IELTS/PTE/CAE+ Skills Practice & Mini Test

Method 1 — read deeply, read smartly

1. Read the questions (not the options) before you read the text or listen to the audio.
2. Find your own answer in the text or the audio.
3. Then choose the option that matches your answer most closely.

Method 2 — backwards method

If Method 1 fails or takes too long, try this:

• Eliminate the option that includes information not in the text.
• Be suspicious of an option that looks “too similar” to the wording in the text.
• If two options seem possible, pick the one that answers the question more directly.

Step-by-step method

• If you have fewer paragraphs than questions, start with the paragraphs.
• If you have fewer questions than paragraphs, start with the questions.

Common case: fewer paragraphs than questions

1. Read paragraph 1 only, then skim all questions and mark possible matches.
2. If it’s a perfect match, lock it in and cross that question out.
3. If you’re unsure, mark a question mark and keep going.
4. Repeat for each paragraph, ignoring questions already answered.
5. By the end, most answers should be clear; then resolve the remaining ones.