Jessica Hail – Comedian – B1 English Reading Test

Jessica Hail – Comedian

I’ve always enjoyed performing and making people laugh. When I was at school, I used to annoy some of my teachers as I was always telling jokes in class. All my classmates used to laugh a lot and I had a great time.

When I left school, I got a job in a fast food restaurant during the day and took acting classes in the evening. I also started performing in theatres at the weekends. Sometimes the audience loved me, but other times nobody laughed at my jokes. That was the worst feeling in the world.

After two or three years, I appeared on TV a few times and became better known. I finally got a part in a TV comedy show and I’ve worked on TV ever since. I still do theatre work, and although it’s harder than being on TV, I enjoy it much more. During those years when I performed in theatres, I learned so much. It was great to start performing while I was still young. It gave me a lot of experience and it helped me become confident on stage.

It isn’t easy to keep on being successful because it’s so difficult trying to think of new ideas all the time. When I can’t think of anything to write about, I get very miserable. Then I usually go for a walk. Walking is a great way to relax and it also helps you to think. I can go out for a walk in the morning with no ideas in my head. When I return, my head is full of them and I can’t wait to write them down!

As well as walking, mountain climbing and diving help me to relax, too. I’m planning a climbing trip to Nepal soon, which I’m really looking forward to! I’m sure I’ll come back with a lot of new jokes and ideas. Inspiration is very important in my profession. If I’m inspired, I can create new performances and make people laugh out loud! It’s fantastic. I think comedy is the cure for many things. It can take away your worries and help you relax.

1    What does Jessica say about her life at school?

      A   Her friends were very funny.

      B   She enjoyed performing for her classmates.

      C   She disliked the teachers.

      D   Her jokes were bad.

2    What did Jessica do when she left school?

      A   She trained to be a teacher.

      B   She started performing in a restaurant.

      C   She got a job and studied acting.

      D   She got a job in a theatre.

3    What does she say about her working life?

      A   People have always enjoyed her performances.

      B   Being on TV is the most difficult thing she’s done.

      C   Her first job was in a theatre.

      D   She’s worked in a variety of places.

4    Why does Jessica like walking?

      A   It makes her laugh.

      B   It helps her to get ideas.

      C   It takes away her worries.

      D   It allows her to empty her mind.

5    Which of the following is the best description of the writer?

      A   The comedian who never stops laughing herself.

      B   The funny person who loves her work but never has time to relax.

      C   The successful comedian who is always looking for new ideas.

      D   The popular star who loves being on TV more than anything else.