Practice English Reading Exercises for B2 – Autobiographies & Empathy for the Famous 5

Exercises:   123456

Reading 1

You are going to read an article about four students discussing the disconnect between a famous actor’s glamorous public image and the severe anxiety and eating disorders revealed in their book.

For questions 1-10, choose from the people/sections (A-D). The people/sections may be chosen more than once.

Which person/section

1   admits to originally selecting the book in the hopes of reading lighthearted celebrity gossip?

2   highlights the immense courage required for the star to publicly expose their deepest flaws?

3   was completely taken aback by a severe psychological crisis that happened during filming?

4   suggests that the show business world actively normalises physically destructive behaviours?

5   points out the cruel irony of the star feeling isolated while being constantly surrounded by fans?

6   expresses regret for having previously harboured feelings of envy towards the actor’s lifestyle?

7   strongly desires the publication to trigger a shift in how the public consumes celebrity culture?

8   found that the star’s description of psychological distress strongly resonated with their own life?

9   notes the massive contradiction between the fearless fictional roles the star took on and their genuine persona?

10   acknowledges that immense financial success offered the actor no protection against mental agony?

Behind the Glamour: The Dark Reality of Fame

A Jake

I’ve followed her career since I was a teenager, constantly scrolling through her seemingly flawless social media feed. Looking back, I feel incredibly guilty for having been so envious of her supposedly picture-perfect existence. Behind the glamorous red-carpet photos and designer dresses, she was secretly battling a severe eating disorder. What shocked me most wasn’t just her personal struggle, but how the film industry apparently turned a blind eye to it. According to the book, producers practically encourage starvation diets to ensure actors fit into ridiculously tiny costumes. It’s horrifying to realise that such physically harmful routines are routinely normalised by those in charge. Had I been fully aware of the immense pressure she was under, I would never have wished to trade places with her. It really brings home the fact that we only ever see a highly curated, deceptive fraction of someone’s reality online.

B Mia

The most striking aspect of this autobiography is the colossal disconnect between her on-screen presence and her actual character. She built a stellar reputation for playing fiercely independent, fearless action heroes, yet she confesses that off-camera, she is naturally introverted and riddled with crippling anxiety. It’s hard to wrap your head around! I was utterly astonished to read about a specific incident where she suffered a massive panic attack right in the middle of shooting a pivotal blockbuster scene. The director mistakenly assumed she was just delivering an intense, improvised performance! Reading her vivid descriptions of how the anxiety physically felt—a tightening chest and an inability to breathe—really struck a chord with me, as I’ve endured similar panic episodes during stressful exam seasons. Discovering that someone so globally successful can articulate the exact same fears I have experienced made me feel significantly less alone in my own battles.

C Tom

I must confess, I initially bought this memoir because I was anticipating some juicy, behind-the-scenes Hollywood gossip. I was fully expecting entertaining tales of extravagant premiere parties and petty celebrity feuds, but what I actually encountered was a heartbreakingly raw account of mental turmoil. It’s a sobering reminder that accumulating vast sums of money and winning prestigious awards cannot insulate anyone from a severe eating disorder. One chapter that really stood out detailed her promotional world tour. She describes standing on a balcony, waving at tens of thousands of screaming admirers, yet feeling profoundly disconnected from every single one of them. It’s a truly tragic paradox: being the most famous person in the city but lacking a single genuine, trustworthy companion to confide in. The book completely shattered my illusion that fame automatically equates to a joyous life, replacing it with a far more realistic understanding of the entertainment world.

D Lily

It is virtually unheard of for an A-list celebrity to be this brutally transparent about their deepest insecurities. I was thoroughly moved by the sheer bravery it must have taken for her to lay her profound flaws bare for the entire world to scrutinize. Let’s face it, voluntarily admitting to battling severe anxiety and an eating disorder in an industry that is utterly obsessed with physical perfection is a massive professional risk. While her story is undoubtedly harrowing to read, it also serves a crucial purpose in dismantling the dangerous stigma surrounding mental health issues. My sincere hope is that this memoir acts as a powerful catalyst, fundamentally changing the ruthless way the general public consumes celebrity culture. If we stop putting these stars on impossible pedestals, perhaps they won’t feel compelled to mask their pain behind a glamorous smile. Ultimately, her willingness to show her fragile side is incredibly inspiring.

Reading 2

You are going to read an article about four people reflecting on the ethical question of “ghostwriters” after discovering their favorite celebrity’s touching autobiography was actually written by a hired journalist.

For questions 1-10, choose from the people/sections (A-D). The people/sections may be chosen more than once.

Which person/section

1   points out that the famous figure still provides the essential raw material for the story?

2   argues that the book’s marketing is intentionally deceptive to consumers?

3   discovered the truth by reading a minor detail in the book’s final pages?

4   feels sympathy for the lack of public recognition given to the actual author?

5   noticed a discrepancy during a live promotional appearance?

6   changed their initial negative reaction by reflecting on the star’s daily commitments?

7   stumbled upon the reality of the practice while looking into a different topic?

8   believes that putting thoughts into readable prose requires a specialised talent?

9   learned about the collaboration through a digital audio programme?

10   feels a deep sense of disappointment regarding the authenticity of the emotions expressed?

Behind the Bestseller: Who Really Wrote Your Favourite Memoir?

A Liam

I’ve been a massive fan of this particular actor for years, so I was thrilled when his heartfelt memoir was published. I devoured it in one sitting, deeply moved by the raw, intimate struggles he described. However, my illusion was shattered a few weeks later. I was watching a live television interview where the presenter asked him about a highly specific, emotional anecdote from chapter four. He looked completely blank, stumbled over his words, and clearly couldn’t recall the event. That’s when it hit me: he hadn’t written a single word of it. To me, selling a book as a personal diary when it’s actually been penned by a ghostwriter is basically false advertising. I feel incredibly let down. The vulnerability that brought me to tears suddenly feels entirely manufactured. While I still enjoy his films, I can’t help but feel cheated by the publishing industry for pulling the wool over our eyes.

B Sarah

When I picked up my favourite musician’s autobiography, I never assumed she had sat at a laptop for six months typing it out. Let’s be realistic: she’s a singer, not a novelist. Crafting an engaging, well-paced narrative is a highly specific skill that takes years to master. I actually realised a journalist was involved when I spotted a tiny line of text buried in the acknowledgements at the very back of the book, thanking someone for ‘giving my memories a voice’. Honestly, it doesn’t bother me in the slightest. The ghostwriter took her chaotic life experiences and transformed them into a fantastic read. If she had attempted to do it herself, it probably would have been unreadable! Some fans are furious, claiming it’s a scam, but I see it as a sensible delegation of work. You wouldn’t expect a brilliant writer to suddenly be able to record a hit album, so why expect the reverse?

C Mateo

As someone hoping to break into the literary world, discovering the prevalence of ghostwriting was a bitter pill to swallow. I wasn’t even looking into autobiographies at the time; I was doing some background research for a university assignment on copyright laws when I uncovered how common the practice is among celebrities. My favourite comedian’s hilarious ‘autobiography’ was completely ghostwritten. What truly bothers me isn’t that the comedian got help, but the sheer lack of visibility for the hired journalist. It seems profoundly unfair that these talented individuals pour their hearts into capturing a star’s unique voice, only to remain completely anonymous. They do all the heavy lifting, yet the celebrity walks away with all the praise and the bestseller awards. While I understand why publishers keep it a secret to maintain the magic for the fans, I strongly believe the actual writer deserves to have their name printed clearly on the cover alongside the celebrity.

D Chloe

My initial reaction to finding out about ghostwriters was definite disappointment. I was listening to an intriguing podcast series about the entertainment industry, and they dedicated an entire episode to exposing how celebrity memoirs are produced. At first, I felt as though the sports star whose book I’d just loved had lied to me. I was ready to throw the hardback in the bin! However, after giving it some thought, my attitude shifted completely. When you consider the relentless demands of a global sports tour, endorsement deals, and training camps, it’s obvious they literally don’t have the hours in the day to write a 300-page manuscript. Ultimately, the childhood trauma, the career highs, and the life lessons detailed in those pages are still their genuine memories. The journalist simply acts as a translator, arranging the athlete’s spoken words into a polished format. The essence of the story remains undeniably theirs, even if the phrasing belongs to someone else.

Exercises:   123456