Reading B1/B2 . Model 1: Multiple questions for a text.

🌟 B1 – Integrated Tips + Reading Exercise

Topic: The Spanish in the USA

Instructions

Read the text about Spanish speakers in the USA. For questions 1–6, choose the answer (A, B, C or D).

B1 Reading Tips (Use them during the task!)

TIP 1 – Before reading

Skim the text quickly to understand the general topic.

TIP 2 – While reading

Focus on the main ideas, not every small detail.

TIP 3 – Don’t worry about unknown words

Read the whole sentence — the meaning is often clear from context.

TIP 4 – When answering

Use elimination: cross out answers that are wrong or not mentioned.

Text – The Spanish in the USA: A Growing Community

Many people in the USA speak Spanish, and the number is growing every year. Spanish is now the second most common language in the country, and in some cities, it is spoken almost as often as English. TIP: Look for numbers or comparisons — they often help with questions.

Spanish speakers live in many different states, but the largest communities are in California, Texas, Florida, and New York. Some families came from Spain long ago, while others arrived from Mexico, Puerto Rico, or other Latin American countries more recently.

In many American towns, you can hear Spanish in restaurants, shops, and schools. Some schools offer bilingual programmes where students learn in both English and Spanish. Parents like these programmes because they help children become confident in two languages.

TIP: When the text mentions opinions (“parents like…”), questions may ask why or what people think.

Spanish is also becoming more visible in American culture. TV stations, radio shows, and newspapers in Spanish are common. Many companies use Spanish in advertisements to communicate with customers more easily.

Although most Spanish speakers also learn English, many want to keep their language and traditions. Festivals, music, and food from Spanish-speaking cultures are celebrated across the country.

Questions — choose A, B, C or D

TIP: Read the question first, then find the part of the text that answers it.

Questions — choose A, B, C or D

TIP: Read the question first, then find the part of the text that answers it.

What is said about the Spanish language in the USA?

A) It is the least common language.

B) It is spoken only in schools.

C) It is the second most common language.

D) It is spoken only by tourists.

Where are the largest Spanish-speaking communities?

A) In the Pacific Northwest.

B) In California, Texas, Florida, and New York.

C) Only in big cities.

D) In northern states.

Why do parents like bilingual programmes?

A) They are free for everyone.

B) Children learn French at the same time.

C) Students learn in two languages.

D) They do not teach English.

How do companies communicate with Spanish-speaking customers?

A) They open only Spanish restaurants.

B) They write ads in Spanish.

C) They ask customers to study English.

D) They create Spanish-only cities.

What cultural influence is mentioned?

A) Spanish-language media is becoming more common.

B) Spanish speakers no longer watch English TV.

C) American food is disappearing.

D) English music is banned.

What do many Spanish-speaking families want to do?

A) Stop celebrating festivals.

B) Keep their language and traditions.

C) Move back to their home countries.

D) Replace English in schools.

Answer key — B1

1. C

2. B

3. C

4. B

5. A

6. B

🌟 B2 – Integrated Tips + Reading Exercise

Topic: The Spanish in the USA

Instructions

Read the text below. For questions 1–6, choose the answer (A, B, C or D).

B2 Reading Tips (Use them while reading!)

TIP 1 – Watch for contrast

Words like however, although, and despite signal important meaning.

TIP 2 – Don’t rely on word-matching

Answers that repeat words from the text can be traps.

TIP 3 – Identify attitude or opinion

Look for how the writer feels about the topic.

TIP 4 – Avoid extreme answers

Options with always, never, everyone, and only are usually incorrect.

Text – The Spanish in the USA: Language, Identity, and Influence

The number of Spanish speakers in the USA has increased steadily for decades. Spanish is now the second most widely spoken language, and some researchers predict that the USA could become the world’s largest Spanish-speaking country within the next fifty years. However, this growth does not affect all regions equally.

TIP: “However” shows contrast — the writer is about to give limits or exceptions.

States such as California, Texas, and Florida have long histories of Spanish-speaking communities, while other areas, particularly in the Midwest and Northeast, have seen more recent arrivals. These demographic changes influence local schools, workplaces, and political discussions.

One clear example is education. Many districts have introduced bilingual or dual-language programmes. Supporters argue that these programmes help students become fully literate in two languages and prepare them for global careers. Critics, however, worry that they may slow English acquisition for some learners.

TIP: When two opinions appear, questions may ask you to identify which group thinks what.

Spanish also plays a role in American culture and commerce. Companies increasingly advertise in both English and Spanish to reach a wider audience. In entertainment, Spanish-language music, TV, and online content are attracting not only Hispanic audiences but also many English-speaking Americans.

Despite some political debates about immigration and language policy, most experts agree that Spanish is likely to remain an essential part of American life. Its influence is visible not just in language, but in food, traditions, and cultural identity across the country.

Questions — choose A, B, C or D

TIP: Ask yourself: Which answer is supported by the text, not by my own opinion?

What prediction do some researchers make about the USA?

A) English will stop being the main language.

B) The USA may become a leading Spanish-speaking nation.

C) Spanish will disappear in the next decade.

D) Spanish speakers will move to other countries.

What does the text say about regional differences?

A) All states have the same number of Spanish speakers.

B) Spanish speakers live only in the Southwest.

C) Some states have long-established communities, while others have newer ones.

D) Spanish speakers avoid the Midwest completely.

What is one argument supporters of bilingual programmes make?

A) Students become literate in both languages.

B) These programmes replace English entirely.

C) They are cheaper than English-only classes.

D) They work only in small schools.

What do some critics believe?

A) Bilingual programmes improve English skills quickly.

B) Dual-language learning is unnecessary for children.

C) Bilingual programmes may slow English learning.

D) Students should learn three languages.

What cultural influence of Spanish is mentioned?

A) Spanish media attracts both Hispanic and non-Hispanic audiences.

B) Only immigrants watch Spanish-language TV.

C) Spanish music has been banned in some states.

D) English media is disappearing.

What is the writer’s overall message?

A) Spanish will replace English in the USA soon.

B) Spanish is becoming an important and lasting part of American society.

C) Spanish influences culture only in big cities.

D) The use of Spanish should be reduced.

Answer key — B2

1. B

2. C

3. A

4. C

5. A

6. B