READING

LEVEL A2 (UK)

Teacher’s Pack Reading

 READING
LEVEL A2 (UK)

Teacher’s Pack Reading

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 Contents
 FOR SALE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 07
 HIGH DAYS AND HOLIDAYS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 08
 AMERICAN BARBEQUES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 09
 A SCENIC HOLIDAY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
 FAST FOOD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
 GLASTONBURY FESTIVAL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
 CARPENTRY AS A HOBBY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
 THE GRAND CANYON . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
 THE GREAT LAKES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
 HIGHLAND PARK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
 FROZEN FUN. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

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READING LEVEL A2

FOR SALE

Lovely, 100-year-old town house in Mayfair. Minutes from the

centre of London.

Two floors and an attic. Three bedrooms, large living room and
dining room with two bathrooms and toilet.

Small, quiet street with plenty of light and no noise.

Listed price €800,000.

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 READING LEVEL A2

HIGH DAYS AND HOLIDAYS

The title is an old expression about special days

when most people don't go to work. In the UK
there are special days like in other countries.

Bank holidays are days off (days when people

don't go to work). Christmas and other holidays
are bank holidays but there are also days off on
the first and last Monday in May and the last
Monday in August. People often travel to
another town or go on a very short holiday. It is
common to see long lines of cars on the
motorway (traffic jams).

Christmas Day is on the twenty-fifth of

December. It is a religious holiday for some
people and a national holiday for everybody. On
the twenty-fourth of December (Christmas Eve)
children put a bag or large sock called a stocking
on their beds and leave a drink and some
biscuits for Father Christmas in the kitchen.
They go to sleep and in the morning the
stocking is full of presents.

On Christmas day people visit family and friends, give presents and eat a lot. The typical Christmas
dinner is roast turkey with potatoes, vegetables and different sauces with Christmas pudding for
dessert. Christmas pudding is made of fruit and is very heavy. The tradition is to pour alcohol
(Whiskey or Brandy) over the pudding and light it.

Easter like Christmas is a religious holiday for some people. Children eat chocolate eggs and
sometimes parents organise an 'egg hunt' and the children search for eggs outside in the garden or
park.

Another special day is New Year's Eve or the 31st of December. It is common to have a party with
friends and family and to listen to the clock at Westminster strike midnight. There is a typical song
called 'Auld Lang Sine' by the Scottish writer Robbie Burns which is about remembering friends and
the past. People stand in a circle, cross their arms in front of them and hold hands with the person
either side.

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READING LEVEL A2

AMERICAN BARBEQUES

I am telling you the story of my first typical American barbeque. There was a group of people
gathered together at my friend's house. We were in the backyard and there was a swimming pool
and a barbeque.

My friends told me that barbeques are a typical American summertime activity. They said that it is
very common in the United States. They said that families and friends normally gather in their own
yard or in a park to socialize and to cook lunch or dinner on the grill. Then they told me that
barbequing is common on the weekends, holidays and at parties. That day we celebrated a friend's
birthday.

The day of my first American barbeque, I learned that it is common to cook hot dogs and hamburgers
on the grill. These are the two popular foods to barbeque.

The cook prepared the grill with charcoal to start the fire. It heated for about ten minutes and then
he put the food on the grill. The hot dogs and hamburgers cooked for about fifteen minutes and
then the cook announced that they were ready. So I took a "bun", which is the special type of bread
for hot dogs and hamburgers, and then I took a hamburger.

My friends told me to put condiments like ketchup, mustard and mayonnaise on the bun, if I wanted.
Then they suggested that I add vegetables like lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, onions and also cheese to
add extra flavors and textures. I chose lettuce, tomato, pickles and onions but I didn't choose cheese.

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 READING LEVEL A2

A SCENIC HOLIDAY

I went on holiday to a Spanish coastal town last year. This was the closest beach, and it is my
favourite beach in the world. The calm sea and the scenic, hilly landscape was exactly what I needed
to relax after three months of stressful work. The beach was very quiet because the path from the
town to the beach is very steep.

I sunbathed and swam almost every day and in the evening, after dinner, I watched the sunset
behind the mountains in the distance. I went to the mountains one day. There was a forest and I
saw some snakes and frogs close to a lake. Thank goodness I'm not scared of them. I got very hot
walking in the humid forest, so I went for a swim in the lake which had a waterfall where a river
flowed into it. It was so picturesque.

At some beaches in England it is traditional to ride a donkey, but at this Spanish beach I did not see
any donkeys or horses. I think there are restrictions regarding taking animals onto some beaches.
There were signs prohibiting dogs on the beach, but I did see some cats near a restaurant close to
the beach. There were lots of birds in the trees and lizards on the rocks. I love rocky beaches because
there are interesting sea creatures in the rock pools, although, some sand is ideal because it means
sunbathing is more comfortable.

I took a snorkel and, of course, I saw some fish, but thankfully I didn't see any sharks! Next year I'm
going to a coastal town in Iceland; it's not very sunny but from the top of the cliffs you can see
whales!

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READING LEVEL A2

FAST FOOD

Fast food restaurants are very common and popular in the United States. These places are called
"fast food" because the food is usually prepared quickly and the service is fast.

There are people to take your order, but there are no waiters or waitresses.

Many fast food restaurants have tables to sit at. Often, fast food is served from stands, which do
not have tables or a covering.

After making an order, you usually wait about 10 minutes or less to receive your food. When you
finish, you must put your trash and tray away in the correct place. There isn't anyone to clean up for
you. You must clean your own space.

In the United States, it is possible to find many types of fast food.

There are pizza restaurants, Mexican food, sushi, hamburgers and even Chinese food that are found
as fast food.

McDonalds typically serves American-style food such as hamburgers. There is Taco Bell that serves
Mexican food.

Many hamburger places and Chinese fast food restaurants are found in commercial areas, malls and
downtown.

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 READING LEVEL A2

GLASTONBURY FESTIVAL

Organisers of the famous Glastonbury Festival have announced that next year they are not going to
celebrate the Glastonbury Festival. The rock festival has taken place year after year and many
famous bands have played at the festival.

Thousands of people have visited the small town each year and the people from the town have
complained many times.

The festival has used an area of farmland in Glastonbury for many years, but the farmers who own
the land have decided not to have the festival next year. This is not the first time organisers have
not put on the festival. It has happened on past occasions because the festival is not good for the
land.

The decision has upset many fans who have been to Glastonbury before and young people wanting
to go for the first time next year.

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READING LEVEL A2

CARPENTRY AS A HOBBY

The majority of secondary schools in the UK and Ireland offer introductory subjects for those
interested in trades like carpentry, which is generally chosen by students as one of their elective
courses. For those schools that offer it, it serves as a great foundation for a good start in this
apprenticeship. However, not everyone wishes to take on carpentry as a career. Many people decide
to study other degrees with less physically-demanding career options but wish to learn about
carpentry as a hobby. If you find yourself in this situation there are certain things you could do to
improve your wood-working skills.

Begin by buying a simple book. Experts often suggest starting to learn about hand tools. There are
plenty of books available in book shops or on the internet with clear photos and easy-to-follow
directions.

Learn about all the different tools available. Visit your local DIY shop and have a look at the
equipment and learn their names. If there are any you don't understand write them down and
search for them later on the internet or if the staff seems friendly, ask them!

In certain countries, there are even organisations for carpenters where you can exchange
experiences and help each other out. They may organise events and seminars for beginners.

Carpentry is just one example of a hobby but, in fact, any hobby is highly beneficial for our well-
being. It is often believed that they are only suitable for people with lots of free time, but the truth
is that we should all make time for ourselves. We all need to disconnect from work or home stresses
by doing an activity free of responsibilities. If you do not feel stimulated in your life, then it is also a
good idea to take up a hobby to avoid having a monotonous day to day. Hobbies may also be an
opportunity to meet people and make new friends.

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 READING LEVEL A2

THE GRAND CANYON

The Grand Canyon is a very popular and well-known tourist point in the United States. It is a huge
canyon located in a National Park in Arizona. About five million visitors travel to the Grand Canyon
every year.

The Grand Canyon started to form thousands of years ago from the erosion of the Colorado River.
Erosion cut the shape of the canyon.

The Grand Canyon is enormous. The river that flows through the canyon is 277 miles long (446 km).
The canyon is 18 miles wide (29 km) and a mile deep (1.6 km). It is very impressive. You can walk or
hike down the canyon. It takes several days to walk down and then return. A visitor can also see the
sunrise in the morning and the sunset in the evening.

Native American Indians used to live in the Grand Canyon. It is an important site for archaeological
findings. There were artifacts found in the canyon from Native American Indians such as the Hopi,
Navajo and Zuni tribes. The oldest human artifacts are over 12,000 years old. If you visit the Grand
Canyon, you must see the museum that has many of the Indian artifacts on display. This National
Park is an important landmark in the United States. It is a good idea to visit at least one time. People
usually visit by car, but visitors also travel to the Grand Canyon by train, bus or airplane. There is a
small airport there called the Grand Canyon Airport. The southern part of the Grand Canyon is the
most popular area. It is open 24 hours a day and 265 days a year. It sounds like a great holiday
destination, doesn't it?

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READING LEVEL A2

THE GREAT LAKES

The Great Lakes are five lakes in the north of the United States. On the US side, the lakes are near
Michigan, Wisconsin, New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Illinois, Indiana and Minnesota. North of the
lakes, Ontario and Quebec in Canada are borders. The five Great Lakes include: Lake Superior, which
is the largest and then Lake Huron, Lake Michigan, Lake Erie and Lake Ontario, which is the smallest.
Lake Superior is 31, 820 square miles (82,400 sq km) and Lake Ontario is 7,540 square miles (19,500
sq km). The three other lakes range in size between the largest and the smallest.

The Great Lakes are enormous. They provide one fifth of the world's fresh water supply.

There is more than 94,000 square miles (244,000 square kilometers) of water in the Great Lakes.
They are so large that many people say they are inland seas.

Over a billion years ago, two tectonic plates split apart and formed what we know today as the Great
Lakes. The split created a valley and since then, the valley has filled with water to form the five Great
Lakes. There are over 35,000 islands throughout the Great Lakes. The Great Lakes coast is about
10,500 miles long (16,900 km).

Economy in the Great Lakes is essential. Today the lakes are being used to carry bulk goods. Steel,
iron ore and grains are just a few examples of bulk goods that are carried. The lakes are also a very
important fresh drinking water source for tens of millions of people who live in the area. Finally,
people are using the lakes as a recreational site. Tourism and fishing are popular on the Great Lakes.
All kinds of water sports are popular. People usually will think that surfing is meant for the ocean,
but you can even surf on Lake Superior whose waves are so large that it is possible!

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 READING LEVEL A2

HIGHLAND PARK

Highland Park Service & Programme Schedules.

Visitor Centre dates and hours.

Open- All year including public holidays

Times: 9.30 to 18.00

SCHEDULES CAN CHANGE. ALWAYS CHECK LOCALLY FOR UPDATES!

THE Highland Park is open every day of the year.

Check local weather updates or current conditions for any unscheduled entrance closures due to
bad weather conditions. Throughout the park this summer, expect traffic delays and road closures
for repairs and maintenance.

Road closures:

The weather in the park is often unpredictable; roads may be closed temporarily by snow or other
weather conditions. Snow tyres or chains may be required. Please carry them in your vehicle.

Please note: The section of the Bear Mountain Highway, between the junction of the A296 and The
Red Rock Hotel in Grampian town, closes in the winter because of the snowfall.

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READING LEVEL A2

The road is only open to snowmobiles and skiers who leave their itinerary at the park entrance.

Travel between the Red Rock Hotel and Bear Mountain Highway is not possible on the A296 until it
opens again in the spring. You must use the A29 to travel from the Hotel to Grampian town.

Information Every Visitor Needs to Know To Look After The Park

The Highland Park is a wilderness filled with natural wonders that are also potential hazards at times.
There is no guarantee of your safety. Regulations are strictly enforced to protect you and the park's
wonders and sights.

This page is designed to provide the basic rules. It is not complete and should be used to understand
the most important park rules. You will find additional rules and information in more detail on our
website www.visitscotlandsparks.com

The Highland Park Rules & Regulations

Your visit may be spoiled by accident if you violate park rules. Highland Park employees strictly
enforce park regulations to protect you and the park´s wildlife and farms and natural beauty.

Please help keep our contacts with you pleasant by paying special attention to park regulations and
avoiding these problems:

1. The speed limit is 30 miles per hour on all roads in the park.
2. Off-road travel by vehicle or bicycle is prohibited.
3. Camping is prohibited outside authorised areas.
4. Littering is not allowed.
5. Guard against all risk of fire.
6. Keep your dogs under close control
7. Keep to public paths across farmland
8. Use gates and stiles to cross fences, hedges and walls and close them after.
9. Leave livestock, crops and machinery alone
10. Take all your litter home
11. Help to keep all water clean
12. Protect wildlife, plants and trees
13. Take special care on country roads
14. Make no unnecessary noise and consider other people.
15. Be safe and don´t get lost- plan ahead and follow the signs

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 READING LEVEL A2

FROZEN FUN

In the winter months, many people like to

visit frozen places in their country. There
are many fun activities that they can do
such as having a snowball fight or building
a snowman. Nonetheless, one of the most
common activities is skiing or
snowboarding.

These sports take advantage of the snow

covered mountains and forests by gliding
down at high speeds. Some skiers even
organise a competitive race where the first
person to the bottom of the mountain or
cliff is the winner.

Snowboarders, on the other hand, like to

use the snow as a place to perform
interesting "tricks" while being launched
through the air. They attach a board to
their feet, using a special boot and
descend slopes covered in snow while
standing on the board. Snowboarding has developed various styles, each with its own specialised
equipment and techniques. One of the most artistic is "freestyle", the one in which riders have to
use their creativity and snowboarding skills to create the most amazing tricks.

As we mentioned previously, gliding down a mountain is not the only way people like to use the
snow: Some people like to travel in a sled that is pulled with dogs. This type of travel is usually for
hunting and fishing in very hard-to-reach areas. Sometimes the dogsled is the only way to find these
places. Even frozen lakes and ponds are useful in a winter freeze.

Many people like to bring bladed shoes called ice skates in order to spin around the top of the frozen
water.

While some people prefer physical activities, others use the ice as a chance to show off their artistic
talent with ice sculpting. People can use the ice in the same way a sculptor will use marble and
bronze. They break away the parts of the ice they don't want, and polish the result to give a fantastic
clear sculpture.

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