Reading
45 min · 6 parts · 32 items · 25% of the overall mark. Combines reading comprehension (Parts 1–4) with language in context (Parts 5–6).
| Part | Name | Format | Items | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Three-option multiple-choice (Signs & Messages) | 5 very short texts (signs, notices, emails, notes) · A/B/C | 5 | 1 per item |
| 2 | Matching | 5 descriptions of people · 8 short texts | 5 | 1 per item |
| 3 | Four-option multiple-choice (Long text) | 1 long text · 5 four-option multiple-choice questions | 5 | 1 per item |
| 4 | Gapped Text | 1 text with 5 sentences removed · choose from 8 | 5 | 1 per item |
| 5 | Multiple-choice gap-fill | 1 text with 6 gaps · 4 options each | 6 | 1 per item |
| 6 | Open gap-fill | 1 text with 6 gaps · no options | 6 | 1 per item |
Part 1 · Three-option multiple-choice (Signs & Messages)
Choose the option that matches the meaning of each text.
Tests: Reading short real-world texts for general meaning and main message.
Part 2 · Matching
Match each person to the most suitable text (3 extra texts to distract you).
Tests: Reading for detailed information and matching needs to texts.
Part 3 · Four-option multiple-choice (Long text)
Answer detailed comprehension questions.
Tests: General meaning, detail, opinion, attitude, reading between the lines.
Part 4 · Gapped Text
Choose the sentence that fits each gap (3 extra texts to distract you).
Tests: Linking words, text structure and reference words.
Part 5 · Multiple-choice gap-fill
Choose the word that best fits each gap.
Tests: Vocabulary, word partners, dependent prepositions.
Part 6 · Open gap-fill
Think of the word that best fits each gap.
Tests: Grammar — articles, pronouns, auxiliaries, linkers, prepositions.
Official Cambridge samples
Practise this paper with authentic materials
B1 Preliminary (General)