Test on Reading 1 semester

Read the text and decide if the sentences are ‘Right’ (A) or ‘Wrong’ (B). If there is not enough information in the text to answer ‘Right’ (A) or ‘Wrong’ (B), choose ‘Doesn’t say’ (C).

AUSTIN HAY

Have you ever wished you had your own place? That’s exactly how American teenager Austin Hay felt – before he built his own house, at the age of sixteen. Using materialswhich mostly came from recycling centres, he constructed his own home.It’s got everything he needs, includinga kitchen, a bathroom (with shower), a bedroom and a toilet. The house, which is only about 40 square metres, is one of the world’s smallest houses. It’s unusual for another reason too – it’s built on wheels, so Austin can take it with him wherever he goes.

He did most of the work himself although he had some help from his father

and family friends. The whole thing took less than two years.

As soon as the house was finished, Austin held the smallest party ever. Then he moved in, and he’s livedthere ever since. He likes the independence, and he likes‘living small’,

he says, because it’s cheap and green. At the moment, the house is parked in his parents’ garden. However, when he leaves school and goes to university, he won’t leave it behind. He’s going to take it with him, and live in it while he studies. Then when he gets a job, he plans to take his little house with him once more.

1 Austin Hay was keen to try living independently even as a teenager.

2 Austin wanted to move because he comes from a very large family.

3 Austin bought the materials he needed from stores in his town.

4 Despite its size, Austin’s home contains all he requires.

5 It’s impossible to find a house that’s any smaller than Austin’s.

6 Austin is able to move his house wherever he wishes.

7 Austin’s family and friends all wanted to come to his party.

8 Austin believes he’s saving money by living in his house.

9 Austin’s house is in a park near his parents’ home at the moment.

10 Austin hopes to live in a bigger house once he starts earning some money.

Write your imperessions about the text

Would you like to have the same house as Austin? Explain your choice