PET - Ainsley Harriott

Read the text and questions below. For each question, choose the correct answer. I've always been a bit of an entertainer and played the funny man. I was a part-time comedian for years, so I learned how to stand in front of audiences. It made me sure of myself. I like being liked and I love making everyone smile.

I've lived in London all my life and have just moved to a larger house with my wife Clare and our two children, Jimmy and Madeleine. We spend a lot of time just singing and dancing around the house. I grew up with music because my dad is the pianist, Chester Harriott - who's still playing, by the way. My working day is divided between television and writing cook books, though TV takes most of my time. I spend about five days a fortnight working on the cooking programmes I appear in. I eat all sorts of things at home but I only buy quality food. When I'm cooking, I experiment with whatever is in the fridge - it's good practise for my TV series.

I'm a football fan and enjoy going to matches, but I'm a home-loving person really. I don't like going to the pub but we do go out to eat about twice a month. There's nothing better than a night at home playing with the children. I rarely go to bed before midnight. Late evening is when fresh thoughts on cooking usually come to me, so I often write or plan my programmes then. When I eventually get to bed, I have no trouble sleeping!

1. What is the writer's main purpose in writing the text?

to describe how he lives
to say what makes him laugh
to explain how he started in TV
to talk about his cooking ideas

2. What would a reader learn about Ainsley from the text?

He is a very good musician.
He enjoys spending time with his family.
He is nervous about performing on stage.
He likes to plan the family meals.

3. What does the writer say about himself?

He should go to bed earlier.
He loves going out and meeting people.
He is very similar to his father.
He enjoys being popular.

4. What does he say about his working life?

He gets his best ideas at certain times.
He would like to appear less on TV.
He should practise cooking more.
He prefers being a comedian.

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

The TV cook who loves making people laugh, watching football and, above all, having a happy family life.
The singing TV cook who likes making jokes, playing with his children, and having an early night.
The cook and comedian who takes great care about the way he cooks his food and enjoys listening to music more than anything.
The popular TV comedian who enjoys cooking, watching football, and having a busy social life.