ESL Reading mini check

NAME___________________________

Exercise 1 Read the blog written by a teenager called Lana Bridges about her hobby, and then answer
the questions.

Cosplay

by Lana Bridges

I’m really into cosplay. If you haven’t heard of it, don’t worry, I’ll tell you all about it. After reading this,
you might want to take up cosplay too!

So, what exactly is cosplay? It’s when people dress up in costume to look like a character from a film,
book or video game. The term ‘cosplay’ comes from two words, ‘costume’ and ‘play’, joined together.
Although it wasn’t called cosplay then, it started in 1939, when fans wore costumes at the first ever
world science-fiction conference. The name was actually created in 1984, by a Japanese man who had
attended that conference. And since around 1990, there’s been a rapid growth in the number of people
who, like me, enjoy cosplay. I’ve made so many friends since I took it up!

Anyway, cosplay isn’t all about science fiction. Although I like that, fantasy is what I’d choose before
anything else. There are also people who do historical cosplay – dressing up like eighteenth-century
soldiers, for example, though that’s not really my thing. But whatever type of cosplay people are into,
I’m sure they’ll all agree that they’ve gained confidence from doing it. I certainly have!

These days there are cosplay competitions around the world, and even if you can’t attend them in
person, they’re amazing to watch online or read about. There’s EuroCosplay, which I’ve been to in
London; the Nordic Cosplay Championship, in Sweden; and the best known of all is the World Cosplay
Summit, which takes place in Japan.

Some of the cosplay costumes I’ve seen are incredible, and can be really complicated. You don’t just
need the right clothes, but also make-up, hairstyle, and various objects – like a particular ring or a
wooden stick. Having to come up with some of my costumes means I’ve become much more creative!
Since I took up cosplay, I’ve tried a wide range of characters, including an old man with a beard. What
I’m preparing for now is a non-human role. I’ve got one in mind, but I generally keep my plans secret
until my costume is ready! I really admire people who make their own costumes themselves. I do that
more now that I’ve learned to sew, which I’m really proud of!

If you look online, you’ll find lots of people selling cosplay costumes. Though it can be a good way to
make money, I personally can’t imagine selling mine – I like the idea of reusing them. Professional
cosplayers can earn lots of money too, promoting a particular event or product. Taking photographs at
cosplay events is my plan. I’d charge people for them, so I’d be able to attend all the events and make a
living at the same time.

Question 1

When was the term ‘cosplay’

invented? ....................................................................................................................................................
[1]
Question 2

What type of cosplay does Lana

prefer? .................................................................................................................................................... [1]
Question 3

What is the most famous cosplay contest

called? .................................................................................................................................................... [1]
Question 4

What type of character is Lana planning to be next in

cosplay? .................................................................................................................................................... [1]
Question 5

How would Lana like to make money from cosplay in the

future? .................................................................................................................................................... [1]

Question 6

How has Lana benefited from doing cosplay? Give three

details. .......................................................................................................................................................... .
......................................................................................................................................................... ..............
...................................................................................................................................... [3]

[Total: 8]

Exercise 2 Read the article about four people (A–D) who enjoy wild swimming. Then answer Questions
7(a)–(i).

Wild swimming

Swimming outdoors in rivers, lakes and the sea

A Conor Recently, I was looking through old photos of family summer holidays in Scotland – there were
pictures of us all swimming in the clear blue sea, with the sun blazing overhead. I clearly remembered
the freezing temperature of the water, which certainly isn’t the impression given by the images! I’ve
always been a keen swimmer, though I admit that most of the year I go to the local sports centre where
I can swim indoors. I’m definitely a seasonal wild swimmer – when it’s warm enough, I head to my local
river for an evening swim. Without exception, I emerge feeling more positive than when I got in.
Occasionally friends join me – I talk about it so much that they’ve come along to see for themselves
what it’s like. I must admit though that it’s the occasions when I have only myself for company that I
appreciate the most.

B Emine Swimming is so good for you, both physically and mentally, whether you’re swimming indoors
or out in nature. I live by the coast, and have a few favourite spots nearby for swimming. I tend not to
reveal them though, as regular swimmers like me value our private places! I love swimming out from the
beach, watching birds fly overhead. I try to go as often as I can – it’s only when it’s too windy that I’ll
accept it’s not wise to swim in the sea. But otherwise, you’ll find me out there most times of the year,
sometimes even in the winter months when the thought of getting into cold water isn’t the most
appealing. If you’ve never tried it before, the trick is to get into the water slowly, let your body get used
to it, and then warm up as quickly as possible when you get out.

C Omar My first experience of wild swimming was in my teens. My friend and I were on a boat near an
island, and although I’d never swum in the sea before, it was such a hot sunny day that I didn’t hesitate
to jump in. Talking to my friend about it recently, I said I could almost imagine the wonderful cool water
around me. What I had to be reminded of was my concern at the time about what creatures might have
been in the deep water beneath me! That thought doesn’t bother me anymore, and I’ll happily swim in
the sea whenever I have the chance. I swim indoors regularly too, but given the choice between fresh air
and chemicals, I know which I’d go for. Sometimes I swim on my own; other times I meet up with a
group to try a different location. I love finding new places!

D Ana I’m a member of a wild-swimming club – there are about twelve of us now, and we range in age
from sixteen to over seventy! We meet up almost every week. I also have a blog about it, so if anyone
wants to join us, they can find out where to go. Some people prefer to keep their favourite swimming
places secret, but I’m a believer in sharing information with anyone else who’s interested. As far as I’m
concerned, it doesn’t matter how cold or wet it is – I’ll turn up. There have been some occasions when
I’ve been the only one there, and I admit that I’ll still go in on my own, though I’m well aware that’s not
a good idea. Recently we were doing a coast swim, when a seal popped up right next to me. It was a
magical moment, and not one I was expecting at all!

For each statement, write the correct letter, A, B, C or D, on the line.

Question 7 Which person …

(a) suggests why wild swimming is better than swimming in a pool? .......... [1]

(b) explains why they avoid saying where they swim? .......... [1]

(c) says that they prefer to go wild swimming alone? .......... [1]

(d) mentions that they were surprised to see some wildlife while swimming? .......... [1]

(e) describes the effect that wild swimming has on their state of mind? .......... [1]

(f) says that they will go wild swimming whatever the weather? .......... [1]

(g) suggests that a memory of wild swimming might have been inaccurate? .......... [1]

(h) gives some advice for people who are new to wild swimming? .......... [1]

(i) suggests that they have done something risky when wild swimming? .......... [1]

[Total: 9]