Practice English Reading Exercises for A2 – Shopping & City Amenities

Exercises:   12345

Reading 1

For each question, choose the correct answer.

1   Who eats at the food court when they finish their school day?

     (A) Mia   (B) David   (C) Chloe

2   Who likes eating food from their own country there?

     (A) Mia   (B) David   (C) Chloe

3   Who says that the meals don’t cost a lot of money?

     (A) Mia   (B) David   (C) Chloe

4   Who enjoys having desserts at the food court?

     (A) Mia   (B) David   (C) Chloe

5   Who says they can eat their food in the fresh air?

     (A) Mia   (B) David   (C) Chloe

6   Who complains about how loud the food court is?

     (A) Mia   (B) David   (C) Chloe

7   Who mentions standing in a queue for a long time?

     (A) Mia   (B) David   (C) Chloe

Favourite Mall Food Courts

Mia

I love the food court at Riverside Mall. It is very large and has lots of bright lights. The best thing is that you can keep your cash, because the dishes are some of the least expensive in town. I usually go there with my family at the weekend, rather than with my classmates during the week. The only bad thing is that it is always very busy. You often have to stand in a line for twenty minutes before you can even order your burger! It isn’t very quiet, but the pizza is amazing.

David

The Queen’s Centre food court is my favourite place to visit when classes are over. My mates and I always walk there together to relax. They sell meals from all over the world, but not really things from our area. I usually buy a large chocolate ice cream or a slice of fruit cake. They are delicious! However, there is one big problem. The music is always playing at the top level, and everyone shouts. It really gives me a headache. I wish it was more peaceful so we could talk easily.

Chloe

The new Star Mall has a wonderful food court on the top floor. You don’t have to stay inside the busy hall. There is a fantastic area on the roof with tables, so you can enjoy your meal under the sun! I usually go there quickly at lunchtime. I never buy burgers or noodles there. Instead, I always get dishes that my grandmother used to make. Finding a place that cooks our national recipes so perfectly is great. Sometimes you have to wait to get your change, but it is totally worth it!

Reading 2

For each question, choose the correct answer.

1   Which person goes to the market very early in the day?

     (A) Anna   (B) Ben   (C) Carlos

2   Which person buys vegetables to cook a special meal for someone?

     (A) Anna   (B) Ben   (C) Carlos

3   Which person says it takes a long time to get a good price?

     (A) Anna   (B) Ben   (C) Carlos

4   Which person usually visits the market with a family member?

     (A) Anna   (B) Ben   (C) Carlos

5   Which person complains about the noise in the street?

     (A) Anna   (B) Ben   (C) Carlos

6   Which person gets their vegetables from the same seller every time?

     (A) Anna   (B) Ben   (C) Carlos

7   Which person thinks the market is too crowded?

     (A) Anna   (B) Ben   (C) Carlos

The Busy Street Market

Anna

I love the street market near my house, but you have to go right after the sun comes up. If you arrive late, the best tomatoes and carrots are gone! My grandmother always walks there with me because she knows how to choose the freshest things. We don’t spend a long time asking for lower prices because the food is already quite cheap. At that time of day, there aren’t many people, so you can walk easily. It is also quite peaceful, not like the afternoons when people are shouting.

Ben

I usually go to the market on Saturday afternoons to get onions and potatoes. It is always full of shoppers then, making it very difficult to move around the tables. I never look at different places to shop. Instead, I only visit one man’s table because his food is amazing. I don’t go with my mum or dad, but I get everything I need to prepare a lovely dinner for them at the weekend. I just ask the man to make it a little cheaper, and he always says yes very quickly!

Carlos

The market in my town has wonderful vegetables, but I hate how loud it is. Everyone is calling out to sell their food, and it really hurts my ears! I usually walk around to five or six different tables before I buy anything. To keep my cash in my pocket, I always try to ask for a cheaper amount. You have to speak with the sellers for many minutes before they agree to give you a discount. Then, I take the fresh vegetables home and make a healthy lunch just for myself.

Reading 3

For each question, choose the correct answer.

1   Which person enjoys the special activities that happen in the shop?

     (A) Anna   (B) David   (C) Maria

2   Who says the workers there tell them about good things to read?

     (A) Anna   (B) David   (C) Maria

3   Which person likes that the shop is a peaceful place?

     (A) Anna   (B) David   (C) Maria

4   Who buys books there that are not new?

     (A) Anna   (B) David   (C) Maria

5   Which person mentions having something to drink while reading?

     (A) Anna   (B) David   (C) Maria

6   Who likes the shop because they do not have to travel far to get there?

     (A) Anna   (B) David   (C) Maria

7   Which person says it is easy to find books that are hard to get anywhere else?

     (A) Anna   (B) David   (C) Maria

Why we love independent bookshops

Anna

I never buy novels from big supermarkets. I prefer the small bookshop just a five-minute walk from my front door. Because it is in my street, I go there almost every day! The best thing is the people who work there. They read a lot, and they always suggest fantastic novels for me to buy. They know exactly what I will enjoy. The shop is often quite busy and noisy with customers, but I don’t mind. I usually bring my own coffee with me, because they don’t sell any food or drinks inside.

David

The independent bookshop in town is brilliant, even though I have to take a bus for forty minutes to get there. It is definitely worth the journey! Unlike the big chain stores, this place is full of stories that supermarkets never sell. You can discover some really unusual titles. Also, I don’t have a lot of money, so I love that they sell books after someone else has already read them. Another great thing is that they frequently invite famous writers to come and speak. I really enjoy attending these evenings and meeting the authors!

Maria

My favorite independent bookshop is in the city center. I hate the big, crowded stores because everyone is always shouting. This small shop is completely silent, which makes it a very calm environment to look at the shelves. The workers are polite, but they leave you alone. This is great because I prefer to choose my reading material by myself without any help. Everything they sell is brand new. There is also a lovely little cafe in the corner. I can spend hours sitting in a comfortable chair with a cup of hot tea!

Exercises:   12345