Learning Languages: My Story

1 Put the verbs in brackets into the correct Active Voice tense

Write the full form (e.g. have been learning). Contractions like I've are accepted.

My name is Alex, and my journey with languages is a long and continuing adventure. I (learn) English for almost ten years now, but my first encounter with the language (happen) when I was just seven years old.

At that time, my family and I (live) in a small town where there were no English schools. However, my mother, who (always / love) foreign cultures, decided that I should start learning. She (find) a private tutor for me. I remember I was very shy at first. While the other kids (play) outside, I (sit) in a small room, repeating new words after my teacher. It was difficult, but I (make) a lot of progress by the end of that year.

When I was fourteen, I (already / read) my first book in English. It was a simplified version of "Treasure Island," and I felt incredibly proud. By that time, I (realise) that language was not just a school subject but a key to a whole new world.

Now, I am in the 11th grade, and I (prepare) for my final exams. I am determined to pass them successfully. After I (pass) my exams, I (apply) to a university to study international relations. I hope that by the time I (graduate) from university, I (become) fluent in at least three foreign languages. I believe that new opportunities (open) up for me if I keep working hard.

2 Reading for gist: match the headings to the paragraphs

There is one extra heading you do not need to use.

1. Paragraph 1 (the introduction — his mother's influence) — choose —ABCDE
2. Paragraph 2 (the first lessons, being shy, making progress) — choose —ABCDE
3. Paragraph 3 (reading his first book, a realisation) — choose —ABCDE
4. Paragraph 4 (exams, university, fluency) — choose —ABCDE

3 Multiple choice reading comprehension

Choose the best answer (1, 2 or 3) according to the text.