CEFR B2 English Reading Comprehension Flashcards

Read the passage: 'Ocean acidification occurs when seawater absorbs carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, lowering its pH. Marine biologists are particularly concerned about coral reefs, as more acidic water interferes with corals' ability to build their calcium carbonate skeletons.' What problem does ocean acidification cause for corals?

Answer: It prevents corals from building their skeletons

The passage states that acidic water 'interferes with corals' ability to build their calcium carbonate skeletons.'

Read the passage: 'Urban farming has gained popularity as cities look for ways to reduce food miles — the distance food travels from farm to consumer. Rooftop gardens and vertical farms allow residents to grow fresh produce locally, reducing transportation costs and carbon emissions.' What does 'food miles' mean in this context?

Answer: The distance food travels before reaching the consumer

The passage defines 'food miles' directly as 'the distance food travels from farm to consumer.'

Read the passage: 'Many European countries have adopted a four-day work week in pilot programs. Early results show productivity remained stable or even improved, while employee stress and burnout decreased significantly. However, not all industries are suitable for this arrangement.' What would be the BEST title for this passage?

Answer: Four-Day Work Week: Early Results Show Promise but Limitations Exist

The passage discusses pilot results (productivity maintained, stress reduced) and also notes limitations (not all industries suit it), making option B the most balanced and accurate title.

Read the passage: 'Mindfulness meditation, once rooted in Buddhist tradition, has entered mainstream Western culture. Research indicates it can reduce anxiety and improve focus. Critics, though, caution against commercializing spiritual practices and warn of McMindfulness — a watered-down version that strips the practice of its deeper meaning.' What does 'watered-down' most likely mean?

Answer: Diluted or simplified, losing important qualities

'Watered-down' is an idiom meaning something has been diluted or weakened, losing important elements of the original.

Read the passage: 'Electric vehicles (EVs) are increasingly seen as a solution to urban air pollution. Governments worldwide are offering purchase incentives and building charging infrastructure. Despite this, EV adoption remains slow in lower-income households due to the high upfront cost of vehicles.' What barrier to EV adoption is mentioned in the passage?

Answer: The high initial purchase price

The passage states that 'EV adoption remains slow in lower-income households due to the high upfront cost of vehicles.'

Read the passage: 'Bees play a critical role in pollinating roughly 70% of the world's crops. Colony collapse disorder — a phenomenon where worker bees abandon their hives — has led to sharp declines in bee populations globally. Agricultural scientists stress that without bees, food security would be severely threatened.' What can be INFERRED from the passage?

Answer: A significant decline in bees could endanger the global food supply

The passage says bees pollinate 70% of crops, and their decline threatens food security, so it can be inferred that losing bees would endanger the food supply.

Read the passage: 'The industrial revolution transformed not only manufacturing but also everyday life. Cities grew rapidly as workers migrated from rural areas seeking factory employment. Living conditions in early industrial cities were often overcrowded and unsanitary, leading to outbreaks of disease.' What was ONE consequence of rural workers moving to cities?

Answer: Cities became overcrowded with poor living conditions

The passage states that cities grew rapidly and 'living conditions in early industrial cities were often overcrowded and unsanitary.'