Reading and comprehension

Read the following short paragraph about Mary and her hobbies and interests. Pay attention to how often and when she does her various hobbies. Once you understand, make sure to take the quiz to test your knowledge.

1. Mary's Hobbies and Interests

Mary has a lot of hobbies and interests. She usually gets up early so she can run before work. She doesn't often have time to ski, but she occasionally goes on Saturdays during the winter. Mary often rides a horse at a stable near here home. She sometimes goes after work, but she usually goes horseback riding on Sundays. She loves music. She always goes to choir practice on Wednesday evenings and sings in church on Sundays. She doesn't have much extra money, so she rarely goes to concerts in the city. She seldom watches TV because she likes doing things outside. She usually goes to the gym if it's raining outside. She isn't often alone because she has a lot of friends. She occasionally does something alone, but she usually does her activities with one of her friends. She's a happy woman!

Mary's Hobbies and Interests - Beginning Level Reading Comprehension Quiz

Q: Why does she usually get up early?

 She gets up early to run before work.

 She gets up early to go to work.

 She gets up early to have breakfast.

Q: How often does she ski?

 She often skis.

 She occasionally skis in winter.

 She rarely skis in winter.

Q: How often does she ride a horse?

 She rides a horse every day.

 She often rides a horse.

 She never rides a horse.

Q: When doe she usually go horseback riding?

 She usually goes horseback riding after work.

 She usually goes horseback riding on Saturdays.

 She usually goes horseback riding on Sundays.

Q: What kind of music does she like doing?

 Playing the violin

 Singing

 Playing the piano

Q: How often does she go to concerts in the city?

 Every Sunday

 Rarely

 Never

Q: How often does she watch TV?

 She usually watches TV every night.

 She seldom watches TV.

 She never watches TV.

Q: What does she usually do if it's raining?

 She goes outside.

 She goes to the gym.

 She calls friends.

Q: How often is she alone?

 She is often alone.

 She isn't often alone.

 She is usually alone.

Q: How often does she do something alone?

 She never does something alone.

 She occasionally does something alone.

 She always does something alone.

2. Tim works for a company in Sacramento, California. He's a customer service representative. He gets up at six o'clock each workday. He drives to work and begins his job at eight o'clock. He speaks to people on the telephone to help them with their banking problems. People telephone the bank to ask questions about their accounts. He doesn't give information about accounts until people answer a few questions. Tim asks callers their birth date, the last four digits of their social security number and their address. If a person gives incorrect information, Tim asks him to call back with the correct information. Tim is polite and friendly with everyone. He has lunch in a park next to his office. He returns home at five o'clock in the evening. After work, he goes to the gym to work out. He has dinner at seven o'clock. Tim likes watching TV after dinner. He goes to bed at eleven o'clock at night.

Q: Where does Tim work?

 In Europe

 In the USA

 In Asia

Q: When does he get up?

 He gets up at seven o'clock in the morning.

 He gets up at six o'clock in the morning.

 He gets up at six o'clock in the afternoon.

Q: How does he get to work?

 He walks to work.

 He drives to work.

 He takes the bus to work.

Q: What does he do during the day?

 He helps customers in a bank.

 He helps customers on the telephone.

 He helps customers outside.

Q: What does he do to check information?

 He asks people some questions.

 He tells them to call later.

 He asks to see documents.

Q: Which question does he NOT ask?

 What is your birth date?

 What is your job?

 What is your address?

Q: What does he do if the information is incorrect?

 He gives banking account information.

 He asks the callers to call back with correct information.

 He asks to speak to the parents.

Q: What is Tim like on the job?

 He is unfriendly and helpful.

 He is funny and helpful.

 He is polite and friendly.

Q: Where does he eat lunch?

 At work

 In a park near work

 At home

Q: What does he do in the evening?

 He works out at the gym and watches TV.

 He works out at the gym and reads a book.

 He watches TV and plays ping pong.

3. A Great Workout

(Two friends at the gym)

Janet: Wow, this gym is great! What a fantastic workout!Susan: Yes, I like coming here very much. What other sports can you do?

Janet: Well, I can play tennis, I can do a little karate and I go windsurfing in the summer.Susan: You're very fit! I can't do many sports. I like coming to the gym because the exercises are easy.

Janet: Listen, I have an idea. Why don't you come to karate class with me?Susan: No, I can't do karate...

Janet: ... but you can learn! Karate is a great sport. How about coming with me on Saturday?Susan: well, .... OK.

Janet: Great, why don't we meet at my house at 10 in the morning?Susan: Sure, that's a good idea. (changing subjects) By the way, what other hobbies do you have?

Janet: I like going to the cinema, and reading a little.Susan: Do you like cooking, or baking?

Janet: No, I can't cook. I'm a horrible cook!Susan: Oh, I love cooking. I tell you what. Why don't I cook lunch after karate class?

Janet: Now that's a great idea!Susan: OK, karate and lunch on Saturday. It's a date!

Q: Where are they now?

Q: Which can Janet NOT do well?

Q: Who is going to learn Karate?

Q: Who enjoys cooking?

Q: What are they going to do on Saturday?