Practice English Reading Exercises for B2 – University Life & Transitions 7

Exercises:   123456

Reading 1

You are going to read an article about four students describing an academic failure at university and the valuable lessons they learned from bouncing back.

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

Which person

1   admits that taking on an excessive workload caused their project to fail?

2   regrets disregarding the advice offered by a teacher?

3   mentions how rushing an assignment resulted in a severe academic penalty?

4   realised that possessing theoretical knowledge is not enough on its own?

5   was initially reluctant to adapt their original idea?

6   has completely overhauled the way they manage their study time?

7   was expecting a high mark before getting the results?

8   learned that trusting other people’s skills is a vital part of collaborative work?

9   failed an assignment due to incorrect handling of research sources?

10   discovered the value of accepting negative feedback?

Learning from Failure

A Liam: Chemistry Student

When I handed in my second-year chemistry coursework, I was absolutely convinced I had aced it. I had spent countless hours conducting the experiments, and I took it for granted that my deep understanding of the scientific concepts would automatically guarantee a top grade. Therefore, it came as a massive shock when I received a failing mark out of the blue. It turned out that I had completely ignored the strict structural guidelines that had been set out in the brief. If I had bothered to read the instructions carefully, I wouldn’t have lost so many crucial points. It was a bitter pill to swallow, but it made me realise that merely knowing your subject isn’t sufficient by itself. You also need to follow the rules and present your findings correctly. Nowadays, I always make sure to highlight the key requirements before I even begin typing my reports.

B Chloe: History Student

I’ve always had a terrible habit of leaving things to the eleventh hour. During my first year, I was tasked with writing a complex history essay. Naturally, I put it off until the night before the deadline and ended up rushing through the reading. In my panicked state, I forgot to properly cite several quotes, which the university’s anti-cheating software immediately flagged as plagiarism. I was summoned to a disciplinary meeting and given a zero for the module. I must have looked absolutely horrified, but the lecturer was firm. That severe penalty was exactly the wake-up call I needed. I realised that cutting corners with reference materials is unforgivable in academia. Consequently, I’ve entirely revolutionised my approach to studying. I now break my assignments down into manageable chunks weeks in advance, ensuring I never have to pull an all-nighter again.

C Ravi: Business Student

In business school, collaborative tasks are a major part of the course, but I used to absolutely hate them. During an important marketing presentation, I was so terrified that my classmates would let me down that I essentially took over the entire project. I insisted on writing the script, designing the slides, and doing most of the talking. The result was a disjointed, exhausting disaster, and the professor gave us a failing grade, noting our complete lack of synergy. She told me later that effective leadership meant empowering others, not doing their jobs for them. It was a tough lesson, but I finally understood that monopolising a group effort ultimately damages the final product. Since then, I’ve made a conscious effort to step back and delegate tasks. Learning to rely on my teammates’ unique strengths has been a game-changer for me.

D Sophie: Architecture Student

Architecture is a highly subjective field, and as a first-year student, I used to be incredibly protective of my creations. For my end-of-year portfolio, I had come up with an avant-garde building concept that I absolutely loved. Throughout the semester, my tutor repeatedly warned me that the structural mathematics didn’t add up and suggested several modifications. However, I was too stubborn to compromise my artistic vision and completely disregarded his guidance. Unsurprisingly, the review panel failed my project, stating that it was unsafe and impractical. Initially, I was furious, but once I calmed down, I had to admit they were right. That failure taught me the hard way that you cannot simply turn a blind eye to expert evaluation. I discovered that embracing constructive criticism is absolutely vital if you want to grow as a designer.

Reading 2

You are going to read an article about four undergraduates sharing their experiences of completing a mandatory unpaid internship as part of their degree.

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

Which person

1   states that the placement altered their career ambitions?

2   mentions struggling to feel connected to their co-workers?

3   was frustrated by the mundane nature of their initial duties?

4   ended up securing a permanent position as a direct result of the experience?

5   highlights the necessity of holding down another job simultaneously?

6   discovered that their working arrangement demanded a high level of self-motivation?

7   places great value on the professional network they were able to build?

8   admits they initially felt resentful about the lack of financial compensation?

9   found the daily travel to the workplace physically draining?

10   was relieved to find that the staff treated them as an equal?

The Unpaid Internship: Was It Worth It?

A Liam

When my university informed us that a three-month unpaid placement was mandatory, I took it in my stride. The most challenging aspect was undeniably the commute; spending over two hours on a cramped train every morning really took its toll on my energy levels. I’d expected to be treated as the office junior, restricted to making coffee, but to my immense relief, the team valued my input and involved me in major brainstorming sessions right from day one. Despite this welcoming atmosphere, the experience was an eye-opener in another way. I had always assumed I’d thrive in corporate marketing, but observing the day-to-day reality made me realise it simply isn’t for me. It was a tough pill to swallow, but I’m now looking into working for non-profit organisations instead. Although I wasn’t paid a penny, figuring out my true professional calling before graduating made the entire exhausting process completely worthwhile.

B Maya

To be brutally honest, I was incredibly bitter when I started my internship. The idea of working full-time hours for a prestigious publishing house without earning a salary felt deeply unfair. Consequently, I had no choice but to take on weekend shifts at a local café just to keep my head above water, which left me with virtually no free time. However, my attitude gradually shifted. Rather than being handed repetitive administrative chores, I was entrusted with proofreading actual manuscripts. The workload was heavy, but the hands-on experience was invaluable. The real turning point came during my final evaluation. The department head was so impressed with my dedication that she offered me a junior editorial role starting immediately after graduation. Looking back, I still believe unpaid internships are problematic, but I can’t deny that it was the stepping stone I desperately needed to launch my career.

C Noah

I’ve always been passionate about graphic design, so landing a placement at a top agency felt like a dream come true. Unfortunately, the first few weeks were a massive letdown. I was essentially acting as a receptionist—answering phones, sorting the post, and doing endless data entry. It was incredibly tedious, and I started to wonder if I was wasting my time. I raised the issue with my supervisor, and fortunately, she took it on board. Gradually, I was assigned to assist with actual design mock-ups. While the creative work was satisfying, the most significant benefit of the internship was the people I met. I made a point of chatting with various senior designers and exchanging contact details. Establishing those industry connections has given me a massive head start. Even though I’m still studying, several of them have already reached out with freelance opportunities.

D Chloe

Because of budget cuts at the software company I interned for, my placement was conducted entirely from home. On the plus side, I saved an absolute fortune on travel expenses and didn’t have to face the morning rush hour. However, the lack of physical presence came with its own set of challenges. I found it exceptionally difficult to bond with my colleagues through a screen; without those casual chats over a coffee, I never truly felt like part of the team. Furthermore, I completely underestimated how much discipline was required. Without a manager physically looking over my shoulder, it was incredibly tempting to get distracted. I had to quickly learn how to manage my own schedule and set strict daily goals to ensure I met my deadlines. It wasn’t the traditional office experience I had anticipated, but it taught me vital lessons about independent working.

Exercises:   123456