Practice English Reading Exercises for B1 – Magazines, Comics & Book Clubs 5
Reading 1
For each question, choose the correct answer.
The people below all want to find a second-hand book exchange event.
There are descriptions of eight book exchange events.
Decide which book exchange event would be the most suitable for the people below.
1 Lucas wants to exchange his younger sister’s old storybooks. He is looking for an event that teaches about protecting the environment. He is only free to attend an event on a Saturday or Sunday before midday.
2 Maria hopes to find old, rare novels and swap her own used books without spending any money. She also wants a place where she can buy a hot drink and relax while reading her new items.
3 David needs to swap his old university textbooks for different ones. He is busy studying during the day, so he needs an evening event. He would also like to meet local authors to discuss their work.
4 Anna loves science fiction and wants to swap her used novels. She prefers an event that features live music while people browse. She must be able to easily reach the venue by taking the underground train.
5 Tom is looking for a place to trade his Japanese graphic novels. He wants to attend a workshop on how to fix damaged paper pages. He also wants to ensure the event uses zero single-use plastics.
Second-Hand Book Exchange Events
A Green Kids Book Swap
Bring your little ones’ finished tales and take home new adventures at our weekend breakfast exchange! Families can join our special educational workshops about recycling, reducing waste, and saving nature. The event opens its doors from 9 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. every Saturday and Sunday. Come share the joy of reading!
B The Reading Tree
This afternoon event is perfect for families looking to trade kids’ literature. You can drop off your children’s used stories and pick up new ones completely free of charge! Parents can enjoy our lovely tea shop while the young ones listen to exciting storytellers. However, we are closed on weekends.
C Classic Pages Exchange
Discover unusual, historical literature at our charming historic venue. You can trade your previously loved reading materials here at no cost at all—keep your wallet in your pocket! Once you find a hidden treasure, visit our fantastic on-site café to enjoy a delicious cappuccino and a slice of cake.
D Scholars & Writers Night
Are you finished with last semester’s study materials? Trade your college reading guides with other students here. Doors open at 7 p.m. for late visitors. In addition to browsing, you will have the unique opportunity to chat with successful writers from our city about their latest publications and creative processes.
E Campus Book Fest
University learners can bring their old study guides and swap them for next year’s materials. While you search for the right educational texts, enjoy wonderful performances by the college jazz band. We are open from midday until 4 p.m., making it a perfect afternoon activity between your daily classes.
F Galactic Stories Event
Trade your imaginative space adventures and fantasy paperbacks at our lively gathering. A fantastic local rock band will perform on stage to entertain you while you look through the tables. We are located right next to the central tube station, so getting here without a car is incredibly
simple.
G Illustrated Tales Trade
Fans of visual storytelling can easily exchange their used manga and superhero magazines here. We are completely committed to sustainability, so no single-use packaging is allowed inside. Additionally, our expert staff run helpful sessions teaching you how to mend torn covers and glue falling pages back together to keep collections perfect.
H Central Comic Swap
Located just steps away from the main underground station, this exchange is perfect for fans of Japanese art and superhero magazines. We also have a special section for highly valuable, antique comic editions. Unfortunately, there are no activities or classes available, but entry is completely free for all our visitors.
ANSWER KEY
1 A 2 C 3 D 4 F 5 G
Reading 2
For each question, choose the correct answer.
The people below all want to find an author signing event to attend.
There are descriptions of eight author events.
Decide which event would be the most suitable for the people below.
1 Anna wants to meet a famous writer of magic and fantasy stories. She hates waiting in long queues and wants to get her book quickly. She also needs to buy a special hardback copy to add to her collection.
2 David is looking for an event with a famous chef who writes recipe books. He is busy studying, so he must attend on a Saturday or Sunday. He really wants to take a photograph with the writer too.
3 Maria and John want to meet someone who writes about global travel and adventures. They would love to sit and listen to the writer read from their new work. They also hope to receive a free gift.
4 Samuel enjoys novels about the past and wants to meet a historical fiction author. He works until late afternoon, so the event must happen in the evening. He is also very keen to ask the writer some questions.
5 Lily is fascinated by the natural world and wants to meet a science writer. She plans to bring her own old copy from home to be signed. She prefers small, quiet events where there aren’t many people.
Author Signing Events
A Dragon Worlds
Meet the creator of the popular ‘Dragon’ universe! To ensure you don’t spend hours standing around, we offer timed entry tickets for quick access. You can purchase the beautiful new thick-cover edition at the door. It is the perfect opportunity to meet the master of modern
imaginary adventures!
B Taste the Globe
Join international food expert Chef Antonio this Saturday afternoon! He will be signing his newest collection of delicious meal ideas. After getting your signature, our friendly staff will be happy to use your phone to snap a picture of you smiling next to him. Don’t miss this tasty weekend opportunity!
C Journey Beyond
Explorer Sarah Jenkins will visit our store to celebrate her latest journey across Africa. Before signing your books, she will share a chapter, speaking her words to the audience. Every person who buys a copy will also go home with a complimentary wall picture showing a beautiful desert landscape.
D Shadows of Rome
Discover the ancient world with bestselling novelist Robert Hughes. Arrive at 7:00 p.m. to hear all about his latest Roman thriller. Afterwards, the audience is invited to hold a discussion and find out the answers to their burning thoughts. Get your copy signed by this master of past tales!
E The Green Planet
Biologist Dr Emma White is visiting to discuss her wildlife discoveries. This is an intimate, private gathering limited to just twenty guests, ensuring a peaceful atmosphere. There is no need to purchase anything new today; guests are welcome to carry their personal, well-loved paperbacks with them to get a signature.
F Magic and Monsters
Fans of imaginary beasts will love meeting author Peter Gray! He will be available all day to sign his beautiful new heavy-bound releases. Because he is so famous, please arrive early and wear comfortable shoes, as you will definitely be waiting outside in a huge crowd for a while!
G Baking Through Time
Discover how people cooked centuries ago! Join us on Sunday night to meet the author of this fascinating historical recipe guide. You can get your book signed, but please note that due to the author’s tight schedule, she cannot pose for selfies or take any inquiries from the crowd.
H Oceans Alive
Marine scientist Tom Rivers brings his underwater adventures to the city! Bring your previously bought copies along, as he is happy to sign anything. It will be an incredibly busy, noisy afternoon with hundreds of fans, so unfortunately, he won’t have time to perform any spoken chapters for the audience.
ANSWER KEY
1 A 2 B 3 C 4 D 5 E
Reading 3
For each question, choose the correct answer.
The people below all want to find an online reading community.
There are descriptions of eight online reading platforms.
Decide which platform would be the most suitable for the people below.
1 Lucas wants to read unofficial stories about his favourite TV characters. He likes sharing his opinions directly under each chapter he reads. Because he travels often, he needs a platform that offers a mobile application for his phone.
2 Maya has written several fantasy tales and wants to publish her own work. She is looking for a site that hosts regular writing competitions to win prizes. Because she is a student, the platform must not cost anything.
3 Sam enjoys reading fan-created stories about famous pop bands. He prefers listening to spoken-word audio versions of texts while running. He also needs the ability to download files to use when he has no internet connection.
4 Chloe wants a place to upload her original poetry and short tales. She enjoys chatting with other young writers in active discussion groups. As she is only thirteen, she needs a website with strict safety rules for teenagers.
5 David wants to read completed historical novels rather than waiting for new chapters. He enjoys discussing plots by writing reviews and wants a platform where readers can easily send financial tips to support their favourite independent authors.
Online Reading Communities
A Fandom Hub
Dive into thousands of creative tales based on popular television series and movies. Readers can leave their thoughts and feedback at the bottom of every single page to connect with creators. You can easily take these adventures anywhere by downloading our special software straight to your smart device today.
B Story Crafters
This fantastic platform allows new authors to share their original writing with a global audience. We regularly run exciting contests where the best writers can earn fantastic rewards. Anyone can join and use all our features without ever paying a single penny, making it an excellent choice for everyone.
C Sound Pages
Explore thousands of incredible adventures featuring your favourite musicians and celebrities. Instead of just looking at the screen, you can hear professional voice actors narrate the texts. Users can easily save all their favourite tracks to their device, allowing them to enjoy the entertainment without needing a Wi-Fi connection.
D Youth Ink
Perfect for younger creators, this highly secure community allows members to post their own creative texts. We have a strict policy ensuring all content is appropriate for kids. You can also join our lively message boards to make friends and talk with other young people who love creating literature.
E Past Times Press
Discover amazing tales set in past centuries. We only accept fully finished books, so you will never have to wait for the next part. After leaving your detailed feedback on the story, you can use our secure payment system to send small financial gifts directly to the talented creators.
F Fan World
Read amazing tales about your favourite film and television characters using our convenient mobile software anywhere you go. The platform is completely free to use for all members. However, to keep the reading experience peaceful, we have removed all message features, meaning nobody can leave feedback or interact with authors.
G Teen Writers
This brilliant educational website allows young people to easily publish their own creative texts online. We maintain excellent safety standards to protect our younger audience from adult material. However, we focus only on individual work, so there are absolutely no message boards or spaces to converse with other creative members.
H History Reads
Enjoy a massive library of brilliant tales set in ancient times. Every book on our platform is entirely finished before it is published. While you can write detailed reviews about the plots, our site rules strictly forbid readers from sending money or financial rewards to any of the authors.
ANSWER KEY
1 A 2 B 3 C 4 D 5 E
