English Texts A2-B1 | Pack 6

English Texts A2-B1

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

Pack 6: texts 51–60
Cafe and food Home cooking Healthy lifestyle
Ordering food in a cafe

Text 51 — Ordering Food in a Cafe

Level: A2

Yesterday, I went to a small cafe near my home. I met my friend after school, and we decided to have lunch there. The cafe was cosy and there weren't many people. We took a table by the window and looked at the menu. The waiter came over and asked, "What can I get you?" I said I'd like a soup and a sandwich. My friend chose pasta and mineral water. The waiter repeated our order to make sure he had it right. When the food arrived, we started eating right away. We thanked the waiter and talked about our plans for the weekend. Ordering was easy because the waiter was patient and friendly.

Vocabulary

  1. a cafe — кафе
  2. cosy — уютный
  3. a menu — меню
  4. a waiter — официант
  5. mineral water — минеральная вода
  6. to repeat an order — повторить заказ
  7. the food arrived — еда принесена
  8. patient and friendly — терпеливый и дружелюбный

Exercise 1 — True or False

1.The cafe is far from the writer's home.
2.The waiter repeated the order.
3.The writer ordered soup and a sandwich.
4.The cafe was very crowded.
5.The writer and friend talked after eating.

Exercise 2 — Answer the questions

  1. Why did the writer go to the cafe?
  2. What did the writer order?
  3. What did the friend choose?
  4. Why was ordering easy?
Eating at a restaurant

Text 52 — Eating at a Restaurant

Level: A2–B1

Last Friday, my family and I went to a restaurant to celebrate my dad's birthday. We booked a table in the morning because it's a popular place. When we arrived, the waiter greeted us and showed us to a table near the window. First, we ordered drinks. Then we chose our main dishes: my mum picked a vegetable dish, and my brother ordered chicken with rice. I wanted something lighter, so I chose a salad. For dessert, we shared a chocolate cake. The waiter was patient when we asked about ingredients. After the meal, we asked for the bill and paid together. It was a simple evening, but it felt special because we were all there.

Vocabulary

  1. to celebrate — праздновать
  2. to book a table — забронировать стол
  3. to greet guests — приветствовать гостей
  4. to order drinks — заказывать напитки
  5. a main dish — основное блюдо
  6. dessert — десерт
  7. to share a cake — разделить торт на всех
  8. to ask about ingredients — спрашивать про ингредиенты
  9. to ask for the bill — попросить счёт

Exercise 1 — Choose the correct answer

1. They ate at a restaurant because...
a) it was a Monday
b) it was dad's birthday
c) they were cooking at home
2. The writer chose...
a) a salad
b) pasta
c) pizza
3. For dessert they had...
a) ice cream
b) chocolate cake
c) fruit salad
4. The waiter was...
a) impatient
b) patient
c) rude

Exercise 2 — Answer the questions

  1. Did they book the table? Why?
  2. Why did the writer choose a salad?
  3. What did they share for dessert?
  4. Why did the evening feel special?
Cooking lunch at home

Text 53 — Cooking Lunch at Home

Level: A2

I usually cook lunch at home on weekdays when I have time. I don't cook complicated meals. Most of the time, I make pasta, rice, or a simple soup. I start by checking what we have in the fridge and in the cupboards. Last Tuesday, I made pasta with vegetables. First, I washed the vegetables and cut them into small pieces. Then I boiled the pasta and heated some olive oil in a pan. After that, I cooked the vegetables for a few minutes and mixed them with the pasta. I added salt and a little cheese. While the food was cooking, I listened to music. After lunch, I washed the dishes and cleaned the kitchen. Cooking at home helps me save money and feel more comfortable.

Vocabulary

  1. to cook lunch at home — готовить обед дома
  2. complicated meals — сложные блюда
  3. to check what we have — проверять, что есть
  4. to cut into small pieces — нарезать на кусочки
  5. to boil pasta — варить пасту
  6. to heat olive oil — разогревать оливковое масло
  7. to mix with pasta — смешивать с пастой
  8. to wash the dishes — мыть посуду
  9. to save money — экономить деньги

Exercise 1 — Complete the sentences

weekdays pasta vegetables minutes money
1. The writer cooks lunch on .
2. Last Tuesday, the writer made with vegetables.
3. First, the writer washed and cut the .
4. The writer cooked the vegetables for a few .
5. Cooking at home helps the writer save .

Exercise 2 — Answer the questions

  1. What kinds of meals does the writer usually cook?
  2. What did the writer add at the end of cooking?
  3. What does the writer do after lunch?
  4. Why does the writer prefer cooking at home?
Preparing a picnic

Text 54 — Preparing a Picnic

Level: A2–B1

When we plan a picnic, I usually help with the preparation. First, we check the weather. If it's sunny, we choose a park near our neighbourhood. Then we make a list of things we need, like food, drinks, and a blanket. Last weekend, our group prepared everything in the morning. Some friends brought sandwiches, and someone brought fruit. I brought lemonade and napkins. We also took a small speaker for music. Before we left, we packed everything into a bag and made sure we had enough water. At the park, we found a nice spot near the trees. After eating, we cleaned up and took all our rubbish with us. Preparing a picnic is fun because it's a great way to spend time together.

Vocabulary

  1. to check the weather — проверять погоду
  2. to make a list — составлять список
  3. lemonade — лимонад
  4. a small speaker — небольшая колонка
  5. to pack everything into a bag — сложить всё в сумку
  6. a nice spot — хорошее место
  7. to clean up — убирать за собой
  8. to spend time together — проводить время вместе

Exercise 1 — True or False

1.The writer checks the weather before a picnic.
2.Nobody brought drinks to the picnic.
3.The writer brought lemonade and napkins.
4.They listened to music at the park.
5.They left their rubbish in the park.

Exercise 2 — Answer the questions

  1. What is the first step in planning a picnic?
  2. What did the writer bring?
  3. What did they do after eating?
  4. Why is preparing a picnic fun?
Favourite snacks

Text 55 — Favourite Snacks

Level: A2

I like having snacks between meals, especially when I'm studying or working on something at home. My favourite snacks are simple and easy to prepare. For example, I often eat yogurt with fruit, or sometimes I have a few biscuits with tea. When I'm out, I try to choose snacks that aren't too sweet. I usually buy a banana, a sandwich, or a small bag of nuts. I've learned that snacks are fine, but they shouldn't replace real meals. If I eat healthy snacks, I feel less tired and I can concentrate better. That's why I always keep some at home for busy days.

Vocabulary

  1. a snack — перекус
  2. between meals — между приёмами пищи
  3. yogurt with fruit — йогурт с фруктами
  4. a bag of nuts — пакетик орехов
  5. not to replace real meals — не заменять полноценный приём пищи
  6. healthy snacks — полезные перекусы
  7. to concentrate better — концентрироваться лучше
  8. busy days — насыщенные дни

Exercise 1 — Choose the correct answer

1. The writer likes snacks...
a) only at night
b) between meals
c) only on holidays
2. At home, the writer often eats...
a) yogurt with fruit
b) chips and cola
c) only cake
3. Snacks should not...
a) replace real meals
b) be too small
c) be healthy
4. Healthy snacks help the writer...
a) sleep more
b) feel less tired and concentrate better
c) spend less money

Exercise 2 — Answer the questions

  1. What snacks does the writer like at home?
  2. What does the writer buy when out?
  3. Why does the writer eat healthy snacks?
  4. Why does the writer keep snacks at home?
Healthy eating habits

Text 56 — Healthy Eating Habits

Level: A2–B1

To feel good, I try to follow simple healthy eating habits. I don't need special food. I just try to eat more vegetables and fruit, and food with less sugar. In my house, we cook at home most days, so it's easier to choose what we eat. For breakfast, I often have cereal with milk or yogurt. For lunch, I usually eat rice or pasta with vegetables. At dinner, we try not to eat too much heavy food. When I want something sweet, I have a small piece and stop there. I also drink water instead of sugary drinks. These habits help me have more energy during the day and sleep better at night.

Vocabulary

  1. healthy eating habits — полезные привычки питания
  2. vegetables and fruit — овощи и фрукты
  3. less sugar — меньше сахара
  4. to cook at home — готовить дома
  5. cereal with milk — каша или хлопья с молоком
  6. heavy food — тяжёлая еда
  7. to drink water instead of sugary drinks — пить воду вместо сладких напитков
  8. to sleep better at night — лучше спать ночью

Exercise 1 — True or False

1.The writer needs special expensive food to eat healthy.
2.The writer tries to eat more vegetables and fruit.
3.The writer eats a lot of heavy food at dinner.
4.The writer drinks water instead of sugary drinks.
5.These habits help the writer sleep better at night.

Exercise 2 — Answer the questions

  1. What does the writer try to eat more of?
  2. What does the writer usually have for breakfast?
  3. How does the writer control sweets?
  4. What benefits do these habits give?
Drinking enough water

Text 57 — Drinking Enough Water

Level: A2

Drinking enough water is important for me, especially when the weather is hot. At first, I didn't pay much attention to it, but then I started feeling tired every afternoon. My friend suggested that I should drink more water during the day. Now I keep a bottle near my desk and take small sips regularly. In the morning, I drink a glass of water before anything else. Before lunch, I have another glass. When I study, I take a break every hour and refill my bottle. In the evening, I still drink water, but I try not to have too much just before bed. This habit helps me feel better and avoid headaches.

Vocabulary

  1. to start feeling tired — начать чувствовать усталость
  2. to keep a bottle near the desk — держать бутылку рядом со столом
  3. a glass of water — стакан воды
  4. to take a break every hour — делать перерыв каждый час
  5. to refill a bottle — наполнять бутылку снова
  6. to feel better — чувствовать себя лучше
  7. to avoid headaches — избегать головных болей
  8. to pay attention to something — обращать внимание на что-то

Exercise 1 — Complete the sentences

water desk morning hour headaches
1. The writer felt tired because they didn't drink enough .
2. Now the writer keeps a bottle near the .
3. In the , the writer drinks water before anything else.
4. The writer takes a break every to refill the bottle.
5. This habit helps the writer avoid .

Exercise 2 — Answer the questions

  1. What happened to the writer at first when they didn't drink enough?
  2. How does the writer drink water while studying?
  3. Why does the writer try not to drink a lot before sleep?
  4. Who suggested drinking more water?
Making tea or coffee

Text 58 — Making Tea or Coffee

Level: A2–B1

In my home, making tea or coffee is a daily routine. In the morning, my mother usually makes tea, and I help her. First, we boil water. Then we choose tea leaves or put a tea bag into the cup. Sometimes we add a little honey if someone has a cold. In the evening, I prefer coffee when I need energy for studying. I prepare it quickly: I put coffee into the cup, add hot water, and wait for a minute. After that, I stir it and take a sip. I never forget to clean up the kitchen after making drinks. I think it's important to keep things tidy, even during small daily tasks.

Vocabulary

  1. a daily routine — ежедневный распорядок
  2. to boil water — кипятить воду
  3. tea leaves — чайные листья
  4. a tea bag — чайный пакетик
  5. honey — мёд
  6. to stir — мешать, размешивать
  7. to clean up the kitchen — убирать на кухне
  8. to keep things tidy — поддерживать порядок

Exercise 1 — Choose the correct answer

1. In the morning, the mother usually makes...
a) coffee
b) tea
c) juice
2. They sometimes add honey when someone...
a) has a cold
b) has a headache
c) has a birthday
3. In the evening, the writer prefers...
a) coffee for studying
b) soup
c) lemonade
4. After making drinks, the writer...
a) goes to bed immediately
b) cleans up the kitchen
c) opens a window

Exercise 2 — Answer the questions

  1. What is the first step in making tea?
  2. When do they add honey?
  3. How does the writer make coffee in the evening?
  4. Why does the writer clean up after making drinks?
Trying a new recipe

Text 59 — Trying a New Recipe

Level: B1

Sometimes I try a new recipe because I want to learn more about cooking. Last week, I found an easy recipe for vegetable soup online. The recipe was in English, so I read it slowly and only looked up the words I really needed. Then I checked if we had all the ingredients. I started by cutting onions and carrots. After that, I boiled the vegetables and added salt and spices. While the soup was cooking, I prepared some bread for serving. The whole thing took about thirty minutes, which wasn't long at all. When we ate, my family liked the taste, and my brother asked me to make it again. Trying new recipes isn't scary, and it makes my meals more interesting.

Vocabulary

  1. a recipe — рецепт
  2. to learn more about cooking — узнавать больше о кулинарии
  3. vegetable soup — овощной суп
  4. to check if we have all the ingredients — проверять, есть ли все ингредиенты
  5. to cut onions and carrots — нарезать лук и морковь
  6. to boil vegetables — варить овощи
  7. salt and spices — соль и специи
  8. to ask someone to make it again — попросить приготовить ещё раз
  9. not to be scary — не быть страшным

Exercise 1 — True or False

1.The writer tried a recipe for vegetable soup.
2.The recipe was in French.
3.The writer checked the ingredients before cooking.
4.The soup cooked for about ten minutes.
5.The family liked the taste of the soup.

Exercise 2 — Answer the questions

  1. Why did the writer try a new recipe?
  2. What did the writer cut at the beginning?
  3. What did the family ask after eating?
  4. How long did the soup take to make?
Food for a special occasion

Text 60 — Food for a Special Occasion

Level: A2–B1

When there's a special occasion at home, food becomes part of the celebration. Last month, we had a small family gathering because my grandmother came to visit. My mother prepared a traditional meal, and everyone helped. We made a simple main dish and also prepared dessert. My job was to set the table and get the drinks ready. I also bought fruit for the guests. Before dinner, we talked and took photos. After the meal, we cleaned up together and shared stories from the past. Good food doesn't have to be complicated. It only needs to be prepared with care and served with a smile.

Vocabulary

  1. a special occasion — особый повод
  2. a family gathering — семейное собрание
  3. a traditional meal — традиционное блюдо
  4. to set the table — накрывать на стол
  5. to take photos — фотографироваться
  6. to clean up together — убирать вместе
  7. to share stories — делиться историями
  8. to prepare with care — готовить с душой

Exercise 1 — Choose the correct answer

1. The family gathered because...
a) it was a holiday
b) the grandmother came to visit
c) they wanted to go out
2. The writer's job was to...
a) cook the main dish
b) set the table and get the drinks ready
c) make the dessert
3. Before dinner, they...
a) watched TV
b) talked and took photos
c) went for a walk
4. Good food, according to the writer, needs to be...
a) expensive and complicated
b) prepared with care and served with a smile
c) ordered from a restaurant

Exercise 2 — Answer the questions

  1. What special occasion happened last month?
  2. What was the writer's job?
  3. What did they do after the meal?
  4. Why does the writer think good food is not complicated?
English Texts A2-B1 — Pack 6 — Everyday Topics 51–60