CEFR CEFR B2 English Reading Comprehension 2

Question 1

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?

Accepted Answer

It prevents corals from building their skeletons

Answer

It raises water temperatures too high for coral survival

Answer

It reduces the amount of sunlight reaching coral reefs

Answer

It increases the salt content of seawater

Question 2

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?

Accepted Answer

The distance food travels before reaching the consumer

Answer

The nutritional value of food measured in calories

Answer

A government rating system for organic food

Answer

The cost of food transportation per kilogram

Question 3

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?

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

Why Employees Hate Working Five Days a Week

Answer

How European Governments Are Fixing Workplace Stress

Answer

The End of Traditional Work Schedules in Europe

Question 4

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?

Accepted Answer

Diluted or simplified, losing important qualities

Answer

Made more complex and difficult to understand

Answer

Connected to water-based relaxation techniques

Answer

Translated from another language inaccurately

Question 5

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?

Accepted Answer

The high initial purchase price

Answer

A lack of government support

Answer

Poor performance compared to petrol cars

Answer

Limited availability of EV models

Question 6

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?

Accepted Answer

A significant decline in bees could endanger the global food supply

Answer

Colony collapse disorder only affects wild bee populations

Answer

Most crops currently grow without the help of bees

Answer

Scientists have found a solution to colony collapse disorder

Question 7

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?

Accepted Answer

Cities became overcrowded with poor living conditions

Answer

Agricultural production increased significantly

Answer

Factory wages rose due to competition for workers

Answer

Rural areas became more politically powerful