Practice English Reading Exercises for B2 – Documentaries & Television 1

Exercises:   123456

Reading 1

You are going to read an article about four teenagers reviewing a powerful environmental documentary that convinced them to completely change their daily consumption habits.

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

Which person/section

1   felt guilty about a habit they previously considered harmless?

2   was surprised by how cheap it was to implement eco-friendly alternatives?

3   admits that their friends were initially skeptical of their new lifestyle?

4   realized that recycling alone is not enough to solve the problem?

5   mentions that a specific image in the film had a powerful emotional impact on them?

6   now avoids buying items that cannot be naturally decomposed?

7   notes that managing their time can be hard since making the change?

8   was motivated to research the production background of clothes before purchasing?

9   has started to encourage their family members to follow their example?

10   says that their age surprises some adults when they discuss the issue?

Confronting Consumption: Teenagers Talk Transparency

A Toby

Before watching Our Fragile Horizon, I took it for granted that my reliance on plastic lunch boxes and bottled juices was completely fine, provided I threw them into the green bin afterwards. Seeing how much of that material ends up buried in landfills anyway made me feel terribly uncomfortable about my old routines. It was a harsh lesson; I suddenly understood that processing waste after the fact is a drop in the ocean compared to reducing consumption entirely. Consequently, I’ve given up pre-packaged supermarket meals. Some of my classmates were rather skeptical at first when I began turning up with my own reusable steel containers, but I refused to let their jokes put me off. Now, I always think twice before picking up anything wrapped in plastic. The film clearly demonstrated that our individual daily decisions have massive consequences for the planet, and we can no longer afford to live in ignorance.

B Chloe

I didn’t expect a simple film to turn my life upside down, but the scene showing a sea turtle tangled in plastic nets was a real eye-opener that stayed with me for days. The absolute tragedy of that moment prompted me to take immediate action regarding my own household footprint. I was quite concerned that switching to sustainable alternatives would be a significant expense, which was a bit depressing given my limited pocket money. Nevertheless, I was absolutely delighted to discover that buying bulk ingredients and using solid soap bars was actually highly economical over time. Since then, I haven’t looked back. I’ve even managed to persuade my parents to ban plastic wrap from our kitchen, which is a great start. My father was quite hesitant initially, but once I showed him the economic benefits, he gladly agreed to support my mission.

C Nadia

My biggest challenge since watching the documentary has been adjustments to my morning schedule. Packing zero-waste snacks from scratch can be exceptionally hard when you are rushing to catch the school bus, and sometimes there aren’t enough hours in the day! However, the effort has definitely paid off. I frequently discuss global warming with older neighbours, and they can’t believe I’m so well-informed about carbon footprints while I’m so young. Their astonishment always amuses me, as I think teenagers should be taken seriously on these matters. Although my peers find it easy to pass by trendy fast-fashion outlets without a second thought, I am now completely committed to a more minimalist lifestyle. It’s vital to challenge the belief that we need constant new possessions to be happy, and I am excited to carry on this journey during my university years.

D Duncan

I used to love shopping for affordable clothes every weekend without considering where they came from. Our Fragile Horizon completely shattered that mindset by exposing the hidden environmental destruction caused by the synthetic textiles industry. I was shocked to learn how much polyester sheds microplastics into our oceans during a single wash. Consequently, I now make a point of investigating the supply chains and material origins of garments online before parting with my money. I strictly avoid purchasing anything made of artificial materials that will not naturally break down over time, choosing organic cotton or linen instead. In fact, I’ve got very strict about this rule, even when it means missing out on the latest street style trends. It has been a massive learning curve, but whenever a purchase doesn’t go as planned, I adapt and hope to make a wiser choice next time.

Reading 2

You are going to read an article about four young adults discussing their obsession with true crime documentaries and the psychological reasons why they find them so fascinating.

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

Which person/section

1   enjoys the challenge of solving the mystery before the professionals do?

2   admits that their viewing habits occasionally lead to feelings of anxiety?

3   views these programmes as a way to gather practical knowledge for personal safety?

4   occasionally experiences a sense of remorse for consuming media based on real-life tragedies?

5   appreciates it when these documentaries expose shortcomings in the legal system?

6   derives comfort from seeing order re-established at the end of the narrative?

7   is primarily driven by a desire to comprehend the underlying motives of the offenders?

8   suggests that the way these stories are presented resembles fictional suspense films?

9   values documentaries that provide an opportunity for affected families to be heard?

10   confesses an inability to stop watching even when the content is deeply disturbing?

Anatomy of an Obsession: Why We Can’t Stop Watching True Crime

A Alex

For me, the appeal of true crime boils down to the ultimate cognitive puzzle. Whenever I settle down to watch a new series, I invariably find myself trying to piece together the clues before the police manage to figure it out. It is incredibly satisfying when you successfully deduce who the culprit is ahead of the experts on screen. Some of my friends claim they watch them to learn self-defence, but I’ve never really viewed them as survival guides. Instead, I’m drawn to the resolution. The world can be a chaotic and unpredictable place, which can feel somewhat overwhelming. However, by the time the final credits roll, the perpetrator has usually been caught and put behind bars. That guarantee of justice restores my faith in society. Knowing that the bad guys ultimately face the consequences of their actions provides me with a profound sense of reassurance, helping me sleep soundly at night despite the dark subject matter.

B Becca

I have always been fascinated by the darker side of human psychology. What hooks me isn’t the crime itself, but rather the complex mental makeup of the perpetrators. I constantly find myself asking what drives a seemingly ordinary individual to cross the line and commit such atrocious acts. Understanding their twisted rationalisations is morbidly fascinating to me. Granted, indulging in this genre comes with a price. There are nights when I binge-watch a particularly gruesome series and end up feeling incredibly on edge, double-checking that all my doors are securely locked. Despite the fact that it occasionally makes me paranoid and jumpy, I simply cannot tear my eyes away from the screen; it’s an addictive spiral. While some documentaries do shed light on police mistakes, which is commendable, that’s not my main reason for tuning in. I am completely absorbed by the abyss of the human mind, even if it leaves me feeling slightly unnerved.

C Charlie

People often ask me why I dedicate so much of my free time to such a bleak topic. In all honesty, I treat true crime documentaries as educational material. By analysing the circumstances that led to someone falling victim to a crime, you can pick up invaluable tips on how to avoid similar situations. Consequently, I have become much more observant of my surroundings and cautious about who I trust. It’s essentially an evolutionary survival mechanism; learning from the fatal errors of others keeps you alert. Beyond the practical benefits, you cannot deny the sheer entertainment value. The way these directors construct the narrative—using cliffhangers, dramatic pacing, and ominous soundtracks—makes reality feel exactly like a carefully scripted Hollywood thriller. You are kept on the edge of your seat, waiting for the plot twist. I sometimes try to guess the ending, but I’m rarely right. The gripping storytelling is what initially draws me in, but the safety lessons are what keep me watching.

D Diana

True crime has experienced a massive surge in popularity, but I often grapple with my own consumption of it. There are moments when I feel a genuine twinge of guilt, knowing that I am basically being entertained by the worst day of someone else’s life. It is a very fine line between raising awareness and exploiting tragedy. Nevertheless, I appreciate the productions that handle the subject matter with respect, particularly those that give a platform to the relatives left behind, allowing them to share their truth with a global audience. Furthermore, the most impactful documentaries are those that serve a higher purpose. I have profound respect for filmmakers who highlight instances where the courts or investigators have failed. By exposing these glaring systemic flaws, the media can actually spark real-world changes or even reopen cold cases. Understanding the psychology of the offender is interesting, but seeing a wrongful conviction overturned is far more compelling to me.

Exercises:   123456