Practice English Reading Exercises for A2 – Transitions & Future Plans

Exercises:   12345

Reading 1

For each question, choose the correct answer.

Saying Goodbye to Primary School

My name is Leo, and I am twelve years old. Usually, I am very excited on the last day of the school year because the long summer holidays begin. However, today was different. It was my very last day at primary school, and I actually felt quite sad. I had to say goodbye to the place I knew so well.

I will really miss all my teachers, but especially Mr. Harris. He was my science teacher for the last two years. He always made our lessons interesting and fun. I will never forget the time we made a small volcano in the classroom and it made a terrible mess! He never got angry with us.

In the afternoon, all the students and teachers had a small party in the school hall. We ate cake and listened to music. I gave Mr. Harris a special card to thank him for everything. I wrote a long message inside. He smiled and told me that he will miss my excellent questions in class.

When I walked home with my friends later, I felt a little better. I am quite nervous about starting secondary school in September because it is a much bigger place. But I know I will always remember my wonderful primary school and the amazing teachers there.

1   How did Leo feel on the last day of school?

     (A) excited about the long summer holidays

     (B) unhappy because he was leaving his school

     (C) different from the other twelve-year-old boys

2   What does Leo say about Mr. Harris?

     (A) He was angry when the students made a mess.

     (B) He taught science at the school for one year.

     (C) He made learning very enjoyable.

3   What did Leo do at the school party?

     (A) He gave his favourite teacher a written message.

     (B) He baked a cake for all the students and teachers.

     (C) He asked Mr. Harris some excellent questions.

4   How does Leo feel about his new school?

     (A) He is excited to walk there with his friends in September.

     (B) He is worried because it is a large school.

     (C) He thinks it will be better than his primary school.

5   What is the best title for the article?

     (A) How to make a volcano in science class

     (B) A terrible party on the last day of school

     (C) Leaving a special place and special people

Reading 2

For each question, choose the correct answer.

A Big New School

Lily was eleven years old and it was her first day at Parkside Secondary School. She stood outside the gates and felt very nervous. Her old primary school only had one hundred students, but this new building was massive. There were nearly two thousand pupils here, and Lily felt extremely small.

Inside, the corridors were crowded and noisy. Lily needed to find the science laboratory for her first lesson. She walked past the library and the sports hall, but she couldn’t see the right room. Everyone around her was so tall and moved very fast. Lily started to worry that she was going to be late.

Suddenly, an older girl with a friendly smile stopped to help her. “Are you lost?” she asked kindly. Lily showed the girl her timetable. “Don’t worry, the science laboratory is just down these stairs,” the girl explained. She even walked with Lily to the door. Lily immediately felt much calmer.

When Lily entered the classroom, her teacher wasn’t angry. A girl named Chloe asked Lily to sit next to her, and they worked together on a fun experiment. At the end of the afternoon, the massive school didn’t seem so scary anymore. Lily actually felt excited to return the next day.

1   How did Lily feel about her new school?

     (A) anxious because the place was so large

     (B) unhappy because she missed her old primary school

     (C) angry that there were nearly two thousand pupils

2   What happened to Lily inside the building?

     (A) She had her first lesson in the library.

     (B) She ran to the sports hall because she was late.

     (C) She was unable to discover her classroom.

3   How did the older girl help Lily?

     (A) She gave Lily a new timetable.

     (B) She accompanied the new student to her class.

     (C) She walked down these stairs alone.

4   What made Lily feel better during the lesson?

     (A) Her teacher was very angry with her.

     (B) She enjoyed a classroom activity with another pupil.

     (C) Chloe sat next to her to do an experiment alone.

5   What is the best title for the article?

     (A) How to find the science laboratory

     (B) The oldest girl in secondary school

     (C) A frightening start but a happy finish

Reading 3

For each question, choose the correct answer.

Choosing the Right Subjects

Fourteen-year-old Sam was sitting at the kitchen table with his parents on Sunday evening. They had a very important meeting. They needed to choose Sam’s school subjects for the next year. Sam felt a bit nervous because he wanted to make the right choice.

His dad wanted him to study Science and advanced Math. Dad works as an engineer and believes these subjects are great for getting a good job in the future. He thought Sam should do the same. However, Sam usually gets tired in his Science classes and finds the homework quite difficult.

Sam’s mum had a different idea. She told him to choose a subject he really enjoys, like Art or Music. Sam plays the guitar every day, but he didn’t want to study Music at school. He preferred to keep it as a fun hobby at home. Actually, Sam loved spending time on his computer.

After thinking for a few minutes, Sam finally spoke. He told his parents that he wanted to study Information Technology (IT) and Business. He explained that he wants to build websites one day. His parents listened carefully and then smiled. They completely agreed with his decision. Sam felt very happy and relaxed. Now, he can’t wait for the new school year!

1   Why was Sam nervous on Sunday evening?

     (A) He had to make a big decision about his studies.

     (B) He had an important meeting at his school.

     (C) He had to sit at the kitchen table with his parents.

2   What did Sam’s father want him to do?

     (A) do his difficult Science homework.

     (B) select classes to do the same job as him.

     (C) get a good job as a Science teacher.

3   How does Sam feel about Music?

     (A) He wants to spend more time playing the guitar every day.

     (B) He thinks he needs to study Music at school.

     (C) He likes playing it but not as a school lesson.

4   What happened when Sam told his parents his choice?

     (A) They thought he should learn how to build websites.

     (B) They were pleased with what he wanted to learn.

     (C) They asked him to keep thinking for a few minutes.

5   What is the best title for the story?

     (A) Deciding what to study next year

     (B) How to get a job as an engineer

     (C) A difficult meeting with school teachers

Exercises:   12345