Reading Comprehension

Read about Athens. Then choose the correct answer for each question.

Welcome to Athens
1 Athens is the capital of Greece and one of the world’s oldest cities. It’s famous for its history,
hot weather, and friendly people. More than 5 million international tourists visit every year!
2 History is important in Athens. The first marathon finished here more than two thousand years
ago! The first modern Olympic Games happened here in 1896. Athens was also one of the first
cities to use democracy as a form of government.
3 The most famous place to visit is the Acropolis. It’s on the top of a hill in the center of the city.
It’s one of the most famous and historic places in the world. Athenians (people from Athens)
made the buildings there almost three thousand years ago. The famous temple of Athena, the
Parthenon, is part of the Acropolis.
4 The central food market in Athens is very crowded all day. People are surprised because
there’s so much noise! If you’re hungry you can get some street food. You should try a gyros. It’s
a snack of meat and vegetables wrapped in bread. It’s delicious.
5 Athenians never seem to be in a hurry. They know how to make good coffee and always like to
stop for a coffee and have a chat. One characteristic is that they complain a lot, especially about
the traffic and soccer. Athenians are friendly and polite. They are very interested in other
people.

6 There are some problems, however. Parts of Athens are extremely busy with tourists and cars.
There is a lot of air pollution, especially if it’s hot. The government wants more people to use
bicycles to improve this. Athens is a safe city, and there isn’t much serious crime. In the past,
there were some problems with the economy, but hopefully that’s over!
7 Athens is a great city with lots of great attractions. We have the best weather, the best food,
and the best people!

A. Complete the sentence. Choose A, B, or C.

7. The Acropolis _____.
A. is almost three thousand years old
B. was a very famous city
C. is on the top of a hill outside Athens
8. The central food market _____.
A. doesn’t sell street food
B. is crowded and noisy
C. is east of the city
9. People from Athens _____.
A. don’t make good coffee
B. complain a lot about the traffic
C. are in a hurry
10. Athens has problems with _____.
A. hot weather
B. crime
C. air pollution
11. The government would like _____.
A. fewer tourists in Athens
B. people to ride bicycles
C. Athens to be a safe city

1 point for each correct answer 5

B. Match each item with the correct sentence. There is one item you do not need.
12. _____ is crowded and noisy.
13. _____ visit the city every year.
14. _____ started in the city.
15. _____ is a famous and historic place.
16. _____ are friendly and polite.

a. The Acropolis
b. Many international tourists
c. The food market
d. Athenian coffee
e. Athenian people
f. the first modern Olympic Games

III. Vocabulary

A. Match each word with the correct definition. There is one definition you do not need.

17. complaint a. an idea or a feeling

18. characteristic b. a comment from someone who is unhappy about something

19. impression c. a thought about something or someone

20. international d. from different countries

21. opinion e. feeling sad because you want to go home

f. a special thing about someone or something

Rewrite the sentences using the correct capitalization and punctuation.

33. do students usually wear a uniform in your school Do students usually wear a uniform in
your school?

34. classes don’t start until nine o’clock Classes don’t start until nine o’clock.

35. i finish school at 4 o’clock on friday I finish school at 4 o’clock on Friday.

36. i come from ecuador and i go to high school I come from Ecuador, and I go to high school.

B. Complete the sentence with the correct word(s) in parentheses.

57. She _____ didn’t pass (not pass) the test last month. She _____ was (be) very sad.

58. He _____ wrote (write) me a letter, but I _____ didn’t read (not read) it.
59. The lady _____ made (make) me a cup of coffee. I _____ said (say) thank you.

60. He _____ wasn’t (not be) tall. He _____ was (be) very short.

61. My mom _____ graduated (graduate) from college last year. She _____ studied (study) at
night.

62. Where _____ were (be) you yesterday? What ___ did (do) you do?

Rewrite the sentences using the correct capitalization and punctuation.

33. do students usually wear a uniform in your school Do students usually wear a uniform in
your school?

34. classes don’t start until nine o’clock Classes don’t start until nine o’clock.

35. i finish school at 4 o’clock on friday I finish school at 4 o’clock on Friday.

36. i come from ecuador and i go to high school I come from Ecuador, and I go to high school.