Practice English Reading Exercises for B2 – Physical Education & Extracurriculars 1

Exercises:   123456

Reading 1

You are going to read an article about four teenagers discussing the physical and psychological benefits they gained from mandatory physical education (PE) classes.

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 felt the classes were an unproductive use of their time?

2   states that they strongly disliked the lack of choice involved in the lessons?

3   realised that the purpose of exercise is functional ability rather than looking a certain way?

4   felt anxious about the possibility of disappointing other participants during the activities?

5   discovered an unexpected aptitude for a specific athletic discipline?

6   mentions that the physical exertion helped them concentrate better on their schoolwork?

7   highlights that they overcame their personal social barriers through group interaction?

8   intends to maintain a regular exercise routine after leaving their educational institution?

9   experienced a positive shift in how they view their own physical body?

10   states that PE provided a much-needed release from severe academic exhaustion?

Moving Minds and Bodies: The Hidden Value of PE

Four teenagers share how mandatory physical education unexpectedly changed their lives for the better.

A Liam

I used to dread Tuesday afternoons with a passion. For me, compulsory physical education felt like a complete waste of precious time when I could have been revising for my impending exams. I was under an immense amount of pressure to perform academically, and running around a muddy field in the freezing cold seemed utterly pointless. However, I eventually came to terms with the routine, and I noticed something truly surprising. After an hour of intense cardiovascular exercise, my mind felt incredibly sharp. The relentless brain fog that usually clouded my thoughts after hours of poring over textbooks simply vanished into thin air. Rather than being an annoying distraction, PE became a vital coping mechanism for my academic burnout. Returning to the classroom after a vigorous workout meant I could tackle complex physics problems with far greater ease. If the school hadn’t insisted on mandatory participation, I would never have realised how inextricably linked physical fitness is to mental clarity.

B Chloe

I have never been naturally coordinated, so the idea of being forced to play competitive sports filled me with absolute terror. I was quite introverted, and I must have looked visibly panicked on the court, as the thought of clumsily letting my teammates down was a constant source of anxiety. Nevertheless, the mandatory PE curriculum heavily emphasised collective games like netball and hockey. Because we were required to work together to devise on-the-spot strategies, I had no choice but to speak up and assert myself. Over time, navigating those fast-paced, unpredictable situations drastically improved my ability to communicate clearly under pressure. Much to my surprise, the defensive walls I had built around myself began to crumble. By having to cooperate in a team setting, I formed strong bonds with classmates I wouldn’t have naturally spoken to otherwise. For me, it wasn’t about becoming a star athlete; it was about stepping out of my comfort zone and finally finding my voice.

C Jamie

Being told exactly what to do and when to do it has never sat well with me, so mandatory PE initially felt like an unbearable chore. I fiercely resented the lack of autonomy, especially when it came to highly structured activities like gymnastics or basketball drills. Everything changed, however, when our teacher introduced us to long-distance running. Unlike crowded team sports, cross-country was a solitary, rhythmic pursuit, and I suddenly discovered I had a real knack for endurance events. I had absolutely no idea my stamina was so highly developed until I effortlessly outpaced my peers during a five-kilometre trial in the woods. Stumbling upon this hidden talent completely shifted my perspective on physical education. The rigid discipline required to pace myself on the track inevitably spilled over into my daily life. While I still don’t love every single activity on the school syllabus, I am genuinely grateful I was pushed to try something completely new.

D Aisha

Growing up in the era of social media, it is virtually impossible not to compare yourself to the heavily edited, flawless images online. Consequently, I used to be incredibly self-conscious about my physique, constantly fretting over how I looked in my school sports kit. Mandatory PE classes, however, initiated a crucial turning point in my psychological mindset. Our instructor incorporated strength conditioning into the curriculum, patiently teaching us how to lift weights safely. As the weeks passed, I stopped obsessing over my reflection in the mirror and started focusing on the amount of weight I could progressively deadlift. Realising that exercise is fundamentally about building a resilient, capable body rather than achieving an unrealistic aesthetic was a profoundly liberating breakthrough. I feel so much more empowered and comfortable in my own skin now. Because I have experienced such tangible benefits to my self-esteem, I am fully committed to keeping up a rigorous fitness regime long after graduation.

Reading 2

You are going to read an article about four students sharing their experiences and the pressure of being the captain of a competitive school sports team.

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

Which person/section

1   found it difficult at first to tell their peers what to do?

2   accepted the fault for a collective failure to protect their teammates?

3   was surprised by the extent of the off-pitch duties involved?

4   made an unwise decision regarding their health to set an example?

5   gets a great sense of achievement from watching junior members develop?

6   prefers to motivate others through their own dedication rather than speeches?

7   found that resolving arguments between players was a major challenge?

8   believes a captain must hide their own negative emotions after a setback?

9   admits that holding the position has complicated their personal relationships?

10   struggles with the heavy demands placed on them by older authority figures?

Leading the Pack: The Reality of Being Team Captain

A Liam

When I was selected to captain the basketball squad, I took it for granted that my teammates would automatically follow my lead. However, I quickly realised that being in charge of your mates is incredibly tricky. At first, I was deeply reluctant to give direct commands or single anyone out for poor performance, terrified they’d think I was getting too big for my boots. Consequently, the boundary between being a friend and a leader blurred, which has undoubtedly complicated my personal relationships. The toughest aspect hasn’t been the matches themselves, but sorting out locker-room disputes. Whenever two passionate players clashed over tactics, I was the one expected to step in and restore harmony, which was emotionally draining. Thankfully, I’ve gradually come to terms with the fact that you simply can’t please everyone. I’ve had to figure out how to separate my social life from my on-court responsibilities, even if it means feeling a bit isolated sometimes.

B Sarah

Some captains are incredibly vocal, delivering passionate, rousing speeches before every race. That has never really been my style. As captain of the athletics team, I firmly believe in leading by example; I prefer to let my relentless dedication and work ethic do the talking. I figure that if I am pushing myself to the absolute limit during freezing early morning sessions, the rest of the squad will naturally follow suit. However, this stubborn mindset certainly has its drawbacks. Last season, I deliberately ignored a painful ankle injury because I wanted to project an image of unshakeable resilience. It was a foolish misjudgment that ultimately kept me out of action for six weeks. On top of that, the sheer weight of expectation from coaches and parents can occasionally feel suffocating. They rely on you to guarantee a flawless performance, and coping with those heavy demands from authority figures is often tougher than the training itself.

C Mateo

When the coach finally handed me the captain’s armband for the football team, I was absolutely over the moon. I instantly envisioned myself lifting trophies and scoring spectacular winning goals. What I hadn’t anticipated, though, was the staggering volume of behind-the-scenes administration. From organising transport for away fixtures to ensuring everyone has submitted their permission slips, the off-pitch duties are virtually endless. I frequently spend more time sending group messages and coordinating schedules than I do practising my free kicks! Despite these unexpected logistical nightmares, the role is intensely fulfilling in ways I hadn’t foreseen. Taking the younger, less experienced players under my wing has been a genuine revelation. Seeing a nervous junior recruit successfully execute a complex tactic we’ve practised for weeks gives me an enormous sense of pride—often more than scoring a goal myself. The administrative side of things might be tedious, but witnessing their progression makes it all worthwhile.

D Chloe

Being a captain is a relatively straightforward job when your team is on a winning streak. The true test of leadership, however, only comes when things completely fall apart. During the regional volleyball finals last month, we suffered a crushing defeat, and the squad’s morale hit rock bottom. As the captain, I knew I had to put on a brave face, even though I was secretly devastated inside. You simply cannot afford to let your teammates see you wallow in disappointment, as negativity spreads like wildfire. Following that disastrous match, our coach was absolutely furious. Instead of letting him single out specific players, I stepped up and took the blame for our collective lack of coordination, shielding the rest of the team from his harsh criticism. It was a very bitter pill to swallow, but absorbing that criticism meant the squad could focus on rebuilding their confidence rather than dwelling on their mistakes.

Exercises:   123456