English Language Skills Practice
The Magic of Train Travel
Reading Comprehension: Train Travel Facts
- Means of transport for traveling long distances were dangerous until trains were introduced. True. “Before the invention of railways, carriages pulled by horses took days to cross a country, and passengers were at constant risk of injury or death, as accidents were frequent.”
- When you travel by rail, you have the time to get used to the new places you visit. True. “Besides, it is not so rapid, like air travel, as to get rid of the need for adaptation from the familiar location to a new one.”
- People like to wonder about other passengers’ lives on the train. Not Given.
Train Travel Enhancements
- In the early days, how were trains transformed to make travel more enjoyable? Include two ideas. They added comfortable features like better seats and toilets, and included dining cars to improve the travel experience.
- Give two reasons why fast trains have taken away some of the charm of railway travel. Because they include things like security checks that resemble airports, and their high speed doesn’t allow travelers to enjoy the views and details of the journey.
Vocabulary from Text
- much (paragraph 2) → Far
- joy (paragraph 3) → pleasure
- give (paragraph 3) → provide
- unexpected (paragraph 5) → surprising
Sentence Transformation
- We haven’t got any more wrapping paper. (run). We have run out of wrapping paper.
- She was the best candidate, but she didn’t get the job. (Although). Although she was the best candidate, she didn’t get the job.
- “Why don’t we go to that new sushi bar for lunch tomorrow?” She suggested going to that new sushi bar for lunch the next day.
- “Yes, I broke this vase yesterday.” Sue admitted she had broken the vase the day before.
Informal Email: Trip to the USA
Write an informal email to your American friend Susan asking for advice about a trip you are planning to the USA.
Hi Susan!
How are you? I hope everything’s great over there. I’m writing because I’m planning a trip to the USA next summer, and I really need your advice!
I’m thinking of visiting New York, Los Angeles, and maybe one or two national parks. Do you think that’s too much for a two-week trip? Also, what’s the best way to move around—should I rent a car, or is public transport enough in most places?
Another thing: I’m not sure what the weather will be like in July, so I don’t know what to pack. Any suggestions? And of course, if you have any tips on places to eat or cool things to do that aren’t too touristy, please let me know!
Hope to hear from you soon. Take care and write back when you can!
Big hug,
[Your Name]
Home Education: The Right Choice
Reading Comprehension: Home Education Facts
- Home education has become increasingly unpopular in the last decade. → FALSE. “There has been a notable rise in parents choosing to home educate their children over recent years…”
- In flexi-schooling, pupils learn using electronic devices as well as traditional textbooks. → NOT GIVEN.
- One of the reasons why parents choose homeschooling is that they can select the learning contents themselves. → TRUE. “Some families prefer to home educate so they can teach the curriculum they wish…”
Home Education Procedures
- What do parents need to do if they want to home educate their children who are already going to a traditional school? They must write to the school and cancel the child’s enrollment before starting home education.
- How are more people learning about homeschooling? Through social media, where parents share their experiences and challenges with traditional education.
Vocabulary from Text
- obligation → requirement
- route → pathway
- concentrate → focus
- convenient → suitable
Sentence Transformation
- I didn’t know John wanted to come to the party, so I didn’t invite him. If I had known John wanted to come, I would have invited him.
- I started playing the piano three years ago. I have been playing the piano for three years.
- Although the restaurant was crowded, we managed to find a table. In spite of the restaurant being crowded, we managed to find a table.
- “Why don’t we get another assistant for the job?” Jim suggested getting another assistant for the job.
Informal Email: Studying Abroad Advice
Your friend Susan, who will be going to university next year, has sent you an email asking for your opinion on whether she should study in her home country or abroad instead. Reply with an informal email giving your advice.
Hi Susan,
Thanks for your email! I’m happy you are going to university next year. That’s exciting!
You asked me if it’s better to study in your country or abroad. I think both are good, but it depends on what you want.
If you stay in your country, it’s easier. You speak the language, you are close to your family, and you know the culture. Also, it’s usually cheaper.
But if you go abroad, you can learn many new things. You will meet people from other countries and maybe learn another language. It can help you find a better job in the future.
Sometimes, it’s not easy to live far from home, but it’s a good experience. You become more independent and strong.
So, think about what is better for you now. Both options are good!
Write me soon and tell me what you decide 🙂
Big hug,
[Your Name]
The World’s Deepest Hotel
Reading Comprehension: Deep Sleep Hotel
- Deep Sleep was specifically excavated to serve for lodging. FALSE: “Set below the mountains of Snowdonia above, Deep Sleep was tunneled out by miners over a century ago to mine minerals at the bottom of the sea.”
- You can descend to the hotel even if you are afraid. TRUE. “The route down is not for the fearful, but don’t worry, you won’t be left alone in the mine.”
Deep Sleep Experience
- What is the safety equipment provided to go down to Deep Sleep? Guests are provided with a helmet and special shoes.
- Mention two ways in which you can enjoy this adventure. You can enjoy the views of a mine, learn its history, be in a unique and immersive environment, and have a chance to disconnect from technology.
Vocabulary from Text
- ground (paragraph 1) → surface
- special (paragraph 1) → unique
- includes (paragraph 1) → comprises
- ascent (paragraph 2) → climb
Grammar Exercises
- In Deep Sleep, you are prevented from approaching other caves by signs on the walls.
- Visitors to the mine should consider bringing warm clothes.
- If I had had the money for such an adventure in 1993, I would have undertaken that expedition in 1998.
-
Complete the following sentence to report what was said.
“I can’t go to the expedition with my friends.”
Joanna apologized because she couldn’t go to the expedition with her friends.
Breath Meditation: Relieving Stress
Reading Comprehension: Meditation Facts
- Only experienced meditators can relax by focusing on breathing. False: “Paying attention to your breath is a form of ‘entry level’ meditation that anyone can do.”
- Listening to music while practicing breathing exercises is becoming very popular. Not Given.
- The practice of mindfulness requires deliberate observation of the here and now without forming particular opinions. True: “Mindfulness simply means the practice of purposely focusing your attention on the present moment—and accepting it without judgment.”
Stress and Mindfulness
- Explain two negative consequences of stress on health. Psychological stress can seriously harm your health. If it’s not managed properly, it may increase the risk of developing cancer, memory issues, or physical pain.
- Why do people start practicing mindfulness and what is the result of that practice? People often turn to mindfulness to feel more at peace, and as a result, they gain a new outlook on life.
Vocabulary from Text
- terrible (paragraph 1) → devastating
- wish (paragraph 2) → prefer
- door (paragraph 3) → gateway
- emerge (paragraph 4) → arise
Grammar Exercises
- If only I had started working on the project last month.
- Playing football makes me feel very happy.
- Nick refused to go to that boring party.
- After writing his mother an email, David apologized for his behavior.
-
“What is he going to do to relax?” Sue asked me.
Sue asked me what he was going to do to relax. -
Rephrase the sentence beginning with the words given.
They are building a new high-technology hospital in my town.
A new high-technology hospital is being built in my town.