Practice English Reading Exercises for B2 – Destination Reviews & Hidden Gems 2

Exercises:   123456

Reading 1

You are going to read an article about four travelers sharing their experiences of visiting famous European capitals in the dead of winter to avoid crowds, dealing with freezing but magical conditions.

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

Which person/section

1   had to purchase additional clothing to cope with the temperature?

2   experienced an extreme weather event that is not typical for the city?

3   deliberately altered their sleep schedule to capture the perfect scene?

4   found that the harsh weather enhanced their appreciation of regional cuisine?

5   was hindered by a disruption to the public transit network?

6   was struck by the absence of noise at a usually bustling historical site?

7   felt a sense of exclusivity, having a world-famous structure almost entirely to themselves?

8   admits that their initial expectations about the cold were overly optimistic?

9   highlights the visual contrast between the snow and the city’s building materials?

10   points out that the benefits of an empty city outweighed the inconvenience of reduced operating times?

Winter Wanderers: Embracing Europe’s Freezing Capitals

A Liam (Paris)

I’ve always been put off by the thought of shuffling through Paris in the sweltering summer heat, surrounded by endless tourist groups. So, I took a gamble and booked a trip for late January. Strolling up to the Eiffel Tower, I was astonished; instead of battling through a sea of selfie sticks, I virtually had the iconic landmark entirely to myself. The sense of exclusivity was truly unforgettable. Nevertheless, the wind whipping off the River Seine was absolutely biting. Having wrapped up warmly, I thought I was fully prepared, but even so, the chill eventually took its toll. After an hour, I was forced to seek sanctuary in a tiny, unassuming brasserie tucked away down a side street. Thawing out with a steaming hot chocolate, I watched the frost gather outside. Although some attractions had shorter opening hours, the trade-off was undeniably worth it. Seeing the French capital stripped of its commercial chaos revealed a melancholy, authentic charm.

B Sophia (Rome)

When you think of Rome, you typically imagine blazing sunshine and eating gelato on the Spanish Steps. Visiting in early February meant I had prepared myself for a crisp, cool climate, but I certainly hadn’t anticipated the freak snowstorm that blanketed the city on my second day. Such extreme conditions are incredibly rare there; if someone had told me it would snow in Rome, I wouldn’t have believed them. Standing inside the Colosseum as delicate snowflakes drifted down onto the ancient stones was a surreal experience. What struck me the most, however, was the profound, eerie silence. A site that is normally synonymous with shouting tour guides and chaotic crowds was completely muted. It felt as though time had stood still. While the icy pavements made walking somewhat treacherous and forced me to abandon my plans to visit the Vatican, the sheer magic of experiencing an empty, snow-dusted Rome was a once-in-a-lifetime privilege.

C Mateo (Prague)

Prague is famous for its festive markets, but I intentionally planned my arrival for the gloomy, post-holiday period in mid-January to dodge the masses. Before setting off, I was fairly confident that my standard winter coat would be sufficient. I soon realised how wildly inaccurate my assumptions had been. The freezing temperatures were so piercing that I had no choice but to head to a local department store to invest in thermal undergarments and a heavy woollen scarf. However, this freezing climate came with an unexpected bonus: it made me fall in love with Czech gastronomy. After hours of shivering on the Charles Bridge, ducking into a traditional tavern to consume a hearty bowl of goulash felt like an absolute lifesaver. The rich, heavy dishes suddenly made perfect sense in that environment. Despite the fact that the biting wind constantly stung my face, exploring the gothic alleyways without being jostled by strangers was incredibly rewarding.

D Hannah (Vienna)

Vienna’s imperial architecture is undeniably majestic, but when it is coated in a thick layer of pristine snow, it transforms into something straight out of a fairy tale. I was absolutely determined to photograph the Hofburg Palace before the city woke up and trampled the freshly fallen snow. Consequently, I dragged myself out of bed at dawn, sacrificing several hours of much-needed sleep. It must have been at least minus five degrees, but capturing the stark contrast between the bright white snow and the dark, ornate stonework was intensely satisfying. My itinerary did take a slight hit later in the morning, though. A buildup of ice on the overhead cables caused significant delays to the tram network, leaving me stranded at a station for nearly an hour. Even so, the unhurried pace of the city during winter is highly infectious. You aren’t rushing from one crowded museum to the next, meaning you can actually slow down and absorb the atmosphere.

Reading 2

You are going to read an article about four backpackers reviewing a highly remote mountain village.

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

Which person/section

1   mentions feeling embarrassed about how much they rely on modern gadgets?

2   experienced a positive change in their state of mind due to the isolation?

3   explains how the challenging terrain made reaching the village difficult?

4   received local medical assistance for a minor physical issue?

5   was touched when the locals offered them an item for personal comfort?

6   notes that the absence of electricity encouraged social interaction?

7   took part in a cultural celebration upon their arrival?

8   was initially frustrated by their inability to communicate with people back home?

9   felt that the washing facilities were surprisingly basic?

10   remarks on the villagers’ generosity with their limited food supplies?

Off the Grid: Discovering the True Meaning of Hospitality

A Liam

When I first arrived in the village of Oumaru, I was absolutely horrified to discover my smartphone was nothing more than a useless brick. I’d always taken it for granted that I’d be able to update my travel blog or message my parents, so the complete absence of a cellular network initially left me feeling incredibly anxious. However, after a few days of withdrawal, I finally came to terms with the isolation. Surprisingly, this forced digital detox actually did wonders for my mental well-being, clearing my head completely. What truly blew me away, though, was the sheer generosity of the host families. They survive entirely on subsistence farming, yet they insisted on cooking us lavish dinners, freely sharing their heavily rationed winter food supplies. If we hadn’t stayed with them, we would never have experienced such selfless hospitality. I’ve stayed in five-star luxury resorts that offered far less genuine warmth than this remote, unconnected haven.

B Chloe

Just getting to the settlement was an absolute nightmare, and certainly not for the faint-hearted. The recent monsoon rains had completely washed away the main access trail, which meant we had to hike for twelve grueling hours through thick, slippery mud. By the time we finally stumbled into the village square, we were utterly exhausted and covered in dirt. I was desperately holding out for a hot shower, but it soon became clear that the only way to get clean was by pouring buckets of freezing river water over our heads! Nevertheless, all the physical hardships were quickly forgotten when the villagers threw a spontaneous, lively festival to greet us. We were treated to traditional dancing and enchanting music that went on late into the evening. Had we opted for a typical, accessible tourist destination, we would certainly have missed out on this incredibly authentic and vibrant display of community spirit.

C Mateo

You genuinely don’t realise how dependent you are on the power grid until you visit a place like Kaza. There is absolutely no electricity here; once the sun dips behind the towering peaks, the entire valley is instantly plunged into pitch darkness. At first, I felt rather foolish and deeply ashamed when I instinctively kept reaching for my electronic devices, only to remember they had run out of battery days ago. However, this lack of power actually turned out to be a blessing in disguise. Instead of retreating to our individual screens, everyone gathered around a communal roaring fire every single evening. The locals would share fascinating folktales and sing ancient songs under a canopy of stars. Although the nighttime temperatures were bitterly cold, the incredible friendliness of the people kept our spirits high. It’s rare to find a place where genuine human interaction so easily makes up for the lack of modern conveniences.

D Sarah

What struck me most about this mountain retreat was how entirely cut off it is from commercial infrastructure. There isn’t a single grocery store, let alone a pharmacy or medical clinic. I found this out the hard way when I tripped on some loose rocks and badly twisted my ankle during a hike. I was starting to panic about the injury, but a local elderly woman immediately stepped in. She expertly applied a homemade herbal paste to the joint, which significantly reduced the swelling by the following morning. Furthermore, her kindness didn’t stop at medical care. Knowing that visitors aren’t accustomed to the freezing nighttime drafts in the wooden huts, she came back and offered me her family’s only spare woollen blanket. I was deeply moved by her selflessness. The locals here possess virtually nothing in terms of material wealth, yet they will not hesitate to give away their few comforts to help complete strangers.

Exercises:   123456