Practice English Reading Exercises for A2 – Online Shopping & In-store Experiences
Reading 1
For each question, choose the correct answer.
1 Which person left the shop without trying on any clothes?
(A) Liam (B) Noah (C) Sam
2 Which person had someone else get more clothes for them?
(A) Liam (B) Noah (C) Sam
3 Which person put on clothes outside of the fitting room?
(A) Liam (B) Noah (C) Sam
4 Which person went to the store early in the morning?
(A) Liam (B) Noah (C) Sam
5 Which person felt uncomfortably warm while they were waiting?
(A) Liam (B) Noah (C) Sam
6 Which person bought an item that is the wrong size?
(A) Liam (B) Noah (C) Sam
7 Which person went shopping with a relative?
(A) Liam (B) Noah (C) Sam
Crowded Fitting Rooms at the Weekend Sale
Liam
I went to the big weekend sale with my best friend. The shop was incredibly busy! We wanted to use the changing areas, but there were fifty people waiting. The air was cool inside, but we didn’t want to stand in line for an hour. Instead, I just put a jacket over my t-shirt right there next to the mirrors in the main hall. It looked okay, so I paid for it. Unfortunately, when I put it on at home, the sleeves were much too long!
Noah
I usually shop alone, and this time I arrived in the afternoon when the sale was at its busiest. I found a pair of jeans and stood in the line for the cubicles. There were so many shoppers close together, and the air felt very hot! I needed a cold drink and my legs were tired. After twenty minutes, I couldn’t wait anymore. I just put the jeans back on the shelf and walked out of the door with nothing. I’ll go back when it’s quieter to see if they fit.
Sam
My mum drove me to the mall right after breakfast, just as the doors unlocked. Because we were the first ones there, the line wasn’t too bad. Once I was inside the cubicle, I realized the black trousers I picked were completely the wrong shape. I didn’t have to lose my place, though! My mother ran to the shelves and returned with a bigger pair for me to check. They were perfect, so we bought them and left before the real crowds arrived.
ANSWER KEY
1 B 2 C 3 A 4 C 5 B 6 A 7 C
Reading 2
For each question, choose the correct answer.
1 Who usually goes to see the same person in the store?
(A) Lucy (B) Omar (C) Chloe
2 Who says talking to shop assistants helps them understand the latest styles?
(A) Lucy (B) Omar (C) Chloe
3 Who got help finding things to wear for a trip?
(A) Lucy (B) Omar (C) Chloe
4 Who feels nervous when they have to buy clothes by themselves?
(A) Lucy (B) Omar (C) Chloe
5 Who bought an item of clothing that they initially thought was a bad idea?
(A) Lucy (B) Omar (C) Chloe
6 Who likes getting advice on matching different colours together?
(A) Lucy (B) Omar (C) Chloe
7 Who explains that a friendly assistant made their shopping cheaper?
(A) Lucy (B) Omar (C) Chloe
Talking to Helpful Shop Assistants
Lucy
I really enjoy fashion, but I am not very good at putting outfits together. That is why I always return to my favorite clothes shop to talk to Maria. She works there and knows exactly what I like! She teaches me which dark and light shades look best on me when I wear them at the same time. Some people buy new clothes for big holidays or trips, but I just like getting everyday things. Chatting with Maria makes the whole experience fun, and she never makes me feel silly for asking questions.
Omar
Last week, I needed a few light things for my weekend at the beach. I walked into a large department store and started talking to a helpful guy there. He told me all about what everyone is wearing this season, which is great because I do not read about fashion very much. He gave me a bright orange jacket to try. I felt sure it would look terrible on me, but it was actually amazing! I definitely took it home. He didn’t just talk about matching colors; he really understood my shape and size.
Chloe
I do not have one favourite shop worker that I visit all the time, but I always try to find someone friendly to talk to. I get quite worried when my friends are not with me in the changing room to give their opinions. A kind assistant can make me feel so much better. Yesterday, a really nice woman helped me choose a beautiful skirt for a party. Even better, she showed me a special ticket online so I didn’t have to pay full price. It is wonderful when they help you keep some of your cash!
ANSWER KEY
1 A 2 B 3 B 4 C 5 B 6 A 7 C
Reading 3
For each question, choose the correct answer.
1 Which person leaves the shop quickly because of the noise?
(A) Lucas (B) Maya (C) Chloe
2 Which person thinks the bright lights help them see the colours well?
(A) Lucas (B) Maya (C) Chloe
3 Which person buys more things because of the music?
(A) Lucas (B) Maya (C) Chloe
4 Which person feels they look terrible in the shop mirrors?
(A) Lucas (B) Maya (C) Chloe
5 Which person visits the shops with friends just to hear the tunes?
(A) Lucas (B) Maya (C) Chloe
6 Which person sometimes covers their eyes inside the store?
(A) Lucas (B) Maya (C) Chloe
7 Which person says it is hard to speak to the shop workers?
(A) Lucas (B) Maya (C) Chloe
Bright Lights and Loud Music in Fashion Shops
Lucas
I love clothes, but modern shops give me a headache! The music is so loud that I usually escape after only five minutes. It is also impossible to ask the assistants for a different size because they cannot hear me at all! My friends do not mind the noise, but I hate it. Also, the changing rooms have very strong lamps on the ceiling. Because of the bright white lights, my face and hair always look awful in the glass. I prefer buying things online where it is quiet!
Maya
The popular fashion stores in my town feel like a dance party! When I hear the fast pop songs, I always get super excited. In fact, the great sounds usually make me spend extra pocket money on t-shirts I don’t really need. I have no problem chatting with the friendly staff, though. The only thing I dislike is the lighting. It is so bright that my eyes hurt! Sometimes, I even put my sunglasses on while I am walking around the store. It looks silly, but it helps.
Chloe
Some people complain about the loud noise in clothes shops, but my mates and I love it. Actually, we often go to the shopping centre on Saturdays just to listen to the brilliant songs they play! We never run out early. We do not always buy things, so we keep our cash in our pockets. I also think the strong lighting is a fantastic idea. In darker shops, you cannot see what you are buying. But with these large lamps, it is very simple to check the exact shade of a jumper or dress.
ANSWER KEY
1 A 2 C 3 B 4 A 5 C 6 B 7 A
