Reading practice · B1
B1 English reading practice with questions and answers
Henry, founder of Newslish
May 25, 2026 · 5 min read
Updated September 5, 2026
Practise B1 English with a short news text, four comprehension questions and answers that explain why. Read once for the main idea, then read again to find the details. Allow about ten minutes. No account needed.
01 · Read the news
Schools in England to check lunch quality
News from 3 September 2026 · Health
The government in England wants children to eat healthier meals at school. It is planning new checks to make sure schools follow rules about food. The aim is to reduce childhood obesity.
Many secondary schools serve unhealthy food, such as chips and burgers, too often. Under the new plan, health officers will check school kitchens during their inspections. Schools that do not follow the rules will get help to improve their meals.
The new checks are expected to start in September 2027. Schools will also put their menus and food rules online. This will help parents see what their children can eat at school.
Adapted for this exercise from The Guardian, 3 September 2026. This is a dated news exercise; the text describes the plan reported then.
Read and listen to the full lesson02 · Check your understanding
Four reading questions
Answer in your own words before opening the answer key below. You can look back at the text.
- Why does the government want to check school food?
- Which two foods do some schools serve too often?
- Are the new checks already happening?
- How will parents be able to see what food a school offers?
03 · Answers and explanations
Check your answers
Answer 1: Why does the government want to check school food?
To help children eat healthier meals and reduce childhood obesity.
The first paragraph gives the reason for the plan. The checks are about children's health.
Answer 2: Which two foods do some schools serve too often?
Chips and burgers.
The second paragraph names these as examples of unhealthy food served too often.
Answer 3: Are the new checks already happening?
No. They are expected to start in September 2027.
The words 'are expected to start' describe a future plan, not something already happening.
Answer 4: How will parents be able to see what food a school offers?
They will be able to read the school's menus and food rules online.
The final paragraph says schools will put this information online for parents.
04 · Learn five useful words and phrases
Vocabulary from the text
- healthy
good for your body
A healthy lunch can include fruit and vegetables.
- obesity
the condition of being very overweight
The plan aims to reduce childhood obesity.
- follow rules
do what the rules say
Schools must follow rules about food.
- inspection
an official check
Officers visit the kitchen for an inspection.
- menu
a list of food available
Parents can read the school menu online.
05 · Use the English yourself
Write two or three sentences
What makes a good school lunch? Give your opinion and one reason. Try to use healthy and menu.
Sentence starter: “I think a school lunch should include … because …”
Your next ten minutes
Try another news story at your level
Spend two minutes reading, three answering questions, two checking the answers and three using the new words. If the text feels comfortable, try the same story at Standard level.
Not sure where to start? Take the two-minute level test or compare B1 and B2 English.
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