Pre-Intermediate Reading Exercise

Places to Relax

A. The City Library

When I need to escape the stress of my daily life, I go to the big city library. It is one of the few places where there is guaranteed to be complete silence. No phones, no talking. I love finding a comfortable chair in a quiet corner where nobody will interrupt me, and just losing myself in a book for a few hours. Being surrounded by so much knowledge has a very calming effect on me. It costs nothing to go inside.

B. A Local Cafe

My favourite way to relax is to spend an hour in a cosy local cafe. I always go to the same one, where they know my coffee order. I love the gentle background noise: the quiet hum of the coffee machine and the low murmur of other people's conversations. It makes me feel connected to the world, but in a way that requires nothing from me. I usually take a notebook and write down my thoughts, or just watch the world go by outside the window.

C. The Public Park

For me, the best way to clear my head is to go for a long walk in the big public park. Being around nature, with the trees and the flowers, always makes me feel better. I like to find a bench by the lake and just watch the ducks. It is a great way to get some fresh air and gentle exercise, which I find very relaxing. Even when there are other people around, the park is large enough that you can always find your own space.

D. The Community Sports Centre

It might sound strange, but my favourite place to relax is the swimming pool at the local sports centre. The physical act of swimming, focusing on my breathing and the movement of the water, clears my mind of all worries. It is a very active form of relaxation. Afterwards, I feel tired but completely refreshed and free of stress. It is not a quiet place, but the rhythmic sound of swimming helps me to switch off my thoughts.