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Long Text Multiple Choice (B1 Preliminary)

Read a longer text and answer five multiple-choice questions about detail, opinion and overall meaning.

10-12 minutes
B1 Preliminary (PET)

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What is this question type?

This task tests whether you can understand detail, opinions and attitudes, and the overall message of a longer text. In B1 Preliminary Reading Part 3, you read one text and answer five questions with four options each. The last question often asks about the whole text, such as what the writer is trying to do.

Winning Strategy

  1. 1

    Read the text quickly first to understand the topic and the writer's view

  2. 2

    Read the first question, then find the part of the text it refers to

  3. 3

    Questions 1-4 usually follow the order of the text

  4. 4

    Read the whole sentence around the answer, not just a few words

  5. 5

    For the final question, think about the text as a whole, not one paragraph

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Choosing an option because it repeats words from the text

  • Mixing up what the writer thinks with what other people in the text think

  • Choosing an answer that is true but does not answer the question

  • Answering the final question using only one part of the text

  • Not reading all four options before choosing

Tips for Success

  • Notice opinion words like "surprisingly", "I wish" and "the best part was"

  • Look for paraphrase: the right option rarely uses the same words as the text

  • Practice reading magazine articles and blog posts at B1 level

  • Cross out options that the text clearly contradicts

  • Ask yourself who is speaking in each part of the text

Frequently Asked Questions

How many questions are there?
There are 5 questions, each with four options (A, B, C or D).
Do the questions follow the text order?
Usually yes for the first four. The last question is often about the whole text.
What kind of texts are used?
Often a magazine article, a story about someone's experience, or a personal blog.

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Long Text Multiple Choice (B1 Preliminary) - Complete Study Guide for Cambridge English Qualifications

This task tests whether you can understand detail, opinions and attitudes, and the overall message of a longer text. In B1 Preliminary Reading Part 3, you read one text and answer five questions with four options each. The last question often asks about the whole text, such as what the writer is trying to do.

Step-by-Step Strategy

  1. Read the text quickly first to understand the topic and the writer's view
  2. Read the first question, then find the part of the text it refers to
  3. Questions 1-4 usually follow the order of the text
  4. Read the whole sentence around the answer, not just a few words
  5. For the final question, think about the text as a whole, not one paragraph

Avoid These Mistakes

  • Choosing an option because it repeats words from the text
  • Mixing up what the writer thinks with what other people in the text think
  • Choosing an answer that is true but does not answer the question
  • Answering the final question using only one part of the text
  • Not reading all four options before choosing

Expert Tips

  • Notice opinion words like "surprisingly", "I wish" and "the best part was"
  • Look for paraphrase: the right option rarely uses the same words as the text
  • Practice reading magazine articles and blog posts at B1 level
  • Cross out options that the text clearly contradicts
  • Ask yourself who is speaking in each part of the text

Frequently Asked Questions

How many questions are there?

There are 5 questions, each with four options (A, B, C or D).

Do the questions follow the text order?

Usually yes for the first four. The last question is often about the whole text.

What kind of texts are used?

Often a magazine article, a story about someone's experience, or a personal blog.

Available in: B1 Preliminary (PET)

Time allowed: 10-12 minutes