Practice English Reading Exercises for B2 – Physical Education & Extracurriculars 6

Exercises:   123456

Reading 1

You are going to read an article about four students describing how participating in a school chess club helped them develop strategic planning skills for real life.

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

Which person/section

1   successfully applied their new mindset to avoid last-minute academic panic?

2   appreciates being able to adjust their plans when unexpected issues arise?

3   explains how the game improved their ability to manage their finances?

4   notes that the activity helped them resolve interpersonal conflicts more peacefully?

5   mentions learning to control their emotional reactions during stressful moments?

6   states that they used to make hasty choices without considering the consequences?

7   realised the importance of considering another individual’s point of view?

8   discovered that giving something up in the short term can lead to a larger goal?

9   breaks down large, intimidating tasks into smaller, manageable steps?

10   admits they initially joined the society for reasons unrelated to self-improvement?

Thinking Ahead: How Chess Taught Us About Life

A Liam

I’ve always been incredibly impulsive, especially when it came to money. Whenever I got my allowance, I’d blow it immediately on clothes or video games without a second thought. Joining the school chess club completely shifted my perspective. In chess, if you just react to what’s right in front of you without a broader strategy, you’ll lose within minutes. You have to think several moves ahead. I started applying this logic to my own life, specifically my bank account. I realised that if I wanted to buy a new laptop, I had to sacrifice my daily coffee purchases. It’s exactly like sacrificing a pawn to secure a checkmate later on. Learning to delay gratification and carefully plan my spending has been a real game-changer. While some people play just for fun, the strategic element of anticipating future outcomes has genuinely turned my financial habits around.

B Maya

Before I took up chess, my approach to schoolwork was an absolute disaster. I was the classic procrastinator, always leaving my revision until the night before an exam and ending up completely overwhelmed. Chess taught me the value of resource management and prioritisation. When you look at a chessboard, you can’t focus on everything at once; you have to break the board down into smaller, controllable sectors. I began tackling my academic workload using the exact same technique. Instead of viewing a history project as one massive, terrifying mountain, I divide it into manageable chunks—research, drafting, and editing—and schedule them systematically throughout the week. This structured approach means I no longer experience those dreadful last-minute panics. Some kids use chess just to socialise, but for me, mastering the art of methodical planning has undoubtedly saved my grades.

C Ethan

I used to have a terrible habit of losing my temper whenever things didn’t go my way. If a plan fell apart, I’d panic and usually make the situation worse. Chess is brilliant because it constantly throws curveballs at you. You might have a flawless strategy mapped out, but then your opponent makes a move you completely failed to anticipate. At first, I would get frustrated and inevitably lose the match. Eventually, I learned to keep my cool, take a deep breath, and adapt my strategy on the spot. This ability to remain calm under pressure has been incredibly useful in real life. Last month, when my flight for a school trip was suddenly cancelled, instead of having a complete meltdown, I calmly figured out an alternative route. Chess doesn’t just teach you how to plan; it teaches you how to quickly rethink those plans when life throws an unexpected obstacle in your path.

D Chloe

To be completely honest, I only showed up to the chess club because my best friend dragged me along; I had absolutely no intention of learning anything profound. However, it didn’t take long for me to realise how much it was influencing my daily life, particularly in how I communicate with others. I used to be quite stubborn, frequently getting into arguments with my parents because I refused to see their side of things. In chess, you constantly have to put yourself in your opponent’s shoes to figure out their overall objective. I soon started applying this empathetic strategy to my own disagreements. Before reacting defensively, I try to anticipate what the other person is feeling and why they are saying it. By taking a moment to understand their perspective, I can successfully de-escalate situations before they turn into full-blown rows.

Reading 2

You are going to read an article about four young adults reflecting on their experiences in the Scouts or similar youth outdoor survival organizations.

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 overestimated their own competence before facing a real-world challenge?

2   acknowledges that the skills acquired proved beneficial during a job selection process?

3   successfully overcame a long-standing psychological barrier?

4   felt frustrated by the rigid code of conduct when they first joined?

5   expresses gratitude for the opportunity to disconnect from modern technology?

6   praises a particular group leader for their encouraging guidance?

7   had to maintain their composure during a sudden meteorological crisis?

8   points out that shared adversity resulted in permanent friendships?

9   was taken aback by the level of bodily endurance the activities demanded?

10   realised that taking care of younger participants accelerated their personal growth?

Surviving and Thriving: Lessons from the Great Outdoors

A Liam

I didn’t exactly jump for joy when my parents enrolled me in our local outdoor survival troop. I initially thought it would be a complete waste of time. However, I soon had to eat my words. The turning point occurred during a weekend expedition when we were caught in an unexpected, torrential blizzard. As the senior patrol member, I had to keep a cool head, ensuring everyone’s tents were properly secured and spirits remained high. Having to look out for the junior scouts in that high-stakes situation really forced me to grow up quickly; it instilled a profound sense of responsibility in me. Looking back, the leadership and teamwork skills I developed have been absolutely invaluable. In fact, during a recent interview for a highly competitive graduate job, I drew heavily on my experiences of managing group dynamics under pressure. It undoubtedly gave me the edge over other candidates. While some of my peers hated the early morning drills, I realised that true resilience is something you carry with you forever.

B Maya

Before setting off on my first wilderness survival camp, I had devoured countless manuals on shelter building and foraging. Consequently, I took it for granted that I would breeze through the practical assessments. I couldn’t have been more mistaken! Reading about constructing a bivouac is entirely different from actually wrestling with heavy branches and damp foliage. I was completely shocked by how much physical stamina was required just to get through a single day. My muscles ached in places I didn’t even know existed! Despite the exhaustion and the constant battle with the elements, those shared struggles brought my group incredibly close. If we hadn’t been forced to rely on each other to build a fire in the pouring rain, we would never have formed such an unbreakable bond. The girls I shared a leaky tent with back then are still my closest companions today. It taught me that genuine camaraderie is often forged in the most demanding and uncomfortable environments.

C Tom

When I look back on my time in the youth expedition club, the first thing that comes to mind is how much I initially resented the formalities. I was quite a rebellious teenager, and having to adhere to a strict dress code and follow precise protocols really got on my nerves. I almost threw in the towel during the first month. Gradually, though, I came to terms with the structure and began to appreciate the wider benefits of our excursions. What I treasure most about those weekend retreats is that they forced us to completely unplug. In our daily lives, we are constantly bombarded by social media notifications and the glare of screens. Being out in the wild, navigating purely by map and compass without a smartphone in sight, was incredibly refreshing. It offered a rare mental clarity that is hard to come by nowadays. While the physical challenges were undeniably tough, the digital detox was the most rewarding aspect for my overall well-being.

D Chloe

My involvement in our local outdoor adventure group was truly transformative, primarily because it pushed me to face my deepest insecurities. Since childhood, I had been paralysed by a severe fear of heights. The mere thought of our scheduled abseiling trip brought me out in a cold sweat. I was determined to sit it out, but our expedition instructor, Mark, wouldn’t hear of it. He was exceptionally patient, talking me through every single carabiner and knot, and gently urging me to step off the ledge. He never made me feel foolish for being terrified. Thanks to his unwavering support, I eventually managed to complete the descent. Defeating that lifelong terror was a massive psychological breakthrough for me. It completely altered my mindset; I realised that the limitations I placed on myself were entirely mental. While some members valued the practical survival skills or the physical fitness, for me, the entire programme was a masterclass in conquering my own mind.

Exercises:   123456