Think about these questions, or answer them aloud.
In a multiple-choice question, only one option is fully correct. The other options are written to look correct. They often use words from the text, or talk about the right topic but give the wrong detail.
So a strong reader does two things:
If you can't find a reason to cross out an option, read that part of the text again.
The museum café is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday to Sunday. On Mondays, when the museum is closed, the café is used for private events. Hot food is served until 2 p.m., but sandwiches and cakes are available all day.
| Reason | What it means | Example (question: What can visitors buy at 3 p.m.?) |
|---|---|---|
| Not in the text | The text does not say this at all. | Coffee and tea (the text never mentions drinks) |
| Wrong detail | The text talks about this, but the time, number, place or person is different. | A hot lunch (hot food is only served until 2 p.m.) |
| Word trap | It repeats words from the text, but the meaning is different. | Food from a private event (private events are on Mondays, and are not for visitors) |
| True but not the answer | The text says this, but it does not answer this question. | The café opens at 10 a.m. (true, but the question is about 3 p.m.) |
| Too strong | A word like always, never, all, only or every makes it wrong. | Only cakes (sandwiches are also available) |
NOT questions. Which of the following is NOT mentioned? Here, three options are in the text. Find each one and cross it out. The option you can't find is the answer.
Choose TWO. Some questions have five options and ask you to choose two. Treat each option like a True/False question: is it true according to the text? Choose the two that are true. Don't choose an option just because it sounds sensible.
Use the mini text about the museum café. Each option below is wrong. Choose the best reason.
Welcome to Westbrook Community Garden! Here is some information to help you in your first few weeks.
Your plot. Every member has a plot of about 10 square metres. You can grow anything you like, but please do not plant trees, because their roots damage the paths. You must keep your plot tidy. If a plot is not used for three months, we will offer it to someone on our waiting list.
Tools and water. Tools are kept in the green shed next to the main gate. You can borrow them at any time, but please clean them and return them on the same day. Water is free, but in summer we ask members to water their plots before 9 a.m. or after 6 p.m., when less water is lost in the heat.
Work days. On the first Saturday of every month, members work together on shared jobs, such as cutting the grass and repairing fences. These work days start at 10 a.m. and finish with lunch at 1 p.m. Please try to come to at least four work days a year.
Fees. Membership costs £40 a year. Students and people over 65 pay half price. You can pay at the office, which is open on Wednesday and Saturday mornings.
Question 1: Why should members not plant trees?
A. Trees need too much water.
B. Their roots cause damage.
C. They make the plot untidy.
D. Trees are only allowed on large plots.
The key words are not plant trees. Paragraph B says: do not plant trees, because their roots damage the paths. My answer in my own words: the roots damage things.
Question 2: What are members asked to do in summer?
A. Water their plots only at certain times of day.
B. Pay extra for the water they use.
C. Return tools before 9 a.m.
D. Come to every work day.
Paragraph C: in summer we ask members to water their plots before 9 a.m. or after 6 p.m. My answer: water early or late.
Bicycles. Bicycles can be taken on all ferries except the 7.30 a.m. and 5.15 p.m. services from Monday to Friday, when the boats are busiest. There is no charge for standard bicycles, but electric bikes cost £2 each way because they must be stored in a special area. Folding bikes that are folded and carried in a bag count as luggage, so they can travel on any ferry.
Pets. Dogs are welcome on the outside deck and must be kept on a lead at all times. Small pets, such as cats and rabbits, must travel in a closed box. Only assistance dogs are allowed inside the passenger cabin. Please bring water for your animal, as the ferry café cannot provide bowls.
Luggage. Each passenger may bring two large bags and one small bag free of charge. Large items such as surfboards and pushchairs can usually be carried, but staff may refuse them if the ferry is full. Bags must not be left on the stairs or in the doorways.
Lost property. If you leave something on a ferry, contact the ticket office at Pier 3 within 30 days. Items that are not collected after this time are given to charity. We are sorry, but we cannot post lost items to passengers.
Read the information from Harbour Ferries. Choose the correct answer. For question 3, choose TWO answers.
Text 1: Email
From: Dr. Ana Ruiz | To: Biology 101 students | Subject: Thursday's lab
Hi everyone, Thursday's lab session will be held in Room 214 instead of the usual lab, because the heating system in the science building is being repaired. Please bring your lab coat and safety glasses as normal. We won't use any chemicals this week, so the session will finish 30 minutes early, at 3.30. If you missed last week's session, please email me before Wednesday so I can send you the notes you need. Thanks, Dr. Ruiz
Text 2: Notice on a student website
FOR SALE: Desk and chair. I'm moving out at the end of May, so I'm selling my desk and office chair. The desk is wooden, 120 cm wide, with two drawers. There's a small scratch on the top, but otherwise it's in excellent condition. The chair is only a year old. $60 for both, or $45 for the desk alone. The chair isn't sold separately. You'll need to collect them yourself from Elm Hall: I don't have a car. Message Jordan at 555-0148.
Answer the questions about the two short texts. Read each question first, then find the answer in the text.
Fresh Fork Catering: lunch for your office
Fresh Fork has been delivering healthy lunches to offices in the city centre since 2018. Choose from our daily menu of salads, soups, wraps and hot dishes, all made in our own kitchen on Mill Street.
How to order: Orders must be placed on our website by 10 a.m. for delivery the same day. For groups of more than 20 people, please order at least two days in advance. Lunches are delivered between 11.30 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Prices and payment: Individual lunches start at $9. Delivery is free for orders over $80; smaller orders have a $7 delivery charge. Companies that order every week can open an account and pay once a month.
Special diets: Every dish on our menu is labelled, so you can easily find vegetarian and gluten-free options. If someone in your group has a food allergy, please call us before ordering.
New this month: try our breakfast boxes, available for delivery from 8 a.m.
Read the web page. Choose the best answer.
Each option below is wrong. Use the ferry text and the Fresh Fork web page. Match each wrong option to the best reason. Use each reason once.
Save words to review them later with flashcards.
“Read all four options before you choose.”
“She grows tomatoes on her plot in the community garden.”
“The lawnmower is in the shed at the bottom of the garden.”
“There is a two-month waiting list for the course.”
“Dogs must be kept on a lead in the park.”
“We sat on the deck and watched the island get closer.”
“We gave our old clothes to a children's charity.”
“Please book your tickets in advance.”
“He has an allergy to nuts.”
“There's a scratch on the screen of my phone.”
“You can collect your parcel from the post office.”
