Reading Test 1
A printable version of the exercises is available for download at the bottom of the page.
1 Read what various teenagers say about their interests.
a) Complete the text with the missing sentences. There are two sentences that you do not need.
b) Read the text again. Who says what? Choose the correct answer.
Tips & tricks for solving Task 1 a):
- Skim the text for general understanding. Do not spend time trying to understand every single word.
- Start with answers which you consider obvious. Read the text on each side of the gap to make sure the chosen answer fits the topic.
- Try to identify the extra sentences which are there to distract you.
- Read through the completed text to make sure it makes sense.
Tips & tricks for solving Task 1 b):
- Scan the texts to learn what they are about. Do not spend time trying to understand every single word.
- The questions will appear in a random order. Read each question. Find and underline or highlight the key idea.
- Skim through the paragraphs until you find a possible answer. You should be looking for content that matches the key idea in the question. Read this part of the text carefully, and underline or highlight the evidence. Compare it to what you have underlined or highlighted in the question.
- Be careful! Do not look for the exact words and phrases that you have underlined in the question. Instead, look for words and phrases that have a similar meaning or express a similar idea.
2 Read this interview with Lars Haas, an expert in digital technology.
a) Match the questions to the paragraphs. There are two questions that you do not need. Do not worry about the gaps in the text at this point.
b) Read the text again, and choose the correct words to complete it.
Tips & tricks for solving Task 2 a):
- Skim the text. Highlight or underline key ideas in the paragraphs. You do not have to understand every single word.
- Try to summarise the paragraph in your mind.
- Read the headings, and highlight or underline key words.
- Pay attention to headings which are similar to each other: they are there to distract you.
- Find similar ideas in the paragraph and the headings. Choose a suitable heading. Start with the obvious ones, and leave the more difficult ones until last. Match ideas, not words.
Tips & tricks for solving Task 2 b):
- First skim the text to find out what it is about.
- Read the text again: focus closely on what comes before and after each gap.
- Decide what type of word / part of speech is needed, and try to predict the answer. This should help you choose the correct option.
- Read the possible answers for each gap, and select a suitable option.
- Check that the other options don’t fit.
- Read through the completed text to make sure it makes sense.
PiN Reading Comprehension - IZZI Test 1