Passing C1 Advanced Part 8: Reading and Use of English

If you’re wondering how to do Part 8 of the C1 Advanced Reading and Use of English paper, you’re in the right place!

After sitting through the first seven sections of this paper, you’ll start to feel like you can see the light at the end of the tunnel – you’re almost there, but just need that final push! We’re here to help give you that extra bit of help you get the best mark possible.

Read on to find out how to do your Reading and Use of English Part 8, as well as some extra tips and resources for passing the Advanced exam.

What’s in part 8?

Part 8 consists of one page of text – a single text, a text in sections or several short texts – with 10 multiple-matching questions or prompts. The text(s) will all be connected to the same theme.

You need to read the text and match the sections, which are usually labelled a, b, c, d and so on, to their corresponding questions or prompts.

You can use each text more than once to answer the questions and one mark is awarded for each correct answer.

Cambridge English C1 Advanced Sample Paper 1 (zip)

Cambridge English C1 Advanced Sample Paper 1 (zip)

What are they testing me on in Part 8?

Reading and Use of English Part 8 is testing you on your ability to read a text and pick out specific information, as well as spot details, opinions and attitudes in English.

How should I answer the questions?

1. Read the questions or prompts

While in other parts we recommend that you read the main text first, in Part 8 we suggest a different method.

2. Skim read the text

After familiarising yourself with the questions and what specific information they’re looking for, go ahead and skim read the main body of text.

This is so you can get a general idea of what the text contains and how it relates to the main theme and questions or prompts.

3. Read the first passage in more detail

Now you’ve got a better grasp of the text, go back and look at the first passage i.e. passage A, in more detail. While you’re doing this, look at the key words or phrases you’ve underlined in the questions.

This way you can see if there are any synonyms or similar words and phrases that might link to a particular question. Remember that the exact words from the questions or prompts won’t be in the text, but rather it’ll be paraphrased – so look for similar meanings expressed with different vocabulary!

If you find that passage A links with one of the questions or prompts, write ‘A’ in the answer box provided. It’s also a good idea to underline the section of the text that you think corresponds to the question. This will help when you’re checking your answers later as you’ll be able to find the information easily.

4. Continue with the rest of the passages

Now go ahead and do the same for the remaining passages. Remember, when reading the passages in more detail, keep checking back to the underlined keywords in the questions or prompts to see if there are matches in ideas.

When you’ve finished, if you see that you’ve written more than one letter next to a question, go back and review the parts of text that you have underlined – make a decision and cross out the incorrect answer!

5. Have a final read through

If you finish with a few spare minutes, take some time to have a final read through. This should be easy now as you’ve underlined the sentences in the text that you think correspond to each question.

Tips and resources

Related articles

We have lots more tips for helping you pass the other parts of the C1 Advanced Reading and Use of English paper. Check them out here!

Passing C1 Advanced: Part 1 Reading and Use of English

Passing C1 Advanced: Part 2 Reading and Use of English

Passing C1 Advanced: Part 3 Reading and Use of English

Passing C1 Advanced: Part 4 Reading and Use of English

Passing C1 Advanced: Part 5 Reading and Use of English

Passing C1 Advanced: Part 6 Reading and Use of English

Passing C1 Advanced: Part 7 Reading and Use of English

Looking for more help?

If you’re interested in taking the Cambridge C1 Advanced exam, then we’re here to give you the guidance you need.

We offer a Cambridge English preparation course which aims to equip you with all the tools and knowledge you need to score well on exam day. Sign up now!

C1 Advanced is a challenging exam, and one that takes a bit of guidance and preparation. That’s why we’re here to help. Our Cambridge English preparation courses are designed to give you the help and support you need, to get the best results on exam day. Sign up now!

Glossary for Language Learners

Find the following words in the article and then write down any new ones you didn’t know.

see the light at the end of the tunnel (exp): a sign that a long period of difficulty is about to end.

corresponding (adj): having a similar relationship to something else.

spot (v): to see, notice or recognise.

go ahead (pv): to begin doing something.

grasp (n): an understanding of something.

cross out (pv): to draw a line through something you have written.

spare (adj): extra.

run out of (pv): to finish or use all of something.

guess (n): an answer to a question that you are not certain of, because you do not have all the facts.

Key

n = noun

exp = expression

adj = adjective

v = verb

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