READING TEST 1

Whether you're travelling to the islands or the mountains of Thailand, you're likely to
spend at least one night in its capital city on
the way. Bangkok might be noisy and
polluted but it's also an exciting city with
plenty of things to see and do. Why not
make it a longer stay?

Where to stay Bangkok, Thailand

The Khao San Road was a famous traveller spot even before Leonardo di Caprio's
character in the film The Beach stayed there. But it's noisy, not very pretty and not very Thai.
For something more authentic, Phra Kanong offers an alternative place to stay, with its
fantastic street markets where everyday Bangkok people eat, work and live. It's not as
convenient for the main tourist sites, but it has a Skytrain station so you can be at the Grand
Palace in 20 minutes.

How to get around

Bangkok's traffic can be a nightmare. Sure, you can easily take a taxi – if you want to
spend hours stuck in traffic jams – but there are two much better ways to get around the city.
To explore the temples and historical sites, catch an express boat river taxi or a longtail boat
along the Chao Phraya river and the canals. For the modern part of the city, the Skytrain is a
fast, cheap way to travel from the river to the shopping malls and nightlife of Sukhumvit, and
the famous Chatuchak street market.

Where to eat

The simple answer is: everywhere! Thai street food is among the best in the world,
and for around $5 you can eat a filling and delicious meal. Some food stands have little
plastic seats where you can sit and eat and they cook the same dish over and over, like fried
chicken on rice or Pad Thai noodles. Head for Chinatown – Yaowarat Street – and choose
whatever looks most interesting from the many excellent Chinese and Thai restaurants and
food stands.  
What to do

After you've seen the main sites like the Giant Buddha at the temple of Wat Pho and
the spectacular Grand Palace, and shopped at Chatuchak market, check out the snake farm
and watch the live snake show. You can even touch a snake yourself if you want to!

EXERCISE

Exercise 1: Read the description and circle True/False

1. One night is enough time to see Bangkok True False

2. Khao San Road is an authentic Thai area of True False
the city
Phra Kanong is further away from the main tourist True False
sites than Khao San Road is.
The river boat taxis often get stuck in traffic too True False
Taking the Skytrain is a faster way to see the city True False
than going by taxi.
You need to choose where to eat carefully, as not True False
everywhere is good.
You should go to Giant Buddha to shop. True False
Thai street food is quite cheap. True False
Skytrain is an ideal option to travel to temples or True False
historical sites.
It would be best not to touch a snake unless you True False
want to be bitten.

Exercise 2: Read and match the place with the appropriate description

Chao Phraya Phra Kanong Wat Pho Chatuchak

Sukhumvit Khao San Road Yaowarat Street

a. A place that you might see in the film “The Beach” ..........................................
b. A place where local Thai people go ..........................................
c. An alternative route through the city ..........................................
 d. A place to go for shopping and bars ..........................................
e. A place to go for food ..........................................
f. An important sightseeing spot ..........................................
g. A place that is noisy and not very Thai ..........................................
h. A famous street market ..........................................
i. A place to visit the Giant Buddha ..........................................
j. A place that you can enjoy nightlife ..........................................

READING TEST 2

To: James Forrester

Date: 6 November

Subject: Possible help with product design

Dear James,

As you know, we have been working on the new perfume that we are launching in April and
we are unsure about some of the packaging details. We have seen some of your creative work
in the sales department and we think you have a very good eye for detail.

Do you have some time before close of business this Friday to sit down with us and talk
through some of our designs? We would truly appreciate your advice on this. It shouldn't take
longer than two hours of your time and we would be happy to clear it with Patricia, your
department head, if necessary.

Best regards,

Sarah Ford

Head of Department
Product Design

EXERCISE

Exercise: Choose the best answer

1. What department does James work for?

a. Marketing b. Product Design c. Sales
2. Which department is working on the new perfume?
 a. Marketing b. Product Design c. Sales
3. What is happening in April?
a. The company will introduce the new perfume to the public
b. The product design department will finish their design of the new perfume
c. The sales department will stop selling perfume
4. What is the problem of Product Design team?
a. Lack of human resources.
b. Unsure about the product details
c. Uncertain about the packaging details
5. What is Sarah requesting?
a. For James to design the perfume
b. For James to have a meeting with the product design department to help them with
the packaging of the perfume.
c. For James to ask Patricia for permission to sell the perfume
6. Who is the head of the sales department?
a. James
b. Sarah
c. Patricia
7. Who is the head of the Product Design Department?
a. Sarah
b. Patricia
c. Forrester
8. When would Sarah like to sit down with James?
a. Today
b. Some time next week
c. Anytime between today and the end of Friday.
9. Why does Sarah contact James for packaging details?
a. Because some of James’s work has been seen and she thinks James has a good
sense of design.
b. Because James requests Sarah to see his creative work.
c. Because Patricia, James’s department head suggests Sarah to ask James.
10. How long the meeting would last?
a. Up to Sarah and James.
b. Less then two hours
c. More than two hours
 ANSWER KEY
Reading Test 1

Exercise 1: Read the description and circle True/False

1. False 6. False
2. False 7. False
3. True 8. True
4. False 9. False
5. True 10. False

Exercise 2: Read and match the place with the appropriate description

1. Khao San Road 6. Wat Pho

2. Phra Kanong 7. Khao San Road
3. Chao Phraya 8. Chatuchak
4. Sukhumvit 9. Wat Pho
5. Yaowarat 10. Sukhumvit

Reading Test 2

Exercise: Choose the best answer

1. c 6. c
2. b 7. a
3. a 8. c
4. c 9. a
5. b 10. b