Practice English Reading Exercises for B1 – Everyday Repairs & Errands 3

Exercises:   123456

Reading 1

For each question, choose the correct answer.

The people below all want to find a watch and jewelry repair shop.

There are descriptions of eight repair shops.

Decide which repair shop would be the most suitable for the people below.

1   Sarah has an expensive vintage silver necklace that needs careful polishing. She also needs someone to replace the battery in her everyday watch. Because her jewelry is highly valuable, she requires a shop with full insurance for customer items.

2   Tom needs a new battery for his sports watch. He also wants his silver bracelet washed to make it shine again. He is in a hurry, so he wants a shop that can do the work while he waits.

3   Mia is looking for a place to clean her grandmother’s old silver rings. She wants to ensure they are protected against loss or damage. As a student, she needs a shop that offers special low prices or discounts.

4   Liam needs to put a fresh battery in his watch. His watch is a rare, expensive brand, so the shop must provide an insurance guarantee. He works until 6 p.m., so he needs a place open late in the evening.

5   Emma wants to wash some dark marks off her old silver earrings. She also needs to change the dead battery in her watch. She lives far away, so she needs a business that can return her items by post.

Watch and Jewelry Repair Shops

A The Golden Jeweller

Bring us your tired, dirty metal chains and we will make them sparkle beautifully again! We also supply and fit fresh power cells for all types of wristwear. Your precious belongings are completely covered against loss or damage while they remain in our safe hands, giving you total peace of mind.

B Quick Fix Watchmakers

Does your clock have no power? We can insert a brand new energy source in minutes! We are also experts at removing dirt from traditional white-metal jewellery. Take a seat in our comfortable customer lounge, and we will finish all the necessary repairs before you even leave the building.

C Silver Sparkle Studio

We specialise in washing and fixing antique white-metal bands and necklaces. Because we understand your pieces are precious, our full financial protection policy covers everything left with us. If you are currently studying at college or university, just show your ID card to receive a fantastic reduction on your final bill!

D City Timepieces

We focus on keeping your wristwear ticking by installing high-quality replacement power units. Every single item left in our workshop receives complete safety protection, so you won’t worry about your valuable designer pieces. Our doors remain open until 9 p.m. on weekdays, perfect for those arriving after busy office hours.

E The Post-It Jeweller

If your wrist-clock has stopped working, send it to us for a rapid energy cell replacement! We also have special tools to safely wash and brighten your traditional white-metal accessories. Once your items are ready, we will securely mail them right back to your front door to save you a journey.

F High Street Repairs

We provide excellent services to restore the shine to your old white-metal rings and bracelets. We also fit fresh power cells into any brand of wristwear very quickly. Please note that customers leave items at their own risk, as our small shop currently does not hold a security protection policy.

G Student Gems

We are located near the university and offer amazing price cuts for anyone in full-time education. Our team is brilliant at removing black marks from your traditional white-metal chains and rings. Unfortunately, we cannot offer financial protection for your belongings, so we suggest not bringing extremely expensive items to us.

H Tick Tock Shop

We are the fastest wristwear repair team in town! Take a seat and read a magazine; we will install a fresh power unit in your clock before you finish your coffee. We only deal with leather straps, glass, and mechanics, so we cannot wash or polish any rings or necklaces.

Reading 2

For each question, choose the correct answer.

The people below all want to find a post office service to use.

There are descriptions of eight post office branches.

Decide which post office branch would be the most suitable for the people below.

1   Lucas wants to post a birthday gift to his cousin in Australia. He also needs to get some euros for a European holiday next week. Because of his job, he must find a branch that opens early in the morning.

2   Emma needs to pick up the official papers to apply for her first passport. She also wants to print several digital photographs. Since she works during the week, she is only free to visit on Saturday afternoons.

3   David wants to mail a heavy box of old textbooks to his brother in Canada. He also needs to purchase insurance for his upcoming trip. He requires a post office that has its own large parking area.

4   Sophia needs to collect some US dollars for a business trip and get the correct forms to renew her passport. She is in a hurry, so she wants a post office located inside the main shopping mall.

5   Oliver wants to send an important parcel to a friend in France. He also needs to pay his monthly electricity bill. He is looking for a service that can guarantee his package arrives by tomorrow afternoon.

Post Office Branches

A The Early Branch

We open our doors at 6:00 a.m. Monday to Friday, which is ideal for people traveling before work. Our staff can help you ship parcels to any international destination, including Asia and Australia. We also offer a great currency service with excellent rates on euros and US dollars.

B Weekend Post

We are open all day on Saturdays until 6 p.m. Drop by after lunch to use our high-speed digital photo-printing machines. You can also collect application forms for national identity cards and passports here. Please note that we do not offer international shipping or money exchange services at this branch.

C Parkside Mailing

Our large branch features a massive, free customer car park, making it easy to bring heavy items inside. We offer reliable global shipping for boxes and luggage to America, Canada, and beyond. Customers can also buy comprehensive travel insurance at our main counter. We close at 5:00 p.m. daily.

D Plaza Postal

Conveniently situated on the ground floor of the central shopping center, we are perfect for busy shoppers. Come in to pick up your travel document renewal applications. We also stock over twenty global currencies, including US dollars, for immediate pickup. We do not have facilities for printing or paying bills.

E Line Express Delivery Hub

We specialize in rapid international shipping and can ensure your urgent parcels reach European countries like France by the next day. You can also settle your gas, water, and electricity bills quickly at our automated kiosks. We are open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. throughout the week.

F Global Currency Center

We provide a fantastic money exchange service with top rates on euros, dollars, and Australian currency. We can also help you send gifts and parcels overseas securely. Our branch is located in a quiet village with no parking facilities, and we open from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily.

G The Central Office

Located right in the middle of town, we are open Monday to Friday for all your postal needs. You can pay household bills and collect application paperwork for renewing passports and driving licenses. We also offer a photo-printing service. Please note that we are completely closed on Saturdays and Sundays.

H Mall Post & Pay

Find us inside the main shopping mall next to the food court. We are open seven days a week. You can pay your electricity and phone bills here, and exchange currency for US dollars or euros. Please note that this branch does not handle parcel shipping or passport applications.

Reading 3

For each question, choose the correct answer.

The people below all want to find a car wash and valeting service.

There are descriptions of eight car wash businesses.

Decide which business would be the most suitable for the people below.

1   Anna wants to have both the inside and outside of her car cleaned thoroughly. She insists on a gentle hand wash because she is worried about mechanical brushes scratching the paint. She also wants a comfortable waiting area with free coffee.

2   Mark needs a quick exterior-only clean for his large commercial delivery van. He prefers an automated machine wash to save time and needs a facility that has high vehicle clearance. He also prefers to pay by card.

3   Chloe wants a deep clean for the inside of her car to remove stubborn pet hair, but she does not need the exterior washed. She wants to leave her car near a shopping centre so she can walk to the shops, and she needs a fixed price quote in advance.

4   David is looking for a high-quality exterior hand wash for his sports car. He is in a rush, so the service must take less than 15 minutes. He also wants a business that offers a loyalty card or discount scheme for regular customers.

5   Elena wants an automated machine wash for the outside of her car combined with a quick interior vacuum. She cares about the environment and wants a service that uses recycled water. She also needs a waiting zone with free Wi-Fi so she can work.

Car Wash and Valeting Services

A Elite Hand Valet

Treat your vehicle to our premium care package! We provide a complete interior and exterior cleaning service performed entirely by hand by our trained staff, ensuring your paintwork remains scratch-free. While we work, relax in our climate-controlled lounge where you can enjoy a complimentary hot coffee or tea.

B Express Drive-Thru

Our high-speed automated machine wash system is perfect for drivers on the move. Our modern wash bay features an extra-high roof clearance specifically designed to accommodate large commercial vans and trucks. To keep our lines moving quickly, please note that we only accept digital card and contactless payments.

C Cabin Care Specialists

We focus exclusively on making the inside of your vehicle look brand new. Our team excels at removing tough stains and pet hair from seats and carpets, though we do not offer any exterior washing. We are situated directly adjacent to the main town shopping mall, and we always provide a guaranteed fixed price before we start.

D Rapid Hand Wash

Don’t want mechanical brushes touching your vehicle? Our team offers a gentle exterior hand wash that delivers a brilliant shine. Our efficient setup ensures you will be back on the road in under 15 minutes. Don’t forget to ask for our loyalty card at the desk to get every sixth wash completely free!

E Eco-Wash Station

Get a complete clean with a conscience! We offer a combined automated brush wash for the outside alongside a rapid cabin vacuuming. Our facility runs on a fully eco-friendly setup that filters and recycles water. Drivers can stay productive in our quiet waiting zone equipped with free high-speed Wi-Fi.

F Sparkle & Shine

We offer excellent automated machine washes for both the inside and outside of regular cars. Our system uses advanced soft sponges to clean the exterior quickly. However, our wash bays have a low clearance limit and cannot fit commercial vans or taller vehicles, and we do not have a customer waiting lounge.

G The Detailed Clean

If you want your car looking perfect for a show, our hand-washing and polishing service is second to none. We vacuum carpets, condition leather, and hand-wash the exterior. Because we are highly detailed, every vehicle takes a minimum of two hours. We are located in a quiet industrial estate far from any shops.

H Super Jet Wash

We provide self-service pressure washers and vacuums for drivers who like to clean their own vehicles. It is highly affordable and open 24 hours a day. We have change machines on site that accept cash notes, but we do not offer loyalty cards, Wi-Fi facilities, or any staff-led hand washing services.

Exercises:   123456