English Texts A2-B1 | Pack 5

English Texts A2-B1

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

Pack 5: texts 41–50
Shopping and prices Food and cafe Market and everyday life
Shopping for clothes

Text 41 — Shopping for Clothes

Level: A2

Last Saturday, I went to the shopping centre with my sister. We wanted to buy new clothes because summer is turning into autumn. First, we went to the clothing store near the entrance. The shop wasn't too crowded, so it was easy to look around. My sister tried on a T-shirt and a jacket. I checked the prices and looked for something simple and comfortable. We also bought socks and a belt, because these are things you always need. Before we paid, we compared two sizes and made sure everything fit well. In the end, we chose three items each, and we felt happy because we didn't spend too much.

Vocabulary

  1. a shopping centre — торговый центр
  2. a clothing store — магазин одежды
  3. to try on — примерять
  4. to check the price — проверять цену
  5. to compare sizes — сравнивать размеры
  6. to make sure everything fits well — убедиться, что всё хорошо сидит
  7. summer is turning into autumn — лето переходит в осень
  8. not to spend too much — не тратить слишком много

Exercise 1 — True or False

1.The writer went shopping alone.
2.They went to a clothing store first.
3.The shop was very crowded.
4.The writer looked for comfortable clothes.
5.They compared sizes before paying.

Exercise 2 — Answer the questions

  1. Why did they go shopping last Saturday?
  2. What did they buy besides clothes?
  3. Why did they feel happy at the end?
  4. How many items did each person choose?
Trying on shoes

Text 42 — Trying on Shoes

Level: A2–B1

On Sunday afternoon, I went to a shoe shop because my old sneakers weren't comfortable anymore. I told the shop assistant that I needed shoes for walking and for school. He showed me three pairs and asked if I wanted to try them on. The first pair was too small, and my toes felt tight. The second pair was better, but the heel slipped a little when I walked. Finally, I tried the last pair, and it felt just right. I stood up for a moment and walked around to check the size. The shop assistant also offered special insoles, but I decided to buy only the shoes first. After the purchase, I walked home wearing them to feel the difference.

Vocabulary

  1. a shoe shop — обувной магазин
  2. a shop assistant — продавец-консультант
  3. to try on shoes — примерять обувь
  4. toes feel tight — пальцы жмут
  5. the heel slips — пятка соскальзывает
  6. to walk around to check the size — походить, чтобы проверить размер
  7. insoles — стельки
  8. to feel the difference — почувствовать разницу

Exercise 1 — Choose the correct answer

1. The writer went to a shoe shop because...
a) they wanted a new style
b) their old sneakers weren't comfortable anymore
c) the shop had a sale
2. The problem with the first pair was...
a) too small, toes felt tight
b) too big
c) wrong colour
3. The problem with the second pair was...
a) too expensive
b) the heel slipped a little
c) the sole was broken
4. After buying the shoes, the writer...
a) took a taxi home
b) walked home wearing them to feel the difference
c) went back to the shop

Exercise 2 — Answer the questions

  1. Why did the writer need new shoes?
  2. What was the problem with the second pair?
  3. Why didn't the writer buy insoles right away?
  4. How did the writer check if the last pair was the right size?
Buying a gift in a shop

Text 43 — Buying a Gift in a Shop

Level: A2

My friend's birthday is next week, so I decided to buy a gift in a shop. I went to a stationery store because I know my friend likes studying. At first, I felt a little unsure because I didn't know what to choose. The shop assistant asked about my budget and what my friend is interested in. I told her that my friend enjoys reading and writing. She suggested a notebook with good-quality paper and a pen set. I looked at the colours, checked the quality, and asked one more question about pen refills. In the end, I bought the notebook, the pen set, and a small greeting card. I was happy because the gift looked nice and useful.

Vocabulary

  1. a stationery store — канцелярский магазин
  2. a budget — бюджет
  3. to feel unsure — чувствовать себя неуверенно
  4. good-quality paper — бумага хорошего качества
  5. a pen set — набор ручек
  6. pen refills — стержни для ручек
  7. a greeting card — открытка
  8. useful — полезный

Exercise 1 — Choose the correct answer

1. The writer went to a...
a) hair salon
b) stationery store
c) bakery
2. The assistant asked about...
a) the weather
b) budget and the friend's interests
c) bus tickets
3. The friend likes...
a) reading and writing
b) swimming
c) cooking
4. The gift includes...
a) a notebook, a pen set, and a greeting card
b) only chocolates
c) a book and a TV

Exercise 2 — Answer the questions

  1. Why did the writer feel unsure at first?
  2. What extra thing did the writer buy besides the main gift?
  3. What question did the writer ask about the pen set?
  4. Why was the writer happy with the final choice?
Online shopping

Text 44 — Shopping Online

Level: A2–B1

I sometimes buy things online because it saves time. Last week, I needed a new phone charger. I opened an online store on my phone and searched for "charger USB-C." The website showed different options, and I read the reviews from other customers. Then I checked the delivery time and the return policy. I chose a product with good reviews and free delivery. After I paid, I received an email with the order number. Two days later, the courier brought the package to my building. I tested the charger right away, and it worked well. Online shopping isn't always perfect, but it's easy when you know what you need.

Vocabulary

  1. to save time — экономить время
  2. an online store — интернет-магазин
  3. to read reviews — читать отзывы
  4. a delivery time — срок доставки
  5. a return policy — политика возврата
  6. an order number — номер заказа
  7. a courier — курьер
  8. to know what you need — знать, что тебе нужно

Exercise 1 — True or False

1.The writer bought a charger online.
2.The writer did not read any reviews.
3.The writer checked the delivery time.
4.The charger did not work after delivery.
5.The writer received an email with the order number after paying.

Exercise 2 — Answer the questions

  1. Why does the writer sometimes buy things online?
  2. What did the writer check before choosing the product?
  3. How long did the delivery take?
  4. What does the writer say about online shopping?
Comparing prices

Text 45 — Comparing Prices

Level: A2

When I need to buy something, I try to compare prices first. I learned this from my sister, and now it's a habit. For example, I wanted to buy a new backpack for school. I checked two local shops and also looked at one online store. In one shop, the backpack was cheaper, but it was smaller. In the other shop, it was more expensive, but it had more space and a laptop pocket. After thinking for a few minutes, I chose the second one because it suited my needs better. I paid by card, but I kept the receipt in my bag. If I notice any problem later, I can return it.

Vocabulary

  1. to compare prices — сравнивать цены
  2. a local shop — местный магазин
  3. an online store — интернет-магазин
  4. a laptop pocket — карман для ноутбука
  5. to suit one's needs — подходить под свои нужды
  6. to pay by card — платить картой
  7. to keep the receipt — сохранять чек
  8. to return a product — вернуть товар

Exercise 1 — Complete the sentences

prices cheaper expensive needs receipt
1. The writer compares first.
2. The backpack in the first shop was but smaller.
3. The second backpack was more but had more space.
4. The writer chose the second because it suited their better.
5. The writer kept the in their bag.

Exercise 2 — Answer the questions

  1. Where did the writer check prices?
  2. What extra pocket did the second backpack have?
  3. Why did the writer keep the receipt?
  4. Who taught the writer to compare prices?
Sale at shopping center

Text 46 — A Sale at the Shopping Centre

Level: A2–B1

There's a sale at the shopping centre every few weeks, but I don't buy everything just because it's cheaper. Last Friday, my mum and I went there because we needed winter gloves. In the store, I saw a big red sign: "50% off." We checked the gloves carefully. I wanted warm material, not just a low price. The shop assistant showed us different models, and we compared them. After that, we also bought a scarf because it matched the gloves. At the checkout, we asked if the discount worked with gift cards too. The cashier said yes. In the end, we saved some money and bought only the things we really needed.

Vocabulary

  1. a sale — распродажа
  2. a discount — скидка
  3. to check carefully — проверять внимательно
  4. warm material — тёплый материал
  5. to match — подходить, сочетаться
  6. a checkout — касса
  7. a cashier — кассир
  8. to save some money — сэкономить деньги

Exercise 1 — Choose the correct answer

1. Why did the writer go to the shopping centre?
a) for shoes
b) for winter gloves
c) for a holiday
2. The sale was...
a) 50% off
b) 5% off
c) 100% free
3. The writer cared most about...
a) price only
b) warm material
c) colour only
4. They also bought a scarf because...
a) it was on sale
b) it matched the gloves
c) the cashier suggested it

Exercise 2 — Answer the questions

  1. What did the writer and their mum buy?
  2. What did they compare in the store?
  3. What did they ask at the checkout?
  4. Did they save money? How?
Returning a product

Text 47 — Returning a Product

Level: A2–B1

Two weeks ago, I bought a small kitchen mixer. It looked good in the shop, so I decided to take it. At home, I tried it once, but it didn't work properly. The sound was strange, and it stopped after a few seconds. I had kept the receipt, so I went back to the shop the next day. I explained the problem to the shop assistant. He checked the mixer and asked for the guarantee card. After a few minutes, he offered me a replacement. We tested the new mixer right there in the shop, and it worked well. I was glad because the whole process was easy and polite.

Vocabulary

  1. to return a product — вернуть товар
  2. to work properly — работать нормально
  3. to keep the receipt — сохранять чек
  4. to go back to the shop — вернуться в магазин
  5. to explain the problem — объяснить проблему
  6. a guarantee card — гарантийный талон
  7. to offer a replacement — предложить замену
  8. the whole process — весь процесс

Exercise 1 — True or False

1.The writer bought the mixer because it looked good.
2.The mixer worked perfectly at home.
3.The writer had kept the receipt.
4.The shop assistant offered a refund.
5.The whole process was easy and polite.

Exercise 2 — Answer the questions

  1. What problem did the mixer have?
  2. Why was the writer able to return it?
  3. What did the seller offer instead?
  4. How did they make sure the replacement worked?
Paying by card or cash

Text 48 — Paying by Card or Cash

Level: A2

In my country, many shops accept both card payments and cash. I usually pay by card because it's faster. Still, I always keep a small amount of cash in my wallet for situations when the card machine doesn't work. Last month, I bought groceries at a local market. At first, the seller said, "Cash only." But then she checked and said she could accept a card payment too. I paid by card and got a receipt. I think it's good to have a choice, because different places have different rules.

Vocabulary

  1. to pay by card — платить картой
  2. to pay in cash — платить наличными
  3. a card machine — терминал для оплаты картой
  4. to keep cash in a wallet — держать наличные в кошельке
  5. a local market — местный рынок
  6. cash only — только наличные
  7. to get a receipt — получить чек
  8. different places have different rules — в разных местах разные правила

Exercise 1 — Complete the sentences

card cash only payment choice
1. The writer usually pays by .
2. The writer keeps some in the wallet.
3. At first, the seller said: "Cash ."
4. Later, the seller accepted card too.
5. It's good to have a between card and cash.

Exercise 2 — Answer the questions

  1. Why does the writer always keep cash in their wallet?
  2. What did the seller say at the beginning?
  3. How did the writer pay at the end?
  4. What does the writer think about having a choice?
Buying food at the market

Text 49 — Buying Food at the Market

Level: A2–B1

I like going to the market because the food looks fresh. On Wednesdays, I go after class with my friend. We buy fruit first because we always want something sweet. Then we check the vegetables and choose the ones that look good. The sellers sometimes explain how to cook certain vegetables, which I find helpful. After that, we buy cheese, bread, and eggs. If we have time, we also pick up some local honey or jam. At the end, we stand in line and pay. I try to ask simple questions, like: "Is this cheese fresh?" or "Do you have apples today?" The market isn't expensive, so we can usually buy more than we would in a regular supermarket.

Vocabulary

  1. fresh food — свежие продукты
  2. something sweet — что-нибудь сладкое
  3. to explain how to cook — объяснять, как готовить
  4. to pick up something — взять что-то попутно
  5. local honey — местный мёд
  6. to stand in line — стоять в очереди
  7. simple questions — простые вопросы
  8. a regular supermarket — обычный супермаркет

Exercise 1 — True or False

1.The writer goes to the market on Sundays.
2.They buy fruit first.
3.Sellers always explain how to cook every vegetable.
4.They sometimes buy local honey or jam.
5.The market is more expensive than a supermarket.

Exercise 2 — Answer the questions

  1. When does the writer go to the market?
  2. What do they buy first and why?
  3. What simple questions does the writer ask at the market?
  4. Why can they buy more at the market than in a supermarket?
Going to the bakery

Text 50 — Going to the Bakery

Level: A2

On weekdays, I often stop at the bakery on my way home. I don't go there to eat a lot; I just want a warm snack. My favourite things are cheese rolls and a piece of fruit cake. Sometimes I also buy bread for the next day. If I know we'll have guests, I choose a bigger cake. The bakery is right next to the bus stop, so it's easy to pop in for a minute. The baker is friendly and he remembers what I usually order. When I go in, I usually say: "One cheese roll, please" or "Do you have anything sweet today?" I always feel a little happier when I leave, because the smell of fresh bread makes the evening feel special.

Vocabulary

  1. a bakery — булочная
  2. a warm snack — тёплый перекус
  3. cheese rolls — сырные булочки
  4. to pop in for a minute — забежать на минутку
  5. to remember what someone usually orders — помнить, что кто-то обычно заказывает
  6. to feel a little happier — чувствовать себя чуть счастливее
  7. the smell of fresh bread — запах свежего хлеба
  8. to make the evening feel special — делать вечер особенным

Exercise 1 — Choose the correct answer

1. The writer goes to the bakery...
a) only on weekends
b) on weekdays on the way home
c) once a year
2. The writer wants...
a) a big meal
b) a warm snack
c) only juice
3. The writer's favourite thing is rolls with...
a) cheese
b) fish
c) vegetables
4. The bakery is easy to visit because it's near...
a) the library
b) the bus stop
c) the airport

Exercise 2 — Answer the questions

  1. What does the writer usually buy at the bakery?
  2. Why does the writer feel happier when leaving?
  3. What does the writer say when ordering?
  4. What does the baker do that makes the writer feel welcome?
English Texts A2-B1 — Pack 5 — Everyday Topics 41–50