their old bedside tables, and I now regularly sell my refurbished creations on social media. While I’m thrilled that I’m keeping things out of landfills, the extra cash has been a massive bonus.

D Marcus

I’ve always been incredibly frustrated by how flimsy modern, mass-produced furniture is; it seems to fall apart the moment you try to move house. I figured that investing time in solid, vintage pieces would be a much wiser decision. Working as an accountant, I spend my entire day staring at spreadsheets. Therefore, coming home and working with my hands provides a much-needed outlet to decompress and switch off from financial worries. The only major downside was the sheer chaos it brought to my tiny apartment. At one point, I had dismantled a massive dresser in my living room, and there were tools and sawdust everywhere! I could barely reach my sofa for a fortnight. Fortunately, I’ve since come to terms with the mess. Upcycling demands patience, but the durability of the final product makes the temporary inconvenience absolutely worthwhile.

Exercises:   123456