Cambridgereading

Gapped Text

Read a text with missing paragraphs and choose where each paragraph belongs. Tests text structure understanding.

15 minutes
B2 First (FCE), C1 Advanced (CAE), C2 Proficiency (CPE)

What is this question type?

Gapped Text tests your understanding of text structure, coherence, and cohesion. You must identify how paragraphs connect through reference words, linking expressions, and logical flow of ideas.

Winning Strategy

  1. 1

    Read the main text first to understand the general topic and structure

  2. 2

    Look for reference words (this, that, such, these) and what they refer to

  3. 3

    Identify linking expressions that show sequence or contrast

  4. 4

    Check for topic continuity - does the paragraph continue the same subject?

  5. 5

    One paragraph is extra and doesn't fit anywhere

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Not reading the text before and after each gap

  • Ignoring reference words and pronouns

  • Missing logical connectors and discourse markers

  • Forgetting that one paragraph is a distractor

  • Not checking that all paragraphs flow logically together

Tips for Success

  • Underline reference words (he, she, it, this, these)

  • Note time markers and sequence words (then, later, previously)

  • Look for repeated vocabulary or themes across paragraphs

  • Pay attention to paragraph beginnings and endings

  • After completing, read the whole text to check it makes sense

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there always an extra paragraph?
Yes, one paragraph is a distractor and doesn't fit in any gap.
What if a paragraph seems to fit multiple gaps?
Look more carefully at reference words and logical connections. Only one placement will be perfectly correct.
Should I complete gaps in order?
Start with gaps where you're most confident. This helps eliminate options for harder gaps.

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Gapped Text - Complete Study Guide for Cambridge English Qualifications

Gapped Text tests your understanding of text structure, coherence, and cohesion. You must identify how paragraphs connect through reference words, linking expressions, and logical flow of ideas.

Step-by-Step Strategy

  1. Read the main text first to understand the general topic and structure
  2. Look for reference words (this, that, such, these) and what they refer to
  3. Identify linking expressions that show sequence or contrast
  4. Check for topic continuity - does the paragraph continue the same subject?
  5. One paragraph is extra and doesn't fit anywhere

Avoid These Mistakes

  • Not reading the text before and after each gap
  • Ignoring reference words and pronouns
  • Missing logical connectors and discourse markers
  • Forgetting that one paragraph is a distractor
  • Not checking that all paragraphs flow logically together

Expert Tips

  • Underline reference words (he, she, it, this, these)
  • Note time markers and sequence words (then, later, previously)
  • Look for repeated vocabulary or themes across paragraphs
  • Pay attention to paragraph beginnings and endings
  • After completing, read the whole text to check it makes sense

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there always an extra paragraph?

Yes, one paragraph is a distractor and doesn't fit in any gap.

What if a paragraph seems to fit multiple gaps?

Look more carefully at reference words and logical connections. Only one placement will be perfectly correct.

Should I complete gaps in order?

Start with gaps where you're most confident. This helps eliminate options for harder gaps.

Available in: B2 First (FCE), C1 Advanced (CAE), C2 Proficiency (CPE)

Time allowed: 15 minutes