Practice English Reading Exercises for B2 – Endurance Sports & Country Walking 4

Exercises:   123456

Reading 1

You are going to read an article about four avid walkers talking about their preference for solitary country walks to clear their minds rather than walking in noisy groups.

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 using the walks to unravel complex personal or professional dilemmas?

2   appreciates not having to worry about the comfort or enjoyment of companions?

3   purposely deviates from planned routes to experience a sense of adventure?

4   points out that walking alone allows for a deeper observation of the natural surroundings?

5   used to be part of an organised walking association before changing their habits?

6   emphasises the benefit of setting their own physical tempo without external pressure?

7   uses the isolation of the countryside to spark ideas for their work?

8   deliberately disconnects from modern communication devices during their hikes?

9   feels that the harsh elements of nature are easier to tolerate when unaccompanied?

10   considers the tranquility of the outdoors to be the perfect antidote to a chaotic work environment?

Walking Solo: Finding Peace on the Trail

A Thomas

I work in an open-plan office where the cacophony of ringing phones and overlapping conversations is unrelenting. Consequently, when the weekend arrives, my absolute priority is escaping the hustle and bustle. I actually started out as a member of a local rambling association, assuming that sharing the outdoor experience with peers would be rewarding. However, I quickly realised that the incessant small talk entirely defeated the purpose of being out in the wild. Stepping away from the group allowed me to finally decompress. When I am completely unaccompanied, I find myself noticing the subtle rustle of leaves or the intricate patterns of a spider’s web—delicate things I would undoubtedly overlook if I were engaged in idle chit-chat. For me, the profound silence of the countryside isn’t just a pleasant change of pace; it is an absolute necessity to restore my mental balance before Monday morning rolls around again.

B Elena

Some people listen to music or read books to figure things out, but whenever I’m faced with a formidable challenge, I simply lace up my hiking boots. Being out on the moors by myself provides the mental clarity required to untangle complicated choices. I did try bringing a couple of close mates along on a hike once, thinking it might be a fun bonding exercise. Unfortunately, having to constantly adjust my stride to match theirs, while simultaneously keeping a conversation going, completely shattered my focus. I love pushing myself up punishingly steep inclines, and doing so solo means I don’t have to feel guilty about walking too fast or needing a sudden rest. Although some might find the sheer isolation of the hills intimidating, I genuinely rely on that uninterrupted headspace to put my thoughts in order and return home with a clear plan of action.

C Marcus

What I resent most about modern life is the feeling of being constantly tethered to a schedule. That is precisely why I actively avoid organised walking tours, which tend to be governed by strict timetables and predetermined rest stops. When I head into the hills, my phone is firmly switched off and buried at the bottom of my rucksack; I want to be entirely unreachable for a few hours. There is an unparalleled sense of liberation in reaching a fork in the path and spontaneously opting for the unknown trail, simply to see where it might lead. On one memorable occasion, I deliberately wandered off the map and stumbled upon a breathtaking, hidden waterfall. If I had been walking in a noisy pack, I would have been forced to stick to the well-beaten track. Wandering alone grants me the ultimate freedom to just exist in the moment without any external expectations.

D Sophie

As a freelance illustrator, my livelihood depends entirely on my imagination, which can easily dry up if I spend too much time cooped up indoors. I’ve discovered that solitary treks through rugged landscapes act as a powerful catalyst for my creativity. I used to occasionally hike with a cheerful bunch of neighbours, but I found the group dynamics utterly draining. I would spend the entire journey worrying about whether everyone had brought enough water or if they were finding the route too demanding. Walking alone strips all that anxiety away. Interestingly, I’ve also found that I’m far more resilient to adverse conditions when I’m by myself. Trudging through a sudden, freezing downpour feels like an epic, character-building adventure when it’s just me against the elements. Conversely, in a group setting, bad weather inevitably leads to endless complaining, which completely ruins the mystical atmosphere of the countryside.

Reading 2

You are going to read an article about four teenagers reviewing the high-tech gear and expensive specialized footwear they believe is essential for serious trekking.

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

Which person/section

1   was initially skeptical about whether a piece of equipment was worth buying?

2   suffered from physical discomfort before their footwear was broken in?

3   had an unfortunate experience when using ordinary clothes for a trek?

4   warns against putting too much trust in battery-powered devices?

5   admits that the style of an item influenced their decision to purchase it?

6   believes that cut-price gear could spoil an entire expedition?

7   emphasizes the benefit of tracking down gear that doesn’t add much weight?

8   spent a considerable amount of time accumulating funds for their purchases?

9   suggests that the right footwear can actively protect a trekker from injury?

10   values a garment that can adapt to rapid changes in climate conditions?

Gear for the Great Outdoors

A Toby

Before I tackled the demanding three-day trail last summer, I was quite cynical about whether high-tech trekking poles were actually worth the steep investment. I used to take it for granted that they were completely redundant for teenagers. However, after trying a pair of premium carbon-fibre ones, I quickly came to terms with how mistaken I had been. Their main advantage is that they are incredibly feather-light, meaning they don’t drag you down during long ascents. Consequently, I managed to keep up a fast pace without straining my arms. I also invested in a top-tier smartwatch that monitors altitude and heart rate. While my companions complained about their bulky, heavy packs, my strategy was to focus entirely on minimal, state-of-the-art equipment. Some might argue that traditional gear is perfectly adequate, but in my view, the sheer comfort provided by these advanced materials completely justifies the cost, transforming a grueling trek into an enjoyable journey.

B Hannah

If you are planning an authentic wilderness expedition, cutting corners on your footwear is a critical mistake. In my opinion, opting for cut-price boots will inevitably result in a disastrous trip. That’s why I set my sights on a pair of high-end, specialized leather boots with deep-grip soles. Because they cost a fortune, I had to work extra hours at a local café for months to accumulate enough funds. When they finally arrived, I was thrilled, though it wasn’t all smooth sailing. During our first few excursions, they caused excruciating blisters, and I realized they required a substantial adjustment period before becoming flexible. Nevertheless, once they were properly broken in, the difference was remarkable. They offer unparalleled stability, which is vital when you are navigating steep, muddy slopes with a massive pack. I also carry an advanced water filtration pump, which means I don’t have to lug heavy bottles around.

C Luke

Serious trekking demands gear that can handle unpredictable terrain, which is why I wouldn’t dream of setting off without my high-tech smart boots. They feature a revolutionary internal skeleton designed to reinforce the ankle, which actively prevents painful sprains on loose, rocky paths where a single misstep could be dangerous. Alongside these, I always pack a sophisticated satellite communicator. However, a word of caution is necessary here: it is easy to become overly reliant on electronic gadgets, but if your batteries fail in a remote valley, you could find yourself in deep trouble. Therefore, physical maps remain essential. I’m aware that some of my classmates mock the amount of money I spend on tech, but I firmly believe that this equipment provides invaluable peace of mind. After all, when you are miles away from civilization, knowing your footwear is protecting you from injury allows you to push your boundaries safely.

D Elena

I learnt the hard way that standard sportswear simply doesn’t cut it in the mountains. On my first major climb, I wore an ordinary cotton hoodie and regular trainers, and when a sudden downpour hit, I was left absolutely soaked and shivering. That miserable experience prompted me to invest in a multi-layered jacket featuring a smart membrane. It’s brilliant because it regulates body heat perfectly, keeping me cool during intense climbs and warm when temperatures plummet. I pair this with advanced, expensive trail shoes. To be entirely honest, it was the sleek, modern aesthetic and vibrant colour scheme that initially caught my eye in the shop window, and the design definitely influenced my choice. Fortunately, they perform just as well as they look. The lightweight fabric allows for effortless movement, which is exactly what you need when conditions shift rapidly. Investing in specialized outdoor apparel has completely altered how I approach the great outdoors.

Exercises:   123456