A quieter side of Spain offers stars, wildlife and open space
Practice B1 English reading with 5 questions based on the Daily News article “A quieter side of Spain offers stars, wildlife and open space”.
About this practice test
Practice B1 English reading with 5 questions based on the Daily News article “A quieter side of Spain offers stars, wildlife and open space”.
What you’ll practice
Finding detail
Locate specific information and evidence.
Interpreting ideas
Connect main points and inferences.
Evaluating arguments
Assess claims, evidence, and limitations.
What to expect:
5 questions with explanations to review after submission.
Study the questions and tasks
Work through the material below, or start the interactive practice above to complete an attempt. Try the exercises before opening any answer or transcript sections, then use them to review your work.
- Practice level
- B1. Try this level if you can follow the instructions and understand most of the language; choose an earlier level if you need more support.
- Question formats
- Single choice
How to approach this practice
Read the passage for its main idea, then return to the relevant sentence or paragraph for each question. Base answers on the passage.
News lesson for this practice
Read the complete article and use its text or audio alongside these exercises: A quieter side of Spain offers stars, wildlife and open space.
A quieter side of Spain offers stars, wildlife and open space
Spain is often associated with bright coastal resorts, busy ports and famous cities. But far from those tourist centers, two adjoining regions offer a much quieter experience: Extremadura and Castile and León. The areas are part of La España Vacía, a name that means “Empty Spain.” Fewer people live there than in many other parts of the country, and they receive fewer visitors than places such as Barcelona and the…
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Question 1 · Single choice
Choose one answer.
What is the main purpose of the article?
Return to the passage, recording or visual- To compare Spanish coastal resorts with foreign beaches
- To present quiet inland Spain as a different travel choice
- To explain how Madrid became a large city
- To describe the history of Spanish wildlife
Check answers and explanations
- Answer
- To present quiet inland Spain as a different travel choice
The article presents quiet inland Spain as a nature-based travel choice.
For people looking for space, dark skies and a closer connection with the natural world, “Empty Spain” offers a different kind of journey.
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Question 2 · Single choice
Choose one answer.
What does “That darkness” refer to?
Return to the passage, recording or visual- The lack of visitors in Barcelona
- The darkness of Madrid’s city center
- The dark appearance of much of the inland region
- The night inside coastal tourist centers
Check answers and explanations
- Answer
- The dark appearance of much of the inland region
The previous sentences describe inland Spain appearing dark at night.
From space at night, the difference is easy to see.
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Question 3 · Single choice
Choose one answer.
Why might the regions appeal to people interested in nature?
Return to the passage, recording or visual- They have many famous ports
- They are linked with wildlife and quiet surroundings
- They contain Spain’s busiest cities
- They offer more coastal resorts
Check answers and explanations
- Answer
- They are linked with wildlife and quiet surroundings
The article connects the regions with wildlife and quieter surroundings.
The quieter setting can also appeal to people who want to spend time in nature.
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Question 4 · Single choice
Choose one answer.
How does the article organize its description of the regions?
Return to the passage, recording or visual- From weather problems to transport plans
- From history to political disagreements
- From darkness to travel and nature benefits
- From wildlife dangers to city development
Check answers and explanations
- Answer
- From darkness to travel and nature benefits
It moves from location and darkness to tourism, wildlife, and overall value.
The regions offer clear, unpolluted skies, and visitors can enjoy seeing the stars without the bright lights found in larger cities.
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Question 5 · Single choice
Choose one answer.
What can be inferred about “Empty Spain”?
Return to the passage, recording or visual- Its small population may support a quieter tourism experience
- Its residents want to move to coastal resorts
- Its skies are becoming brighter than Madrid’s
- Its wildlife has disappeared completely
Check answers and explanations
- Answer
- Its small population may support a quieter tourism experience
The article suggests that low population can create peaceful travel opportunities.
Interest from visitors may bring hope to places where fewer people live, while giving travelers an alternative to crowded holiday destinations.
What to review next
Find the words that support each answer. For a mistake, compare the question with the evidence and identify the detail or inference you missed.
A focused practice result shows how you did on these tasks. Use several activities across skills to decide what to study next; one practice score does not certify an overall CEFR level.
Before you practise: a worked example
Look for evidence in the text. Separate what the writer says from what you already know about the topic.
The library normally closes at six, but on Fridays it stays open until eight. When does it close on Friday?
The answer is eight. But introduces an exception to the normal closing time, so the first time mentioned is not the answer.
This teaching example is separate from the scored questions. After your test, compare any mistakes with the explanation and revisit the topic before trying again.