Popular local shops – B1 English Reading Test

Reading Tests for B1

For each question, choose the correct answer.
The people below all want to go shopping.
There are eight descriptions of shops.
Decide which shop would be the most suitable for the people below.
1 Jim wants to buy some new shoes for work. He needs something reasonably cheap and, as he’s working long hours, he
needs a shop that is open late during the week.
2 Hamid wants a shop where he can get measured for a new suit. He is happy to spend quite a lot but wants a place that has
been recommended by other customers.
3 Sheila wants to go shopping after she finishes work. She wants to buy an inexpensive dress or a skirt and would like to eat
something made locally before her train leaves.
4 Natalie is looking for a gift for her daughter who has passed her exams. She’d like to buy her something for university and
wants to avoid the busy shopping centre.
5 Manuela is on holiday in the UK and is looking for some chocolate for her friend. She would also like to buy something to
read when she gets back to her hotel.
Popular local shops
A Wedges
Take a break while you’re shopping and try our delicious home-cooked hot meals. Popular with students, everything is
reasonably priced. While you’re here have a look at some of the second-hand clothes we have available.
B New Street Corner Shop
Get something to remind you of your visit here and look around at our wide range of souvenirs. We have lots of toys, sweets,
locally made chocolates and attractive postcards and posters.
Looking for something to read?
Pick up a newspaper, a magazine or the latest novel for the journey home.
C Stella’s Boutique
Late-night shopping in Stella’s boutique. Many of our clothes are on special offer, with some items two for the price of one.
Visitors can also enjoy locally made cakes and snacks in our café. Just a short two-minute walk from the train station.
D Masons
We’re closing down next week and have a fantastic sale. Everything must go! We have the cheapest range of clothes in town
and a great selection of men’s wear, including suits, shirts and shoes. Open late this Saturday.
E Henry’s
Henry’s is known for its high-quality clothing, as our users’ comments prove, whether that’s dresses, skirts or stylish suits.
Our highly experienced staff will measure you and make sure you get the perfect fit. A little more expensive than the high
street shops but worth every penny.
F Design Corner
We’re a new shop in the old part of town and away from the crowds. But there’s nothing old about our goods. We sell dresses,
skirts and blouses made by local designers, and beautiful posters, pens and pencils that will look great in the office or on a
student’s desk.
G Walkers Department Store
Visit one of the city’s most popular shopping destinations. We sell the latest luxury designer clothes and everything for the
home, and we have a restaurant with an international menu. You should reserve a table if you wish to eat as we can get quite
busy!
H Bartons
If you’re in town looking for a bargain don’t forget to pay us a visit. Situated in the heart of the shopping mall, our popular
sale has everything for the professional man, including suits, shirts and shoes. Don’t forget our roof-top café! Late-night
shopping Monday to Friday.
Karina Moore – teenage high diver! – B1 English Reading Test
Reading Tests for B1
For each question, choose the correct answer.
Karina Moore – teenage high diver!
Several times a week, teenager Karina Moore trains at her local pool to jump from the high-diving board into the water – in an
attempt to become a national diving champion.
Karina first learned about diving during a family break in Spain, where the resort’s pool had a high-diving board. Young
people were diving off it, and it looked fun, but Karina didn’t join in, even though she was a strong swimmer. Then after
returning home, she discovered a long-distance runner she’d always admired had started diving for relaxation – so she became
more interested.
Karina joined a beginners’ diving class at her local pool. They had several sessions jumping onto soft materials before trying
the high board. ‘The water looked a long way down,’ says Karina, ‘but after our training, I felt I’d handle it – without injuring
myself? They’d warned me I’d land in the water fast – at around 60 kph – but I was prepared. I couldn’t wait to get started –
although the others weren’t so keen! Anyway, I wasn’t disappointed by the experience.’
In Karina’s area, there’s now lots of interest in high diving, but it’s sometimes difficult for swimmers to find suitable practice
facilities. Although the pools are deep enough, they’re in use so often by diving clubs that other people don’t get opportunities
to practise. Fortunately, though, Karina’s coach noticed her talent and helped her develop her techniques. After also two years,
she’s winning competitions in her area.
ABut what’s it like to concentrate so much on diving? ‘I train 20 hours a week’ says Karina, ‘and I won’t pretend it’s easy –
you have to enjoy it to spend so much time doing it! It’s not easy for my parents either, though – they drive me to training
sessions early in the morning, and that costs money. But they’re had financial help from sports organisations, luckily. And my
schoolwork and social life are good. I still meet my mates – and there’s always the phone! The only thing I hadn’t realised was
that the pool water would damage my hair – I used to love my long hair, but I’ve had to cut it short because it looked awful!
But I’ll definitely keep on diving!’
1 What made Karina keen to take up diving?
A She wanted to repeat her holiday experience.
B She found out her athletics hero had taken it up.
C She’d visited a pool where some teenagers were doing it.
D She wanted a new challenge after her success at swimming.
2 How did Karina feel the first time she used the high board?
A worried about how fat it was above the pool
B pleased to experience it with other beginners
C confident that she wouldn’t get hurt
D shocked to hit the water at such speed
3 What does the writer suggest about diving facilities in Karina’s area?
A They’re not used as much as they could be.
B There aren’t enough coaches teaching people to use them.
C There aren’t as many boards as there used to be.
D They’re not available to the public for long enough each day.
4 How does Karina feel about spending so much time diving?
A surprised by one effect it has had on her
B sorry she no longer sees her friends so much
C anxious about the amount of money it costs
D grateful to be able to focus on something she loves
5 What would the writer say about Karina?
A She’s a young girl who’s achieved a lot by becoming a national diving champion – and all with very little support.
B She’s made enormous progress in a very short time – after only a couple of years, she’s already showing great signs of
success.
C She has a lot of natural talent, but she’s already thinking of having a break from the high board for a while.
D She’s sad that she’s given up almost everything for her sport – and her lifestyle really sounds quite hard.