English Olympiad | Reading Exercise One

In the heart of a bustling city, nestled between towering skyscrapers and bustling streets, lies a serene park. This oasis of greenery offers respite to weary urban dwellers seeking solace from the chaos of city life. Lush trees provide shade, their leaves rustling gently in the breeze. Colorful flowers bloom, painting the landscape with vibrant hues. A meandering pathway winds its way through the park, inviting visitors to stroll and admire the natural beauty that surrounds them. Benches scattered along the trail offer perfect spots for relaxation and contemplation. Children giggle and play on the playground, their laughter echoing through the air. In one corner of the park, a tranquil pond reflects the sky like a mirror, home to graceful swans and gliding ducks. The sound of water trickling from a nearby fountain adds to the park's soothing ambiance, creating a haven of peace and tranquility amidst the bustling metropolis.

1. Fill in the blanks with the appropriate words from the passage:

A. The serene park offers _________ to weary urban dwellers.

B. Lush trees provide _________, their leaves rustling gently in the breeze.

C. Colorful flowers _________ the landscape with vibrant hues.

D. A meandering pathway _________ its way through the park.

E. Benches scattered along the trail offer perfect spots for _________ and contemplation.

F. Children _________ and play on the playground, their laughter echoing through the air.

G. In one corner of the park, a tranquil pond reflects the sky like a _________.

H. The sound of water trickling from a nearby fountain adds to the park's _________ ambiance.

Answers:

A. respite; B. shade; C. adorn; D. winds; E. relaxation; F. giggle; G. mirror; H. soothing

2. Match the terms from the passage with their corresponding descriptions:

A. A serene area in the bustling city providing respite	A. Tranquil pond
B. Tall buildings in an urban area	B. Oasis
C. Area for children to play	C. Skyscrapers
D. Calm body of water reflecting the sky	D. Playground

 Answer: A+B; B+C; C+D; D+A

3. Indicate whether the following statements are true or false based on the passage:

A. The park is located in a rural area.

• True / False

B. The trees in the park do not provide shade.

• True / False

C. Children are playing on the streets.

• True / False

D. The pond in the park is noisy and bustling.

• True / False

E. The park is described as a haven of peace and tranquility.

• True / False

Answer:

A. False; B. False; C. False; D. False; E. True

4. Answer the following questions taken from the passage.

A. Where is the park located?

B. What does the lush trees provide?

C. How do the colorful flowers contribute to the landscape?

D. What kind of pathway winds through the park?

E. What do the benches along the trail offer?

F. Who can be found playing on the playground?

G. What is found in one corner of the park?

H. How does the sound of water from the fountain contribute to the park's ambiance?