Practice English Reading Exercises for A2 – Technology, Coding & AI Apps
Reading 1
For each question, choose the correct answer.
Helpful Tech Support
Fifteen-year-old Sam has always been interested in how computers work. While his classmates spend their free time playing games, Sam likes to understand the programs inside them. Last year, he decided to start a small business helping people in his neighbourhood fix their broken computers.
At first, Sam only helped his parents with simple problems, like when their internet stopped working. Then, he put a notice in the local library window. Soon, people started calling him for help. Some neighbours had problems with their email, and others could not open their digital photos. Sam felt very happy because he liked solving these puzzles.
Last month, Mrs. Jones, who lives next door, asked Sam for help. Her laptop was extremely slow, and she thought she had to buy a new one. Sam looked at the files and realized it was just full of unnecessary information. After he cleaned the system, the computer ran as fast as a new machine. Mrs. Jones was so grateful that she gave him a gift.
Sam does not do this work for money, even though his neighbours often offer to pay him. He thinks that helping his community is a great way to improve his skills. Next year, he is going to study computer science at college. He hopes that one day, he will have his own software business.
1 Why does Sam enjoy fixing computers?
(A) He enjoys playing games on his computer.
(B) He finds it interesting to solve technical problems.
(C) He wants to spend more time than his classmates.
2 How did Sam find his first customers?
(A) He advertised his services in a public building.
(B) He asked his parents to tell their friends.
(C) He called people in his neighbourhood for help.
3 What was the problem with Mrs. Jones’s laptop?
(A) It was too old to work properly anymore.
(B) She needed to install new software on it.
(C) It had too many unneeded files stored on it.
4 Why does Sam refuse to take payment from his neighbours?
(A) He is planning to start his own business next year.
(B) He believes it is a good way to get better at his hobby.
(C) He is already studying computer science at college.
5 What is the best title for the article?
(A) A teenager helps his community with technology
(B) Why computers are slow and how to fix them
(C) The easiest way to learn computer science
ANSWER KEY
1 B 2 A 3 C 4 B 5 A
Reading 2
For each question, choose the correct answer.
The Teenager Who Built a Robot
Fourteen-year-old Alex has always been fascinated by how machines work. While his school friends preferred playing outdoor team sports at the weekend, Alex spent his time watching videos about engineering on his laptop. Last year, he decided to join an online robotics club to learn how to create something special.
The members of the club had to work in groups, but Alex wanted to attempt his own project. He decided to build a small robot that could move across the floor. He spent many evenings looking for the right parts, like small motors and wires, on the internet. He was very excited when the packages finally arrived at his home, but he soon realized that putting them together was a difficult challenge.
Alex faced his biggest problem during the second week. He tried to connect the battery to the main computer, but the robot would not start. He felt very frustrated and almost gave up. However, he contacted an expert in his online group, who explained that he had used the wrong type of cable. After following the expert’s instructions, the robot suddenly began to move across his bedroom.
Now, Alex’s little machine can travel around his house and avoid obstacles like chairs. He is extremely pleased with his success. He hopes to show his creation to his science teacher next week. Next summer, he plans to build a much larger robot that can help his parents with the cleaning.
1 What does the writer say about Alex’s hobbies?
(A) He enjoys playing sports with his classmates at the weekend.
(B) He likes watching technology videos instead of playing games.
(C) He prefers doing engineering projects with his friends.
2 What was the main challenge Alex had when starting his project?
(A) It was hard to assemble the machine he was building.
(B) He found it difficult to find the right parts on the internet.
(C) He did not have enough time to look for the correct motors.
3 How did Alex solve the problem with his robot?
(A) He worked on the machine for many weeks by himself.
(B) He asked a member of the club for help.
(C) He bought a new computer to fix the battery connection.
4 What is true about Alex’s robot at the moment?
(A) It is able to go around things in his home.
(B) It is currently helping his parents with the cleaning.
(C) It is being tested by his science teacher at school.
5 What is the best title for the article?
(A) A simple way to learn computer programming
(B) The student who succeeded in making a machine
(C) Why robots are better than other hobbies
ANSWER KEY
1 B 2 A 3 B 4 A 5 B
Reading 3
For each question, choose the correct answer.
The Teenager Who Paints with Code
Sixteen-year-old Leo loves looking at paintings, but he was never very good at drawing with a pencil. While his classmates painted beautiful pictures in art class, Leo always felt a bit sad because his work looked messy. However, last year, he discovered a completely new way to make art using his computer.
Instead of using brushes and paint, Leo uses programming. He types lines of code into his laptop to tell the computer what to draw. In the beginning, it was quite difficult to understand. He spent many evenings watching online lessons. Slowly, he learned how to create bright circles, squares, and stars on his screen just by typing words and numbers.
Last month, Leo spent two weeks writing a long program. When he finally finished, he pressed a button, and a fantastic picture of a sunset appeared on his screen. The colours mixed together perfectly. He showed the digital drawing to his IT teacher. She was completely amazed and decided to put a photo of it on the school website.
Now, Leo is extremely happy with his new hobby. He doesn’t buy expensive paints or paper anymore. He just needs his laptop and his imagination. When he finishes high school, he hopes to study computer science at university. He wants to write software that helps other teenagers create amazing digital pictures.
1 Why was Leo sometimes unhappy during art lessons?
(A) He found it difficult to produce nice drawings by hand.
(B) His classmates painted beautiful pictures.
(C) He discovered a completely new way to make art.
2 How did Leo learn to create images with his laptop?
(A) He always uses brushes and paint.
(B) He typed bright circles, squares, and stars.
(C) He studied by viewing videos on the internet.
3 What did Leo’s teacher do when she saw his work?
(A) She put a picture of a sunset on his screen.
(B) She shared his impressive drawing online.
(C) She spent two weeks writing a long program.
4 What is Leo’s goal for the future?
(A) To build computer tools that let young people be creative.
(B) To buy expensive paints or paper.
(C) To finish high school with his laptop.
5 What is the best title for the article?
(A) The student who makes art using computer programs
(B) How to buy a laptop and use your imagination
(C) The most beautiful pictures in art class
ANSWER KEY
1 A 2 C 3 B 4 A 5 A
