Reading: gist, detail, inference and cohesion
What the Reading section tests
PEIC Level 3 (B2) Reading assesses gist, detailed comprehension, inference, reference and cohesion, and vocabulary in context. Texts can be factual, opinion-based or narrative. Tasks may include multiple-choice questions, matching headings, gap fill and summary completion. B2 readers must cope with abstract ideas and follow an argument, not just locate words.
Core rules
- Skim first for topic, purpose and overall stance; then scan for evidence beside each question.
- Treat options as paraphrases. If an option repeats the text word for word, check whether the meaning is actually the same.
- Use cohesion: pronouns, contrast markers, cause and result markers, and time markers show how sentences connect.
- In matching headings, distinguish the main idea from an example or detail that supports it.
- In vocabulary-in-context items, substitute each option into the sentence and test the surrounding logic.
Worked example
Sentence: Although the trial was initially dismissed as too costly, its results persuaded councils to fund a larger rollout. Question: What happened to the councils' attitude? A They remained opposed. B They became willing to support expansion. C They ignored the results. Although signals a contrast: initially dismissed is the earlier view; persuaded and fund a larger rollout show the later position. B is correct. A ignores the contrast, and C contradicts persuaded.
Traps that cost marks
Matching a heading to a repeated noun rather than the paragraph's main point; choosing a true statement that does not answer the question; over-inferring beyond the text; and missing concession words such as although, while or despite.