Practice English Reading Exercises for B1 – Extreme and Water Sports 6
Reading 1
For each question, choose the correct answer.
A Surprising Flight Through the Forest
Every summer, my family goes on an active holiday, but this year’s trip to a dense forest in the mountains was different. Instead of our usual hiking and cycling, my parents booked an afternoon at a famous zip-line park. I wasn’t particularly keen on the idea. I’m not a huge fan of heights, and looking at the brochure, the zip-line seemed incredibly long and high up in the trees. However, I didn’t really have a choice, so I put on a smile and got in the car.
When we arrived, the reality of the situation hit me. The thick metal wires stretched across a massive valley, and people looked like tiny birds flying across the sky. My ten-year-old brother, Leo, suddenly started crying, saying he didn’t want to do it. Although my own legs were shaking, I knew I had to be a supportive older brother. I told him it was perfectly safe and that we were going to feel like superheroes. I pretended to be completely confident so that he wouldn’t panic, successfully hiding how terrified I actually was.
Soon, it was our turn to put on the safety equipment. The friendly guides helped us into our heavy harnesses and hard helmets. Then, we climbed a tall wooden tower to reach the starting platform. Standing at the top and looking down at the ground far below, my heart was beating so fast I thought it might explode. The instructor explained the rules clearly and attached my equipment to the wire. He asked if I was ready, and before I could change my mind, I stepped off the edge.
For the first second, I closed my eyes tightly, expecting the worst. But suddenly, the fear completely disappeared. I opened my eyes and realised I was gliding smoothly through the air. The cool wind rushed past my face, and the view of the green forest below was absolutely breathtaking. I could hear my parents cheering from the other side. When my feet finally hit the landing platform, I felt an amazing sense of achievement. Leo arrived a minute later with a huge grin on his face. I knew that if we returned next year, I would definitely do it again!
1 How did the writer feel about going zip-lining at first?
(A) He was annoyed because he preferred cycling.
(B) He was unenthusiastic because he dislikes being in high places.
(C) He was excited about doing a new activity with his family.
(D) He was angry that his parents didn’t let him choose the activity.
2 Why did the writer act bravely when they arrived at the park?
(A) He wanted to impress the people flying across the valley.
(B) He wanted to show his parents that he was a superhero.
(C) He needed to help his younger brother feel less afraid.
(D) He suddenly realised that the zip-line was completely safe.
3 What happened while the writer was on the starting platform?
(A) He struggled to put on his heavy safety equipment.
(B) He felt extremely nervous about how high up he was.
(C) He couldn’t hear the instructor’s safety rules clearly.
(D) He decided he wanted to change his mind and go back down.
4 How did the writer’s attitude change during the ride?
(A) He was frightened until he saw his parents waiting for him.
(B) He stopped being scared and started enjoying the experience.
(C) He kept his eyes closed because the wind was too strong.
(D) He felt proud because he travelled faster than his brother.
5 What might the writer write in his blog after the trip?
(A) Zip-lining was okay, but I wish my younger brother hadn’t cried so much. It ruined the start of the trip for me.
(B) If you’re afraid of heights, I definitely don’t recommend zip-lining. Even though I survived, I wouldn’t want to try it again.
(C) I’m so proud of myself for organising such a great family trip. The zip-line was huge, but my parents and brother loved it.
(D) Today I learned that sometimes you have to face your fears. I was terrified at first, but it ended up being an incredible experience!
Answer Key & Explanations
1 B – In the first paragraph, the writer says “I wasn’t particularly keen on the idea” and “I’m not a huge fan of heights,” which matches being unenthusiastic due to disliking high places.
2 C – In the second paragraph, the writer explains that his brother was crying and says “I pretended to be completely confident so that he wouldn’t panic”, showing his motivation was to comfort his sibling.
3 B – In the third paragraph, the writer describes standing on the platform and looking down, stating “my heart was beating so fast I thought it might explode,” which indicates extreme nervousness about the height.
4 B – In the fourth paragraph, the writer notes that after the first second, “the fear completely disappeared” and he realised the view was “absolutely breathtaking,” showing a shift from fear to enjoyment.
5 D – This option captures the global meaning and emotional arc of the text: pretending to be brave while secretly terrified, overcoming that fear, and ultimately finding the zip-line experience amazing and rewarding.
Reading 2
For each question, choose the correct answer.
Facing the Drop
Last weekend, my older brother invited me to go on an adventure holiday in the mountains. I usually prefer staying at home and playing video games, but I decided it was time to try something completely new. I didn’t know what to expect when we arrived at the outdoor centre, but the schedule said our first activity was abseiling. I had seen people abseiling down buildings on television, but I had never thought about doing it myself. As we walked towards the tall, rocky cliff, I started to feel incredibly nervous.
When we reached the top, our instructor, Mark, gave us our equipment. He handed me a heavy helmet and a harness, which I had to put on around my waist and legs. Mark explained exactly how the ropes worked and told us that we were completely safe. He said the equipment was so strong it could hold the weight of a car! Even though I understood his instructions, looking down at the ground thirty metres below made my stomach turn. The biggest challenge wasn’t physical; it was the mental hurdle of actually believing that a thin piece of rope would keep me from falling.
Then it was my turn. Mark told me to stand near the edge of the cliff and turn my back to the drop. He said the most important thing was to keep my legs straight and lean backward into the empty space. This went against all my natural instincts. My brain was screaming at me to step away from the edge, not to lean over it! For a few terrible seconds, I just stood there, freezing with fear. However, my brother shouted some encouraging words, which helped me find the courage to slowly lean back.
Once I had all my weight on the rope, everything changed. I slowly walked backwards down the rock face, letting the rope slide through my hands just like Mark had taught us. The view of the valley was absolutely amazing, and the cool wind felt great on my face. When my feet finally touched the solid ground at the bottom, I felt a huge sense of achievement. I had faced one of my biggest fears. I am already asking my parents if I can do an advanced abseiling course next summer.
1 How did the writer feel about abseiling before arriving at the outdoor centre?
(A) He was excited because he had seen it on television.
(B) He hadn’t considered trying it before that day.
(C) He chose the adventure holiday specifically to do it.
(D) He preferred it to playing video games at home.
2 What was the most difficult part of the experience for the writer while getting ready?
(A) Putting on the uncomfortable harness and heavy helmet.
(B) Understanding how the complicated ropes actually worked.
(C) Trusting that the equipment would stop him from falling.
(D) Standing thirty metres above a car parked below.
3 When the writer was standing at the edge of the cliff, he
(A) found it hard to do what the instructor asked.
(B) listened to his brother’s advice on how to use the rope.
(C) decided to bend his legs to feel more secure.
(D) stepped back away from the edge because he was scared.
4 How did the writer’s attitude change during the descent?
(A) He realised going down was much faster than he expected.
(B) He began to enjoy the experience and his surroundings.
(C) He felt proud that he didn’t need to use his hands.
(D) He was disappointed when he reached the bottom so quickly.
5 What might the writer write in his diary that evening?
(A) I can’t believe I let my brother talk me into going abseiling! I was terrified the whole time and I’m never doing it again.
(B) Today I did something that really frightened me at first, but I managed to do it and I’m really looking forward to doing it again!
(C) Abseiling was quite easy once I understood how the equipment worked. Next time, I want to try doing it without a rope!
(D) I was so brave at the top of the cliff that I didn’t even hesitate. The instructor was very impressed with my natural climbing skills.
Answer Key & Explanations
1 B – The first paragraph states, “I had seen people abseiling down buildings on television, but I had never thought about doing it myself,” which means he hadn’t considered trying it before.
2 C – In the second paragraph, the writer explains that “The biggest challenge wasn’t physical; it was the mental hurdle of actually believing that a thin piece of rope would keep me from falling.”
3 A – The third paragraph describes how leaning backward into empty space “went against all my natural instincts” and his “brain was screaming at me to step away… not to lean over it,” showing it was hard to follow instructions.
4 B – Paragraph four explains that once he was on the rope, “everything changed,” he thought the “view of the valley was absolutely amazing,” and the “cool wind felt great,” showing he started to enjoy it.
5 B – This option captures the global meaning and narrative arc of the text: the writer was initially terrified to lean over the edge but overcame his fear, enjoyed the descent, and now wants to do an advanced course next summer.
Reading 3
For each question, choose the correct answer.
Taking the Plunge into Water Polo
I have been a competitive swimmer since I was eight years old. For years, I spent hours every week swimming up and down the same lanes at my local pool. Recently, however, I started finding the routine a bit boring. I wanted a new challenge. One evening, I noticed the school water polo team practising in the deep end. They were throwing the ball around, shouting instructions, and moving incredibly fast. It looked like a lot of fun, so I asked the coach if I could join them for a session.
When I turned up for my first practice, I felt pretty confident. Because I was already a fast swimmer, I assumed I would immediately be good at water polo. I was completely wrong! The coach explained that players aren’t allowed to touch the bottom of the pool. Instead, you have to use a special kicking technique to keep your head and shoulders above the surface. After just ten minutes of doing this, my legs felt heavier than they ever had before. I was absolutely exhausted.
Things got even more difficult when we actually started playing with the ball. In regular swimming, you keep your face in the water and focus on your own rhythm. In water polo, you have to look around constantly to see where your teammates are. Passing the wet, slippery ball with just one hand while trying not to sink was a nightmare. Every time I tried to throw it, I lost my balance and swallowed half the pool water. I quickly realised this sport requires an unbelievable amount of physical strength.
Despite the difficult start, I refused to give up. I have been attending training sessions twice a week for two months now, and I can finally stay above the water comfortably. Last week, we had a practice match against another school, and I managed to score my very first goal. The whole team cheered for me. That is the best thing about water polo: instead of competing alone, you share the experience with your friends. Although it’s the toughest sport I’ve ever tried, I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
1 Why did the writer decide to try water polo?
(A) He was bored of doing the same swimming exercises.
(B) He wanted to improve his overall swimming speed.
(C) His swimming coach suggested he try a team sport.
(D) He wanted to spend more time with friends at the pool.
2 How did the writer feel during his first water polo practice?
(A) Confident that he was the best swimmer in the pool.
(B) Annoyed that he was not allowed to stand on the floor.
(C) Surprised by how tiring it was to stay above the water.
(D) Disappointed that he didn’t get to use the ball immediately.
3 What did the writer find hardest about using the ball?
(A) Keeping an eye on the other players while holding it.
(B) Staying upright while attempting to throw it.
(C) Stopping it from slipping out of his wet hands.
(D) Remembering the complicated rules of the game.
4 What does the writer appreciate most about water polo now?
(A) Getting much fitter and stronger than he was before.
(B) Being able to score goals in important school matches.
(C) Knowing that he has mastered a very challenging sport.
(D) Working together with other people as a group.
5 What would the writer text to a friend about his water polo experience?
(A) I joined the team because I’m a great swimmer, but I didn’t realise how much it would hurt my arms to throw the ball.
(B) You should join the team! It’s actually really easy if you already know how to swim, and we have a lot of fun.
(C) It’s definitely much harder than normal swimming! But I really love the team spirit and I’m glad I didn’t quit.
(D) I finally scored a goal today! I think I’ll stop doing regular swimming altogether because I’m not getting any faster.
Answer Key & Explanations
1 A – The text states that the writer spent hours “swimming up and down the same lanes” and started finding the “routine a bit boring,” which paraphrases to being bored of doing the same swimming exercises.
2 C – In paragraph 2, the writer says he assumed he would be good at it but was “completely wrong.” Having to kick to keep his head above the surface left his legs feeling heavy and made him “absolutely exhausted,” showing his surprise at the physical toll.
3 B – The text clearly notes that “Every time I tried to throw it, I lost my balance and swallowed half the pool water.” This is paraphrased in the correct option as “staying upright while attempting to throw it.”
4 D – In the final paragraph, the writer states, “That is the best thing about water polo: instead of competing alone, you share the experience with your friends,” which matches the idea of working together as a group.
5 C – This option accurately captures the global meaning of the text. It acknowledges the extreme difficulty compared to regular swimming (covered in paragraphs 2 and 3) while expressing his positive attitude towards teamwork and his resilience in not giving up (covered in paragraph 4).