Practice English Reading Exercises for B2 – Practical Life Skills 9

Exercises:   123456

Reading 1

You are going to read an article about four young people reviewing a basic automotive repair class where they learned how to change a tire and check engine oil.

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

Which person/section

1   enrolled out of a fear of being stranded in a remote area?

2   discovered a technique to overcome their lack of physical strength?

3   was driven to sign up to cut down on their living costs?

4   ruined some of their attire by failing to dress appropriately?

5   feels frustrated about the money they wasted prior to the training?

6   participated in the workshops due to pressure from a relative?

7   gained a surprising new sense of self-reliance from the sessions?

8   plans to share their newly acquired knowledge with a friend?

9   praises the teacher for making daunting tasks easy to grasp?

10   used to depend completely on a smartphone application for roadside help?

Taking the Wheel: Learning Basic Car Maintenance

A Mia

When I inherited my grandfather’s ancient hatchback, my biggest nightmare was getting a flat tyre on a deserted country lane. I’ve never been particularly athletic, so I took it for granted that I simply wouldn’t be capable of loosening the incredibly tight bolts on a wheel. I almost didn’t sign up for the mechanics course, convinced it would be an exercise in frustration. Fortunately, the instructor was brilliant; she taught me that changing a tyre is far more about leverage than raw muscle. By learning to position my body weight correctly against the wrench, the rusty bolts came undone effortlessly. It was a massive relief! Some people join these classes solely to dodge expensive garage fees, but for me, it was entirely about peace of mind. Had I not attended this workshop, I would still be terrified of venturing beyond the city limits, but I no longer panic about driving at night.

B Jamal

As a university student on a tight budget, the main catalyst for me taking this class was purely financial. I was absolutely sick of being charged exorbitant fees by local mechanics for something as trivial as an oil change or replacing wiper blades. Looking back, it drives me up the wall to think about how much cash I needlessly handed over to professionals over the last few years. The hands-on sessions were incredibly practical, though I do have one major regret: I completely underestimated how grimy the work would be. On the very first day, I foolishly turned up in a brand-new white hoodie, which was promptly covered in thick, unremovable grease when I misjudged the dipstick. Despite that wardrobe disaster, getting my hands dirty was actually quite rewarding. Now that I know how to source parts and do the basic maintenance myself, my bank balance is looking much healthier.

C Chloe

I can’t honestly claim that I voluntarily chose to spend my weekends learning about engine coolant and tread depth. It was my father who insisted I take the course before I embarked on a summer road trip, arguing that I needed to be prepared for the worst. I dragged my heels initially, expecting it to be incredibly tedious. However, getting to grips with the inner workings of my vehicle brought about a profoundly unexpected sense of empowerment. There is something uniquely satisfying about popping the bonnet and actually understanding what you’re looking at, rather than feeling entirely helpless. I’ve grown so confident in my abilities that I’ve actually promised to run through the basics with my flatmate next weekend, as she is just as clueless as I used to be. While I still wouldn’t call myself a petrolhead, the independence I’ve gained has been an absolute game-changer.

D Ben

Prior to this course, my entire strategy for dealing with car trouble consisted of pulling over, opening a breakdown app on my smartphone, and waiting for a rescue truck to arrive. I had always assumed that modern cars were far too complex for an amateur to tamper with. When I finally decided to learn the ropes, I remember staring blankly into the engine bay on day one, feeling completely overwhelmed by the maze of belts, caps, and fluid reservoirs. What truly made the difference was our tutor’s methodical approach. He had a remarkable talent for breaking down intimidating mechanical concepts into bite-sized, digestible steps. By the end of the module, I had completely mastered how to safely jack up the car and drain the oil without making a mess. I haven’t had to use my emergency app once this year, which is a testament to how effective the training was.

Reading 2

You are going to read an article about four students describing the emotional intelligence they developed by taking a course in active listening and conflict resolution.

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

Which person/section

1   admits they previously had a habit of trying to fix other people’s problems immediately?

2   states that the training helped them control their defensive reactions?

3   realised that individuals frequently conceal their genuine emotions?

4   successfully helped two peers reach an agreement?

5   mentions that the skills they acquired have been beneficial in a workplace environment?

6   initially misunderstood the primary goal of the module?

7   points out the importance of paying attention to physical gestures?

8   found it challenging to maintain an unbiased position during a disagreement?

9   was surprised by how much mental energy is required to truly concentrate on a speaker?

10   discovered that a period of silence can be highly effective in a conversation?

Finding Common Ground: Learning to Listen and Resolve

A Liam

When I initially signed up for the conflict resolution module, I was under the illusion that we would be taught how to win arguments or persuade people to see our point of view. It was quite a shock to discover that the curriculum was actually entirely centered on empathy! I’ve always been a bit of a “fixer”; the moment a friend confided in me about a struggle, I would immediately jump in with unsolicited advice. If I hadn’t taken this module, I would undoubtedly have continued alienating my peers with my constant interruptions. Furthermore, the most revealing part of the training was learning how incredibly exhausting it is to actively listen. Giving someone your undivided attention without formulating your reply while they are still talking takes a staggering amount of brainpower. However, mastering this has drastically improved my relationships. By simply providing a safe space for people to vent, rather than trying to magically solve their dilemmas, I’ve found that they trust me far more.

B Maya

I enrolled in the active listening course to improve my communication, but it ended up completely shifting how I perceive human interaction. Previously, I took everything people said at face value. The workshops opened my eyes to the fact that individuals routinely put on a brave face, and their spoken words rarely reflect their true inner turmoil. We dedicated several sessions to decoding body language, which was absolutely fascinating. I quickly learned that folded arms or a lack of eye contact can speak volumes. Another major breakthrough for me was becoming comfortable with quietness. I used to rush to fill any silent moments with meaningless chatter. Now, I’ve realised that allowing a brief pause after someone finishes speaking gives them the opportunity to gather their thoughts and share deeper insights. It was a challenging technique to adopt, but learning to hold my tongue has resulted in some beautifully honest conversations with my family.

C Noah

My biggest takeaway from the emotional intelligence seminars was learning how to manage my own triggers. Historically, whenever someone offered me constructive criticism, I would instinctively take it to heart and become incredibly hostile. The course taught me a technique called “the psychological pause,” which basically involves taking a deep breath and objectively assessing a comment before responding. It has been a total game-changer, particularly in my part-time job as a waiter. Just last week, an irate customer complained aggressively about their meal. I figured they must have been having a terrible day, and instead of taking the insult personally, I used my newly acquired de-escalation tactics. I calmly acknowledged their frustration, which instantly diffused the tension. Although I still feel a spike of adrenaline when confronted, I now have the mental tools to prevent my emotions from dictating my actions. It is immensely empowering to remain level-headed under pressure.

D Chloe

The most demanding aspect of the conflict resolution syllabus was our focus on mediation. It is one thing to manage your own disputes, but intervening in someone else’s drama is a completely different minefield. We were tasked with putting our theory into practice, and I recently found myself navigating a fierce falling-out between two of my closest friends. The hardest part was undeniably resisting the temptation to take sides, especially since I privately agreed with one of them! I had to bite my lip and strictly maintain my objectivity. By encouraging them to use “I feel” statements rather than pointing fingers, I guided them toward a mutual compromise. Seeing them finally hug and make up was an incredibly rewarding experience. While it was a stressful ordeal that tested my patience to the limit, I now feel fully equipped to act as a peacemaker without getting caught in the crossfire.

Exercises:   123456