Read the passage carefully before attempting Exercise 1 (Multiple Choice) and Exercise 2 (Fill in the blanks dropdown) below.
Last Saturday morning, Priya was looking out of her kitchen window when she noticed a large removal van parked outside the empty house next door. A young couple were carrying boxes inside, and they looked exhausted. Priya decided to do something kind. She made a big pot of tea and baked some cheese rolls, then walked across to introduce herself.
The couple’s names were Kwame and Ines. They were very happy to stop and rest for a while. Kwame told Priya that they had just moved from another city and didn’t know anyone in the neighbourhood yet. Ines said the biggest problem was that they couldn’t find the local supermarket. Priya smiled and offered to draw them a simple map. She also wrote down the names of the best places nearby — a good bakery, a pharmacy, and a friendly café on the corner.
Before she left, Priya invited them to a small dinner at her flat the following Friday. “You shouldn’t have to eat takeaway food all week,” she said warmly. Kwame and Ines looked at each other and smiled. They both said yes immediately. That evening, Priya felt really pleased. She remembered how difficult her own first weeks in a new place had been, and she was glad she could help make things a little easier for her new neighbours.
Exercise 1
Read the passage about helping a new neighbour carefully. Then choose the correct answer for each question based on the text.
Example: Where did the new neighbour move to?
Answer: She moved to the house next door.
Helping a New Neighbour
Moving to a new place can feel exciting but also very lonely. When someone new arrives in your street or building, a small act of kindness can make a big difference. Before you read, think about these questions: Have you ever helped a new neighbour or colleague settle in somewhere? And what do you think is the best way to welcome someone new to your area?
Reading Passage: A Friendly Welcome on Maple Street
Last Saturday morning, Priya was looking out of her kitchen window when she noticed a large removal van parked outside the empty house next door. A young couple were carrying boxes inside, and they looked exhausted. Priya decided to do something kind. She made a big pot of tea and baked some cheese rolls, then walked across to introduce herself.
The couple's names were Kwame and Ines. They were very happy to stop and rest for a while. Kwame told Priya that they had just moved from another city and didn't know anyone in the neighbourhood yet. Ines said the biggest problem was that they couldn't find the local supermarket. Priya smiled and offered to draw them a simple map. She also wrote down the names of the best places nearby — a good bakery, a pharmacy, and a friendly café on the corner.
Before she left, Priya invited them to a small dinner at her flat the following Friday. "You shouldn't have to eat takeaway food all week," she said warmly. Kwame and Ines looked at each other and smiled. They both said yes immediately. That evening, Priya felt really pleased. She remembered how difficult her own first weeks in a new place had been, and she was glad she could help make things a little easier for her new neighbours.
Key Vocabulary in Context
| Word / Phrase | Part of Speech | Definition | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|
| removal van | noun phrase | a large vehicle used to transport furniture and boxes when someone moves to a new home | The removal van arrived early in the morning with all their furniture. |
| exhausted | adjective | very tired, with no energy left | After walking for three hours, the children were completely exhausted. |
| introduce herself | verb phrase | to tell someone your name and who you are for the first time | She walked over to the new student to introduce herself. |
| neighbourhood | noun | the area around the place where you live, including the streets and people nearby | It's a quiet neighbourhood with a lot of parks and small shops. |
| pharmacy | noun | a shop where you can buy medicines and health products | She went to the pharmacy to buy some cold medicine. |
| takeaway | noun | cooked food that you buy from a restaurant and eat at home | They ordered a takeaway because they didn't want to cook. |
| warmly | adverb | in a friendly and kind way | The teacher smiled warmly at the nervous new student. |
| settle in | phrasal verb | to begin to feel comfortable and at home in a new place | It took him a few weeks to settle in at his new job. |
Reading Strategies & Comprehension Tips
Skimming for the Main Idea
Read the passage quickly the first time without stopping. Ask yourself: Who is the story about? What does she do? Why? This helps you understand the general situation before you look at the details.
Scanning for Specific Information
If a question asks about a specific fact — for example, what food Priya made or where Kwame and Ines came from — don't re-read everything. Instead, look quickly through the text for the key word in the question, then read that sentence carefully.
Understanding the Sequence of Events
This passage tells a story in order of time. Look for time words like last Saturday, before she left, and that evening. These words tell you when each event happens and help you follow the story correctly.
Understanding Simple Opinions and Feelings
Pay attention to how the characters feel. Words like exhausted, pleased, and warmly tell you about emotions. Comprehension questions may ask you how someone felt, so look for these clues carefully.
Common Reading Pitfalls & Traps
Confusing Characters and Details
There are three characters in this story: Priya, Kwame, and Ines. Be careful not to mix up who does what. For example, it is Priya who makes the tea and draws the map — not the new couple. Always check the subject of each sentence.
Misreading the Problem
The text says Ines couldn't find the local supermarket. A common mistake is thinking the couple didn't know the neighbourhood at all and had no information. In fact, Priya gives them a map and a list of places — so by the end, they do have some useful information.
Tricky Time References
The dinner invitation is for the following Friday — this means the Friday after the Saturday when they met. Some students think the dinner has already happened. Read time expressions carefully to understand what has happened and what is going to happen.
The Word "Warmly"
When Priya speaks warmly, this does not describe the temperature. It describes her friendly and kind tone of voice. Don't confuse this adjective with descriptions of weather or physical heat.
Quick Summary
In this passage, Priya notices her new neighbours, Kwame and Ines, moving in next door on a Saturday morning. She brings them food, offers helpful information about the local area, and invites them to dinner. The story shows how a simple, thoughtful gesture can make a big difference to people who are new to a place. The key vocabulary focuses on everyday words connected to moving, neighbourhoods, and social situations — all common topics at A2 level.
Now read the passage carefully and complete Exercise 1 (Multiple Choice) and Exercise 2 (Fill-in-the-gap dropdown) below.
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