🏆 For a certificate exam›Cambridge PET (B1 Preliminary) Reading·Intermediate
PET Reading Part 4: Restoring a Wooden Canoe
Fourteen-year-old Toby restores an abandoned wooden canoe and successfully launches it on the water.
📖 Read the passage below
Fourteen-year-old Toby has always been fascinated by traditional craftwork. Last summer, he decided to restore an abandoned wooden canoe that he found near a riverbank. [1] He knew the task would require immense patience and dedication.
Toby started by stripping away the decayed paint and sanding the timber hull until it was smooth. [2] His grandfather gave him valuable advice on selecting water-resistant varnish. After applying three thin coats, the wood glowed with a rich golden hue. [3] He was anxious to see whether the vessel would float properly without taking on water.
On a calm morning, Toby transported the restored canoe to a quiet freshwater bay. [4] As he stepped inside and paddled gently, the canoe glided effortlessly across the mirror-like surface. [5] This rewarding experience inspired him to pursue a future career in naval architecture.
