Đề trắc nghiệm Reading Unit 9 (Holidays) - Life A2-B1

Reading passage 1 (1-10): A Trip to Remember

Last summer, my family and I went on a holiday to a small coastal town called Seaview. I had booked a hotel online a month before our trip, feeling confident after seeing the photos on its website. The pictures had shown a beautiful, modern hotel with a large, sparkling swimming pool and spacious rooms with amazing sea views. I was very excited about the trip because we hadn't had a proper family holiday for two years, and I had promised my kids a fantastic time.

However, when we arrived, we were very disappointed. The building looked tired and the paint was peeling. The hotel was much older and smaller than it had looked in the photos. We checked in at the reception, and the receptionist seemed quite bored and wasn't very friendly; he barely looked up from his computer. Our room on the ground floor was dark and had a strange smell. The only view was of the noisy car park. I decided to unpack our bags and then find the manager to complain, trying to stay calm for my family's sake.

Before I could do that, my son wanted to go swimming. We went to the pool, only to find a sign saying it was closed for cleaning. That was the final straw. I went straight to the reception desk and firmly asked to speak to the manager. I explained that we were very unhappy because the hotel was not what the website had promised, listing all the issues we had faced since arriving. The manager listened patiently. After I had finished speaking, he apologized sincerely and offered us a different room on the top floor. It was much bigger, brighter, and had a wonderful view of the sea. The rest of our holiday was much better, and the experience was certainly not boring!

Reading passage 2 (11-20): My First Adventure Tour

I've always thought of myself as someone who prefers relaxing beach holidays, so when my friend suggested an adventure tour in the mountains of Peru, I was a bit worried. The brochure described it as a "fascinating journey for people who love a challenge." Before we left, we had bought all the necessary equipment, including good hiking boots and waterproof jackets. I had checked the weather forecast, which predicted cold nights. I had never done anything like this before, so I was also quite frightened of the high altitudes and the physical demands.

Our group had ten people and a tour guide named Marco. Who led the group? Marco did, and he was amazing. He was very experienced and knew the mountains like the back of his hand, telling us stories about the ancient Incas. On the first day, we hiked for six hours. It was incredibly tiring, but the views of the green valleys below were amazing. We stayed in a small, basic guesthouse that night, sharing a simple but delicious meal. The next few days were similar. We walked through ancient paths, saw incredible wildlife like llamas and colorful birds, and camped under the stars, which were brighter than any I had ever seen in the city.

One of the most interesting things was the group itself. There were people from all over the world. A young couple from Japan were on their honeymoon. An older man from Canada had decided to take the trip after he had retired. He told us he wanted to do something exciting. Everyone had a different story, but we all helped each other. One day, my bag felt too heavy, and the man from Canada helped me carry some of my things. It was a very kind gesture that I will never forget.

The trip was not easy. It was often cold, and the walking was hard work. However, it was the most exciting and rewarding holiday I have ever had. It taught me that sometimes the most challenging experiences are the most memorable. I returned home feeling tired but incredibly proud of myself. It was a truly amazing adventure that changed my perspective on travel.

Reading passage 3 (21-30): The Two Faces of Portova

The city of Portova is a popular destination for tourists, but visitors often see only one side of it. The first place most people go is the Old Town. With its narrow stone streets, ancient architecture, and a huge castle overlooking the sea, it's a fascinating area to explore. It's a place where history feels alive. You can almost hear the echoes of the past in its quiet corners. Tourists can spend hours walking around, visiting small, independent museums, and sitting in traditional cafés that have been run by the same families for generations. Special events, like the Summer Music Festival, often take place in the main square, filling the air with music and excitement. For anyone interested in history and culture, the Old Town is the perfect place to be.

However, there is another side to Portova that many tourists miss: the Waterfront District. This area, just a short bus ride away, is completely different. It is modern, busy, and full of energy. Instead of old buildings, you will find tall, glass skyscrapers which are home to international companies. It's no place for people who want peace and quiet; the sound of traffic and construction is constant. The best restaurants and nightclubs are located here, offering cuisine from all over the world. It's also the main place for shopping, with large malls and designer stores. While the Old Town goes quiet at night, the Waterfront District comes alive, with bright neon lights shining and people enjoying a night out until the early hours.

Some local residents feel the two parts of the city are too divided. An older shopkeeper in the Old Town said, "The tourists love it here, but our young people move to the Waterfront for jobs and entertainment. It's a challenge to keep our traditions alive when the next generation isn't here." In contrast, a young architect who works in the Waterfront District sees it differently. "The two parts offer a perfect balance. I love the history of the Old Town on weekends, but I also love the modern energy of my workplace during the week. Portova is a city that has something for everyone, you just have to know where to look."

Reading passage 4 (31-40): Requesting Holiday Information

To: info@sunshine-adventures.com
From: david.chen@email.com
Subject: Request for Information - Family Jungle Adventure Holiday

Dear Sir or Madam,

I am writing to request more information about the 'Family Jungle Adventure' holiday in Costa Rica, which I saw advertised on your website. My family and I are very interested in this trip for next summer, around the last two weeks of July.

Could you please provide me with more details about the accommodation? The website mentions staying in 'eco-lodges', but it is not very clear. I would be grateful if you could send a brochure or a link with photos and more specific details about where we would stay. For example, do the lodges have private bathrooms and electricity?

My second question is about the activities. The trip is for two weeks, and I would like to receive a more detailed itinerary. Are the activities suitable for children? My son is 10 and my daughter is 13. I'd like to know about the level of physical fitness required, especially for the jungle hikes. Also, could you let me know if there are any optional activities we can book?

My third question is about food. My daughter is a vegetarian. Could you confirm if vegetarian meals are available throughout the tour?

Finally, could you tell me the total cost for a family of four (two adults, two children)? The price on the website says 'from $2000 per person'. Does this price include international flights from London and all meals, or are there extra charges I should be aware of?

Thank you in advance for your assistance. I look forward to hearing from you.

Best regards,

David Chen

Reading passage 5 (43-50): Living in Paradise: The Other Side

The island of Portobello is famous for its white sandy beaches and clear blue water. For the thousands of tourists who visit each year, it is a perfect paradise. They come to sunbathe, go diving, and enjoy the slow pace of life, often forgetting the world they left behind. However, for the 2,000 people who live on the island all year round, life is not always so simple. Living in a popular tourist destination presents a unique set of challenges that visitors rarely see.

One of the biggest issues is the cost of living. Property prices are extremely high because many houses have been bought by rich foreigners to use as holiday homes. This makes it very difficult for young local people to buy their own place to live. Many have to move away to the mainland to find affordable housing. "This is our home, but we can't afford to live here," says Maria, a 25-year-old teacher who was born on the island. "My parents bought their house for a small amount, but now a similar house costs ten times more. It's impossible for us."

Another challenge is employment. Most jobs on the island are related to tourism, such as working in hotels, restaurants, or as tour guides. These jobs are often seasonal, meaning people only have work during the busy tourist months. In the winter, when the tourists leave, the island becomes very quiet and it can be hard to earn a living. Furthermore, the huge crowds in summer put a lot of pressure on local services like water, electricity, and waste collection. Sometimes there are even water shortages.

Despite these difficulties, many locals say they would not want to live anywhere else. They love the island's natural beauty and the strong sense of community. "The tourists come and go, but we are like a big family here," says an old fisherman named Carlo. "When someone has a problem, we all help. You don't find that in big cities." For them, Portobello is more than just a holiday destination; it is a gift, a home they are proud of and want to protect for the future generations.