Reading comprehension
Reading comprehension: what is tested
The Extremadura PAU Foreign Language II (English) reading block checks whether you can locate explicit information, infer implicit meaning, identify the main idea and purpose, and explain vocabulary in context. Tasks usually include true/false statements with a justification quoted or paraphrased from the text, short-answer questions, and synonym or reference items.
Core rules
- Read the questions first, then scan the text for the relevant paragraph; do not read every word at the same speed.
- Justify true/false answers with evidence, not with a general opinion. If the instruction says "quote", copy the exact words and use quotation marks; if it says "in your own words", paraphrase.
- For reference items ("What does 'this' refer to?"), look at the previous sentence or clause, not the following one.
- For inference questions, choose the answer that the text supports, not the one that is merely plausible in real life.
- Keep answers within the word limit and answer the question that is asked.
Worked example
Text sentence: "Although remote work reduces commuting time, many employees report feeling isolated from their colleagues." Statement: "Remote work has no disadvantages for employees." Answer: False. Justification: "many employees report feeling isolated from their colleagues." Reasoning: the concessive "Although" signals a contrast; the second clause introduces a negative effect, so the absolute claim "no disadvantages" is contradicted. The justification must include the contrasting clause, not the first part.
Traps that cost marks
- Over-inference: adding real-world knowledge that the text does not state.
- Copying a whole paragraph when only one clause is needed.
- Confusing "not stated" with "false": if the text is silent, do not mark it false unless the statement contradicts the text.
- Missing negatives ("not", "never", "few") and quantifiers ("all", "some").
- Quoting without quotation marks or with spelling changes.
- Spending too long on one item and leaving later items blank.