Reading Comprehension
Reading comprehension is the first written domain of the Državna Matura English exam. It checks whether you can understand authentic-style texts at CEFR B1 (lower level) or B2 (higher level): main idea, specific detail, inference, attitude, text organisation and meaning of words in context. The published exam catalogue lists reading as a separate objective domain, and task formats can include multiple choice, matching, gap-fill, true/false/not given and short answer.
Core rules
- Identify the question type. A detail question is usually answered by one sentence; an inference question requires combining two or more statements; 'not given' means the text neither confirms nor denies the statement.
- Locate the relevant part of the text with names, numbers, dates or synonyms. Do not read the whole passage again for every item.
- Expect paraphrase. Correct options rarely repeat the passage word for word; they restate the same idea in different language.
- For matching headings, match the paragraph's function (example, contrast, consequence, recommendation), not just a repeated noun.
- For gap-fill, check grammar and cohesion on both sides of the gap before choosing.
Worked example
Passage: 'The city's new tram app was designed to reduce waiting times. It shows the next three trams, but only at stops with real-time sensors. At older stops it displays the timetable, which can be wrong when traffic is heavy.' Question: What limitation of the app is mentioned? A It provides real-time data only at some stops. B It cannot show a timetable. C It is inaccurate at every stop. D It makes waiting times longer. Reasoning: The text says real-time information is available 'only at stops with real-time sensors'. At older stops the app shows a timetable that 'can be wrong'. That is a limitation of coverage, so A is correct. B is false because timetables are shown. C overgeneralises 'can be wrong' to 'every stop'. D reverses the app's purpose.
Traps that cost marks
The commonest error is choosing an option because it contains a word from the text, even when the relationship is wrong. Another is treating 'can be wrong' as 'is always wrong'. In true/false/not given, do not mark a statement false just because the text does not mention it; that is 'not given'. In matching tasks, a heading that repeats a key noun may describe only one sentence, not the paragraph's main point. Always return to the exact lines and check the whole clause, including negation and concession.