Module 06 —Gapped Text Practice
Reading Part 4 timed practice · checking the sentence before and after · Listening Part 4 recycle
PET parts in this lesson · mixed-skill spiral
Why this lesson now? Third Reading 4 exposure, now under timing.
CEFR Pathway · You are here
Get ready · 01
5 minGet talking
Discuss: how many minutes do you think you should spend on a Reading Part 4 gapped text task? Why not too fast, not too slow?
Look at a gap in a sample text. Read only the sentence before it, then only the sentence after it. What clues do both give you?
Rate your confidence with gapped texts from 1–5. Tell a partner one thing that makes them tricky.
Grammar for the Exam · 02
8–10 minTense and reference agreement across sentences
A missing sentence must match the tense and reference of the sentences around it, not just the topic.
Even when a sentence seems to be about the right topic, it might still be the wrong answer if its tense or reference doesn't match its neighbours. If the paragraph is in the past simple describing what already happened, a missing sentence in the present simple describing a general truth probably doesn't fit there — it might belong somewhere else, or be a tempting wrong answer. Similarly, if a sentence uses 'they' or 'this' before you've been told what 'they' or 'this' means, it's in the wrong place. Checking grammar agreement, not just topic, is what separates strong Reading Part 4 candidates from average ones.
→ Correct: 'The theatre closed in 1990. It reopened only last year.' (past simple to past simple, 'it' = the theatre)
→ Wrong fit: 'The theatre closed in 1990. Theatres like this attract thousands of visitors every year.' (mismatched tense/focus)
→ Correct: 'Many students struggled with the new system. As a result, teachers offered extra support.' (cause then effect, same time frame)
Question 1.Why might a topically-correct sentence still be the wrong answer in Reading Part 4?
Question 2.'The bridge was built in 1920. ___ has needed several repairs since.' Which fits?
Question 3.If a paragraph is entirely in the past simple, a fitting missing sentence is most likely to be:
Question 4.A sentence starting with 'They were surprised by this' needs a gap where:
Question 5.The fastest way to eliminate a wrong option in Part 4 is to check:
Quick check 1.True or false: topic match alone is enough to choose the right sentence in Part 4.
Exam Vocabulary · 03
5–7 minWords & phrases to own
to remove a choice you are sure is wrong
Describe how you eliminate wrong answers in a multiple-choice test.
to read quickly for general meaning
When do you skim a text rather than read it word by word?
to search a text quickly for specific information
What would you scan a bus timetable for?
staying the same, not contradicting itself
Give an example of consistent behaviour from someone you know.
an option designed to look correct but isn't (use in class only)
Why do exam writers include tempting wrong answers?
to reduce the number of possible answers
How do you narrow down your choices in a difficult question?
a piece of information that helps you find an answer
What's the biggest clue you look for in a gapped text?
having to do something in a limited amount of time
How do you stay calm under time pressure in an exam?
Tap an item on the left, then tap its match on the right.
Activation · Personalise · Recycle
Talk about your own exam strategy using today's words.
Ask your partner
- Do you skim or scan first in a reading task?
- How do you eliminate wrong answers?
- What clues help you narrow down choices?
"Under time pressure, I try to..."under time pressure
Is it better to answer easy questions first or go in order? Give a reason.
Give your answer + one reason.
Write 35 words describing your personal strategy for a timed reading task.
Pronunciation for Speaking · 04
3–4 minStress on key content words when explaining strategy
Stress the word that carries the most meaning: 'I always SKIM first, then SCAN for details.'
- • I always SKIM the text FIRST.
- • Then I SCAN for the ANSWER.
- • I try to ELIMINATE wrong OPTIONS quickly.
- • I stay CALM under time PRESSURE.
Reading Skills · 05
8–10 minThe library that never closes
In a small town in Finland, the local council faced a familiar problem: not enough money to keep the library open longer hours, but growing demand from residents who worked late shifts. Their solution, launched three years ago, was to introduce a self-service library system that operates around the clock.
During staffed hours, the library works as normal, with librarians available to help. Outside those hours, registered members can use a special card to unlock the door and enter the building using self-service machines to borrow and return books. Security cameras and an alarm system keep the building safe.
At first, some residents worried the system would be misused, but three years on, there have been no serious problems. Usage of the library has actually increased by nearly forty percent, particularly in the late evening and early morning. Shift workers and students preparing for exams say the flexibility has made a real difference to their lives.
Other towns across Finland and neighbouring Estonia are now considering similar systems, encouraged by Pontevedra-style success stories showing that trusting the public can pay off.
Question 1.What problem did the council in Finland face?
Question 2.What is the library's solution?
Question 3.How do members enter the library outside staffed hours?
Question 4.What has happened to library usage since the change?
Question 5.Who particularly benefits from the flexibility, according to the text?
Time yourself. Read once for meaning, then check tense and reference around each gap.
Sentence options
Listening Skills · 06
8–10 minListening Part 4 recycle — talking about a book club
Listening audio
Tap play to listen. Replay as many times as you need.
Show transcript
Interviewer:Today I'm talking to Daniel, who started a book club at his local library. Daniel, why did you start it?
Daniel:Honestly, I was reading a lot on my own and I wanted to discuss the books with other people, not just leave reviews online.
Interviewer:Did you expect it to be as popular as it's become?
Daniel:Not at all. I thought maybe five or six people would come. We now have over thirty regular members.
Interviewer:What do you think explains that success?
Daniel:I think people were looking for a reason to switch off their phones once a month and actually talk face to face.
Interviewer:Some people say online book clubs are just as good. Do you agree?
Daniel:I understand the convenience, but for me, nothing replaces sitting in the same room as someone who loved — or hated — the same book as you.
Interviewer:What's been the biggest challenge?
Daniel:Choosing books everyone will actually finish! We've learned to pick shorter novels now.
Question 1.Why did Daniel start the book club?
Question 2.How many members did Daniel expect at first?
Question 3.What does Daniel think explains the club's success?
Question 4.What is Daniel's opinion of online book clubs?
Question 5.What is the biggest challenge for the club?
Question 6.What have they learned to do because of this challenge?
Question 1.Which statement best matches Daniel's overall attitude to the book club?
Exam Strategy · 07
5 minReading Part 4 — gapped text (timed)
Skim first, then check tense and reference around each gap; don't get stuck on one gap.
Task
Complete a gapped text with five missing sentences from eight options, aiming for about 8–9 minutes including checking.
Example
If you're unsure between two options that are both about libraries, check which one uses 'this/these/it' correctly to match what's just been said — that's usually the deciding clue.
Writing Task · 08
5 minPut it in writing
Q1.Give one word meaning 'to read quickly for general meaning'.
Q2.Give one word meaning 'to search a text for specific information'.
Write a short paragraph (about 60 words) recommending a strategy for Reading Part 4, as if advising a younger student.
Your writing draft
0 words SavedShow model answer & examiner comment
My advice is to read the whole text once quickly to understand the general idea. Then look at each gap carefully, checking the sentence before and after it. Words like 'this', 'however' and 'as a result' are big clues. Don't panic if one gap is difficult — leave it and come back at the end.
Examiner comment
| 5 | All content points covered; consistent style; range of structures; minor errors only. |
| 3 | Content mostly covered; mostly suitable style; some range; errors don't stop the reader understanding. |
| 1 | Limited content; intrusive errors; very basic structures; under-length. |
Speaking Task · 09
10–15 minMake it a real conversation
In pairs, compare your personal strategies for timed reading tasks and agree on three tips for the class.
Examiner
"Now talk together about whether it is better to read carefully or answer quickly under time pressure."
Talk together about
Is it better to spend more time reading carefully or answering more questions quickly?
Share opinions, agree and disagree — you do not have to talk only about yourself.
Ideas you could discuss
- Accuracy versus speed
- Which strategy suits nervous test-takers
- How much time is available in the real exam
Round off the discussion
Agree on the best balance of speed and accuracy for a 60-minute reading and writing paper.
Useful discussion language
Optional · Teacher-led
Teacher Activities
Use if the timed practice finishes early. ~14 min total
Homework · 10
Take-homeTake it home
Self-study — everything you need is included below. All four skills are covered so you keep the spiral going between lessons; pick the order that suits you.
Complete a second timed gapped-text practice at home, using a stopwatch.
Your response
0 words SavedMaterials included
Text
Attempt the task first, then check your answers.
Listen to the Daniel interview again and write three sentences summarising his opinion, using at least one linking word.
Your response
0 words SavedMaterials included
Task
Attempt the task first, then check your answers.
Write your own three-step strategy for Reading Part 4 in your own words.
Your response
0 words SavedMaterials included
Prompt
Attempt the task first, then check your answers.
Recap · 11
2–3 minWhat you've learned
- A correct Reading Part 4 answer must match both topic AND tense/reference with its neighbours.
- Skim first for general meaning, then check each gap carefully in both directions.
- Eliminate options that are topically right but grammatically inconsistent.
- Time yourself in practice so the real exam feels familiar, not rushed.