Practice English Reading Exercises for A2 – Household Chores & Family Duties

Exercises:   12345

Reading 1

For each question, choose the correct answer.

A Loud Crash in the Kitchen

On Sunday afternoon, Leo’s family had a huge lunch together. His dad cooked a delicious meal with roast chicken and lots of vegetables. Because his dad made the food, Leo had to do the washing-up. He didn’t really want to do it, but he knew he should help his parents.

After he washed everything in warm water, Leo started drying the dishes with a towel. Then, he picked up a beautiful blue plate with yellow flowers. It was his mum’s favourite plate, and she bought it on a special holiday in Spain. Suddenly, the plate slipped from his wet hands and crashed onto the hard kitchen floor. It broke into many small pieces.

Leo felt terrible, and his face went completely red. The noise was very loud, so his mum quickly ran into the kitchen. Leo looked at the floor and said sorry again and again. He was sure she was going to be extremely angry. However, she just asked if his feet were hurt and gently helped him clean up the mess.

Leo promised to buy his mum a beautiful new plate with his own pocket money. His mum smiled and told him not to worry because accidents happen to everyone. Leo felt much happier, but he decided to be much more careful with the dishes next time!

1   Why did Leo wash the dishes after lunch?

     (A) His father prepared the family meal.

     (B) He cooked a delicious meal with roast chicken.

     (C) He really wanted to do the washing-up.

2   What happened while Leo was holding the towel?

     (A) He washed everything in warm water.

     (B) He bought it on a special holiday in Spain.

     (C) He dropped a special item on the ground.

3   When Leo’s mother came into the room, she

     (A) was completely sure she was going to be extremely angry.

     (B) checked to make sure her son was not injured.

     (C) looked at the floor and said sorry again and again.

4   What did Leo offer to do?

     (A) use his cash to get a replacement

     (B) smile and tell him not to worry

     (C) happen to everyone

5   What is the best title for the article?

     (A) How to cook a delicious family meal

     (B) The best holiday in Spain

     (C) A kitchen mistake with a kind ending

Reading 2

For each question, choose the correct answer.

A Cleaner Room for Sam

Fourteen-year-old Sam had a big problem. His bedroom was always extremely messy. There were usually dirty clothes on the floor and school books all over his bed. Every Saturday morning, his mother came into his room and complained about the terrible mess. She always told him to tidy up, but Sam hated cleaning.

Last weekend, Sam wanted to go to the cinema with his best friends. He asked his mum for some money for the ticket. However, she looked at his messy floor and said no. She told him he had to stay at home and clean. At first, Sam felt angry, but then he realised he needed to change his bad habits.

Sam started working immediately. He spent two whole hours tidying his bedroom. He put his dirty jeans in the washing machine and organised his books on the shelves. Under his bed, he even found his favourite blue sweater, which was missing for a month! He was very pleased to see it again.

Now, Sam has a new daily routine. Every evening before he goes to sleep, he spends ten minutes picking things up from the floor. Because of this, his room always looks great, and his mother never complains. Sam actually prefers his clean bedroom because it is a much more relaxing place to study and play video games.

1   Why was Sam’s mother unhappy every week?

     (A) because there were school books all over her bed

     (B) because her son’s room was completely untidy

     (C) because she hated cleaning the terrible mess

2   Why couldn’t Sam go to the cinema with his friends?

     (A) His best friends needed to stay at home and clean.

     (B) He wanted to ask his mum for some money for the ticket.

     (C) His mother did not allow it because of his bedroom.

3   What happened while Sam was working?

     (A) He discovered an item of clothing that he lost before.

     (B) He put his favourite blue sweater in the washing machine.

     (C) He organised his school books under his bed.

4   What does Sam do now?

     (A) He studies and plays video games for ten minutes.

     (B) He tidies his room for a short time every night.

     (C) He never complains about his mother’s daily routine.

5   What is the best title for the text?

     (A) Sam’s terrible trip to the cinema

     (B) Why mothers hate playing video games

     (C) A great new habit for a teenager

Reading 3

For each question, choose the correct answer.

An Evening Job

My name is Toby, and I am ten years old. In my house, everyone has to help with the chores because my parents work hard. My older sister washes the dishes, and my dad cooks. My special duty is very simple: I have to take out the rubbish every evening.

Most of my friends hate cleaning, but I don’t mind my job. Every night at half past seven, after we finish dinner, I collect the plastic bags from the kitchen and the bathrooms. Then, I carry them outside to the large green bins in our street. If the weather is cold or windy, I just put on my warm winter jacket.

Taking out the rubbish is usually a quick and boring job, but last week, something wonderful happened. While I was putting the bags into the big bin, I heard a quiet noise. There was a small, hungry cat looking at me. I gave it a little piece of meat from our dinner. Now, the friendly cat waits for me every evening.

My parents are very happy because I never forget my daily duty. They give me a bit of pocket money at the end of every week for helping. I am saving this cash to buy a new video game. I feel very proud that I can help my family and feed a cute animal at the same time.

1   What is Toby’s main task at home?

     (A) He cooks the food for his family.

     (B) He washes the dishes after dinner.

     (C) He carries the waste out of the house.

2   What does Toby do when the weather is bad?

     (A) He stays inside the kitchen and the bathrooms.

     (B) He wears an extra piece of clothing.

     (C) He waits inside until half past seven.

3   What happened when Toby went to the bins last week?

     (A) He discovered an animal that wanted food.

     (B) He heard a very loud and scary noise.

     (C) He dropped a little piece of meat on the ground.

4   What does Toby plan to do with his pocket money?

     (A) Give it to his parents at the end of every week.

     (B) Purchase a fun computer activity for himself.

     (C) Get some food for the cute animal outside.

5  What is the best title for the article?

     (A) A Daily Chore That Became Interesting

     (B) How to Care for a Hungry Cat

     (C) Why Everyone Hates Cleaning

Exercises:   12345