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2.1 Writing Part 1 - ESSAY
1.1 Reading and Use of English Part 1
1.7 Reading and Use of English Part 7
1.5 Reading and Use of English Part 5
3.4 Speaking Part 4
1.3 Reading and Use of English Part 3
1.4 Reading and Use of English Part 4
3.1 Speaking Part 1
1.6 Reading and Use of English Part 6
2.3 Writing Part 2 - REPORT
2.2 Writing part 2 - LETTER
3.3 Speaking Part 3
1.2 Reading and Use of English Part 2
3.2 Speaking Part 2
1.5 Reading and Use of English Part 5
The objective:
In part 5 of the FCE reading and use of English exam, we are given a piece of text and a set of six questions, where each question has four options A, B, C, and D.
We are required to identify which option for each question is the correct one.
Our objective is to isolate key information in the text and use that to identify which of the four options given in the question are wrong and which option is the correct one.
One of the dangers of this preocess is having too much information to be able to do an efficient analysis.
Reading the whole text first, or reading all the questions first leads to that problem, so it is better to study one question at a time, and to work with small pieces of relevant text.
Also, the time available to do this exercise in the exam is very short, about 10 minutes, which means you don't have time to read all the text first.
This exercise is structured this way because the examiners are testing the student's ability to isolate specific information and make an intelligent decision based on that.
Bearing this in mind, let's look at the best method to do this exercise, by starting with a typical exam question:
Scientists have produced detailed maps showing where plants known to trigger allergies grow. Sufferers could have relief from runny noses, sneezing and itchy eyes as scientists have developed the first ever hay fever map of Britain. The new, highly-detailed maps of the UK contain the location of key plants and trees known to produce pollen that triggers allergies and asthma.
The maps, produced at the University of Exeter in collaboration with the Met Office, may help acute hay fever or asthma sufferers decide where to live or which areas to avoid at peak times when pollen is released. The study records areas where plants which hay fever sufferers are most likely to be sensitive to are most prevalent, including grasses, trees and plants such as birch, alder, oak and nettle.
The plant maps, which include cities throughout the UK, with a detailed plan of London, will help medics further study the impact of air pollution on asthma. About 80% of people with asthma also have a pollen allergy and in the UK about 10% of the adult population is affected by asthma. In 2001, 13% of people in the UK were diagnosed with hay fever and most people with the condition are allergic to grass pollen, which is most common in late spring and early summer.
Air pollution, for example from car exhaust fumes , is understood to exacerbate hospital admissions for asthma caused by allergies. The maps have been published as new research carried out at the University of Exeter shows exposure to pollen can increase hospital admissions for asthma within days. The scientists believe their maps of allergenic pollen-producing plants, in combination with pollen forecasts and calendars, could help sufferers manage their condition by reducing their exposure.
Pollen can have a serious impact on the well-being of those with hay fever or asthma. By working towards a localised, species-level forecast, vulnerable people can better plan their activities and manage their condition. These new maps could also provide local authorities and healthcare practitioners with information to assist patients with pollen allergies. While these allergenic plant and tree maps do not provide a forecast of pollen levels, they do provide the most likely locations of grass and of tree species which are the source of most allergenic pollen.
1. What is being suggested in the first paragraph?
A) The creation of a document giving the highest concentration of allergy sufferers.
B) A document could alleviate the effects of allergies on sufferers.
C) A document could explain how to relieve the symptoms of hay fever.
D) A document on the complications that can arise from an allergy attack.
2. How would this research help allergy sufferers?
A) By explaing how hay fever works.
B) By advising which areas to keep away from.
C) By explaing what foods to avoid.
D) By advising which cosmetic products to avoid.
3. What is the medical impact of this research?
A) People who suffer from similar conditions may be helped.
B) Hay fever could become a thing of the past.
C) The effects of hay fever could become very mild.
D) New methods for combatting allergies could be found.
4. What time of the year do people have to be most careful?
A) When autumn changes to winter.
B) End of August.
C) When winter changes to spring.
D) When spring changes to summer.
5. What other factors which can affect allergy sufferers are mentioned apart from plant activity?
A) The contamination of the air by fungi.
B) Exposure to insects.
C) The contamination of the air by automobiles.
D) The effect of radiation from the sun.
6. Apart from the patients and the medical establishment, who else does the article suggest could be helped by this research?
A) The pharmaceutical industry.
B) The city councils.
C) Family members of people with allergies.
D) The chemists who stock hay fever medicine.
The method:
Follow these steps.
1 READ QUESTION 1 CAREFULLY, AND STUDY THE FOUR OPTIONS.
2 HIGHLIGHT THE KEY INFORMATION.
3 READ THE FIRST PART OF THE TEXT TILL YOU COME ACROSS INFORMATION RELAVANT TO THE QUESTION.
4 HIGHLIGHT THAT INFORMATION.
5 COMPARE THAT INFORMATION WITH THE KEY IDEAS IN EACH OPTION.
6 USE THE INFORMATION IN THE TEXT TO DECIDE WHICH OF THE OPTIONS ARE WRONG.
7 THIS PROCESS SHOULD LEAVE YOU WITH ONE CORRECT OPTION.
8 CONFIRM THE REMAINING OPTION IS THE CORRECT OPTION.
9 HIGHLIGHT THE KEY INFORMATION IN THE QUESTION AND THE OPTION YOU USED TO MAKE YOUR DECISION.
10 MOVE ON TO THE NEXT QUESTION.
11 REPEAT THE ANALYSIS FOR THAT QUESTION.
12 CONTINUE READING THE TEXT FROM WHERE YOU FINISHED FOR THE FIRST QUESTION UNTIL YOU IDENTIFY INFORMATION RELEVANT TO THE SECOND QUESTION.
13 HIGHLIGHT IT AND REPEAT THE STEPS YOU USED FOR THE FIRST QUESTION.
14 ONCE YOU HAVE ANSWERED ALL THE QUESTIONS, JUST COMPARE ALL THE UNDERLINED ELEMENTS TO MAKE SURE YOU MADE THE RIGHT DECISIONS.
Let's apply this method to our typical exam question:
1 Read question 1 carefully, and study the four options.
1. What is being suggested in the first paragraph?
A) The creation of a document giving the highest concentration of allergy sufferers.
B) A document could alleviate the effects of allergies on sufferers.
C) A document could explain how to relieve the symptoms of hay fever.
D) A document on the complications that can arise from an allergy attack.
2 Analysing the question carefully, and highlighting the key words contained in the four options:
1. What is being suggested in the first paragraph?
A) The creation of a document giving the highest concentration of allergy sufferers.
B) A document could alleviate the effects of allergies on sufferers.
C) A document could explain how to relieve the symptoms of hay fever.
D) A document on the complications that can arise from an allergy attack.
3 Read the first part of the text till you come across information relavant to the question.
4 Underline or highlight that information.
Scientists have produced detailed maps showing where plants known to trigger allergies grow. Sufferers could have relief from runny noses, sneezing and itchy eyes as scientists have developed the first ever hay fever map of Britain. The new, highly-detailed maps of the UK contain the location of key plants and trees known to produce pollen that triggers allergies and asthma.
5 Compare that information with the key ideas in each option.
Scientists have produced detailed maps showing where plants known to trigger allergies grow. Sufferers could have relief from runny noses, sneezing and itchy eyes as scientists have developed the first ever hay fever map of Britain. The new, highly-detailed maps of the UK contain the location of key plants and trees known to produce pollen that triggers allergies and asthma.
1. What is being suggested in the first paragraph?
A) The creation of a document giving the highest concentration of allergy sufferers.
B) A document could alleviate the effects of allergies on sufferers.
C) A document could explain how to relieve the symptoms of hay fever.
D) A document on the complications that can arise from an allergy attack.
6 Use the information in the text to decide which of the options are wrong.
Scientists have produced detailed maps showing where plants known to trigger allergies grow. Sufferers could have relief from runny noses, sneezing and itchy eyes as scientists have developed the first ever hay fever map of Britain. The new, highly-detailed maps of the UK contain the location of key plants and trees known to produce pollen that triggers allergies and asthma.
1. What is being suggested in the first paragraph?
A) The creation of a document giving the highest concentration of allergy sufferers. - NO
B) A document could alleviate the effects of allergies on sufferers.
C) A document could explain how to relieve the symptoms of hay fever. - NO
D) A document on the complications that can arise from an allergy attack. - NO
7 This process should leave you with one correct option.
8 Confirm the remaining option is the correct option.
9 Underline or highlight the key information in the question and the option you used to make your decision.
Sufferers could have relief from runny noses, sneezing and itchy eyes as scientists have developed the first ever hay fever map of Britain. = A document could alleviate the effects of allergies on sufferers.
So B) must be the correct answer.
Looking at the second question:
2. How would this research help allergy sufferers?
A) By explaing how hay fever works.
B) By advising which areas to keep away from.
C) By explaing what foods to avoid.
D) By advising which cosmetic products to avoid.
2 Analysing the question carefully, and highlighting the key words contained in the four options:
2. How would this research help allergy sufferers?
A) By explaing how hay fever works.
B) By advising which areas to keep away from.
C) By explaing what foods to avoid.
D) By advising which cosmetic products to avoid.
3 Read the text after the text used for the previous question till you come across information relavant to the question.
4 Underline or highlight that information.
The maps, produced at the University of Exeter in collaboration with the Met Office, may help acute hay fever or asthma sufferers decide where to live or which areas to avoid at peak times when pollen is released. The study records areas where plants which hay fever sufferers are most likely to be sensitive to are most prevalent, including grasses, trees and plants such as birch, alder, oak and nettle.
5 Compare that information with the key ideas in each option.
The maps, produced at the University of Exeter in collaboration with the Met Office, may help acute hay fever or asthma sufferers decide where to live or which areas to avoid at peak times when pollen is released. The study records areas where plants which hay fever sufferers are most likely to be sensitive to are most prevalent, including grasses, trees and plants such as birch, alder, oak and nettle.
2. How would this research help allergy sufferers?
A) By explaing how hay fever works.
B) By advising which areas to keep away from.
C) By explaing what foods to avoid.
D) By advising which cosmetic products to avoid.
6 Use the information in the text to decide which of the options are wrong.
The maps, produced at the University of Exeter in collaboration with the Met Office, may help acute hay fever or asthma sufferers decide where to live or which areas to avoid at peak times when pollen is released. The study records areas where plants which hay fever sufferers are most likely to be sensitive to are most prevalent, including grasses, trees and plants such as birch, alder, oak and nettle.
2. How would this research help allergy sufferers?
A) By explaing how hay fever works. - NO
B) By advising which areas to keep away from.
C) By explaing what foods to avoid. - NO
D) By advising which cosmetic products to avoid. - NO
7 This process should leave you with one correct option.
8 Confirm the remaining option is the correct option.
9 Underline or highlight the key information in the question and the option you used to make your decision.
may help acute hay fever or asthma sufferers decide where to live or which areas to avoid at peak times when pollen is released. = B) By advising which areas to keep away from.
So B) must be the correct answer.
Looking at the third question:
3. What is the medical impact of this research?
A) People who suffer from similar conditions may be helped.
B) Hay fever could become a thing of the past.
C) The effects of hay fever could become very mild.
D) New methods for combatting allergies could be found.
2 Analysing the question carefully, and highlighting the key words contained in the four options:
3. What is the medical impact of this research?
A) People who suffer from similar conditions may be helped.
B) Hay fever could become a thing of the past.
C) The effects of hay fever could become very mild.
D) New methods for combatting allergies could be found.
3 Read the text after the text used for the previous question till you come across information relavant to the question.
4 Underline or highlight that information.
The study records areas where plants which hay fever sufferers are most likely to be sensitive to are most prevalent, including grasses, trees and plants such as birch, alder, oak and nettle.
The plant maps, which include cities throughout the UK, with a detailed plan of London, will help medics further study the impact of air pollution on asthma. About 80% of people with asthma also have a pollen allergy and in the UK about 10% of the adult population is affected by asthma. In 2001, 13% of people in the UK were diagnosed with hay fever and most people with the condition are allergic to grass pollen, which is most common in late spring and early summer.
5 Compare that information with the key ideas in each option.
The study records areas where plants which hay fever sufferers are most likely to be sensitive to are most prevalent, including grasses, trees and plants such as birch, alder, oak and nettle.
The plant maps, which include cities throughout the UK, with a detailed plan of London, will help medics further study the impact of air pollution on asthma. About 80% of people with asthma also have a pollen allergy and in the UK about 10% of the adult population is affected by asthma. In 2001, 13% of people in the UK were diagnosed with hay fever and most people with the condition are allergic to grass pollen, which is most common in late spring and early summer.
3. What is the medical impact of this research?
A) People who suffer from similar conditions may be helped.
B) Hay fever could become a thing of the past.
C) The effects of hay fever could become very mild.
D) New methods for combatting allergies could be found.
6 Use the information in the text to decide which of the options are wrong.
The study records areas where plants which hay fever sufferers are most likely to be sensitive to are most prevalent, including grasses, trees and plants such as birch, alder, oak and nettle.
The plant maps, which include cities throughout the UK, with a detailed plan of London, will help medics further study the impact of air pollution on asthma. About 80% of people with asthma also have a pollen allergy and in the UK about 10% of the adult population is affected by asthma. In 2001, 13% of people in the UK were diagnosed with hay fever and most people with the condition are allergic to grass pollen, which is most common in late spring and early summer.
3. What is the medical impact of this research?
A) People who suffer from similar conditions may be helped.
B) Hay fever could become a thing of the past. - NO
C) The effects of hay fever could become very mild. - NO
D) New methods for combatting allergies could be found. - NO
7 This process should leave you with one correct option.
8 Confirm the remaining option is the correct option.
9 Underline or highlight the key information in the question and the option you used to make your decision.
will help medics further study the impact of air pollution on asthma. = A) People who suffer from similar conditions may be helped.
So A) must be the correct answer.
Looking at the fourth question:
4. What time of the year do people have to be most careful?
A) When autumn changes to winter.
B) End of August.
C) When winter changes to spring.
D) When spring changes to summer.
2 Analysing the question carefully, and highlighting the key words contained in the four options:
4. What time of the year do people have to be most careful?
A) When autumn changes to winter.
B) End of August.
C) When winter changes to spring.
D) When spring changes to summer.
3 Read the text after the text used for the previous question till you come across information relavant to the question.
4 Underline or highlight that information.
About 80% of people with asthma also have a pollen allergy and in the UK about 10% of the adult population is affected by asthma. In 2001, 13% of people in the UK were diagnosed with hay fever and most people with the condition are allergic to grass pollen, which is most common in late spring and early summer.
5 Compare that information with the key ideas in each option.
About 80% of people with asthma also have a pollen allergy and in the UK about 10% of the adult population is affected by asthma. In 2001, 13% of people in the UK were diagnosed with hay fever and most people with the condition are allergic to grass pollen, which is most common in late spring and early summer.
4. What time of the year do people have to be most careful?
A) When autumn changes to winter.
B) End of August.
C) When winter changes to spring.
D) When spring changes to summer.
6 Use the information in the text to decide which of the options are wrong.
About 80% of people with asthma also have a pollen allergy and in the UK about 10% of the adult population is affected by asthma. In 2001, 13% of people in the UK were diagnosed with hay fever and most people with the condition are allergic to grass pollen, which is most common in late spring and early summer.
4. What time of the year do people have to be most careful?
A) When autumn changes to winter. - NO
B) End of August. - NO
C) When winter changes to spring. - NO
D) When spring changes to summer.
7 This process should leave you with one correct option.
8 Confirm the remaining option is the correct option.
9 Underline or highlight the key information in the question and the option you used to make your decision.
which is most common in late spring and early summer. = D) When spring changes to summer.
So D) must be the correct answer.
Looking at the fifth question:
5. What other factors which can affect allergy sufferers are mentioned apart from plant activity?
A) The contamination of the air by fungi.
B) Exposure to insects.
C) The contamination of the air by automobiles.
D) The effect of radiation from the sun.
2 Analysing the question carefully, and highlighting the key words contained in the four options:
5. What other factors which can affect allergy sufferers are mentioned apart from plant activity?
A) The contamination of the air by fungi.
B) Exposure to insects.
C) The contamination of the air by automobiles.
D) The effect of radiation from the sun.
3 Read the text after the text used for the previous question till you come across information relavant to the question.
4 Underline or highlight that information.
Air pollution, for example from car exhaust fumes, is understood to exacerbate hospital admissions for asthma caused by allergies.
5 Compare that information with the key ideas in each option.
Air pollution, for example from car exhaust fumes, is understood to exacerbate hospital admissions for asthma caused by allergies.
5. What other factors which can affect allergy sufferers are mentioned apart from plant activity?
A) The contamination of the air by fungi.
B) Exposure to insects.
C) The contamination of the air by automobiles.
D) The effect of radiation from the sun.
6 Use the information in the text to decide which of the options are wrong.
Air pollution, for example from car exhaust fumes, is understood to exacerbate hospital admissions for asthma caused by allergies.
5. What other factors which can affect allergy sufferers are mentioned apart from plant activity?
A) The contamination of the air by fungi. - NO
B) Exposure to insects. - NO
C) The contamination of the air by automobiles.
D) The effect of radiation from the sun. - NO
7 This process should leave you with one correct option.
8 Confirm the remaining option is the correct option.
9 Underline or highlight the key information in the question and the option you used to make your decision.
Air pollution, for example from car exhaust fumes, is understood to exacerbate hospital admissions for asthma caused by allergies. = C) The contamination of the air by automobiles.
So C) must be the correct answer.
Looking at the final question:
6. Apart from the patients and the medical establishment, who else does the article suggest could be helped by this research?
A) The pharmaceutical industry.
B) The city councils.
C) Family members of people with allergies.
D) The chemists who stock hay fever medicine.
2 Analysing the question carefully, and highlighting the key words contained in the four options:
6. Apart from the patients and the medical establishment, who else does the article suggest could be helped by this research?
A) The pharmaceutical industry.
B) The city councils.
C) Family members of people with allergies.
D) The chemists who stock hay fever medicine.
3 Read the text after the text used for the previous question till you come across information relavant to the question.
4 Underline or highlight that information.
The maps have been published as new research carried out at the University of Exeter shows exposure to pollen can increase hospital admissions for asthma within days. The scientists believe their maps of allergenic pollen-producing plants, in combination with pollen forecasts and calendars, could help sufferers manage their condition by reducing their exposure.
Pollen can have a serious impact on the well-being of those with hay fever or asthma. By working towards a localised, species-level forecast, vulnerable people can better plan their activities and manage their condition. These new maps could also provide local authorities and healthcare practitioners with information to assist patients with pollen allergies.
5 Compare that information with the key ideas in each option.
The maps have been published as new research carried out at the University of Exeter shows exposure to pollen can increase hospital admissions for asthma within days. The scientists believe their maps of allergenic pollen-producing plants, in combination with pollen forecasts and calendars, could help sufferers manage their condition by reducing their exposure.
Pollen can have a serious impact on the well-being of those with hay fever or asthma. By working towards a localised, species-level forecast, vulnerable people can better plan their activities and manage their condition. These new maps could also provide local authorities and healthcare practitioners with information to assist patients with pollen allergies.
6. Apart from the patients and the medical establishment, who else does the article suggest could be helped by this research?
A) The pharmaceutical industry.
B) The city councils.
C) Family members of people with allergies.
D) The chemists who stock hay fever medicine.
6 Use the information in the text to decide which of the options are wrong.
The maps have been published as new research carried out at the University of Exeter shows exposure to pollen can increase hospital admissions for asthma within days. The scientists believe their maps of allergenic pollen-producing plants, in combination with pollen forecasts and calendars, could help sufferers manage their condition by reducing their exposure.
Pollen can have a serious impact on the well-being of those with hay fever or asthma. By working towards a localised, species-level forecast, vulnerable people can better plan their activities and manage their condition. These new maps could also provide local authorities and healthcare practitioners with information to assist patients with pollen allergies.
6. Apart from the patients and the medical establishment, who else does the article suggest could be helped by this research?
A) The pharmaceutical industry. - NO
B) The city councils.
C) Family members of people with allergies. - NO
D) The chemists who stock hay fever medicine. - NO
7 This process should leave you with one correct option.
8 Confirm the remaining option is the correct option.
9 Underline or highlight the key information in the question and the option you used to make your decision.
These new maps could also provide local authorities and healthcare practitioners with information to assist patients with pollen allergies. = B) The city councils.
So B) must be the correct answer.
The correct answers then are
1 - B
2 - B
3 - A
4 - D
5 - C
6 - B
Once all the questions have been answered, your document should look like this, which makes checking the answers much easier:
Scientists have produced detailed maps showing where plants known to trigger allergies grow. (1) Sufferers could have relief from runny noses, sneezing and itchy eyes as scientists have developed the first ever hay fever map of Britain. The new, highly-detailed maps of the UK contain the location of key plants and trees known to produce pollen that triggers allergies and asthma.
The maps, produced at the University of Exeter in collaboration with the Met Office, (2) may help acute hay fever or asthma sufferers decide where to live or which areas to avoid at peak times when pollen is released. The study records areas where plants which hay fever sufferers are most likely to be sensitive to are most prevalent, including grasses, trees and plants such as birch, alder, oak and nettle.
The plant maps, which include cities throughout the UK, with a detailed plan of London, (3) will help medics further study the impact of air pollution on asthma. About 80% of people with asthma also have a pollen allergy and in the UK about 10% of the adult population is affected by asthma. In 2001, 13% of people in the UK were diagnosed with hay fever and most people with the condition are allergic to grass pollen, (4) which is most common in late spring and early summer.
(5) Air pollution, for example from car exhaust fumes , is understood to exacerbate hospital admissions for asthma caused by allergies. The maps have been published as new research carried out at the University of Exeter shows exposure to pollen can increase hospital admissions for asthma within days. The scientists believe their maps of allergenic pollen-producing plants, in combination with pollen forecasts and calendars, could help sufferers manage their condition by reducing their exposure.
Pollen can have a serious impact on the well-being of those with hay fever or asthma. By working towards a localised, species-level forecast, vulnerable people can better plan their activities and manage their condition. (6) These new maps could also provide local authorities and healthcare practitioners with information to assist patients with pollen allergies. While these allergenic plant and tree maps do not provide a forecast of pollen levels, they do provide the most likely locations of grass and of tree species which are the source of most allergenic pollen.
1. What is being suggested in the first paragraph?
A) The creation of a document giving the highest concentration of allergy sufferers.
B) A document could alleviate the effects of allergies on sufferers.
C) A document could explain how to relieve the symptoms of hay fever.
D) A document on the complications that can arise from an allergy attack.
2. How would this research help allergy sufferers?
A) By explaing how hay fever works.
B) By advising which areas to keep away from.
C) By explaing what foods to avoid.
D) By advising which cosmetic products to avoid.
3. What is the medical impact of this research?
A) People who suffer from similar conditions may be helped.
B) Hay fever could become a thing of the past.
C) The effects of hay fever could become very mild.
D) New methods for combatting allergies could be found.
4. What time of the year do people have to be most careful?
A) When autumn changes to winter.
B) End of August.
C) When winter changes to spring.
D) When spring changes to summer.
5. What other factors which can affect allergy sufferers are mentioned apart from plant activity?
A) The contamination of the air by fungi.
B) Exposure to insects.
C) The contamination of the air by automobiles.
D) The effect of radiation from the sun.
6. Apart from the patients and the medical establishment, who else does the article suggest could be helped by this research?
A) The pharmaceutical industry.
B) The city councils.
C) Family members of people with allergies.
D) The chemists who stock hay fever medicine.
It is important to note two things:
1 The locations of the relevant pieces of text follow the order of the questions.
2 The words used in the text for the correct answers are usually different from the words used in the questions, which means you should be suspicious if the same words appear.
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