{"id":48562,"date":"2022-04-20T17:05:48","date_gmt":"2022-04-20T15:05:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/oxfordhousebcn.com\/?p=48562"},"modified":"2022-04-20T17:05:48","modified_gmt":"2022-04-20T15:05:48","slug":"how-to-get-top-marks-b2-first-part-6-reading-use-of-english","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/oxfordhousebcn.com\/en\/how-to-get-top-marks-b2-first-part-6-reading-use-of-english\/","title":{"rendered":"How to get top marks: B2 First Part 6 Reading & Use of English"},"content":{"rendered":"

Do you like putting together puzzles? If so, your problem solving skills can actually help you with B2 First Reading and Use of English Part 6! Instead of looking at clues of colours and lines in a jigsaw<\/strong><\/span><\/em>, you will need to pay attention to links in sentences and paragraphs.<\/p>\n

This is a great section for scoring marks because just like Parts 4 and 5, each answer is worth 2 marks.<\/p>\n

We\u2019ve prepared this guide with top tips for passing Part 6, so let\u2019s get started!<\/p>\n

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What\u2019s in Reading and Use of English Part 6?<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

 <\/p>\n

Also known as the \u2018gapped text\u2019, Part 6 consists of one text that has had 6 sentences removed from it. The text is usually an extract from a news article or magazine piece. See this example from a Cambridge B2 First past paper (zip)<\/a>. <\/p>\n

\"B2<\/p>\n

On one page you\u2019ll see the text with gaps and on the other page, 7 sentences. While 6 of these fit into the gaps, there is one that you do not need to use. The aim of the exercise is to fit the 6 sentences into the text, so here is where your puzzle talents come in.<\/p>\n

\"B2<\/p>\n

Cambridge B2 First past paper (zip)<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

What are they testing me on in Part 6?<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

 <\/p>\n

In this part of the exam, you\u2019re being tested on your ability to find the connection between sections within a text. It\u2019s important that you understand how sentences relate to each other by looking for key words and phrases that link the paragraphs together. <\/p>\n

Not only that, but you\u2019re expected to know how the text develops ideas, as well as show understanding of opinions and events as a whole. In this sense, it\u2019s also testing your general reading comprehension skills. <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

How do I answer the questions?<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

 <\/p>\n

So how do you get started with this part? Here are five simple steps to approaching this section of the exam \u2013 let\u2019s dive in<\/strong><\/span><\/em>!<\/p>\n

1. Skim read the entire text<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

Before looking at the gaps or sentences, make sure you skim read the whole passage for general comprehension. Just reading it once will help you to get a better feeling for what will be needed in the gaps. <\/p>\n

2. Analyse the seven sentences<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

Now you know what the text is about, turn your attention to the seven sentences. Remember that for this task you are being tested on your ability to make connections between the text and sentences. <\/p>\n

Therefore, keep an eye out<\/strong><\/span><\/em> for connecting words and ideas. This could be time periods, contrasting ideas, repetition, verb tenses, pronouns and determiners among other things. <\/p>\n

\"B2<\/p>\n

Cambridge B2 First past paper (zip)<\/a><\/p>\n

Here in F we see the word \u2018this\u2019, but what does it refer to? We know we have to look for something in the text which both expert and new dancers do.<\/p>\n

3. Look for the key words in the text<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

Now go back to the main text and look for the key words and phrases surrounding the gaps. See which ideas relate to ones mentioned in the sentences. When you feel like you\u2019ve got a match<\/strong><\/span><\/em>, write in your answer. <\/p>\n

\"B2<\/p>\n

Cambridge B2 First past paper (zip)<\/a><\/p>\n

In this example, the correct answer is F. The word \u2018this\u2019 is talking about the routine that is common to ballet classes all over the world, and no matter what level you are, you participate in it. Here we can see \u2018leading dancers\u2019 is similar to \u2018well established members\u2019 of sentence F so we know we have successfully joined two pieces of the puzzle!<\/p>\n

4. Repeat for the other gaps<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

Now that you\u2019ve got the hang of it<\/strong><\/span><\/em>, repeat the same process for the other gaps. Remember, that as there are seven sentences, one of them won\u2019t fit into any of the spaces. <\/p>\n

5. Reread the whole text <\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

Last but not least<\/strong><\/span><\/em>, read over the whole text again to double check that it makes sense and flows. Allow yourself 1\u20132 minutes to do this before moving on to the next part of the exam. <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Cambridge English tips and study resources<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

 <\/p>\n

Time yourself<\/strong>: You only have 1 hour 30 minutes to complete the Reading and Use of English paper. We usually recommend that you spend 30 minutes on Use of English and 1 hour on Reading, so you have roughly<\/strong><\/span><\/em> 15 minutes for each reading. Try to time yourself when preparing for this part. <\/p>\n

Familiarise yourself with linking words<\/strong>: When reading texts, pay attention to linking words and how ideas connect together, as this is a skill you\u2019ll need to match the sentences with the gaps successfully. <\/p>\n

Read as much as possible<\/strong>: It will really help improve your reading skills if you read more in English. This could be magazine or news articles, as well as short stories or blog posts. <\/p>\n

Don\u2019t leave any gaps<\/strong>: Even if you\u2019re not sure which sentence goes in a gap, guess! It\u2019s better to try and answer than leave it empty. You never know, you could be lucky. <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Resources and similar articles<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

 <\/p>\n

If you\u2019d like to practise this part of the exam, download these two free B2 First sample tests<\/a> from Cambridge English.<\/p>\n

You can also find more online resources<\/a> for practising the Cambridge English exams.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re interested in learning how to get top marks in the other Reading and Use of English sections, check out these posts:<\/p>\n

Reading and Use of English Part 1<\/a><\/p>\n

Reading and Use of English Part 2<\/a><\/p>\n

Reading and Use of English Part 3<\/a><\/p>\n

Reading and Use of English Part 4<\/a><\/p>\n

Reading and Use of English Part 5<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Looking for further support?<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

 <\/p>\n

We know that preparing for the B2 First exam takes time and effort. If you\u2019re thinking about taking this exam and need some guidance, we\u2019re here to help. We offer specific courses that help get you ready for the exam. Sign up now!<\/a><\/p>\n

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Glossary for Language Learners<\/strong><\/h2>\n

 <\/p>\n

Find the following words in the article and then write down any new ones you didn\u2019t know.<\/p>\n

jigsaw (n):<\/strong><\/em><\/span> a puzzle with a picture printed on cardboard or wood and cut into various pieces of different shapes that have to be fitted together.<\/p>\n

dive in (pv):<\/strong><\/em><\/span> to begin doing something in an enthusiastic way.<\/p>\n

keep an eye out (exp):<\/strong><\/em><\/span> to look out for something with particular attention.<\/p>\n

match (n):<\/strong><\/em><\/span> a thing that resembles or corresponds to another.<\/p>\n

get the hang of it (exp):<\/strong><\/em><\/span> to learn the skills that are needed to do something.<\/p>\n

last but not least (exp):<\/strong><\/em><\/span> used to say that a final statement is not less important than previous statements.<\/p>\n

roughly (adv):<\/strong><\/em><\/span> approximately.<\/p>\n

\">
<\/div><\/div>
<\/div>\n

Key<\/strong><\/p>\n

exp = expression<\/p>\n

n = noun<\/p>\n

pv = phrasal verb<\/p>\n

adv = adverb<\/p>\n

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Pass your Cambridge Exam with Oxford House Barcelona<\/h4><\/i>Interested in taking a Cambridge preparation course at Oxford House Barcelona? Check the different intensive and part-time Cambridge preparation courses<\/a> we can offer you.<\/div>
<\/div>\n<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Do you like putting together puzzles? If so, your problem solving skills can actually help you with B2 First Reading and Use of English Part 6! Instead of looking at clues of colours and lines in a jigsaw, you will need to pay attention to links in sentences and paragraphs. This is a great section […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":25,"featured_media":48563,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_joinchat":[]},"categories":[268],"tags":[2569,601,8636,18208],"yst_prominent_words":[8253,8251,9052,18184,18182,18183,18181,18185,18194,1542,15467,7937,8252,8250,8249,9871,8123,8115,9054,18178],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/oxfordhousebcn.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/48562"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/oxfordhousebcn.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/oxfordhousebcn.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/oxfordhousebcn.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/25"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/oxfordhousebcn.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=48562"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/oxfordhousebcn.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/48562\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":48581,"href":"https:\/\/oxfordhousebcn.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/48562\/revisions\/48581"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/oxfordhousebcn.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/48563"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/oxfordhousebcn.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=48562"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/oxfordhousebcn.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=48562"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/oxfordhousebcn.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=48562"},{"taxonomy":"yst_prominent_words","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/oxfordhousebcn.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/yst_prominent_words?post=48562"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}