ESL Reading Comprehension Worksheet: Studies (Intermediate)

An education-related worksheet to practice reading for advanced ESL students. (Free download available.)

Why I am studying botanic

Hi, I’m Dave, and I’d like to talk about the time when I decided to become a physicist. It seemed to be a strong possibility but as I hadn’t prepared for my required exams, there was a slim chance of passing them. In the end, I decided to try my luck at botany instead. This, as it turned out, was a fantastic decision! 

I adored every second of my studies, made some lifelong friends and discovered more about myself in the process. I’m currently working through my degree and by the end of next year, I will be fully qualified and ready to make my way in the world. Just think, all of this came from me “failing” my original exams. Talk about a successful mistake!

I. Exercise one – Fill in the blanks

1. I decided to try my luck at __________________________________ instead.

            a. law

            b. chemistry

            c. botany

            d. engineering

2. I __________________________________ every second of my studies

            a. loved

            b. hated

            c. adored

            d. abhorred

3 .Talk about a __________________________________ mistake!

            a. successful

            b. bad

            c. great

            d. poor

II. Exercise two – Answer the questions

1. What does Dave want to do?

________________________________________________________________

2. What does “a slim chance” mean?

________________________________________________________________

3. What did Dave study in the end?

________________________________________________________________

4. What will happen at the end of next year?

________________________________________________________________

5. What does Dave mean by a “successful mistake”?

________________________________________________________________

III. Exercise three – Talk about yourself

1. Are you happy with what you studied / are studying?

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

2. Is it important to go to university to have a successful career?

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

3. Do you know anybody successful who didn’t go to university?

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

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