Creating Opportunity Worldwide

Pro-ELT Teacher Training Level: B1 and B2

Materials

Aptis Reading
Part 1
1 - Refresh your memory
Read the passage quickly. Choose a heading for each numbered paragraph from the box and write it in the
space above the paragraph. There is one more heading than you need:
A) Getting things in order
B) Choosing carefully from the box
C) Skim and then read for detail
D) Read at speed
E) Organise your time
F) A gentle start

The Aptis Reading Exam

1) _________________________
The Aptis reading exam consists of 4 parts. It must be completed within 30 minutes. No time guidance is given
for each part of the test. For this reason time management is key to success. If you dont allow enough time for
the final parts, you could lose marks needlessly. The tasks get more difficult as the exam progresses.
2) _________________________
Part 1 is usually fairly easy. Candidates must choose one of 3 words to fit gaps in a short text. The vocabulary
choices are simple, but a good knowledge of 3 areas of vocabulary; collocations, conjunctions and prepositions
will improve your mark on this part of the exam.
3) _________________________
Part 2 is a little more challenging. Candidates have to order 6 lines of a text (there are 7 but the first is
completed as an example). It tests understanding of text cohesion through the use of pronouns and adverbs.
You have to link words like it, them and there to words in previous paragraphs. You are required to drag the
sentences with your mouse to reorder them.
4) _________________________
Part 3 is more challenging still. Like Part 1, you must choose words to fit gaps in a text. However, the text is
longer, the vocabulary is more difficult and all the words you need are in a box below the text, along with several
distracters that often cause candidates to make errors. It tests your knowledge of collocations, rare vocabulary
meaning, grammar words and text cohesion.
5) __________________________
Part 4 is often the most challenging part. You have a long text (750 words) and several headings that you must
match to the paragraphs. Being able to read quickly is a good skill to have, but youll also need to read in more
detail when two paragraphs contain similar information. This part of the exam tests text comprehension and also
vocabulary knowledge.

Contributed by: Jason Anderson

The British Council, 2013
The British Council is the United Kingdom's international organisation for cultural relations and education opportunities.
British Council Malaysia is a branch (995232-A) of the British Council, registered as a charity in England and Wales (209131) and Scotland (SC037733)

Creating Opportunity Worldwide

Pro-ELT Teacher Training Level: B1 and B2

Materials
The answers are at the end of this booklet.

2 - Do the Aptis Website Practice Reading Exam

Now go to the Aptis Reading exam and do it individually. Once you press Start Component, youll have only 30
minutes left. Remember to manage your time well! Heres the website address:
http://www.britishcouncil.org/aptis-practice-tests/AptisReadingPractice/
When youve completed it, the website will give you a mark. Write it here: _____________%
3 Analysis of Answers
Your trainer will now take you through the correct answers to the exam. Remember to ask questions if you dont
understand why an answer is correct. This is a copy of the exam online at: http://www.britishcouncil.org/aptispractice-tests/AptisReadingPractice/ It can be used instead of the online exam if teachers cannot access the
online exam.

Contributed by: Jason Anderson

The British Council, 2013
The British Council is the United Kingdom's international organisation for cultural relations and education opportunities.
British Council Malaysia is a branch (995232-A) of the British Council, registered as a charity in England and Wales (209131) and Scotland (SC037733)