Practice English Reading Exercises for B2 – Green Lifestyle & Sustainable Consumerism 3

Exercises:   123456

Reading 1

You are going to read an article about four teenagers talking about the conflicts they have with their parents when trying to introduce eco-friendly cleaning products into the family home.

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 secretly replacing a conventional item with a sustainable alternative?

2   complains that their parents link a specific scent to hygiene?

3   decided to take on a household chore to control what is purchased?

4   managed to convince their family by producing their own natural mixtures?

5   highlights the physical discomfort caused by traditional cleaning solutions?

6   believes their parents are influenced by long-standing brand loyalty?

7   points out that their parents are put off by the high upfront cost of green items?

8   mentions their parents’ reluctance to spend extra time searching for environmentally friendly goods?

9   expresses frustration that their parents doubt the germ-killing power of natural substances?

10   argues that natural options are ultimately more cost-effective?

Green Clean: The Teenage Battle for a Sustainable Home

A Leo

My parents aren’t against saving the planet, but they can be incredibly tight-fisted. When I first suggested switching to biodegradable surface sprays, my dad immediately pointed out the premium price tag. He was absolutely convinced that going green was simply a marketing scam designed to rip people off. Rather than arguing, I decided to take matters into my own hands by concocting my own natural detergents using white vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice. Initially, my mum complained about the lack of a familiar citrus fragrance, but her attitude soon shifted. Had I not taken the initiative to break down the maths for them, they would never have realised how much cash we were saving monthly. They finally came to terms with the change and now openly admit that these homemade options are far more economical in the long run.

B Mia

The biggest hurdle I face with my parents is their deep-rooted attachment to household names. Having bought the same heavily marketed brands for decades, they simply don’t believe that a plant-based liquid can eliminate bacteria effectively. My mother, in particular, was adamant that natural products wouldn’t cut it against stubborn kitchen grease. Exhausted from the constant bickering, I resorted to a sneaky tactic: I discreetly poured an eco-friendly multi-purpose cleaner into an empty bottle of her favourite toxic brand. She used it for a fortnight without batting an eyelid, even praising how sparkling the countertops looked! When I eventually confessed to my little experiment, she was completely lost for words. She still grumbles about the expense of sustainable goods occasionally, but she can no longer deny their efficiency.

C Sam

In our house, if a room doesn’t reek of strong bleach, my parents don’t consider it properly sanitised. They have been heavily conditioned over the years to equate harsh chemical odours with absolute cleanliness. This drives me up the wall, primarily because those pungent fumes invariably trigger my asthma and leave me coughing uncontrollably. Whenever they tackle the bathroom, the windows must be thrown wide open just so I can catch my breath. I tried introducing an organic, fragrance-free alternative, but my dad flatly refused, claiming it was too much hassle to scrub tiles without industrial-strength liquids. I’ve repeatedly explained the harmful effects of inhaling volatile compounds, but my concerns are quickly brushed off as teenage dramatic exaggeration. It is incredibly frustrating that they prioritise an artificial pine scent over my respiratory well-being.

D Chloe

The main conflict with my parents isn’t necessarily ideological; it essentially boils down to pure convenience. Both of them work long hours, so when they hit the supermarket, they just grab whatever is quickest and most familiar from the shelves. They openly admit that scrutinising labels for ecological certifications is just too much effort after an exhausting day at the office. I realised that nagging them about their carbon footprint was getting me nowhere and only causing unnecessary friction. Consequently, I volunteered to take over the weekly grocery run. It’s certainly an extra burden on my free time, but it guarantees that I can thoughtfully select biodegradable dish soaps and non-toxic washing powders. Sometimes my dad casually questions if the new brands are really destroying germs, but since he is relieved of the shopping duties, he generally goes along with it.

Reading 2

You are going to read an article about four young professionals sharing the high financial cost of sustainable consumerism and the frustration that eco-friendly products are often a luxury.

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 that ordinary consumers are unfairly made to feel remorseful about the climate crisis?

2   had to compromise their ethical standards due to an urgent professional requirement?

3   highlights the absurdity of companies charging higher prices for products simply because they exclude harmful substances?

4   was forced to abandon a newly adopted green habit after it severely depleted their finances?

5   mentions missing out on leisure activities with peers in an attempt to afford eco-friendly goods?

6   admits to having previously looked down on individuals who made less environmentally friendly choices?

7   tried to justify a massive initial expense by considering the potential long-term financial benefits?

8   found the sheer amount of time required to produce their own sustainable alternatives to be exhausting?

9   explicitly states that they now deliberately balance conventional purchases with smaller eco-friendly actions?

10   argues that the ability to protect the planet should not be treated as a luxury reserved for the elite?

The Price of Principles: Is Sustainable Living Just for the Wealthy?

A Liam

When I landed my first corporate job, I swore I’d exclusively wear ‘slow fashion’—garments ethically made from organic materials. However, reality hit me like a ton of bricks. A single sustainably produced blazer cost more than my weekly rent! I tried saving up, but it meant repeatedly turning down invitations to dinners and cinema trips with my friends just to afford one shirt. It was a completely unviable way to manage my social life. The breaking point came when I desperately needed a smart suit for a crucial client meeting the very next day. I had absolutely no choice but to rush to a high-street chain and buy a cheap, mass-produced outfit. I felt incredibly hypocritical handing over my card at the till. While I still use my bamboo toothbrush and refillable coffee cup, ensuring my entire wardrobe is green is an indulgence I simply cannot afford yet.

B Maya

I used to scroll through social media and silently criticise shoppers who bought vegetables wrapped in thick layers of plastic. I confidently assumed they were just being careless. That was until I actually tried executing a completely zero-waste, organic grocery shop myself. I visited local farmers’ markets and specialist bulk stores, proudly filling my glass jars. But when I checked my bank balance at the end of the month, I was absolutely horrified. My food expenses had tripled, entirely wiping out my hard-earned savings. It suddenly dawned on me that eating perfectly ‘clean’ is a privilege reserved for high earners, and I felt thoroughly defeated by the system. These days, I’ve adopted a more pragmatic middle ground. I buy standard supermarket produce to survive, but I make sure to bring my own canvas bags and diligently compost my leftovers. It’s not perfect, but it is the best my budget can accommodate right now.

C Tariq

As a software engineer, I am constantly surrounded by technology, so my ultimate goal was to invest in sustainable, repairable gadgets. I eventually found a startup selling a smartphone made entirely from recycled, ethically sourced components. I attempted to rationalise the astronomical price tag by telling myself that since I could replace individual parts myself, it would end up saving me money years down the line. Sadly, the upfront cost was simply too daunting for a junior developer’s salary. What frustrates me most, however, is the so-called ‘green premium’ on everyday items. I was looking for a basic laptop sleeve and discovered that brands charge double for products simply because they happen to be free of toxic dyes or cheap plastics. It is absolutely maddening that we are expected to pay a hefty penalty just to buy something that isn’t actively destroying the environment. It feels remarkably like corporate exploitation.

D Chloe

When I moved into my own flat, I was fiercely determined to stock it strictly with eco-friendly household goods. I quickly discovered that biodegradable dish soap and natural laundry detergents cost an absolute fortune compared to standard chemical brands. Desperate to stick to my principles without going broke, I attempted to manufacture my own cleaning solutions using basic ingredients like white vinegar and baking soda. However, working a demanding full-time job meant I was soon completely drained by the countless hours spent measuring, mixing, and bottling these concoctions. It infuriates me how the media constantly points the finger at working-class consumers, making us feel terribly guilty for purchasing cheap, plastic-packaged necessities. The reality is that the sustainable market is heavily geared towards those with plenty of disposable income. Protecting the Earth shouldn’t be treated like an exclusive VIP club that only a privileged few can join. Sustainable living must be made accessible to everyone.

Exercises:   123456