B2 Part 5 Reading. The Art of Travel

 

B2 Reading Practice – Multiple Choice (Part 5) (scroll down for answers)

Read the text below and choose the correct answer (A, B, C, or D) for each question. Only one option is correct.

Text (adapted from The Art of Travel by Alain de Botton)

One of the difficulties of travel is that it can often fall short of our expectations. We imagine that stepping off a plane into an exotic country will instantly transform our state of mind. However, the reality is that we bring ourselves along on the journey—complete with our anxieties, habits, and worries. It is easy to forget that we may feel just as irritated or bored in a beach hut in Thailand as we do in our own living room.

This disappointment stems, in part, from the way travel is sold to us. Brochures and advertisements often present idealised images—palm trees, glowing sunsets, smiling locals—rarely hinting at jet lag, lost luggage or uncomfortable humidity. Such marketing fosters the belief that travel is a kind of remedy for all that troubles us.

Yet, if we approach travel more realistically, it can still offer great rewards. By accepting that discomfort is part of the experience, we allow ourselves to appreciate smaller, more genuine pleasures: the smell of unfamiliar spices in a market, or the quiet moment when the sea first comes into view.

 Questions

1. What is the main point the author makes in the first paragraph?

·        A) Travelling to exotic places always improves one’s mood.

·        B) Travellers often underestimate how tiring journeys can be.

·        C) People expect travel to change their emotions instantly.

·        D) Our homes are usually more relaxing than holiday destinations.

 

2. What does the author suggest about the ‘beach hut in Thailand’?

·        A) It can be less comfortable than expected.

·        B) It usually matches the beauty shown in ads.

·        C) It offers an escape from everyday problems.

·        D) It is a symbol of the perfect holiday.

 

 3. According to the author, how does travel marketing influence us?

·        A) It encourages more adventurous travel plans.

·        B) It convinces us to travel more frequently.

·        C) It presents a balanced view of the experience.

·        D) It gives us unrealistic expectations about travel.

 

4. What does the author imply about unpleasant parts of travel?

·        A) They can be avoided with careful planning.

·        B) They are necessary to fully appreciate the trip.

·        C) They ruin the chance to enjoy a holiday.

·        D) They are more common in certain destinations.

 

5. Why does the author mention ‘the smell of unfamiliar spices’?

·        A) To give an example of a simple pleasure travel can offer.

·        B) To suggest that foreign food is often difficult to enjoy.

·        C) To highlight how markets can be overwhelming.

·        D) To contrast with the disappointment of travel.

 

6. What overall message does the writer convey about travel?

·        A) It is often more trouble than it’s worth.

·        B) It can be enjoyable if we manage our expectations.

·        C) It should be avoided by people with high anxiety.

·        D) It is best when it is carefully planned in advance.

 

 

 

 

                                                          Weezer, Island in the sun

 

 

 

 

 

Answers 

1. What is the main point the author makes in the first paragraph?
C) People expect travel to change their emotions instantly.
 “We imagine that stepping off a plane into an exotic country will instantly transform our state of mind.”

2. What does the author suggest about the ‘beach hut in Thailand’?
A) It can be less comfortable than expected.
 “We may feel just as irritated or bored in a beach hut in Thailand as we do in our own living room.”

3. According to the author, how does travel marketing influence us?
D) It gives us unrealistic expectations about travel.
 “Brochures and advertisements… rarely hinting at jet lag, lost luggage or uncomfortable humidity.”

4. What does the author imply about unpleasant parts of travel?
B) They are necessary to fully appreciate the trip.
 “By accepting that discomfort is part of the experience, we allow ourselves to appreciate smaller, more genuine pleasures.”

5. Why does the author mention ‘the smell of unfamiliar spices’?
A) To give an example of a simple pleasure travel can offer.
 “…appreciate smaller, more genuine pleasures: the smell of unfamiliar spices in a market…”

6. What overall message does the writer convey about travel?
B) It can be enjoyable if we manage our expectations.
The whole text reflects this, especially: “Yet, if we approach travel more realistically, it can still offer great rewards.”