Practice English Reading Exercises for B2 – Urban Cycling & Everyday Fitness 9

Exercises:   123456

Reading 1

You are going to read an article about four teenagers sharing their passion for skateboarding and how the local skatepark serves as their primary social hub.

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

Which person

1   learnt a valuable lesson about the importance of perseverance?

2   confesses to having felt nervous around more seasoned skateboarders?

3   gets satisfaction from challenging unfair assumptions about young people?

4   finds it rewarding to record the achievements of their peers?

5   relies on the sport as an escape from the stress of their studies?

6   was grateful for the vocal support they got while practicing a technique?

7   feels a strong sense of achievement regarding a community event they organised?

8   appreciates the wide diversity of backgrounds among the people at the park?

9   took action to help fix a physical problem with the facilities at the park?

10   likens the physical sensation of the sport to defying gravity?

The Concrete Community: More Than Just a Skatepark

A Leo

I’ve been obsessed with skateboarding since I was ten, but it hasn’t always been smooth sailing. Last year, I took it for granted that I could land a difficult jump, lost my balance, and ended up with a fractured wrist. Coming to terms with the fact that I couldn’t skate for two months was incredibly frustrating. However, the local skatepark is like a second home, and the people there are my extended family. Even when I had my arm in a cast, I went down there just to hang out. When I finally bounced back and got back on my board, I was terrified of falling again. Nevertheless, the older skaters gathered around, offering tips and cheering me on until I finally nailed the trick. That’s the beauty of this place; it teaches you resilience. You quickly learn that if you hadn’t failed repeatedly, you would never experience the thrill of finally getting it right. It’s a harsh but brilliant lesson in perseverance.

B Mia

For me, skateboarding is much more than just a physical activity; it’s an art form. Every skater has their own unique style, much like a signature, and the skatepark is our canvas. What fascinates me most is the incredible mix of characters you encounter there. You’ve got people from all walks of life, and nobody judges you on your background; you’re only respected for your dedication. Recently, I’ve taken up filming. I bring my camera to the park every weekend and shoot footage of my friends performing complex maneuvers. I spend hours editing the clips, setting them to music, and posting them online. It’s highly rewarding to capture those fleeting moments of perfection. If I hadn’t started hanging out at the park, I doubt I would have discovered my passion for filmmaking. Furthermore, creating these videos has given me a real sense of purpose and a fantastic way to showcase the immense talent within our local scene.

C Sam

My final year of high school has been incredibly demanding, and the pressure of upcoming exams often leaves me feeling overwhelmed. Consequently, the skatepark has become my ultimate sanctuary. As soon as I drop into the bowl and feel the wind against my face, my mind goes completely blank. It’s almost akin to the sensation of floating; for those few seconds in the air, gravity ceases to exist, and all my academic worries evaporate. I must admit, though, that it wasn’t always this relaxing. When I first turned up at the park as a complete novice, I was deeply intimidated by the veterans who seemed to glide around effortlessly. I was convinced they were laughing at my clumsy attempts. I couldn’t have been more wrong. They actually went out of their way to make me feel welcome, and one guy even spent an entire afternoon teaching me how to balance properly. Now, I simply couldn’t imagine my life without it.

D Chloe

There’s a widespread misconception that teenagers who hang around skateparks are troublemakers who just want to cause a nuisance. I take great pleasure in proving those critics wrong. We are actually a highly organised and supportive community. In fact, a few months ago, a group of us took the initiative to set up a weekend competition to raise funds for repairing some of the worn-out ramps. Seeing everyone pull together, from designing flyers to baking cakes to sell on the day, was absolutely phenomenal. I felt an immense sense of pride in what we achieved. If we hadn’t taken responsibility for our own space, the local council certainly wouldn’t have done it for us. The skatepark is the heartbeat of our social lives. We don’t just skate; we share our problems, offer advice, and look out for one another. It’s high time people recognised the positive impact these spaces have on youth culture rather than focusing on outdated stereotypes.

Reading 2

You are going to read an article about four young professionals discussing their midday exercise routines.

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

Which person

1   mentions an initial assumption about their energy levels that was proven wrong?

2   finds the practical arrangements of their chosen activity somewhat annoying?

3   believes their exercise routine has improved team dynamics and workplace relationships?

4   used to have a habit of working continuously without taking a proper break?

5   credits their midday routine with helping them overcome a specific professional hurdle?

6   accepts that their routine compromises their ability to truly enjoy their meal?

7   started their routine primarily to combat the physical strain caused by their profession?

8   notes that their workout companions can sometimes take the activity too seriously?

9   appreciates that their chosen activity demands complete mental presence to avoid negative consequences?

10   speculates about the amusing visual impression they give to others in the building?

The Lunch-Break Workout: Boosting Afternoon Productivity

A Mark – The Financial Analyst

Before taking up midday boxing, I simply took it for granted that lunch breaks were meant for catching up on endless emails while miserably eating a sandwich at my desk. If I hadn’t been dragged to a local gym by a friend, I would never have realised how counterproductive that was. Now, I hit the punchbags three times a week. The beauty of boxing is that it demands absolute concentration; if your mind wanders to a spreadsheet for even a second, you might get hit! Consequently, I return to the office with a completely clear head. The only downside is that after showering and changing, I have barely ten minutes to scoff down a salad before my next meeting. Nevertheless, the trade-off is absolutely worth it. I used to suffer from terrible mid-afternoon slumps where my brain felt like cotton wool, but now I bounce back immediately 

and breeze through complex financial reports.

B Chloe – The Graphic Designer

When a senior colleague suggested joining a local lunchtime Pilates class, I honestly told her she must be joking. I was absolutely convinced that exercising in the middle of a busy workday would leave me completely drained and unable to focus. However, I couldn’t have been more wrong. As a designer, I frequently hit creative roadblocks, staring blankly at a computer screen for hours. Taking a break to stretch and breathe does wonders for my imagination. In fact, just last week, I was struggling immensely with a major rebranding campaign. It wasn’t until I was halfway through a complex Pilates pose that the perfect logo concept suddenly popped into my head. I have finally come to terms with the fact that stepping away from the desk is sometimes the most productive thing you can do. My afternoon output has skyrocketed, and I now approach design challenges with a completely fresh perspective.

C Jamal – The Software Developer

Spending eight to ten hours a day continuously hunched over a laptop keyboard had really started to take its toll on my body. I was constantly complaining to my manager about severe lower back aches and stiff shoulders. I knew I urgently had to do something, so I started swimming at the municipal pool just down the road. It has been an absolute lifesaver for my posture. Floating in the water decompresses my spine, and by 2:00 PM, I feel physically rejuvenated rather than aching. On the other hand, the logistics can be a nightmare. Lugging damp towels and a wet swimsuit back to the office is far from ideal, and I must look quite a sight standing in the elevator with dripping hair. However, the overall benefits outweigh the hassle. Colleagues have noted that my code debugging in the afternoons is far more accurate now, which must be down to the post-swim endorphin rush.

D Sarah – The HR Manager

For me, the midday workout isn’t solely about maintaining physical fitness; it has evolved into a brilliant networking tool. A diverse group of us from various departments go for a brisk 5k run through the local botanical park. It has successfully broken down stubborn hierarchical barriers and significantly improved office morale. People who used to barely exchange a polite nod in the corridor are now chatting comfortably, which makes collaborative afternoon meetings run much more smoothly. We do have a great laugh, though occasionally the pace heats up and certain highly competitive individuals treat it like an Olympic sprint rather than a casual jog! Still, getting some fresh air and breaking a sweat is highly invigorating. If I hadn’t joined the running club, I wouldn’t have forged such strong relationships with my colleagues, nor would my decision-making skills be as sharp as they are during those notoriously long Friday afternoon strategy sessions.

Exercises:   123456