Reading — Test 3

Reading passage

FORUM: Should the city expand evening classes at community centres? Last month, the Elmvale Community Centre cut its pottery and beginner guitar classes to make room for a new seniors' fitness program. The change has sparked debate among residents. Here's what people are saying. **Priya, Elmvale resident for 12 years:** "I signed up for pottery because it was the one evening a week I had something to look forward to after my divorce. Now it's gone, replaced by a program I can't use because I work until 6 p.m. The centre should survey residents before cancelling anything, not just react to whoever complained loudest at the last council meeting." **Desmond, retired bus driver:** "I understand Priya's frustration, but the fitness program has a waiting list of forty people. The centre has one gym and three instructors. Something had to give. My knees aren't what they used to be, and this class is the only affordable option near my apartment — the private clinics downtown charge more per session than I pay for an entire month here." **Fatima, parent of two:** "Nobody is asking the obvious question: why not add more time slots instead of cancelling classes? The centre closes at 9 p.m. most nights but the building sits empty from 9:30 onward except for the front desk. If council extended hours until 10:30 twice a week, both groups could keep their programs. I raised this at the last meeting and was told it would cost too much in staffing." **Owen, part-time instructor:** "I taught the guitar class for three years. Enrollment had actually dropped to six students by the final term, so cutting it wasn't purely about the fitness waiting list — attendance mattered too. That said, the centre never told instructors cancellation was even being considered. A little warning would have let us try to rebuild interest first." The city council will revisit the community centre's fall schedule at its August meeting, and residents can submit written comments until July 25.

Question 1 of 9