Practice English Reading Exercises for B2 – Dream Jobs & Career Aspirations 6

Exercises:   123456

Reading 1

You are going to read an article about four teenagers reflecting on how a specific documentary or book completely inspired their current ambition to become environmental scientists.

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

Which person/section

1   initially held a negative opinion about this particular field of study?

2   was given the inspirational piece of media as a gift?

3   made significant changes to their personal lifestyle after encountering the material?

4   plans to focus their future work on improving eco-friendly technology?

5   confesses that the content was quite challenging to understand at first?

6   was deeply influenced by a broadcast they watched during a class?

7   wants to specialise in bringing nature back into highly populated areas?

8   had previously intended to follow a different path within the sciences?

9   expresses annoyance at the lack of urgent action from people in power?

10   hopes to play a role in creating stricter environmental laws?

Sparking a Green Revolution: What Inspired Our Scientific Dreams

A Leo

I used to be absolutely convinced that I’d end up working as a marine biologist. However, my career trajectory shifted dramatically after I stumbled upon The Blue Crisis, a devastating documentary exposing the sheer volume of plastic waste choking our oceans. Before watching it, I hadn’t fully grasped how intimately interconnected marine life is with human activity on land. The film didn’t just move me to tears; it prompted me to completely overhaul my everyday choices. I threw myself into a strict zero-waste routine, cutting out single-use packaging almost overnight, which was quite a challenge. I soon realised that simply studying marine animals wouldn’t be enough; I needed to tackle the root environmental causes of their habitat destruction. Consequently, environmental science became my true calling. While some of my peers argue that cleaning up the seas requires advanced robotics, I personally believe that investigating the chemical breakdown of microplastics will be the ultimate key to saving our waters.

B Maya

For my sixteenth birthday, my aunt handed me a copy of The Silent Canopy, a dense, heavily researched book detailing the global impact of deforestation. If I am completely honest, it wasn’t the sort of thing I would typically pick off a shelf, and I initially struggled to get my head around the complex academic jargon. I had to look up half the scientific terminology just to follow the author’s arguments! Nevertheless, I persevered, and by the final chapter, my eyes had been opened to a terrifying reality. I was particularly struck by how extraordinarily weak current conservation legislation actually is. That realisation was a major turning point in my life. I’ve now decided that becoming an environmental scientist is the most effective way I can help. I don’t just want to conduct research in a remote forest; my ultimate ambition is to advise governments and shape the very policies that hold multinational corporations accountable for their ecological footprint.

C Sam

During a geography lesson last term, our teacher screened Winds of Change, an inspiring independent film exploring the untapped potential of renewable energy. I had never paid much attention to the subject beforehand, but I was absolutely blown away by the stunning visuals of colossal wind farms and vast solar arrays. What truly appalled me, though, was the documentary’s stark revelation about how sluggish society has been in transitioning away from fossil fuels. It is immensely frustrating that we already possess the fundamental tools to prevent climate disaster, yet global leaders continue to drag their feet. This single broadcast cemented my desire to study environmental science at university. I want to dedicate my career to developing and refining green infrastructure so that it becomes far cheaper and more efficient. While I acknowledge that passing stricter laws is crucial, I genuinely believe that engineering superior technological solutions is the most urgent priority we face today.

D Chloe

If someone had told me a year ago that I would be desperate to study environmental science, I would have laughed out loud. I used to assume it was a thoroughly tedious subject, consisting of nothing but staring at soil samples and memorising Latin plant names. That all changed when I picked up an autobiography of a pioneering urban ecologist. Her fascinating stories about transforming concrete jungles into thriving green spaces completely captivated me. I hadn’t realised that environmental science could be applied directly to the bustling metropolis where I currently live! The book completely dispelled my initial reluctance and preconceived notions. I have since taken up a position volunteering with a community group that plants native trees in our local parks. Once I qualify as a professional scientist, I intend to dedicate myself to integrating sustainable wildlife habitats into city planning, proving that nature and modern urbanisation can successfully coexist.

Reading 2

You are going to read an article about four students describing the daunting reality of wanting to be an astronaut.

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

Which person

1   points out that learning how to construct automated machines is part of their training?

2   was taken aback by the necessity of mastering another language?

3   notes that traditional flying experience is no longer the main priority for space agencies?

4   had to recover from an academic disappointment during their journey?

5   wants to investigate the physical effects of space travel on the human body?

6   confesses to originally misjudging the depth of advanced mathematics involved?

7   mentions the overwhelmingly small statistical chance of being selected?

8   believes that coping with confinement and stress is the most demanding aspect of the job?

9   deals with their anxiety about the future by focusing purely on short-term objectives?

10   highlights the necessity of remaining calm while resolving unexpected technical faults?

Reaching for the Stars: The Harsh Reality of Astronaut Training

A Leo

Ever since I watched a documentary on the International Space Station, I’ve set my sights on becoming an astronaut. However, the reality of the training is incredibly intimidating. Everyone assumes you just need to be a physics genius, but I was genuinely startled to discover that bilingualism is practically mandatory. Because of international cooperation, astronauts typically have to be fluent in Russian or Mandarin, which means I now spend my evenings poring over grammar books alongside my chemistry homework. Furthermore, the selection process places a massive emphasis on mental resilience. Enduring extreme isolation and maintaining harmony with a small crew in a confined space is arguably the most grueling part of the profession. You can’t just be smart; you have to be psychologically bulletproof. While the sheer volume of material I need to absorb is terrifying, I’m highly motivated. I’ve come to terms with the fact that it will take at least a decade of relentless studying to even be considered.

B Maya

When I first announced my ambition to travel into space, I genuinely thought that as long as I kept incredibly fit and had a basic grasp of science, I’d be in with a shot. It turns out I had severely underestimated the rigorous academics required. You don’t just need to be good at numbers; you must excel at advanced calculus and astrophysics. When I first looked at the university syllabus for aerospace engineering, I nearly gave up on the spot. The complexity of the formulas was absolutely mind-boggling. To stop myself from getting overwhelmed by panic, I’ve adopted a strict strategy: I only focus on the next immediate hurdle, whether that’s passing a weekly algebra test or finishing a physics assignment. Looking too far ahead is a recipe for disaster. Although I still occasionally doubt my own capabilities, I refuse to throw in the towel just yet. I know I have to put in the hours if I want to succeed.

C Toby

In the past, space agencies exclusively recruited military test pilots for their missions. However, I recently learned that the landscape has shifted dramatically. While being a skilled aviator is certainly a bonus, agencies are now desperately seeking scientists and medical professionals. This was music to my ears, as my ultimate goal is to study astrobiology. I’m fascinated by how microgravity impacts bone density and cardiovascular health, and I’d love to conduct physiological research on a lunar base. Despite my passion, I’m under no illusions about the daunting odds. The reality is that thousands of brilliant applicants apply for just a handful of spots, making the acceptance rate practically zero. It’s highly likely I won’t make the cut, but that doesn’t deter me. Even if I never get to wear a spacesuit, striving for such an elite standard means I’ll inevitably build a solid career as a medical researcher here on Earth. I’m determined to give it my absolute best shot.

D Chloe

My dream is to serve as a mission specialist, which means I need to be the person who repairs the spacecraft when things inevitably go awry. To achieve this, I’m currently immersing myself in mechanical engineering and robotics. My weekends are spent learning how to program and assemble automated rovers, which is incredibly demanding but fascinating. You have to be able to troubleshoot complex technical malfunctions without losing your cool, often while wearing a bulky pressure suit! The academic journey hasn’t been smooth sailing, though. Last term, I completely failed a crucial thermodynamics exam. Initially, it was a bitter pill to swallow, and I questioned whether I was cut out for this field. Nevertheless, I realized that bouncing back from failure is a vital trait for any future astronaut. I swallowed my pride, hired a tutor, and retook the paper, scoring top marks. The path to space is paved with setbacks, but I’m slowly learning how to take them in my stride.

Exercises:   123456