2025 Selective Reading Test Strategy Guide
How to Ace the Reading Test in the New CBT Format
Mar 26 2025
Key Format Details
| Section | Question Type | Number of Questions | Time | Weighting |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reading | Multiple Choice | 30 questions across 16 items | 40 min | 25% |
CBT- Specific Structural Changes
- Only one question is visible at a time (except in the final extract task).
- You can flag questions to revisit later.
- You cannot scroll to preview all questions like in paper exams.
- The text is on the left, and questions appear one-by-one on the right.
- Timing and strategy are more important than ever.
How CBT Differs from Paper-Based Testing
| Feature | Paper-Based Test | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
|---|---|---|
| Questions visible at once | All questions viewable at once | Only one question at a time (mostly) |
| Skipping between questions | Easy to flip through pages | Use “flag” and navigation menu |
| Highlighting text | Can underline or annotate | No physical highlighting |
| Changing answers | Use pencil eraser or mark new choice | Click to change instantly |
| Time awareness | Visual overview of all progress | Need to manage time per screen carefully |
General CBT Tips
- Start with the highest-weighted section – “Choose the Extract”
- Use the flag function to mark difficult questions
- Don’t leave questions blank (except for Gaped Text — see note below)
- Click to change answers easily
- Time is not equally split – poems and dual fiction need more time
- Stay calm – work with the interface, not against it
Reading Test Structure Overview
The Reading test includes 4 parts (in any order):
| Part 1: Comprehension or Comparison Task (8 Questions) You’ll either get: A single fiction passage with comprehension questions OR two short fiction extracts to compare | Question Types: | -Implied meaning -Word meaning in context -Stylistic/language features (e.g. imagery, metaphor) -Text structure & organisation -Opinions, tone, and perspective -Author’s purpose -Comparison of texts and techniques |
| Strategy | -Read both extracts carefully first -Focus on: Main ideas in each Style (formal/informal) Perspective (first/third person) Mood/tone -Predict your own answer before checking options -Eliminate wrong options with evidence | |
| Time Tip | ~10 minutes | |
| Part 2 Poem Interpretation (6 Questions) A single poem with 6 MCQs | Question Focus | -Imagery and metaphor -Implicit meaning -Structure and rhythm -Poet’s intent |
| Strategy | -Read slowly and purposefully — this section is not for skimming -Identify: Mood -Symbols or figurative language -How the form supports the message -Think deeply — like a gold miner digging beneath the surface | |
| Time Tip | ~11 minutes | |
| Part 3 Gaped Text or Summary Match (6 Questions) You’ll get either: Gap Match: Drag the correct phrase into each gap (1 extra option), or Summary Match: Match 6 summary phrases to 6 factual paragraphs (1 extra phrase) | Question Focus | -Understanding structure and logical flow -Main idea of each paragraph -Logical transitions and coherence |
| Strategy | -Read entire text first -Identify intro, body, and conclusion -Start with easier gaps (often intro or conclusion) -Predict what belongs before checking options -Only guess if time is running out — incorrect guesses can affect other gaps | |
| Time Tip | ~9 minutes Analogy: Like solving a puzzle — place the corner pieces first | |
| Part 4 Choose the Extract (10 Questions) 4 short extracts with different styles and purposes but shared theme. E.g. a blog, news article, review, and personal narrative about “water” or “dreams” | Question Focus | -Implied meaning -Author’s opinion or tone -Purpose, structure, and style -Matching specific ideas to the correct source |
| Strategy | -Skim all 4 extracts FIRST -Identify the key idea of each (mentally summarise) -Then go through the questions from top to bottom -Match the most obvious details directly -Avoid overthinking | |
| Time Tip | ~10 minutes Analogy: Like choosing from a fast-food menu — quick, instinctive choices |
Final Strategy Recap
| Section | Questions | Time (approx.) | Key Skill |
|---|---|---|---|
| Choose the Extract | 10 | 10 minutes | Fast scanning, matching |
| Gaped Text | 6 | 9 minutes | Structure, logic |
| Poem | 6 | 11 minutes | Inference, metaphor, tone |
| Dual Short Stories | 8 | 10 minutes | Comparison, perspective |
Each examiner’s score adds up to 25 (15 + 10). Since there are two examiners, the total comes to 50.
Final Reminders for CBT Success
-
Be strategic: work smarter, not just harder
-
Predict answers BEFORE looking at options
-
Don’t panic if the interface feels different — practice builds confidence
-
Make the most of flag and review functions
-
Aim for consistent practice under timed conditions
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