Strategy 4 - Paper 1 Part 4

The last part of the Reading paper of the FC Examination is multiple matching task. Part 4 consists of a text in up to nine sections with between 13 and 15 questions. The length of the text and the number of questions might make it look difficult, but you don\'t have to understand everything in it and the answers are usually easier to find than in other parts of FCE Reading.

Strategy:
1   First, study the instructions, the title of the text and any headings.
2   Next, read the whole text quickly for gist.
3   Then study the questions and identify the key words, which you should underline.
4   Go through the text, thinking about the words that you have underlined as you look for the answers.
5   Look at the example and think of reasons why it is right.
6   Note down answers as soon as you find them, but be prepared to change your mind.
7   Remember that each section may provide more than one answer and that there may be questions that have answers in more than one section.
8   Never, though, get stuck on individual questions. If you don\'t know an answer, move on quickly. You can always come back to it later and if all else fails, you can guess.
9   Don\'t forget that in Part 4 there is only one mark for each correct answer, which is half what you get in Parts 1, 2 and 3 (two marks for each answer).

In this kind of task you have to find specific details quickly. The questions tell you what you are looking for and often it means you have to find the same information in the text, but in different words. It is a good idea to underline this part of the text.

Now analyse a portion of vocabulary from the test. Try to write your own sentences with the words you do not know (and make it your habit J ). It helps remembering them for a longer time. And remember about reading for pleasure – it also helps in the exam.