B1 Reading: My Hobbies (Intermediate English)
- Alex
- 5 days ago
- 3 min read
Updated: 43 minutes ago
B1 Intermediate English Texts for Reading and Listening Practice
Download the PDF for self-study or for the ESL classroom.
Level B1 Intermediate English Reading Practice: My Hobbies
I've had many hobbies throughout my life, and all of them have brought me different benefits.
When I was a kid, I was really into basketball. My school friends and I loved playing it during recess. Every time the bell rang, we rushed outside to the court. Back then, I was very competitive, and I wanted to be the best player in my grade. I don't know if I actually was, but at the time I thought I was pretty good. The truth is, I was the tallest kid in my class, so it was easier for me to shoot the ball because very few of my classmates could jump high enough to block me.
That was a really fun time in my life. I learned how to play on a team, and I was physically active, which is always important for a kid.
Then, when I was a teenager, I spent a lot of time playing video games. I know that video games aren't a physically demanding hobby, but they developed my logical thinking skills and sharpened my mental reflexes. Most importantly, they made me happy. I didn't think about my mental health back then, but when I think about it now, a game like Super Mario World made me feel more positive and optimistic. I also played those games with my sisters and my friends, so they helped me to stay social.
These days, I often have my nose in a book. I usually read novels, especially fantasy and science fiction. I suppose I developed a natural love of these genres because of my history with video games. Reading gives me pleasure, improved focus, and a stronger memory—all vital for a middle-aged person like me.
In short, I think everyone should have a hobby because a fun activity can contribute to a person's mental, physical, and social health.
Comprehension Questions
What's another way to say "back then"? (paragraph 2)
a) In the past.
b) Before now.
c) At that time.
How did the writer of this text feel about his basketball skills?
a) He was the best.
b) He was pretty good.
c) He wasn't that good.
Why couldn't his classmates block him when they played together?
a) They were shorter.
b) He was better.
c) He was faster.
What was the main benefit of video games for the writer?
a) Social health.
b) Mental health.
c) Physical health.
What helped the writer to develop "a natural love" of fantasy and science fiction novels?
a) Video games.
b) Basketball.
c) His friends and family.
How old do you think the writer probably is?
a) 20-40
b) 40-60
c) 60-80
Answers
c
b
a
b
a
b
This intermediate English reading text is ideal for B1 learners who can hold short conversations about everyday topics and use basic vocabulary with common tenses.
Read the text and answer the comprehension questions. You can also listen to the audio to practice your listening and speaking skills.
Note: This text was written by Alex. It was not generated by AI.