Greetings!
Today, we have garnered some resources to aid you in your preparation of an exam under the Cambridge English certification.
Cambridge First – Tips for
the Reading Paper
þ DO
-
Read
the sources, titles and subtitles of the texts where given; they are there to
help you.
-
Read
the words following the gaps in Parts 1 and 2 as they may have an effect on the
answer.
-
Remember
that the words you need to write in Part 3 might have to change into a negative
or a plural.
-
Write
between two and five words as your answer in Part 4.
-
Read
the questions carefully and check each option against the text before rejecting
it (Part 5).
-
Check
the words around the gap carefully (Part 6). The missing word(s) may be forming
part of an idiom, fixed phrase or collocation.
-
Check
that the completed paragraph makes sense in the passage as a whole (Part 6).
The missing sentence must fit the overall context.
-
Keep
the development of the text in mind.
-
Read
each text carefully before you answer the questions to get an overall
impression and understanding of it. This
includes
Part 7, the multiple-matching task.
-
Check
your spelling in all parts of the test.
-
Make
sure that you transfer your answers to the answer sheet accurately.
-
Don’t
try to answer any questions without referring carefully to the text.
-
Don’t
spend too much time on any one part of the paper.
-
Don’t
forget to record your answers on the separate answer sheet.
-
Don’t
assume that if the same word appears in the text as well as in an option, this
means you have located the answer.
-
Don’t
write the answers to any of the examples on your answer sheets.
-
Don’t
choose your answer in Part 1 before you have read all the options.
-
Don’t
write out the full sentence when answering the questions in Part 4.
-
Don’t
leave the base word in Part 3 unchanged.
-
Don’t
decide on your answer before reading the whole of a sentence in all parts.
-
Don’t
give alternative answers for any questions.
●
Will I get one or two scores for the Reading and Use of English paper?
Your Statement of Results
will show two scores for this paper – one for Reading and one for Use of
English. They are equally important when calculating your overall score.
● How are the separate scores for Reading and
Use of English determined?
On your Statement of Results
and your certificate, you receive a Cambridge English Scale score for
Reading and a separate
Cambridge English Scale score for Use of English (as well as Writing, Listening
and Speaking). On the Reading and Use of English paper, the Reading score is
derived from Parts 1, 5, 6 and 7, and the Use of English score is derived from
Parts 2, 3 and 4.
● What aspects of reading does this paper test?
You will need to show that
you can understand specific information, main idea, text organisation and
structure, tone, gist, opinion, attitude, detail and purpose. You will also
need to be able to deal with occasional unknown vocabulary.
● How long should I spend on each part?
Within this 75-minute paper,
there is no time limit for each task. Some tasks may take longer than others
and you should be aware of how long you need for different tasks. However,
remember that each of the seven parts is worth approximately the same number of
marks overall. Doing some practice tests should help you with timing your
answers.
● How do I write my answers for the Reading
and Use of English paper?
Write your answers on the
answer sheet provided by filling in boxes or by writing words (between two and
five words are allowed for answers in Part 4). Make sure that you fill in the
answers clearly. Your answer sheet will be scanned into a computer. You must
transfer your answers within the time given for the paper (75 minutes).
● What is the range of text types in each part
of the Reading and Use of English paper?
It is possible for any of the
following text types to appear in any part of the paper: newspaper and magazine
articles, reports, fiction, advertisements, letters, messages, informational
material (e.g. brochures, guides, manuals). Make sure that you are familiar
with all these text types and with the different test focuses for each part.
Appropriate tasks are selected to suit the individual text.
● How do I fill in the answer sheet correctly?
You should use a pencil and
not a pen. For Parts 1, 5, 6 and 7 mark ONE letter for each question. In Parts
2, 3 and 4 write your answer clearly in capital letters and in Parts 2 and 3
write one letter in each box. If you make a mistake you can use an eraser and
rub it out.
● Will I lose marks for incorrect answers?
No. You will not lose marks
if you give an incorrect answer. If you give a wrong answer, it is the same as
giving no answer – you get no marks for that question. If you’re not sure about
an answer, it is better to guess than to leave the question blank.
● How important is spelling?
All spelling must be correct
in the Reading and Use of English paper. You will not get a mark for answers
that are not spelled correctly. American spelling is allowed if used
consistently.
● If I think there are two possible answers to
one question, can I write them both?
You should write only one
answer for each question.
● Are words like ‘doesn’t’ and ‘isn’t’ counted
as one or two words?
Two words. To count the
number of words, the full form should be taken into account, e.g. didn’t = did
not = two words.
● What if I use a plural instead of a
singular, or the other way round, in the word formation
task (Part 3)?
A singular in an answer where
a plural is required is marked as incorrect (and the other way round). You are
expected to look at indicators in the text to decide whether a singular or
plural form is appropriate.
● What happens if I make one small mistake in
the key word transformation task (Part 4)? Does it mean I get zero points?
The two parts of the sentence
are always treated separately, so you will receive 1 mark for correctly
completing one part of the sentence, even if a small mistake means that you get
no points for other part.
***************
Check out these links:
According to a blog, these are the best TV series to learn English. What do you think? Would you add any to the list? Let us know!
Are you addicted to PODCASTS? You can find all levels and topics here, download fun three-minute programmes from the BBC here, or find out which are the 12 English podcasts every English learner should listen to here.
Find official preparation materials at the Cambridge website, FLO-JOE is a fantastic webpage to practice exercises online, and there is also a section here that features extensive practice material and articles.
If you know of any other interesting sites, drop us a line or a link on the comments.
Have a good week, and remember, be yourself, be free.
