Task description

You will be provided with a number of statements some of which paraphrase or summarise what the writer said. In this task type you need to show that you know what information the writer did (and did not) mention on a particular topic.

What is being tested is your ability to:

• skim and scan the text for details
• understand paraphrase
• understand inference

How to approach questions where you have to select factors

Step 1: Read the instructions carefully. Note that only three of the factors are correct. Note also that the instructions in this sample task tell you what topic to focus on. In this case the instructions tell you to focus on poor communication as a contributing factor in the disaster. Although other factors may have contributed to the disaster (such as A and C) only the three correct answers focus on poor communication as a contributing factor.

Step 2: Read through the list of factors.

Step 3: Scan the text and find the sections or paragraphs which discuss poor communication.

Step 4: Read those sections carefully and select the appropriate three factors.