Practice English Reading Exercises for A2 – Part-time Jobs & Early Career

Exercises:   1234567

Reading 1

For each question, choose the correct answer.

1   Who needs time off to prepare for several different subjects?

     (A) Jamie   (B) Sarah   (C) Leo

2   Who felt nervous about speaking to their manager?

     (A) Jamie   (B) Sarah   (C) Leo

3   Who says their boss was very understanding about their request?

     (A) Jamie   (B) Sarah   (C) Leo

4   Who plans to work extra shifts after their exams are finished?

     (A) Jamie   (B) Sarah   (C) Leo

5   Who asked for time off at the same time as their friend?

     (A) Jamie   (B) Sarah   (C) Leo

6   Who had to show their exam timetable to the manager?

     (A) Jamie   (B) Sarah   (C) Leo

7   Who says they usually work during the school week?

     (A) Jamie   (B) Sarah   (C) Leo

Asking for Time Off for Exams

Jamie

I work in a small grocery shop on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons. When I realized I had three big tests coming up, I was worried about asking for a break. I went to see my manager, but I was so scared that I almost turned around and walked out! Luckily, she was great. She told me it was no problem and that doing well at school is the most important thing. I didn’t have to bring in any paperwork, she just trusted me. I am going to ask if I can work all day on Saturday next month to make up for the hours.

Sarah

My job is at a busy pizza restaurant. We have to work really hard, but my boss is very kind. When I told him I needed a few days to revise for my history and math exams, he immediately said yes. I actually showed him the piece of paper from school that lists all the dates of my tests so he could see I wasn’t just being lazy! I don’t usually work on Mondays or Wednesdays, but I am helping out a colleague next week to show how much I appreciate his help.

Leo

I work in a library on Mondays and Fridays. My friend, who works there too, also has exams, so we decided to ask for the same three days off together. The manager was fine with that. I wasn’t really afraid to talk to him because he is always very polite. The only thing is, I think I’ll be really busy catching up on my work later. I’ve already promised him that I will come in on my birthday and other holidays to help out when the library is crowded.

Reading 2

For each question, choose the correct answer.

1   Who sometimes watches films with their family?

     (A) Toby   (B) Elena   (C) Marcus

2   Who usually works during the day?

     (A) Toby   (B) Elena   (C) Marcus

3   Who likes getting free snacks as well as free films?

     (A) Toby   (B) Elena   (C) Marcus

4   Who enjoys seeing films before everyone else?

     (A) Toby   (B) Elena   (C) Marcus

5   Who thinks the uniform they wear is uncomfortable?

     (A) Toby   (B) Elena   (C) Marcus

6   Who prefers to watch movies that make them laugh?

     (A) Toby   (B) Elena   (C) Marcus

7   Who got their job because they knew someone there?

     (A) Toby   (B) Elena   (C) Marcus

Working at the Cinema

Toby

I work at the ticket desk most evenings, so I never finish before 10 p.m. I have to put on a smart white shirt, but I don’t mind because the manager is really nice. The best thing about the job is the extra things we get without paying. I can take home a big box of popcorn or a cold drink after my shift! When I watch my free movies, I always choose comedies. I don’t really like action or romance. Sometimes, well-known actors come to our cinema, but we are not allowed to ask for photos.

Elena

I really needed some pocket money, so my older brother spoke to his boss, and that is how I started here! I am still a student, so I only do weekend mornings and afternoons. It is great because I am home by dinner time. Working here is amazing because staff members can view brand new pictures a day before regular customers are allowed inside. My brother loves sitting through horror films, but I am too scared to join him. I usually sit in the dark theatre alone and enjoy the quiet before the crowds arrive.

Marcus

My job is to clean the empty theatres when a picture finishes. Teenagers always drop lots of sweet treats and drinks on the floor, so it is hard work! I have made some fantastic friends here, but my working clothes are terrible. The heavy black boots we have to put on make my feet hurt a lot. Still, the free tickets are wonderful. Every Sunday, my parents visit the cinema, and we all enjoy a great picture together without spending any cash. They are very proud of my new job!

Reading 3

For each question, choose the correct answer.

1   Which person says a relative gave them advice on their CV?

     (A) Tom   (B) Sarah   (C) Mike

2   Which person included things they do for fun on their CV?

     (A) Tom   (B) Sarah   (C) Mike

3   Which person missed some necessary information when they first wrote their CV?

     (A) Tom   (B) Sarah   (C) Mike

4   Which person thinks they were chosen because their CV was not long?

     (A) Tom   (B) Sarah   (C) Mike

5   Which person used software to make their CV look nice?

     (A) Tom   (B) Sarah   (C) Mike

6   Which person mentions the importance of looking for spelling errors?

     (A) Tom   (B) Sarah   (C) Mike

7   Which person made different CVs for different companies?

     (A) Tom   (B) Sarah   (C) Mike

Writing a Great Summer Job CV

Tom

I wanted to work in a local café this summer. At first, I didn’t know how to write about myself. Luckily, my older brother looked at my paper and told me what to change. He said managers don’t have time to read pages of text. Because of this, I only wrote half a page. The café owner told me he loved my document because it was so quick to read! I didn’t write about playing football or painting because they didn’t ask about my hobbies. I just made sure my email address was right at the top.

Sarah

I wanted to work in a bookshop or a supermarket. Because these are very different, I didn’t send the exact same document to both places. I wrote one for the shop and another for the market. I used a great website to add nice colours and borders to the page, so it looked very professional. My uncle didn’t help me, but I think I did a good job! I also added a section about my free-time activities, like reading and swimming. The bookshop manager thought that was very interesting, and she gave me the job!

Mike

Writing a CV is not easy. When I typed mine, I didn’t use any special design programs to make it beautiful. I just wanted it to be clear and simple. When I finished, I almost sent it to a sports centre. But then I realised my phone number wasn’t on the page! I quickly fixed it. It is also very important to read your text again to find any wrong letters or bad grammar before you give it to anyone. A manager won’t choose you for a summer job if your writing is full of mistakes!

Exercises:   1234567