Practice English Reading Exercises for A2 – Shopping & City Amenities
Reading 1
For each question, choose the correct answer.
1 Which person likes to look at the people walking by?
(A) Alex (B) Jamie (C) Sam
2 Who says that the meals cost a lot of money?
(A) Alex (B) Jamie (C) Sam
3 Which person goes to the cafe when school is over?
(A) Alex (B) Jamie (C) Sam
4 Who thinks they don’t have to wait long for their order?
(A) Alex (B) Jamie (C) Sam
5 Which person likes spending time outside at the cafe?
(A) Alex (B) Jamie (C) Sam
6 Who finds the cafe a good place to study?
(A) Alex (B) Jamie (C) Sam
7 Which person loves the sweet food sold there?
(A) Alex (B) Jamie (C) Sam
The Corner Café
Alex
I visit the Corner Café every Saturday morning. It is right across from the train station, so it is always full. I love sitting by the big glass window to watch all the people hurrying to catch their trains. It is so interesting! The workers are amazing too. They bring your hot drinks to your table very quickly, which is great when you are thirsty. Some teenagers go there to read their textbooks, but I just go to relax. Also, a cup of tea here doesn’t cost much, so I can visit often.
Jamie
The cafe opposite the station is my favorite place in town. While it is on a busy street, it is very quiet inside. It’s the perfect spot to open my laptop, read my notes, and do my school work. I usually sit in a comfortable armchair for hours. I really love the beautiful things they bake. I can’t stop eating their chocolate biscuits and fruit slices! The only bad thing is the prices. You need to have a lot of pocket money if you want to buy a meal here.
Sam
My classmates and I really like this cafe. We always walk over together at 3:30 p.m., as soon as our classes finish for the day. We usually stay for a long time just talking and laughing. We never buy the big meals because we don’t have much cash; we just share a cheap bowl of hot chips. We hardly ever sit inside the building. If the weather is warm, we prefer the small garden at the back. It is lovely to feel the sun on your face while you talk.
ANSWER KEY
1 A 2 B 3 C 4 A 5 C 6 B 7 B
Reading 2
For each question, choose the correct answer.
1 Which person says it is faster to see a doctor now?
(A) Alice (B) Martin (C) Chloe
2 Which person mentions that the hospital has a better place to leave vehicles?
(A) Alice (B) Martin (C) Chloe
3 Which person explains that arranging a visit is simpler?
(A) Alice (B) Martin (C) Chloe
4 Which person is pleased with the new machines at the hospital?
(A) Alice (B) Martin (C) Chloe
5 Which person likes the way the hospital staff behave?
(A) Alice (B) Martin (C) Chloe
6 Which person says the building is designed well for young people?
(A) Alice (B) Martin (C) Chloe
7 Which person had a shorter journey to the new building?
(A) Alice (B) Martin (C) Chloe
The New Town Hospital
Alice
The old clinic was very far away, but this new one is built right next to my neighbourhood. I can walk there in just ten minutes! Last week, I went for a check-up because I was ill. I sat in the waiting room for almost an hour, which was quite boring. However, the doctor used the latest computers to find out what was wrong with my stomach. They are so much better than the old ones! Also, if you drive, there is a huge space outside for visitors to put their cars, so you never have to look for a spot.
Martin
I think the best thing about the new medical centre is how you get to see a doctor. In the past, you had to call on the phone and speak to someone. Today, you can just use their website to choose a day and time on your phone. It saves so much trouble! I took my little boy there yesterday. He usually hates hospitals, but this one has a bright playroom with toys and books just for kids. He loved it! The doctors were very busy, so we couldn’t chat to them much, but they helped my son quickly.
Chloe
My house is on the other side of town, so I have to catch two buses to get to the new hospital. Even with the long trip, I prefer it. In the old building, you often sat for hours before anyone called your name. Now, you only wait for about ten minutes before you go into the doctor’s office! It is incredibly quick. Furthermore, everyone working there always smiles and asks how you are feeling. They are really kind to everyone. I didn’t see any fancy new technology, but the people there make you feel completely comfortable.
ANSWER KEY
1 C 2 A 3 B 4 A 5 C 6 B 7 A
Reading 3
For each question, choose the correct answer.
1 Who enjoys having meals next to the lake?
(A) Max (B) Lily (C) Omar
2 Who exercises regularly at the university?
(A) Max (B) Lily (C) Omar
3 Who likes the way the buildings look in the dark?
(A) Max (B) Lily (C) Omar
4 Who says the inside of the buildings is completely full of light?
(A) Max (B) Lily (C) Omar
5 Who says it is possible to live at the university?
(A) Max (B) Lily (C) Omar
6 Who prefers doing their schoolwork out in the gardens?
(A) Max (B) Lily (C) Omar
7 Who explains that the campus is much bigger than they expected?
(A) Max (B) Lily (C) Omar
Our Modern University Campus
Max
I love my new university. When I first visited, I couldn’t believe how large the area was! I thought it would be quite small and easy to walk around. The buildings are completely made of glass. This means the classrooms are never dark, and we don’t need to turn on the lamps during the day. I usually sit in the library to finish my projects. When I’m hungry, I buy a sandwich and sit by the water to eat it. It is very relaxing. There is a football field here, but I don’t really play sports.
Lily
Our campus is full of tall trees and lovely green spaces. I don’t stay in the student bedrooms because my parents’ house is very close to the university. After my classes, I always take my course books to the grass under a big tree. Reading and writing my notes in the fresh air is much better than staying indoors! I also visit the campus gym three times a week because keeping fit is important to me. Sometimes I stay late, but I always leave before the sun goes down because I don’t like walking at night.
Omar
Studying here is a great experience. I share a modern apartment with two other students right in the middle of the campus. It is brilliant because I can wake up just ten minutes before my morning class begins! There is a small river nearby, but it is usually too cold to sit there. My favorite time to walk around is in the evening. When the sun goes down, they turn on the colorful lamps under the glass buildings. The whole place glows and looks completely magical. It is a fantastic place to be.
ANSWER KEY
1 A 2 B 3 C 4 A 5 C 6 B 7 A