Last time we looked at Reading and Use of English Part 1<\/a>, but today we\u2019ll be covering Part 2. We\u2019ll walk you through what you need to do to succeed in this section, as well as offer tips and further resources.<\/p>\n Let\u2019s get started!<\/p>\n <\/p>\n First and foremost<\/strong><\/span><\/em>, it\u2019s important to know exactly what to expect in Part 2. Let\u2019s look at this example:<\/p>\n Cambridge English C1 Advanced Sample Paper 1 (zip<\/a>)<\/em><\/p>\n This is a gap fill reading comprehension task, also called an \u201copen cloze\u201d. For each gap there is only one word missing.<\/p>\n Yet, the hardest part is that, unlike Part 1, there are no options for you to choose from. You have to read the text and decide on the word you think fits best.<\/p>\n Each gap is worth one mark, so there are a total of 8 marks to get from this section.<\/p>\n There will always be an example, shown as (0) at the start to help.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Above all<\/strong><\/span><\/em>, Part 2 of the Reading and Use of English exam tests your grammar and vocabulary. You\u2019ll most likely be tested on structures such as the following:<\/p>\n 1. Read over the text<\/strong><\/p>\n Before you do anything, it\u2019s a good idea to familiarise yourself with the topic. Start by reading the title \u2013 this will introduce the general theme.<\/p>\n Next skim<\/strong><\/span><\/em> read the text to get the general meaning. You don\u2019t need to understand every word, but rather get an idea of what\u2019s being said.<\/p>\n 2. Look at the gaps<\/strong><\/p>\n Next, look at the individual gaps to see what words come before and after. There may be some clues<\/strong><\/span><\/em> that can help you identify what type of word is missing e.g. verbs, nouns, adjectives, prepositions etc.<\/p>\n 3. Write a word in the gap<\/strong><\/p>\n Now it\u2019s time to start thinking of words to put in the gaps. At this stage you can write them in pencil on the task paper itself. Remember, you can only use one word for each gap, and these tend to be grammatical words. You won\u2019t need to use nouns and the words are usually short. Contractions count as two words so avoid<\/strong><\/span><\/em> them!<\/p>\n 4. Check your work<\/strong><\/p>\n Once you\u2019re happy that you\u2019ve completed the task correctly, read over the exercise to ensure it makes sense. At this stage, check that your words link up to the surrounding words. For example, be aware of plural forms, negatives and prepositions.<\/p>\n Make sure to complete each and every gap \u2013 even if you have to guess<\/strong><\/span><\/em>.<\/p>\n 5. Write answers on the answer sheet<\/strong><\/p>\n Finally, write your answers on the answer sheet provided. Be sure to write them in CAPITAL LETTERS as instructed.<\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n Read the example:<\/strong> The example is there to refresh your memory. Make sure you quickly read it to remind yourself of what you need to do in this section \u2013 but don\u2019t spend too much time on it!<\/p>\n Watch the time:<\/strong> Remember that you only have 1 hr 15 minutes for the whole of the Reading and Use of English paper. It\u2019s a good idea to allocate yourself around 10 minutes to do this part and then move on.<\/p>\n Guess if you have to:<\/strong> If you aren\u2019t sure about one of the answers, take a guess. You\u2019ll never lose marks for putting in the wrong answer. And you never know \u2013 you might just be right!<\/p>\n Practise as much as possible:<\/strong> Practice makes perfect! Try as many test papers as you can before going into the exam. And don\u2019t worry about making mistakes when practising, it\u2019ll help you learn.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n You can download two free B2 First sample tests<\/a> from Cambridge English to practice.<\/p>\n Find more online resources for practising<\/a> for Cambridge English exams.<\/p>\n Look at our tips on how to get top marks in the B2 First Reading and Use of English Part 1<\/a>.<\/p>\n Don\u2019t forget to check out our other blog posts for the Writing section of the B2 First exam: essay<\/a>, review<\/a>, report<\/a>, article<\/a>, informal email\/letter<\/a> and a formal email\/letter<\/a>.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n If you\u2019re studying for the B2 First exam, and need a little extra help with your preparation, we\u2019re here to help! At Oxford House, we offer exam courses specifically designed to help you prepare. Sign up now!<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Find the following words in the article and then write down any new ones you didn\u2019t know.<\/p>\n A piece of cake (exp):<\/strong><\/em><\/span> something that is easy to do.<\/p>\n First and foremost (exp):<\/strong><\/em><\/span> most importantly or more than anything else.<\/p>\n Skim (v):<\/strong><\/em><\/span> go or move quickly over something.<\/p>\n Above all (exp):<\/strong><\/em><\/span> most importantly.<\/p>\n Clues (n):<\/strong><\/em><\/span> something that reveals information or solves a problem.<\/p>\n Avoid (v):<\/strong><\/em><\/span> keep away from or stop oneself from doing something.<\/p>\n Guess (v):<\/strong><\/em><\/span> form an estimate or idea about something without all the facts or knowledge.<\/p>\n Key<\/strong><\/p>\n exp = expression<\/p>\n n = noun<\/p>\n v = verb<\/p>\nWhat\u2019s in Part 2?<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n
![\"B2](\"https:\/\/oxfordhousebcn.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/B2-First-Part-2-Reading-and-Use-of-English-Sample-Questions.png\")
<\/p>\nWhat are they testing me on in Part 2?<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n
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How should I answer the questions?<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n
![\"Read](\"https:\/\/oxfordhousebcn.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Read-over-the-text.png\")
<\/p>\nTips & tricks<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n
Other resources<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n
Looking for more support?<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n
Glossary for Language Learners<\/strong><\/h2>\n