Paper 1

Tips for preparing learners for the Reading paper

✔✔ Give learners a wide range of text types to read, both Completing the answer sheet

authentic and adapted. For example, notes and messages on (paper-based test only)
social media websites, information leaflets, graded readers
and articles. • All answers must go on an answer sheet.
• Candidates should use a pencil to complete the answer sheet.
✔✔ Help learners practise skimming and scanning both shorter • There is no additional time allowed for completing the answer
and longer texts. Encourage learners to develop a habit of sheet: candidates must do this within the 45 minutes allowed
always skimming a text first to get a general understanding. for the test.
✔✔ Give learners practice reading texts with unfamiliar • For the Reading component, candidates shade a lozenge on the
vocabulary, learning to ignore words which are not important answer sheet to show their answer for Parts 1–5 and write their
for the task. answers on the correct part of the answer sheet for Part 6.

✔✔ Encourage your learners to read instructions carefully. Ask Completing the computer-based test

them to highlight key words, and use examples to help them (computer-based test only)
understand what to do. • All answers are typed directly onto the computer.
✔✔ Give learners practice doing timed exercises and exam tasks • Candidates may take pens and pencils and a bottle of water
where they need to manage their own time. into the exam room, but nothing else (including bags and
anything electronic).
✔✔ Help learners think about the different ways they read • Candidates should listen carefully to the instructions which the
texts. For example, if they are reading an information leaflet invigilator gives and follow the instructions on the computer
then ask them to find some specific information. If they are screen.
reading a message, ask them to think how they would reply • Candidates watch a short tutorial before the test.
to it.
• There is a timer on the screen which tells candidates how much
✔✔ Help your learners to work out the meaning of new words time they have left.
by using the rest of the text. Encourage them not to use a • Candidates may make notes on paper during the exam. They
dictionary for every new word. must leave these notes on their desk at the end of the exam.

Quick links to resources

Learners

cambridgeenglish.org/exams-and-tests/ • Information for candidates guide

preliminary/preparation

Teachers

cambridgeenglish.org/exams-and-tests/ • Vocabulary list ( including topics list)

preliminary/preparation
• Free teaching resources
cambridgeenglish.org/teaching-english/
resources-for-teachers • Lesson plans

Language specifications: Page 66

Topics list: Page 68

Reading Preparing learners 9

Advice by task
Candidates should practise these exam strategies regularly in class.

See these tasks in full from page 13.

Reading Part 1

Part 1
THE TASK
Questions 1 - 5

!)) $"#) ")#)!!#)"&!)

uuIn this part, candidates have five short texts. With each text is one
1 A )##)"))#))%!))
multiple-choice question with three options A, B and C.
!#))
Win a Car
COMPETITION

Entries will only be accepted from people

B !)"))'$))#)!)#")
##) HOW TO APPROACH THE TASK
who are at least eighteen.

C ()#(!")!)&)#)#!)
#")##) uuCandidates should read the text and decide what situation it would
appear in.
2 V )")#) )#)
.�
o=

<
/Rachel
) "#)"#)!)) uuThey can use the visual information (layout, location etc.) to help identify
the context.
For our holiday,
you need to get
a photo for your B )$#)&)#))"#)
visa and let me
have it. I've
got the visa
forms so I can
post them then.
Adam
C %))"#))")
uuNext they should read the three options.
'-

@( )-

1-.. 0 ., uuCandidates then need to compare each option with the text before
choosing an answer.
)

uuExplain that it is important to read the chosen option again to check that
A !"))"#)$"#))))
LABORATORY #()&")#)"")#")#)

The public are not

permitted beyond
this point unless B !"))#)$)#))#!$)
the meanings match.
accompanied by a $"")#()!)%"#)")&!)
staff member. !)

) !"))#)$)())$!#!)))
()()")&#)#)
ASSESSMENT
uuThis part tests the candidate’s understanding of various kinds of short texts.
2

Reading Part 2

Part 2
THE TASK
Questions 6 – 10

For each question, choose the correct answer.

uuCandidates have five short descriptions of people and have to match this
The people below all want to visit a city market.
On the opposite page there are descriptions of eight markets.
content to five of eight short texts on a particular topic.
Decide which market would be the most suitable for the people below.

Jenny wants to buy locally-produced food traditional to the area.

HOW TO APPROACH THE TASK
She needs somewhere convenient to eat, and as she’s
6
sightseeing in the city, the market shouldn’t be far from local
attractions. uuCandidates should begin by reading the five descriptions of the people.
uuNext, they need to read all eight texts carefully, underlining any matches
7
Matt wants a market where he can get something to wear at
reasonable prices, and something hot to eat. He’s also keen on between these and anything in the descriptions of the people.
music, and likes finding rare recordings by different bands.

uuCandidates should then compare the description again with any possible
matches. They need to check that the text meets all the requirements of
8
Sammie wants to visit a market after spending the day in the
city. He would like to photograph a historic place, and buy a the description.
painting by someone unknown.

uuThey should avoid using one or two identical words in the description and
the text to choose an answer (‘word-spotting’). Instead they need to focus
9
Alexia is looking for a really special necklace for her
grandmother’s birthday. She’d like to spend the whole day at the
on the meaning of the whole text.
market, and wants to avoid the cold by staying inside.

ASSESSMENT
10
Ella is looking for objects from other countries for her friends.
She’d like to choose a second-hand book to read on the journey
home, and wants a snack at the market, too.
uuThis part tests the candidate’s detailed comprehension of factual material.

10