Practice English Reading Exercises for B2 – Autobiographies & Empathy for the Famous 8

Exercises:   123456

Reading 1

You are going to read an article about four people discussing the emotional impact of reading the posthumously published diaries of ordinary teenagers who lived through major historical wars.

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 feeling guilty about their own everyday grievances?

2   points out the stark contrast between the horrific setting and typical adolescent concerns?

3   felt deeply affected by the sudden and unresolved conclusion of a journal?

4   was inspired to change their attitude towards personal failures?

5   expresses a sense of obligation to keep the writer’s memory alive?

6   notes that the authors were forced to grow up prematurely?

7   initially avoided the material because they expected it to be overly distressing?

8   found comfort in the fact that human nature remains consistent across eras?

9   originally assumed the accounts would focus primarily on the mechanics of the conflict?

10   reflects on the tragic loss of what the author might have achieved later in life?

Echoes from the Rubble: Reading the Diaries of Wartime Youth

A Liam

Reading Voices in the Dark completely shifted my perspective on my own life. These were ordinary teenagers, essentially my age, who had their youth abruptly stolen from them by the outbreak of World War II. It was heart-wrenching to read how quickly they had to adapt; one moment they were playing in the streets, and the next, they were taking on the responsibilities of adults just to help their families survive. Whenever I catch myself complaining about trivial things, like a slow Wi-Fi connection or a cancelled social event, I immediately feel a pang of shame. These young writers took absolutely nothing for granted. Their daily struggle for basic necessities serves as a stark reminder of how incredibly comfortable my existence truly is. Ultimately, their diaries taught me that true resilience is often born out of sheer necessity, making me profoundly grateful for the peaceful era I happen to live in.

B Sarah

When I first picked up a collection of diaries written during the Vietnam War, I genuinely anticipated reading highly factual, gritty descriptions of troop movements and political turmoil. Instead, what really struck a chord with me was how intensely normal these teenagers remained. Amidst the terrifying backdrop of air raids and strict rationing, their journal entries were frequently dominated by petty arguments with siblings, unrequited crushes, and profound anxieties about their physical appearance. It is a bizarre paradox to read about someone terrified of a bombing raid in one paragraph, and stressing over a bad haircut in the very next! Nevertheless, I found this consistency in human nature strangely comforting. It goes to show that no matter how catastrophic the external environment becomes, the core essence of being a teenager remains completely unchanged. It made these historical figures feel like close peers I could easily chat with today.

C Marcus

The most profoundly moving aspect of reading these first-hand historical accounts is the looming sense of dread. As a modern reader, you already know the devastating outcome of the conflict, but the diarists themselves are still clinging to the hope of a peaceful resolution. I recently read a journal belonging to a young boy in 1940s Warsaw. His entries were filled with ambitious aspirations of becoming a doctor, but the diary cuts off abruptly mid-sentence on a random Tuesday. The sudden, unresolved silence is truly deafening. It hit me incredibly hard, forcing me to mourn not just the boy, but the unfulfilled potential of what he could have contributed to society had he survived. I now feel a deep-seated responsibility to share his story with others. By keeping his words alive, it feels like we are granting these lost voices a small piece of the future they were so cruelly denied.

D Elena

I must confess, I put off reading Echoes of Youth for months. Knowing it was a compilation of diaries from teenagers who perished during World War I, I assumed it would be an unbearably depressing ordeal that would simply leave me feeling miserable. However, once I finally brought myself to open it, I was astonished by the incredible optimism radiating from the pages. Rather than wallowing in despair, these young people constantly looked for a silver lining, finding moments of pure joy in the darkest of circumstances—like sharing a smuggled piece of chocolate or laughing at an inside joke. Their ability to bounce back emotionally from daily horrors was awe-inspiring. It has completely made me re-evaluate how I handle my own problems. Instead of letting minor setbacks completely ruin my week, I now try to channel a fraction of their extraordinary positivity and just get on with things.

Reading 2

You are going to read an article about four teenagers reflecting on the courage it takes for public figures to write openly about their mental health struggles and stays in psychiatric hospitals.

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 how a memoir helped them recognise the symptoms of a crisis in someone else?

2   felt inspired to disclose their own emotional struggles to others?

3   admits they used to have a misconception about psychiatric wards based on films?

4   expresses respect for a celebrity who stood their ground despite public criticism?

5   was relieved to see the myth of the flawless, happy superstar broken down?

6   mentions that financial success offers no protection against mental health issues?

7   was shocked by the lack of empathy shown by certain members of the public?

8   initially hesitated to read the book, assuming it would be too depressing?

9   points out how the author’s detailed description made a medical facility seem less intimidating?

10   appreciates that the book provided practical advice alongside the personal story?

Breaking the Silence: Celebrities and Mental Health

A Oliver

For years, I firmly believed that if you had millions of followers and a glamorous lifestyle, you were naturally immune to sadness. Reading my favourite actor’s autobiography completely shattered that illusion of the flawless, carefree superstar. It was incredibly eye-opening to see someone who seemingly has it all admit to suffering from severe depression. Before picking up his memoir, I had always kept my own anxiety strictly under wraps, convinced that my friends would simply tell me to pull myself together. However, seeing a global icon write so candidly about hitting rock bottom gave me the push I needed to finally open up to my mates. It takes immense bravery to put your darkest moments out there for the world to scrutinise. By dismantling his own perfect image, he gave me the courage to stop pretending everything was fine. It’s genuinely empowering to realise that nobody has it entirely figured out.

B Maya

When a prominent pop singer recently released a book detailing her voluntary stay in a rehabilitation clinic, I was absolutely appalled by the backlash she received online. Instead of applauding her vulnerability, several internet trolls accused her of just seeking attention. It genuinely shocked me how little compassion some members of the public can show towards someone who is clearly hurting. I spent hours arguing with people in the comment sections, trying to defend her. Despite the harsh criticism, she refused to delete her posts or issue an apology for her honesty, and I have nothing but the utmost respect for her resilience. Standing your ground when the media is tearing you apart takes a tremendous amount of inner strength. The fact that she was willing to face such fierce judgement in order to shed light on mental health issues proves that she is a genuine role model, far beyond her musical talents.

C Sam

I’ve always been a massive fan of a certain fantasy author, so I immediately bought his latest memoir. He dedicated a whole chapter to the months he spent in a psychiatric hospital after suffering a nervous breakdown. Like many people, my only point of reference for such places came from horror films, so I naturally assumed they were grim, terrifying institutions. However, his meticulous descriptions of the supportive staff, the daily group therapy sessions, and the calm environment completely dismantled those Hollywood stereotypes. He painted a picture of a safe haven rather than a prison, which made the whole concept of inpatient treatment seem infinitely less intimidating. Furthermore, his story serves as a stark reminder that wealth and bestseller status offer absolutely no shield against psychological illness. It doesn’t matter how much money is in your bank account; a chemical imbalance in the brain can strike anyone, at any time.

D Chloe

To be completely honest, I put off reading this comedian’s autobiography for months. I assumed a book focused on severe anxiety and hospitalisation would be far too heavy and emotionally draining to get through. I couldn’t have been more wrong. Not only was it surprisingly witty, but it also functioned as a vital educational tool. Because she laid out the exact warning signs leading up to her hospital admission—like withdrawing from social events and extreme insomnia—I suddenly recognised those exact same behavioural changes in my older brother. Without her detailed account, I would have just thought he was being anti-social. What makes her book stand out is that she doesn’t just share her sorrow; she actually weaves in practical coping mechanisms and breathing exercises she learned from her therapists. Sharing such invaluable guidance alongside her personal narrative takes genuine courage, and in my case, it successfully helped me intervene before my brother’s situation worsened.

Exercises:   123456