Practice English Reading Exercises for B1 – Landscapes & Phenomena 2
Reading 1
For each question, choose the correct answer.
The Mirror in the Mountains
Last month, my family and I travelled to South America for a three-week holiday. The part of the trip my parents were most excited about was visiting the Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia, the largest salt flat in the world. I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect. I had seen a few pictures online, but I honestly thought that driving across a huge, empty desert of salt would be quite boring. I would have preferred to spend the day exploring a lively city or visiting a museum, but I didn’t want to complain.
When our jeep finally drove onto the salt flats, I was amazed by how endless it looked. There was nothing but white ground for miles in every direction. However, the experience quickly became physically uncomfortable. The sun was shining brightly, and the white salt reflected the light straight up at us. Even though I was wearing my darkest sunglasses, the intense brightness really hurt my eyes. It was also incredibly dry and dusty. After a couple of hours, I started to feel tired and secretly wished we could return to our comfortable hotel.
Then, the weather suddenly changed. Dark clouds rolled in, and a heavy rainstorm started. We had to wait inside the jeep, listening to the rain hitting the roof. I felt disappointed because I assumed our trip was ruined. But when the rain finally stopped and we stepped outside, I couldn’t believe my eyes. A thin layer of water now covered the salt, turning the entire ground into a giant mirror. It reflected the blue sky and the fluffy clouds so perfectly that it was completely impossible to see where the ground ended and the sky began.
It was a mind-blowing optical illusion. We spent the rest of the afternoon taking incredible photographs where we looked like we were walking in the clouds. My initial boredom completely disappeared. I had never experienced a natural environment so weird and wonderful before. It taught me that nature can create magic that is far better than anything you can find in a city. I have already printed the photos to show my classmates, and I know they won’t believe their eyes either!
1 How did the writer feel about visiting the salt flats before arriving?
(A) He was worried that the long drive would be exhausting.
(B) He thought the experience would not be very interesting.
(C) He was excited because his parents had shown him photos.
(D) He wanted to learn more about the history of Bolivia.
2 What problem did the writer have while driving across the salt?
(A) The white ground made it difficult for the driver to see.
(B) The jeep was not comfortable enough for a long journey.
(C) The strong light caused him some physical pain.
(D) He forgot to bring his sunglasses to protect his eyes.
3 When the rain finally stopped, the writer
(A) was annoyed because his clothes were completely wet.
(B) was amazed by how the landscape had suddenly transformed.
(C) felt disappointed that they had to return to their hotel.
(D) couldn’t see the sky because of the thick, dark clouds.
4 What does the writer say about his experience in the final paragraph?
(A) It made him realise that cities are the best places to visit.
(B) It taught him how to take professional photographs.
(C) It completely changed his original opinion of the place.
(D) It made him want to return to Bolivia every summer.
5 What would the writer write in his diary that evening?
(A) The salt flats were huge, but the rain ruined our whole day. I really wish we had visited a museum instead.
(B) My eyes still hurt from the bright sun, and the optical illusion simply wasn’t worth the uncomfortable drive across the salt.
(C) I loved walking in the clouds today! It’s a real shame my parents forgot to bring a camera to capture the magic.
(D) I thought a desert of salt would be dull, but seeing the ground reflect the sky like a mirror was absolutely incredible!
Answer Key & Explanations
1 B – The text states in the first paragraph: “I honestly thought that driving across a huge, empty desert of salt would be quite boring”, which matches the idea that it wouldn’t be very interesting.
2 C – In the second paragraph, the writer explains that despite wearing dark sunglasses, “the intense brightness really hurt my eyes”, indicating physical pain caused by the strong light.
3 B – Paragraph three describes the writer stepping outside and saying, “I couldn’t believe my eyes” because the water had turned the ground into a giant mirror, showing his amazement at the transformed landscape.
4 C – In the final paragraph, the writer notes, “My initial boredom completely disappeared” and that he had never seen anything so wonderful, meaning his initial negative opinion had changed entirely.
5 D – This option accurately captures the global meaning and emotional arc of the text: starting with low expectations (thinking it would be dull) and ending in awe at the spectacular mirror illusion created by the rain.
Reading 2
For each question, choose the correct answer.
An Active Volcano Hike
Last summer, my parents announced that we were going on a holiday to Sicily, an island in the south of Italy. The main event of our trip was going to be a guided hike up Mount Etna, which is a famous active volcano. When they first told me about the plan, I was mostly excited. I pictured myself strolling up a smooth mountain path in the sunshine, taking some impressive photographs to share with my classmates back home. I thought it would just be a slightly unusual, but fairly relaxing, nature walk.
However, the reality of the hike was completely different from what I had imagined. As soon as we started walking, I realised how rough the ground actually was. The path wasn’t made of soft dirt; it was covered in sharp, black volcanic rocks that made it extremely difficult to balance. My boots kept slipping, and my legs soon started to ache. Then, the terrible smell hit us. The guide explained it was sulfur gas, but to me, it smelled exactly like rotten eggs. The disgusting smell was so strong that I actually asked my parents if we could just turn around and go back to the hotel.
Despite my complaints, my parents encouraged me to keep going, promising it would be worth the effort. After two hours of exhausting climbing, we finally reached the edge of the crater. The guide told us to put on safety glasses and look down. I carefully stepped forward and couldn’t believe my eyes. Deep inside the volcano, bright red lava was bubbling and splashing against the dark rocks. The heat hitting my face was intense, and the loud noise of the moving liquid rock was terrifying but fascinating at the same time.
Standing there, looking into the center of the volcano, I completely forgot about my tired legs and the awful smell of sulfur. Seeing the raw power of the Earth right in front of me was an unforgettable experience. It made me realise how tiny humans are compared to the forces of nature. I am really glad I didn’t give up when the climb was difficult. If I ever get the opportunity to visit another active volcano, I will definitely go, although I’ll make sure I have better climbing boots next time!
1 What did the writer expect the hike to be like?
(A) A dangerous and thrilling adventure.
(B) An easy and pleasant walk in nature.
(C) An opportunity to study Italian geography.
(D) A very tiring climb in the hot sunshine.
2 Why did the writer want to turn around and return to the hotel?
(A) The sharp black rocks had ruined their boots.
(B) The guide was walking too fast for them to keep up.
(C) They could not stand the awful smell in the air.
(D) They were afraid of breathing in poisonous gas.
3 How did the writer feel when looking into the crater?
(A) Disappointed that the lava was so far away.
(B) Amazed by the sight, sound, and heat of the lava.
(C) Worried that their safety glasses might melt.
(D) Shocked by a sudden loud noise the guide made.
4 How does the writer feel about the trip now?
(A) They are pleased that they continued despite the physical challenges.
(B) They believe that humans should stay far away from powerful volcanoes.
(C) They think taking impressive photos is the most important part of travelling.
(D) They regret complaining to their parents about the terrible conditions.
5 What would the writer text to a friend about the hike?
(A) We climbed Mount Etna today. It smelled like rotten eggs and my legs hurt so much that I told my parents I’m never hiking again!
(B) The volcano hike was exactly what I expected. I took some great photos of the smooth paths and the bright red lava at the top.
(C) Our guide made us look into the volcano, but it was too dangerous. We had to turn back early because the sulfur gas was too strong.
(D) I thought hiking a volcano would be a simple walk, but it was tough and smelly. However, seeing the bubbling lava made it totally worth it!
Answer Key & Explanations
1 B – In paragraph 1, the writer states they “pictured myself strolling up a smooth mountain path” and thought it would be a “fairly relaxing, nature walk,” which means they expected an easy and pleasant walk.
2 C – In paragraph 2, the writer explains that the “disgusting smell was so strong” that they asked if they could “turn around and go back to the hotel.”
3 B – In paragraph 3, the writer describes being fascinated and terrified while noting the “bright red lava… bubbling and splashing” (sight), the “heat hitting my face” (heat), and the “loud noise of the moving liquid rock” (sound).
4 A – In paragraph 4, the writer reflects, “I am really glad I didn’t give up when the climb was difficult,” showing they are pleased they kept going despite the tough terrain and tiredness.
5 D – This option successfully captures the global meaning and the writer’s emotional arc: starting with the naive expectation of an easy walk, facing the tough reality of the terrain and smell, and concluding that the incredible view of the lava made the whole struggle worthwhile.
Reading 3
For each question, choose the correct answer.
Floating at the Lowest Point on Earth
Last month, my family and I travelled to the Middle East for our holidays. The part of the trip I was looking forward to the most was visiting the Dead Sea. My geography teacher had told us that it is the lowest point on Earth, and I was fascinated by the idea. As we drove down through the dry, rocky mountains towards the water, I felt a mix of excitement and curiosity. I couldn’t wait to see if all the stories I had heard about the magical water were actually true.
When we finally arrived at the beach, the sun was incredibly hot. I quickly changed into my swimming costume and ran towards the water. However, the moment I stepped in, I felt a terrible burning sensation on my left leg. I had completely forgotten about a small cut I got while hiking the day before! The water in the Dead Sea is almost ten times saltier than the ocean, so it stung badly. For a few minutes, I honestly wanted to run straight back to the hotel room and wash it off.
Fortunately, the pain soon stopped, and I was able to walk further in. That was when the real fun began. I tried to swim normally, but my legs just popped up to the surface. It was impossible to sink! I lay back and found myself floating completely effortlessly, like a balloon resting on the water. My dad even handed me a book he had brought from the car. We took some hilarious photos of me pretending to read while floating on my back. It was the most bizarre, yet amazing thing I have ever experienced.
After about twenty minutes, the salt started to make my skin feel tight and itchy, so we decided it was time to get out. We covered ourselves in the famous black mud from the beach, which is supposed to be excellent for your skin, and then washed it all off in the fresh water showers. Sitting on the beach afterwards, I realised how lucky I was to visit such an extraordinary place. I have done many exciting things on holiday, but nothing compares to the strange sensation of floating in the Dead Sea.
1 Why was the writer excited about going to the Dead Sea?
(A) He wanted to prove his geography teacher wrong.
(B) He had learned about its unique location at school.
(C) He loved exploring dry and rocky mountains.
(D) He wanted to read a book while floating on the water.
2 What happened when the writer first entered the water?
(A) He found the water much too hot to swim in.
(B) He remembered a story he heard the day before.
(C) He experienced unexpected pain from a previous injury.
(D) He decided to go back to his hotel room immediately.
3 How did the writer feel about floating in the sea?
(A) He found it difficult to keep his legs on the surface.
(B) He was annoyed that his dad made him hold a book.
(C) He was amazed by how easy it was to stay above the water.
(D) He felt frightened because he couldn’t swim normally.
4 Why did the writer get out of the water?
(A) He wanted to try putting some mud on his skin.
(B) The salt in the water was making him feel uncomfortable.
(C) He needed to find a fresh water shower immediately.
(D) He felt tired after spending too long floating.
5 What would the writer write in his diary that evening?
(A) Visiting the Dead Sea was interesting, but I wish the water hadn’t hurt my leg so much. Next time, I think I’ll just stick to a normal beach holiday.
(B) The mud at the Dead Sea was great, but the water was too salty to swim in. I was quite disappointed because I really wanted to try floating with a book.
(C) Floating in the Dead Sea was completely weird but absolutely incredible! Despite the sharp sting at the beginning, it’s definitely the most unique thing I’ve ever done.
(D) I finally visited the lowest point on Earth today! It was beautiful, but I wouldn’t recommend going in the water unless you are a very strong swimmer.
Answer Key & Explanations
1 B – In paragraph 1, the writer states he was fascinated because his “geography teacher had told us that it is the lowest point on Earth”, mapping to learning about its unique location at school.
2 C – Paragraph 2 explains that the moment he stepped in, he “felt a terrible burning sensation” because he had “completely forgotten about a small cut I got while hiking the day before.”
3 C – In paragraph 3, the writer says it was “impossible to sink” and he found himself “floating completely effortlessly… It was the most bizarre, yet amazing thing I have ever experienced.”
4 B – Paragraph 4 details that he got out because “the salt started to make my skin feel tight and itchy”, which means the water was making him uncomfortable.
5 C – This option accurately captures the global meaning and the writer’s emotional arc: acknowledging the weirdness and initial pain of the salt in his cut, but concluding that the effortless floating made it an incredible and unique experience.