English Texts A2-B1 | Pack 3

English Texts A2-B1

Everyday reading practice with short tests :
text + vocabulary + grammar/vocabulary tasks + comprehension questions

Pack 3: texts 21–30
Apartment living Home rooms Moving day
Living in an apartment

Text 21 — Living in an Apartment

Level: A2

I live in an apartment on the third floor. The building is not new, but it's clean and comfortable. In the morning, I hear other people walking and opening doors, but it's normal and I'm used to it. My apartment has a small kitchen, a living room, a bathroom, and two other rooms. I spend most of my time in the living room because that's where I relax after work. When I need fresh air, I open the window or step onto the balcony. I like the view because I can see trees and a small park. Sometimes my neighbors make noise in the evening, but we usually sort things out politely. I also like that the apartment is close to public transport. Everything I need is nearby: shops, a pharmacy, and a cafe. Living here is easy, and that's why I feel at home.

Vocabulary

  1. to live on the third floor — жить на третьем этаже
  2. to be used to something — привыкнуть к чему-то
  3. to step onto the balcony — выйти на балкон
  4. to sort things out politely — решать вопросы вежливо
  5. to be close to public transport — быть рядом с общественным транспортом
  6. to feel at home — чувствовать себя как дома
  7. nearby — поблизости
  8. a view — вид (из окна)

Exercise 1 — True or False

1.The writer lives on the first floor.
2.The apartment has a kitchen, a living room and a bathroom.
3.The writer always argues with neighbours about noise.
4.The building is clean and comfortable.
5.There are shops, a pharmacy and a cafe nearby.

Exercise 2 — Answer the questions

  1. Where does the writer live — which floor?
  2. What is the writer's favourite room after work?
  3. How does the writer usually get fresh air?
  4. Why does the writer feel at home in this apartment?
Living in a house

Text 22 — Living in a House

Level: A2–B1

My friend Anna lives in a house with a small garden. She moved there two years ago. For her, the biggest advantage is space. She has a separate kitchen and a larger living room, so she can invite friends over without feeling crowded. In the summer, her family eats outside when the weather is nice, and they grow tomatoes and herbs in the garden. However, living in a house also takes more time. Anna has to water the plants and take care of the garden. In winter, she checks the heating system and helps with small repairs. Sometimes she fixes things herself, and sometimes she calls a professional. Even with these duties, she feels comfortable because the house is quiet and she can hear birds in the morning. Anna says that a house is great for people who like calm surroundings and don't mind responsibilities.

Vocabulary

  1. the biggest advantage — самое большое преимущество
  2. to invite friends over — приглашать друзей в гости
  3. to feel crowded — чувствовать себя в тесноте
  4. to eat outside — есть на улице
  5. to grow tomatoes and herbs — выращивать помидоры и зелень
  6. the heating system — система отопления
  7. small repairs — мелкий ремонт
  8. calm surroundings — спокойная обстановка
  9. not to mind responsibilities — не возражать против обязанностей

Exercise 1 — Choose the correct answer

1. Anna moved to her house...
a) last week
b) two years ago
c) ten years ago
2. Her biggest advantage is...
a) space
b) no garden
c) only one room
3. In winter, Anna...
a) goes on holidays
b) checks the heating system
c) only sleeps
4. In summer, the family often eats...
a) outside
b) on a bus
c) in a shop

Exercise 2 — Answer the questions

  1. What does Anna grow in the garden in summer?
  2. Why does she feel comfortable despite the extra duties?
  3. What kind of person is a house good for, according to Anna?
  4. What is one disadvantage of living in a house?
My bedroom

Text 23 — My Bedroom

Level: A2

My bedroom is small, but I like it because it's calm and comfortable. In the room, there is a bed, a desk, a wardrobe, and a small bookshelf. I usually sit at the desk in the evening to study or write a short plan for the next day. I keep a soft blanket on the bed, and I try to make the bed every morning. I don't have many decorations, but I have a few photos and a lamp that I love. I keep the room clean because it helps me rest. When the room is messy, I feel tired before I even start studying. At night, I open the window for a few minutes to get some fresh air, and I turn off the main light about ten minutes before sleep. This helps me relax. My bedroom is my personal space, and it really reflects my everyday life.

Vocabulary

  1. a wardrobe — платяной шкаф
  2. a bookshelf — книжная полка
  3. a soft blanket — мягкое одеяло
  4. to make the bed — застилать кровать
  5. to get some fresh air — впустить свежий воздух
  6. to turn off the main light — выключить основной свет
  7. a personal space — личное пространство
  8. to reflect everyday life — отражать повседневную жизнь

Exercise 1 — Complete the sentences

wardrobe desk morning air messy
1. The writer has a bed, a desk, and a .
2. The writer studies at the in the evening.
3. The writer makes the bed every .
4. The writer opens the window for fresh .
5. When the room is , it's hard to relax.

Exercise 2 — Answer the questions

  1. Why does the writer like the bedroom?
  2. What does the writer do at the desk in the evening?
  3. How does the writer relax before sleep?
  4. Why does the writer keep the room clean?
My kitchen

Text 24 — My Kitchen

Level: A2–B1

My kitchen is small, but it's the busiest place in my home. I spend a lot of time there, especially in the morning and in the evening. There's a table near the window, a sink, and a stove. I also have a fridge, a microwave, and a cupboard with plates and glasses. Because the space is limited, I keep everyday things in places that are easy to reach. I like cooking simple meals. Sometimes I make pasta, sandwiches, or soup. When I cook, I try to keep the kitchen tidy: I clean the counter, wash the dishes, and put food back in the fridge right after eating. This makes everything easier the next day. My kitchen also helps me practise English, because I read short recipes online and learn new words like "boil," "chop," and "serve." Even if the kitchen is not big, it's warm and useful.

Vocabulary

  1. the busiest place in the home — самое оживлённое место в доме
  2. a sink — раковина
  3. a stove — плита
  4. the space is limited — места мало
  5. easy to reach — в доступном месте
  6. to keep the kitchen tidy — поддерживать порядок на кухне
  7. to clean the counter — вытирать столешницу
  8. to practise English — практиковать английский

Exercise 1 — True or False

1.The kitchen is the calmest place in the home.
2.The writer keeps everyday things in easy-to-reach places.
3.The writer only eats ready-made food.
4.The writer cleans the counter while cooking.
5.The writer reads short English recipes online.

Exercise 2 — Answer the questions

  1. What appliances does the writer have in the kitchen?
  2. What kind of meals does the writer like to cook?
  3. How does the writer keep the kitchen tidy?
  4. How does the kitchen help the writer practise English?
My neighborhood

Text 25 — My Neighbourhood

Level: A2

My neighbourhood is not very big, but it's convenient. My apartment is near a bus stop, so it's easy to get to work or school. On my street, there's a small supermarket and a bakery. I often buy bread in the morning because it's fresh. There's also a pharmacy and a library not far from my home. I like walking in the evening when the weather is good. There's a park close to my building, and people usually walk their dogs there. Sometimes children play near the playground, and I enjoy watching them. The best thing about my neighbourhood is that people are friendly. If someone drops a bag or forgets something, others help. The area feels safe and calm, and I feel comfortable living here.

Vocabulary

  1. convenient — удобный, практичный
  2. a bakery — булочная
  3. a pharmacy — аптека
  4. a playground — детская площадка
  5. to walk the dog — выгуливать собаку
  6. the area feels safe — район кажется безопасным
  7. to feel comfortable living somewhere — чувствовать себя комфортно, живя где-то
  8. to drop a bag — уронить сумку

Exercise 1 — Choose the correct answer

1. The neighbourhood is...
a) very far from shops
b) convenient
c) only buildings, no services
2. The writer buys bread...
a) at night
b) in the morning
c) once a month
3. Near the building there is...
a) a park and a playground
b) a beach and mountains
c) an airport
4. People in the neighbourhood are...
a) friendly and helpful
b) rude
c) silent and unfriendly

Exercise 2 — Answer the questions

  1. What places are near the writer's home?
  2. Where do people walk their dogs?
  3. Why does the writer feel comfortable in this neighbourhood?
  4. What do people do when someone drops a bag?
Good neighbors

Text 26 — Good Neighbours

Level: A2–B1

In my building, I have friendly neighbours. We don't talk every day, but when we meet in the hallway, we smile and say hello. Last month, I forgot my keys and had to wait outside for a few minutes. My neighbour Mr. Jones noticed and let me in. He also mentioned that this happens to people quite often. Another good thing is that we try to respect each other. For example, we don't play loud music late at night. On weekends, we sometimes help each other with small problems. A woman on the first floor often puts fresh flowers near the entrance. She says it makes the building look nicer. I believe good neighbours make everyday life easier. Even a small gesture can create a friendly atmosphere.

Vocabulary

  1. a hallway — коридор, подъезд
  2. to forget one's keys — забыть ключи
  3. to respect each other — уважать друг друга
  4. to help each other with small problems — помогать друг другу с мелкими проблемами
  5. to make the building look nicer — делать здание красивее
  6. to make everyday life easier — облегчать повседневную жизнь
  7. a small gesture — небольшой жест
  8. a friendly atmosphere — дружелюбная атмосфера

Exercise 1 — True or False

1.The neighbours don't talk to each other at all.
2.Mr. Jones helped the writer when they forgot their keys.
3.Neighbours play loud music late at night.
4.The neighbours try to respect each other.
5.A small gesture can create a friendly atmosphere.

Exercise 2 — Answer the questions

  1. What happened to the writer last month?
  2. What do the neighbours do to show respect?
  3. What does the woman on the first floor put near the entrance?
  4. Why does the writer believe good neighbours are important?
Moving to a new home

Text 27 — Moving to a New Home

Level: A2

I moved to a new apartment in September. Before the moving day, I spent two weeks preparing boxes. I wrote labels on them: "kitchen," "books," and "bathroom." This helped me find things quickly after the move. On the day itself, my friends helped me carry boxes to the car. We took breaks with water and snacks, because it was a hot day. After we arrived at the new place, we started with the most important things first. I put my clothes in the wardrobe, and my friend assembled a small shelf. In the evening, we cooked simple food and ate together. When everything was quieter, I finally felt tired, but also happy. Moving is stressful, but it's also exciting. Now I enjoy my new place and my new routine.

Vocabulary

  1. a moving day — день переезда
  2. to prepare boxes — готовить коробки
  3. to write labels — писать этикетки
  4. to find things quickly — быстро находить вещи
  5. to carry boxes — носить коробки
  6. to assemble a shelf — собирать полку
  7. to eat together — есть вместе
  8. moving is stressful — переезд — это стресс
  9. a routine — распорядок дня

Exercise 1 — Complete the sentences

September labels important exciting boxes
1. The writer moved in .
2. Before the moving day, the writer prepared .
3. The writer wrote like "kitchen" and "bathroom".
4. They started with the most things first.
5. Moving is stressful, but also .

Exercise 2 — Answer the questions

  1. Why did the writer write labels on the boxes?
  2. Who helped on the moving day?
  3. What did they do in the evening after moving?
  4. How did the writer feel at the end of the moving day?
Furniture and decoration

Text 28 — Furniture and Home Decoration

Level: A2–B1

When I decorate my home, I want it to be comfortable and simple. I don't buy very expensive furniture, but I choose things that I can use every day. In my living room, I have a sofa, a small table, and a bookcase. The colors are calm: white, beige, and a touch of blue. This makes the room feel bright and clean. I also like small details. I keep a plant near the window and hang a picture on the wall. On rainy days, the picture and the plant make the room feel warmer. I've learned that decoration is not only about looking nice. It also helps me feel organised. For example, I keep books on the shelf and pens in a small box. When everything has its place, daily life becomes easier. For me, home decoration is a small habit that improves my mood.

Vocabulary

  1. to decorate a home — украшать дом
  2. expensive furniture — дорогая мебель
  3. a bookcase — книжный шкаф
  4. a touch of colour — нотка цвета
  5. to feel bright and clean — казаться светлым и чистым
  6. to hang a picture on the wall — вешать картину на стену
  7. to feel organised — чувствовать себя организованным
  8. everything has its place — у всего есть своё место
  9. to improve one's mood — улучшать настроение

Exercise 1 — Choose the correct answer

1. The writer wants home decoration to be...
a) expensive
b) comfortable and simple
c) complicated
2. The living room has...
a) a large bed
b) a sofa, a small table, and a bookcase
c) a swimming pool
3. The writer likes colours that are...
a) bright neon
b) calm — white, beige, and a touch of blue
c) only black
4. The plant is kept...
a) near the door
b) near the window
c) in the garage

Exercise 2 — Answer the questions

  1. What furniture does the writer have in the living room?
  2. Why does the writer keep books on the shelf and pens in a box?
  3. What makes the room feel warmer on rainy days?
  4. Why does the writer say decoration is not only about looking nice?
Small repairs at home

Text 29 — Small Repairs at Home

Level: A2–B1

At home, small problems come up all the time. For example, a light bulb can stop working, a door can get stuck, or a tap can start dripping. I'm not an expert, but I try to fix small things when I can. Usually I start by checking what exactly is wrong. If it's something simple, I ask my father or a neighbour who is good with tools for advice. Last week, my shelf came loose from the wall, so I needed to fix it. I watched a short video on my phone and prepared a screwdriver and some screws. My father helped me, and we fixed the shelf in about twenty minutes. After that, the room looked better and everything felt safe again. I think small repairs teach responsibility. They also save money because you don't need to call someone for every little problem.

Vocabulary

  1. a light bulb — лампочка
  2. a tap is dripping — кран капает
  3. a door gets stuck — дверь заедает
  4. a screwdriver — отвёртка
  5. a shelf came loose from the wall — полка отошла от стены
  6. to fix small things — чинить мелкие поломки
  7. to be good with tools — хорошо разбираться в инструментах
  8. to teach responsibility — воспитывать ответственность
  9. to save money on repairs — экономить на ремонте

Exercise 1 — True or False

1.The writer fixes small problems sometimes.
2.The writer always fixes everything alone.
3.A light bulb and a leaking tap are examples of small problems.
4.The shelf fell because of a big storm.
5.Small repairs can save money.

Exercise 2 — Answer the questions

  1. What does the writer do first when something is wrong?
  2. How long did it take to fix the shelf?
  3. What tools did they use to fix the shelf?
  4. Why does the writer think small repairs are useful?
Renting a flat

Text 30 — Renting a Flat

Level: B1

When I was looking for a place to live, I had to learn how renting works. My landlord showed me the flat and explained the rules. We talked about the rent, and we also agreed on what was included in the price. For example, in my contract, basic bills are covered by the landlord, but I pay for the internet. We discussed the deposit too, and I learned that it's money that covers possible damage. During the first month, I contacted the landlord when something needed fixing. The heating wasn't working well, so we arranged a visit and got it sorted quickly. I appreciated that the communication was clear and friendly. Renting can be stressful, but it can also feel safe if you read the contract carefully and ask questions. Now I feel more confident, because I know what to do when problems come up.

Vocabulary

  1. a landlord — арендодатель
  2. a contract — договор
  3. a deposit — залог
  4. to cover possible damage — покрывать возможный ущерб
  5. bills are included — счета включены
  6. to arrange a visit — договориться о визите
  7. to read the contract carefully — внимательно читать договор
  8. to feel confident — чувствовать себя уверенно

Exercise 1 — Choose the correct answer

1. The writer learned about renting...
a) at home from family
b) while looking for a place to live
c) after moving abroad
2. Basic bills in the contract...
a) are paid by the landlord
b) are never included
c) are paid only by friends
3. The deposit is money for...
a) possible damage
b) holidays
c) new furniture
4. The writer contacted the landlord because...
a) the heating wasn't working well
b) the internet was too fast
c) the door was too small

Exercise 2 — Answer the questions

  1. What is a deposit and what is it used for?
  2. Why did the writer contact the landlord in the first month?
  3. What advice does the writer give about renting?
  4. How does the writer feel now about renting, and why?
English Texts A2-B1 — Pack 3 — Everyday Topics 21–30