In selective reading you search only for the one piece of information you need, instead of reading the whole text. This technique saves enormous time in the exam. Here you learn how to use it.
Selective reading: finding the answer specifically
How ready are you really?
Your Ready-Score shows you in a mock exam where you stand today. Free, no risk.
Selective reading means skimming the text as if with a searchlight until you find the spot you are looking for. You do not read everything but jump to numbers, names or keywords that match the question. Where this technique helps in reading comprehension is shown in the overview of the B2 exam sections, and more strategies are in reading comprehension tips.
How to proceed
- First read the question and note the keyword.
- Skim the text and search for exactly this word or a synonym.
- Only read closely at the spot you found, to check the answer.
Which words serve as signposts is in identifying keywords, and for B1 the same applies, see B1 exam sections.
Why this works so well
You do not have to understand every word to find the right answer. That takes off the pressure and also helps when you are missing individual vocabulary.
The bottom line
Selective reading makes you faster and calmer in reading comprehension. Note the question, skim the text, read the spot you found closely, that is how you find the answer without losing time.
