How to do the Preliminary reading Part 4.

It is a good idea to know the different techniques to answering the questions and with certain parts of the test.

This site also contains a heap of tips, extra material, links to practice and also, videos of which explain what you need to do at every stage of the test.

Practice makes perfect!

Part 4 – Text matching and ordering

Outline: .

Part 4 consists of reading a longer text that has five numbered spaces where sentences have been removed. There are eight sentences, and you have to find the missing five.

Doing the task:

  1. Scan the whole text to understand the context. Try to identify what each paragraph is about. This will help you work out the missing sentences.
  2. Look at the 8 sentences to get a general idea of the topic of each one. and think of the type of information which we need before the sentence.
    Look for clues, words and expressions that help link ideas e.g. time phrases, contrasting linking words and expressions, pronouns or synonyms that refer forwards or backwards in the text.
  3. Reread the text and look at each numbered space and see which of the sentences A–H might fit in the space. Use what comes before and after each gap to help you choose the correct sentence.
    Underline the words and phrases that tell you that show linking information. You may think more than one option is possible so note down all the possible answers in the space. When you have completed the whole text you can choose which option fits best.
  4. Once all the gaps are completed, read the text again to make sure it makes sense.

Tips:

 

  • Check that the sentence you have selected fits with the text before and after the gap.
  • There are clear clues, both grammatical or contextual which link the sentences to the paragraphs.
  • Students need to be clear about the purpose of each sentence
  • This can also be a process of elimination and discard any sentences which don’t fit.
  • Check that the verb forms and any singular or plural nouns all match in the main text and the sentence you have chosen.

Language areas tested.

This part of the test requires you to identify contextual and grammatical clues which help fit the text together. Some things to look out for include;

  • Reference words such as pronouns, articles and quantifiers.
  • Linkers to add information, give examples, explain purpose and offer contrasting ideas.
  • Sequencers and time references
  • Synonyms / similar nouns

Useful videos

Teacher Phill – Tips for parts 1 1-6

eTEFL Online Teacher Training parts 1-3

eTEFL Online Teacher Training parts 4-6

 

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