Reading Comprehension

 Formal Letter of Complaint

Michael Hart
22 Greenview Street
Bristol, BS3 4PA
michael.hart@email.com
18 November 2025

Mr. Jonathan Reed
Restaurant Manager
The Willow Garden Restaurant
14 Riverside Lane
Bristol, BS1 2HL

Dear Mr. Reed,

I am writing to express my deep dissatisfaction with the food and service I received during my visit to The Willow Garden Restaurant on 15 November 2025. I chose your restaurant to celebrate a special occasion with my family, but unfortunately, the experience fell far below our expectations.

To begin with, the food was extremely disappointing. I ordered the Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken, which arrived cold and noticeably undercooked. The side vegetables were also soggy and lacked any flavor. My sister’s Seafood Pasta was overly salty, and the prawns tasted as if they were not fresh. Considering the premium prices on your menu, the overall quality of the dishes was unacceptable.

In addition to the poor food, the service we received was unprofessional. Despite the restaurant being only half full, we waited nearly 25 minutes before anyone approached our table. When the server finally arrived, he seemed disinterested and made no effort to apologize for the delay. When we politely raised our concerns about the food, he simply shrugged and said the kitchen was busy, offering no solution or assistance.

I believe that high-quality food and attentive service are essential in any dining establishment, especially one with your reputation. My family and I left the restaurant feeling disappointed and dissatisfied. I kindly request an explanation regarding the issues mentioned and hope you will take appropriate steps to prevent such experiences for future customers. I would also appreciate reasonable compensation for the inconvenience caused.

Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to your prompt response.

Yours sincerely,

Michael Hart

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What was the main purpose of Michael Hart’s letter?
   A. To make a reservation
   B. To compliment the chef
   C. To complain about the food and service
   D. To ask for a job

2. When did Michael visit the restaurant?
   A. 18 November 2025
   B. 15 November 2025
   C. 12 November 2025
   D. 10 November 2025

3. What was the occasion for Michael’s visit?
   A. A business meeting
   B. A birthday party
   C. A special family occasion
   D. A holiday celebration

4. What problem did Michael have with the Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken?
   A. It was too spicy
   B. It was cold and undercooked
   C. It was too expensive
   D. It was not on the menu

5. Why was Michael unhappy with his sister’s Seafood Pasta?
   A. It did not include prawns
   B. It was served late
   C. It was too salty and the prawns were not fresh
   D. It was cold

6. How long did the family wait before a server came to their table?
   A. 10 minutes
   B. 15 minutes
   C. 20 minutes
   D. 25 minutes

7. How did the server react when Michael complained about the food?
   A. He apologized politely
   B. He offered a discount
   C. He ignored the complaint and shrugged
   D. He replaced the food immediately

8. What did Michael expect from the restaurant?
   A. Low prices and simple meals
   B. High-quality food and good service
   C. Free drinks for customers
   D. Fast food and quick service

9. What does Michael request from the restaurant?
   A. A free meal every month
   B. An explanation and compensation
   C. A tour of the kitchen
   D. A chance to speak with the chef

10. How does Michael sign off his letter?
    A. Yours faithfully
    B. Best regards
    C. Yours sincerely
    D. Kind regards

Listening Skill Practice

 

Listen to this Audio Listening : 

🎧 Listening Comprehension Questions

1. What is the speaker’s job in Script 1?
A. A student at a university
B. A teacher at a language center
C. A travel guide

2. How long will the speaker’s trip last?
A. Five days
B. Ten days
C. Two weeks

3. What does the speaker plan to do with her sister?
A. Visit new places and take pictures
B. Stay home and watch movies
C. Go shopping at the mall

4. When does the person in Script 2 usually go for a walk?
A. On Saturday morning
B. On Sunday afternoon
C. Every weekday evening

5. What activity do the speaker and his brother enjoy on Sundays?
A. Playing football
B. Going fishing
C. Riding bicycles

Nutritious Food to Eat

 

Eating nutritious food is essential for a healthy life. The food we eat every day gives our bodies the nutrients needed to grow, stay strong, and fight off diseases. Many people have become more aware of how important a balanced diet is for their health. They have realized that eating well is not only about staying slim, but also about feeling good from the inside out.

Nutritious food includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Fruits and vegetables are full of vitamins and minerals that help the body function properly. For instance, carrots and sweet potatoes provide vitamin A, which keeps our eyes healthy, while spinach and broccoli are rich in iron and calcium. People have added more of these foods to their diets because they have seen how much better they feel after eating them regularly.

Whole grains, such as brown rice, oatmeal, and whole-wheat bread, are also an important part of a balanced diet. They give us energy that lasts longer and help us stay full throughout the day. Many families have replaced white rice and white bread with whole-grain options to make their meals healthier.

Protein is another key nutrient that our bodies need to build and repair tissues. Lean meats like chicken, fish, and turkey are good sources of protein, but plant-based proteins such as beans, lentils, and tofu are also excellent choices. Some people have decided to eat less red meat and have chosen plant-based meals more often. They have discovered that this change not only helps their health but also benefits the environment.

Healthy fats, found in foods like avocados, nuts, and olive oil, are also essential. These fats have helped many people improve their heart health and maintain healthy skin. Nutritionists have recommended that we avoid too much fried or processed food, as these often contain unhealthy fats that can cause heart problems in the future.

Drinking enough water is another part of good nutrition. Water helps digest food, keeps our skin clear, and regulates body temperature. Some people have stopped drinking sugary sodas and have noticed that they feel more energetic and focused throughout the day.

Over the past few years, people all around the world have paid more attention to what they eat. Many have joined health programs, watched cooking videos, or read nutrition labels more carefully. They have learned that small changes, like eating more vegetables and drinking more water, can make a big difference in their lives.

In conclusion, eating nutritious food is not just a temporary habit but a lifelong commitment to good health. Those who have followed a balanced diet for a long time have experienced better moods, stronger bodies, and more energy. By making wise food choices, we can build a healthier future for ourselves and for the next generation.

Comprehension Questions

1. What is the main idea of the text?
   A. Eating healthy food helps maintain good health.
   B. Exercising daily is the only way to stay fit.
   C. Fast food gives more energy than fruits.
   D. Skipping meals makes people healthier.

2. According to the text, what have many people realized about eating well?
   A. It only helps people lose weight.
   B. It makes food less enjoyable.
   C. It improves how they feel and function.
   D. It has no effect on their health.

3. Which vitamin do carrots and sweet potatoes provide?
   A. Vitamin D
   B. Vitamin A
   C. Vitamin B12
   D. Vitamin K

4. Why have many families replaced white rice with brown rice?
   A. It tastes sweeter.
   B. It is considered a healthier choice.
   C. It cooks faster.
   D. It is cheaper than white rice.

5. What have people discovered after choosing plant-based meals more often?
   A. It benefits their health and the environment.
   B. It makes them gain more weight.
   C. It costs more money to prepare.
   D. It reduces the variety of their meals.

6. Which of the following foods contains healthy fats?
   A. Fried chicken
   B. Candies
   C. Avocados
   D. Ice cream

7. What have some people noticed after drinking less sugary soda?
   A. They feel more energetic and focused.
   B. They feel more tired and sleepy.
   C. Their skin becomes dull.
   D. They get sick more often.

8. What is one benefit of drinking enough water?
   A. It helps regulate body temperature.
   B. It causes dehydration.
   C. It adds calories to the diet.
   D. It slows down digestion.

9. What have many people done to learn more about nutrition?
   A. Ignored food labels.
   B. Joined health programs or watched cooking videos.
   C. Eaten more junk food.
   D. Avoided reading about health.

10. What have people who followed a balanced diet for a long time experienced?
    A. Poor digestion and bad moods.
    B. Better moods and stronger bodies.
    C. More health problems.
    D. Weak immune systems.

Listening Comprehension Worksheet

 

Audio: 'Let’s Talk About Food | Learn English with Fun Food Conversations | English Podcast for Beginners'

Instructions: Listen to the audio carefully and choose the best answer (A–C) for each question.

1. What is the main topic of the conversation?

·       A. Talking about travel

·       B. Talking about food

·       C. Talking about sports

2. Where does the conversation mostly take place?

·       A. In a restaurant

·       B. In a school

·       C. In a park

3. What kind of food do they mention enjoying for breakfast?

·       A. Pancakes

·       B. Pizza

·       C. Sandwich

4. Why does one speaker like cooking?

·       A. It’s relaxing

·       B. It’s fast

·       C. It’s expensive

5. Which food do they say is healthy?

·       A. Ice cream

·       B. Salad

·       C. Cake

6. What do they say about fast food?

·       A. It’s not very healthy

·       B. It’s the best choice

·       C. It’s always cheap

7. What drink do they talk about during the conversation?

·       A. Coffee

·       B. Soda

·       C. Water

8. What is one person’s favorite type of cuisine?

·       A. Italian

·       B. Japanese

·       C. Indian

9. What do they say about trying new foods?

·       A. It’s fun

·       B. It’s scary

·       C. It’s boring

10. What is the final message of the conversation?

·       A. Eat more junk food

·       B. Enjoy eating and stay healthy

·       C. Avoid cooking

Movie Review: Cars 3

    Cars 3 is a Disney family movie about competition, aging, and finding new purpose. Lightning McQueen, once a famous racer, now struggles to keep up with modern, faster cars like the rookie Jackson Storm. After losing a race, McQueen questions his future and whether it’s time to retire.

    With the help of his new trainer, Cruz Ramirez, McQueen tries to regain his speed. Cruz, however, has never been a racer herself. During their training together, she rediscovers her own dream of becoming one. McQueen’s wisdom and Cruz’s enthusiasm teach each other valuable lessons about confidence and perseverance.

    In the final race, McQueen realizes that his true role is not to win but to pass on his knowledge. He lets Cruz take his place, and she surprises everyone by defeating Storm. McQueen becomes her mentor, just as Doc once guided him.

    The movie offers strong moral messages: believe in yourself, support others, and know when to let go. Although the plot has a few holes, Cars 3 delivers an inspiring and heartwarming story for both kids and adults.

True or False Questions

1. Lightning McQueen was faster than Jackson Storm in the final race. (True/False)

2. Cars 3 tells a story about facing change and finding new purpose. (True/False)

3. Cruz Ramirez was an experienced racer before she met McQueen. (True/False)

4. Jackson Storm was a rookie who represented the new generation of racing cars. (True/False)

5. McQueen decided to retire completely and never return to racing. (True/False)

6. Cruz discovered her dream of racing while training with McQueen. (True/False)

7. McQueen replaced Doc as a mentor for new racers. (True/False)

8. The movie ends with Cruz winning a race against Jackson Storm. (True/False)

9. The reviewer thinks Cars 3 has no plot problems at all. (True/False)

10. The movie delivers messages about believing in yourself and supporting others. (True/False)

Gap Fill Exercise (Verbs)

Instructions:
Complete the sentences below using the correct verbs from the word bank.

Word Bank:
(struggled, rediscovered, let, won, delivers, received, gained, accepted, entertains, show)

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1. Lightning McQueen __________ to keep up with newer, faster cars like Jackson Storm.

2. Cruz __________ her own dream of becoming a racer during the training.

3. McQueen __________ Cruz take his place in the final race.

4. Cruz __________ the race against Jackson Storm and surprised everyone.

5. The movie __________ strong moral messages about believing in yourself and supporting others.

6. McQueen __________ help from his new trainer, Cruz Ramirez.

7. Cruz __________ confidence through her experience with McQueen.

8. McQueen __________ his role as a mentor at the end of the movie.

9. The story __________ both children and adults with its message.

10. Cruz and McQueen __________ teamwork and determination throughout the story.

Conversation: Doing Exercise Regularly

 Directions:

Read the conversation below and complete it by choosing the correct sentences (A–J) for each blank (1–10).

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Sarah: Hey, John! You look great lately. Have you been doing something different?
John: Yeah, actually I’ve started exercising regularly. It’s been about two months now.
Sarah: Wow, that’s awesome! (1) __________
John: I usually go jogging in the morning before work.
Sarah: That sounds nice. (2) __________
John: Not really, but I try to stick to my routine. It helps me feel more energetic during the day.
Sarah: I know what you mean. (3) __________
John: Exactly! Exercise really helps reduce stress.
Sarah: (4) __________
John: I jog for about 30 minutes and then do some stretching exercises.
Sarah: Good idea. (5) __________
John: Mostly on weekends. I like playing basketball with my friends.
Sarah: That’s great! Team sports are fun. (6) __________
John: I used to skip warm-ups, but now I always stretch first to avoid injury.
Sarah: (7) __________
John: I try to eat more fruits and vegetables. I also drink plenty of water.
Sarah: That’s smart. (8) __________
John: Sometimes I do yoga on Sunday mornings. It helps me relax.
Sarah: Yoga sounds peaceful. (9) __________
John: I’ve lost a little weight and I sleep much better now.
Sarah: That’s amazing, John! (10) __________
John: Thanks, Sarah! You should join me sometime.

Matching Options

A. Do you follow a strict diet as well?
B. What kind of exercise do you usually do?
C. How long do you jog each time?
D. Do you warm up before jogging?
E. Do you exercise every day?
F. I feel tired and stressed when I don’t exercise.
G. What changes have you noticed since you started?
H. Where do you do your exercises?
I. Do you do anything to relax after jogging?
J. You really seem more energetic and healthier!

Reading Comprehension

 

Mindfulness

Most of us worry about all sorts of things all the time. Why did a friend say that? Why didn’t I get good marks in the test? What is wrong with my parents? Why did I get sick? We tend to pay attention to what is wrong in our lives. Learning to be mindful can help us when we are down. It can also help us to calm down, relax and to pay attention to other things. This has many benefits, not the least of which is that it helps us to deal with the stress of everyday life. And less stress means better health!

Mindfulness is the state of being aware of the present moment. In this time, we focus on ourselves or on our bodies. We may think about how parts of our body feel or we may focus on the way we are breathing. When life gets tough, sometimes it is useful to stop and concentrate on being mindful. We can do simple exercises like the one you have already done to help create this state. But there are other things that we can do to become more mindful generally.

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Some tips for developing mindfulness:

• Stop talking, and listen to others.
  The Dalai Lama once said ‘When you talk, you are repeating what you already know. When you listen, you may learn something new.’

• Be kind, not cruel to others. Don’t bully people or hurt them. And be kind to yourself too.

• Learn to meditate. Meditating can help you to stop and breathe and this helps you to deal with stressful situations.

• Focus on one thing at a time. Declutter your time and your life. This will help you avoid feeling overwhelmed or fed up with things.

• Accept that some things change in life and you cannot control everything. Focus on positive changes you can make in your own life to benefit yourself and others. Keep calm and carry on.

Worksheet: Mindfulness – Multiple Choice Questions

Read the text carefully and choose the best answer (A, B, or C).

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1. What are some examples of things people often worry about according to the text?
   A. What to eat and where to travel
   B. Why a friend said something or why they got sick
   C. How to spend more money

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2. How can learning to be mindful help us?
   A. It helps us to forget our problems completely
   B. It helps us to calm down and deal with stress better
   C. It helps us to get more work done quickly

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3. What does “mindfulness” mean in the text?
   A. Being aware of the present moment
   B. Thinking about the future all the time
   C. Ignoring what happens around you

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4. According to the Dalai Lama’s quote, what can we gain by listening instead of talking?
   A. We may learn something new
   B. We can repeat what we already know
   C. We can make others agree with us

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5. Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a tip for developing mindfulness?
   A. Meditating to help you breathe and relax
   B. Decluttering your life and focusing on one thing
   C. Trying to control everything that happens

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6. Why does the text suggest focusing on one thing at a time?
   A. To help avoid feeling overwhelmed
   B. To finish tasks more quickly
   C. To make other people notice you