Practice English Reading Exercises for A2 – Music, Arts & Creative Hobbies

Exercises:   12345

Reading 1

For each question, choose the correct answer.

Learning a New Musical Language

Fourteen-year-old Oliver has always loved music. He plays the guitar beautifully, and he learned how to do this just by listening to his favourite pop songs. However, last month he decided he really wanted to play the piano. There was just one big problem for the teenager: Oliver couldn’t read musical notes.

Oliver’s aunt gave him a beautiful old piano for his birthday. At first, Oliver tried to learn the notes by watching videos on the internet. Unfortunately, he thought the online lessons were too fast and confusing. Because of this, his parents paid a friendly teacher, Mr. Evans, to give him lessons.

Mr. Evans told Oliver that reading music is exactly like learning a new language. In the beginning, it was very difficult for Oliver. Every evening, he sat looking at the little black marks on the paper. Sometimes he felt angry and wanted to stop, but Mr. Evans told him to be patient.

After three months of hard work, things are very different. Yesterday, Oliver played his first complete piece of music without looking at his hands. His family clapped loudly when he finished the song. Oliver feels incredibly proud of himself. Next spring, he hopes to play the piano in front of his classmates at the school concert.

1   Why did Oliver have a problem with the piano?

     (A) He didn’t know how to understand written music.

     (B) He wanted to listen to his favourite pop songs.

     (C) He couldn’t play the guitar beautifully.

2   How did Oliver finally learn to read notes?

     (A) By watching videos on the internet.

     (B) An instructor helped him.

     (C) His aunt gave him a beautiful old piano.

3   How did Oliver feel when he first studied the notes?

     (A) He wanted to learn a new language.

     (B) He felt patient looking at the little black marks.

     (C) He found the activity quite frustrating.

4   What did Oliver do yesterday?

     (A) He successfully finished a whole tune.

     (B) He did three months of hard work.

     (C) He played the piano in front of his classmates.

5   What is the best title for the article?

     (A) The best guitar player in the school

     (B) Discovering how to play a new instrument

     (C) How to find piano videos on the internet

Reading 2

For each question, choose the correct answer.

A Place to Share Art

Fourteen-year-old Leo spends hours every weekend painting in his bedroom. He enjoys making colourful pictures of animals and nature. However, last month he felt a bit lonely because his family didn’t really understand his hobby. He wanted to find other teenagers who loved art as much as he did. So, he decided to start a special group at his school.

First, Leo needed a place for the students to meet. He spoke to his art teacher, Mr Davies, about his idea. His teacher thought it was excellent and offered them his classroom on Thursday afternoons. When the club started, only three students came. Leo was a bit disappointed, but they still had a great time painting together.

A few weeks later, the situation was completely different. Now, there are fifteen members in the group! They do not just use paints; some students bring their pencil drawings, and others share their amazing photographs. They look at each other’s work and give useful advice to help everyone improve their skills.

Leo is very proud of his club. Next month, the students are going to organize an exhibition in the big school hall. They want to invite all their parents and teachers to see their best art. Leo is glad he started the group because he has made many fantastic new friends.

1   Why did Leo start the group at his school?

     (A) He wanted to meet young people with the same interests.

     (B) He wanted his family to understand his hobby.

     (C) He enjoys making colourful pictures of animals.

2   What happened at the first club meeting?

     (A) Mr Davies thought it was excellent.

     (B) They had to find a place for the students to meet.

     (C) Not many teenagers went to it.

3   What do the students do in the group now?

     (A) They just use paints to make pictures.

     (B) They help one another become better artists.

     (C) They try to find fifteen members for the group.

4   What will happen next month?

     (A) Adults will come to look at the teenagers’ work.

     (B) Leo is going to make many fantastic new friends.

     (C) The students will paint the big school hall.

5   What is the best title for the article?

     (A) How to draw colourful pictures of animals

     (B) A great way to share a hobby with others

     (C) The best art teacher in the school

Reading 3

For each question, choose the correct answer.

My Colorful Hobby

My name is Sarah and I am thirteen years old. I always liked accessories, but I found the items in local shops to be quite expensive. A few months ago, I discovered a new hobby that is much cheaper and more fun. I started making my own necklaces and bracelets using colorful plastic and glass beads.

I usually buy my materials from a small market in the city centre. They have hundreds of beads in different shapes, sizes, and colors. Every Saturday, I sit at my desk and spend hours putting the beads onto thin strings. It takes a lot of concentration, but I find it a very relaxing way to spend my afternoon.

Last week, I made a long necklace with blue and silver beads. I decided to wear it to school on Monday. My classmates were very interested in it and asked me where I bought it. When I told them I made it myself, they were very surprised. A few of them even asked me to make similar ones for them to wear!

I am now very busy because I have to finish five orders before next Friday. I really enjoy creating these pieces, and I feel great when I wear them to class. In the future, I hope to open an online shop to sell my jewelry to people all over the world.

1   Why did Sarah start making her own jewelry?

     (A) She wanted to find a hobby that was more expensive.

     (B) She thought the jewelry in shops cost too much.

     (C) She disliked the necklaces she found at the market.

2   What does Sarah say about her Saturday activity?

     (A) She thinks that putting beads on string is stressful.

     (B) She buys all her materials from a large shop.

     (C) She enjoys the time she spends creating her jewelry.

3   How did Sarah’s friends react to her blue and silver necklace?

     (A) They thought she had purchased it at a store.

     (B) They were not interested in what she was wearing.

     (C) They refused to believe she made it herself.

4   How does Sarah feel about her current situation?

     (A) She is worried because she has too many orders.

     (B) She is happy that people want to wear her designs.

     (C) She is tired of wearing her own jewelry to school.

5   What is the writer’s main purpose in this text?

     (A) to teach students how to make glass beads

     (B) to describe her experience of designing and wearing jewelry

     (C) to explain why teenagers should open online shops

Exercises:   12345