Reading comprehension (B1)
Reading at B1 focuses on understanding the main idea, the writer’s intent and key details in practical and popular texts. The goal is efficient information capture—not word-for-word translation.
What is tested
- Global understanding (what the text is about) and information scanning (who, where, when, why).
- Basic logic: cause–effect, sequence, comparison.
- Communicative purpose: request, complaint, announcement, instruction.
Typical task types
- Multiple choice and true/false.
- Matching: headings to paragraphs, people to opinions, questions to answers.
- Gap-fill in a text (sentences or phrases).
- Finding specific details under time pressure.
Common text types
- Short announcements and public messages.
- Emails, notes, messages and simple forms.
- Product/service descriptions, simplified rules, instructions and tips.
- Short popular articles, posts and event descriptions.
A smart exam approach
Start with a quick scan: title, subheadings, numbers, dates and names. Then read carefully only the part needed for the question.
Watch for traps: similar words with different meaning, negations and exceptions. Look for a sentence that directly supports your choice.
Practice with a timer: finishing the whole paper well is usually better than getting stuck on one difficult question.