Reading
Part 5: Multiple Choice
B2 First Exam
Overview
In Part 5 of the Reading and Use of English Paper on the B2 First Exam, you will have a long text with 6 multiple-choice comprehension questions. You have to show that you can understand what writers want to say.
Scoring
2 points are given for each correct answer in this section.
Process
The answers to this task are in the same order as the questions - so the answer to question 1 is near the beginning of the article, and answer 2 always comes after answer 1.
Sometimes question 6 is about the whole text.
Start by reading the very first question so you know what to look for. DO NOT READ - THE OPTIONS YET. Then read the text carefully until you either come to the answer, or have read the paragraph (sometimes questions ask about the entire paragraph).
Then try to answer the question without reading the options.
If you can answer it, look at the options and see if it’s listed in the options.
If not, read the options carefully. Usually 2 are obviously not the answer, so you can get rid of them and narrow it down to 2 options.
Then, read again carefully to get the answer.
Remember to look for paraphrases, synonyms, and quantifying words that can chance the meaning of the phrase. Cambridge will always re-word the answer.
You can always guess. You do not lose marks for wrong answers.
Tips
Ignore your own opinion or knowledge on the topic.
Read the QUESTIONS as carefully as the text itself.
Be careful of TRAPS! These questions will use synonyms and paraphrases. If a word in an answer is also in the text, it's probably NOT the answer.
Why not look at the options straight away?
These questions are designed to trick you. You will find information such as keywords about all of the options available.
If you ignore that information while answering, you will be much less confused.