English Texts A2-B1 | Pack 4

English Texts A2-B1

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

Pack 4: texts 31–40
Family dinner Family gathering Birthday celebration
Family meals

Text 31 — Family Meals

Level: A2

In my family, we try to eat together whenever we can. On weekdays, we usually manage to have a family dinner about four or five times a week, because we're all busy with different things. Still, dinner is our quiet moment. We sit at the table and talk about our day in simple ways. My mother often asks, "What was the best part of today?" My father listens and answers, and my brother shares something funny from school. We don't use phones at the table. Sometimes we help each other with small things, like passing plates or pouring water. Even when we eat simple food, like soup or pasta, it feels special. I like family meals because they make the house warmer. They also help us understand each other better.

Vocabulary

  1. to eat together — есть вместе
  2. to manage to do something — успевать что-то сделать
  3. a quiet moment — тихий момент
  4. to share something funny — рассказывать что-то смешное
  5. not to use phones at the table — не пользоваться телефонами за столом
  6. to pass plates — передавать тарелки
  7. to pour water — наливать воду
  8. to make the house warmer — делать дом теплее
  9. to understand each other better — лучше понимать друг друга

Exercise 1 — True or False

1.The family eats together every single day of the week.
2.The family doesn't use phones at the table.
3.The mother often asks: "What was the best part of today?"
4.They only eat special food at family dinners.
5.Family meals help them understand each other better.

Exercise 2 — Answer the questions

  1. How often does the family have dinner together on weekdays?
  2. What question does the mother ask at dinner?
  3. What small things do they help each other with at the table?
  4. Why does the writer like family meals?
Visiting grandparents

Text 32 — Visiting Grandparents

Level: A2–B1

Every Saturday morning, my family visits my grandparents. They live in a small house near a park, so the trip doesn't take long. We usually bring a small gift, like fruit, tea, or a cake. When we arrive, my grandmother is always busy with something. She takes us straight to the kitchen, and there's always hot tea and something sweet waiting for us. Grandparents love to talk, and we usually listen first. Then we tell them what happened during the week. Sometimes they give advice about school or work. My grandfather also shows us old photos and tells us about the places where he lived when he was young. Even if I'm tired after school, I feel calmer after the visit. Visiting grandparents reminds me that family is important.

Vocabulary

  1. to visit grandparents — навещать бабушку и дедушку
  2. the trip doesn't take long — поездка занимает немного времени
  3. to bring a small gift — приносить небольшой подарок
  4. to take someone straight to the kitchen — сразу вести кого-то на кухню
  5. what happened during the week — что происходило за неделю
  6. to give advice — давать советы
  7. to show old photos — показывать старые фотографии
  8. to feel calmer after the visit — чувствовать себя спокойнее после визита

Exercise 1 — Choose the correct answer

1. The family visits grandparents...
a) every Sunday
b) every Saturday morning
c) once a month
2. They usually bring...
a) fruit, tea, or a cake
b) expensive presents
c) only flowers
3. The grandmother is usually...
a) asleep
b) busy and takes them to the kitchen
c) outside all day
4. After the visit, the writer feels...
a) tired and angry
b) calmer
c) worried

Exercise 2 — Answer the questions

  1. Where do the grandparents live?
  2. What does the grandfather show during the visit?
  3. Why does the writer feel calmer after visiting grandparents?
  4. What advice do the grandparents sometimes give?
Cousins time

Text 33 — Spending Time with Cousins

Level: A2

When I have a holiday, I often spend time with my cousins. We're not the same age, but we still have fun together. In the morning, we sometimes go to a playground and talk while we walk around. After lunch, we like staying at home and watching cartoons or short films. One cousin is really good at board games and always explains the rules clearly. Another cousin likes music, so we usually listen to songs and try to dance. We also make simple snacks together, like sandwiches or fruit salad. Sometimes we argue a little, because we want the same thing, but later we laugh and make up. Time with cousins is never boring, and I feel happy when we're together.

Vocabulary

  1. cousins — двоюродные братья и сёстры
  2. a playground — детская площадка
  3. to watch cartoons — смотреть мультфильмы
  4. board games — настольные игры
  5. to explain the rules clearly — чётко объяснять правила
  6. a fruit salad — фруктовый салат
  7. to make up — мириться
  8. never boring — никогда не скучно

Exercise 1 — Complete the sentences

playground cartoons board games snacks make up
1. In the morning, they sometimes go to a .
2. After lunch, they like watching .
3. One cousin is good at .
4. They make simple together.
5. They sometimes argue, but later they laugh and .

Exercise 2 — Answer the questions

  1. Where do the cousins go in the morning?
  2. What do they do after lunch?
  3. What does one cousin do well?
  4. Why is time with cousins never boring?
Helping parents

Text 34 — Helping Parents at Home

Level: A2–B1

I help my parents at home because I want our house to be comfortable. On weekdays, my mother is busy, so I try to do simple tasks after school. First, I put my school bag away and then I help in the kitchen. I wash the plates and put food back in the fridge. Sometimes I also take out the rubbish. On Saturdays, I do bigger tasks. I clean my room, change the bedsheets, and help vacuum the living room. My father usually repairs small things, like a broken chair or a loose handle. When he's done, I put the tools back where they belong. My parents say thank you, and I feel proud. Helping at home also teaches responsibility, because I understand that people need support every day.

Vocabulary

  1. simple tasks — простые задания
  2. to take out the rubbish — выносить мусор
  3. bigger tasks — более крупные задания
  4. to change the bedsheets — менять постельное бельё
  5. to vacuum the living room — пылесосить гостиную
  6. a broken chair — сломанный стул
  7. a loose handle — расшатанная ручка
  8. to feel proud — чувствовать себя гордым
  9. to teach responsibility — воспитывать ответственность

Exercise 1 — True or False

1.The writer helps at home after school on weekdays.
2.The writer never helps in the kitchen.
3.On Saturdays, the writer cleans the room and changes bedsheets.
4.The father repairs things like a broken chair or a loose handle.
5.The writer feels proud when parents say thank you.

Exercise 2 — Answer the questions

  1. What kitchen tasks does the writer do after school?
  2. What bigger tasks does the writer do on Saturdays?
  3. What does the father usually repair?
  4. Why does helping at home teach responsibility?
Family celebrations

Text 35 — Family Celebrations

Level: A2

Our family celebrates different occasions during the year. Sometimes it's a birthday, and sometimes it's just a holiday dinner. My favourite celebrations are family dinners with something special on the table. When we celebrate, my mother cooks a main dish and prepares a dessert. My father helps with the table and buys bread or drinks. I decorate the table with small things, like candles or colourful napkins. Before the celebration, we usually talk about the plan. We check who can come and what everyone wants to eat. If there are guests, we also prepare extra chairs and clean the living room. On the day itself, we try to relax and enjoy the time. We take photos, sometimes sing songs, and talk without hurrying. Celebrations are not only about food. They're about showing love and spending time together.

Vocabulary

  1. a special occasion — особый повод
  2. a holiday dinner — праздничный ужин
  3. to decorate the table — украшать стол
  4. colourful napkins — разноцветные салфетки
  5. to prepare extra chairs — готовить дополнительные стулья
  6. to enjoy the time — наслаждаться временем
  7. without hurrying — не торопясь
  8. to show love — проявлять любовь

Exercise 1 — Choose the correct answer

1. The family celebrates...
a) only in summer
b) different occasions during the year
c) only once a year
2. The writer decorates...
a) the bedroom
b) the table with candles or colourful napkins
c) the kitchen window
3. Before the celebration, they check...
a) the weather
b) who can come and what everyone wants to eat
c) the bus schedule
4. Celebrations are about...
a) showing love and spending time together
b) running late
c) staying alone

Exercise 2 — Answer the questions

  1. What do they do before a family celebration?
  2. What does the writer do to prepare for the celebration?
  3. What do they do on the day itself?
  4. Why does the writer like family celebrations?
Birthday party at home

Text 36 — A Birthday Party at Home

Level: A2–B1

Last month, my sister had her birthday. We decided to have the party at home, because it's cheaper and more comfortable. In the morning, we cleaned the living room and prepared snacks. My mother made a birthday cake, and my father bought juice and sweets. In the afternoon, our relatives came. We greeted everyone at the door and offered them food. After dinner, we lit the candles on the cake and sang happy birthday. My sister opened her presents and smiled a lot. I gave her a small card with a message and a photo of us. When people left, we cleaned up the apartment together, so it didn't take too long. In the evening, the house felt quiet again, and we were all happy.

Vocabulary

  1. to have a party at home — устраивать праздник дома
  2. to prepare snacks — готовить закуски
  3. a birthday cake — праздничный торт
  4. to greet guests at the door — встречать гостей у двери
  5. to light the candles — зажигать свечи
  6. to sing happy birthday — петь «с днём рождения»
  7. to open presents — открывать подарки
  8. to clean up together — убирать вместе

Exercise 1 — True or False

1.The party was in a restaurant.
2.They cleaned the living room before the guests arrived.
3.The birthday cake was made by the father.
4.They lit the candles and sang happy birthday after dinner.
5.They cleaned up the apartment together after the guests left.

Exercise 2 — Answer the questions

  1. Why did they decide to have the party at home?
  2. What gift did the writer give their sister?
  3. How did they clean up after the party?
  4. How did everyone feel at the end of the evening?
Choosing a present

Text 37 — Choosing a Present

Level: A2

Choosing a present is sometimes difficult, but I like thinking about what someone really needs. Last week, I needed a birthday present for my friend. I talked to her sister, because she knows what my friend likes. Then I searched for ideas online and looked in a few shops. I decided to buy a book, because my friend loves reading. I also bought a small gift bag so the present looked nice. When I gave the present, my friend said thank you and was really happy. She told me she had wanted that book for a long time, but never bought it for herself. That felt great. Now I understand that the best presents are not always expensive. They're thoughtful and useful.

Vocabulary

  1. a birthday present — подарок на день рождения
  2. to search for ideas online — искать идеи в интернете
  3. a gift bag — подарочный пакет
  4. never bought it for herself — никогда не покупала для себя
  5. the best presents are not always expensive — лучшие подарки не всегда дорогие
  6. thoughtful — продуманный, внимательный
  7. useful — полезный
  8. to feel great — чувствовать себя замечательно

Exercise 1 — Complete the sentences

friend sister book gift bag expensive
1. The writer needed a present for a .
2. The writer talked to the friend's .
3. The writer bought a .
4. The writer also bought a small .
5. The best presents are not always .

Exercise 2 — Answer the questions

  1. How did the writer get ideas for the present?
  2. Why did the writer choose a book?
  3. Why was the friend so happy with the gift?
  4. What does the writer now understand about presents?
Calling family

Text 38 — Calling a Family Member

Level: A2–B1

Sometimes I forget to call my relatives, but I try to do it at least once a week. Usually I call my aunt on Sunday evening. I ask her how she's doing, and we talk about everyday things. She often tells me about her garden and the food she's been cooking. I also tell her about my week and my plans for the next few days. Last Sunday, my aunt sounded tired, so I asked more questions. She said she was stressed because of work and hadn't been sleeping well. I listened and tried to help with simple ideas, like taking a short walk or planning the next day the night before. When we finished the call, she said she felt better. I realised that a phone call can be a small but real kind of help. It doesn't solve everything, but it makes people feel less alone.

Vocabulary

  1. at least once a week — хотя бы раз в неделю
  2. to sound tired — звучать устало
  3. to be stressed because of work — переживать стресс из-за работы
  4. simple ideas — простые советы
  5. to feel better — чувствовать себя лучше
  6. a small but real kind of help — небольшая, но настоящая помощь
  7. to make people feel less alone — помогать людям чувствовать себя менее одинокими
  8. to plan the next day the night before — планировать следующий день накануне вечером

Exercise 1 — Choose the correct answer

1. The writer calls relatives...
a) every day
b) at least once a week
c) once a year
2. The writer usually calls the aunt...
a) on Monday morning
b) on Sunday evening
c) at night after midnight
3. Last Sunday, the aunt sounded...
a) excited
b) tired
c) angry
4. The writer helped by...
a) giving simple ideas like taking a walk
b) shouting
c) changing her job

Exercise 2 — Answer the questions

  1. What do the writer and the aunt usually talk about?
  2. Why did the aunt feel tired last Sunday?
  3. What simple ideas did the writer suggest?
  4. What did the writer realise about phone calls?
Looking after younger

Text 39 — Looking After a Younger Brother or Sister

Level: A2

In my family, I sometimes look after my younger sister. When my parents work late, I spend a few hours with her. Usually, I start by helping her with homework, but I try to keep the time short so it doesn't feel stressful. Then we have a snack together. After that, we play a board game or read a short story. My sister loves animals, so we often look at pictures of cats and dogs in her books. Before bedtime, I help her get ready: wash her hands, brush her teeth, and put on pyjamas. She sometimes gets sleepy and needs a bit more patience, but I try to stay calm. When she falls asleep, I feel tired too, but I also feel proud, because I know she's safe and happy.

Vocabulary

  1. to look after someone — присматривать за кем-то
  2. to help with homework — помогать с домашним заданием
  3. to have a snack together — перекусить вместе
  4. to read a short story — читать короткую историю
  5. to get ready for bed — готовиться ко сну
  6. to need patience — требовать терпения
  7. to fall asleep — засыпать
  8. to feel proud — чувствовать себя гордым

Exercise 1 — True or False

1.The parents work late sometimes.
2.The writer makes homework time very long.
3.The writer and the sister read short stories together.
4.Before sleep, the sister brushes her teeth.
5.The writer feels proud after helping the sister.

Exercise 2 — Answer the questions

  1. What does the writer do first when looking after their sister?
  2. What games or activities do they do after homework?
  3. What does the writer help the sister do before bedtime?
  4. Why does the writer feel proud at the end of the evening?
Family traditions

Text 40 — Family Traditions

Level: B1

Our family has a few small traditions that we keep every year. The first one is eating together on holidays, even if we live in different places. Another tradition is our "photo box". Every month, we put a few printed photos into the box. When the year ends, we open it and talk about the good moments. We also have a Sunday tradition. After breakfast, we visit a nearby place and take a short walk. Sometimes it's a park, and sometimes it's a street with old buildings. On the way back, we buy something small, like bread or fruit. These traditions help us stay close, because we spend time together and share memories. They're simple, but they make our family life feel meaningful.

Vocabulary

  1. a family tradition — семейная традиция
  2. to eat together on holidays — есть вместе в праздники
  3. a photo box — коробка с фотографиями
  4. printed photos — распечатанные фотографии
  5. the good moments — хорошие моменты
  6. to visit a nearby place — посещать близлежащее место
  7. to stay close — оставаться близкими
  8. to share memories — делиться воспоминаниями
  9. meaningful — значимый, осмысленный

Exercise 1 — Complete the sentences

holidays box month walk close
1. They eat together on .
2. They put photos into a .
3. They add photos every .
4. On Sundays, they take a short .
5. Traditions help the family stay .

Exercise 2 — Answer the questions

  1. What is the "photo box" tradition?
  2. What do they do on Sundays after breakfast?
  3. Why are these traditions important for the family?
  4. What do they buy on the way back from the Sunday walk?
English Texts A2-B1 — Pack 4 — Everyday Topics 31–40