B1 reading Exam part 4 – Gapped text

How to Do B1 Preliminary Reading Part 4: Gapped Text

What is it?
You read a text (about 400 words) with 5 gaps (numbered 1–5). Five sentences have been removed. You must choose the correct sentence (from A–H) to fill each gap. There are 3 extra sentences you do not use.What is tested?

Understanding text structure and coherence
Recognising logical links between ideas
Spotting reference words (it, this, they, such, etc.)
Understanding contrast (but, however), cause/effect (so, because), addition (also, moreover), examples, topic sentences, summaries, and conclusions

Step-by-step strategy

Read the whole text quickly first (ignore gaps) → get the general topic and main idea.
Read the removed sentences (A–H) → notice key words, pronouns, time expressions.
Look at each gap one by one:
- Read the sentence before and after the gap carefully.
- Look for logical flow — does the sentence continue the idea, give an example, contrast, explain why, or summarise?
- Check pronouns and reference words (e.g. if the gap is followed by “it”, the missing sentence probably mentions what “it” refers to).
- Eliminate obviously wrong options.
Choose your answer — only one fits perfectly.
Check the text again after filling all gaps — read the complete version. Does it flow naturally?
Never leave blanks — guess if necessary (no negative marking).

Quick tips

Pronouns and synonyms are very important clues.
The extra sentences often look possible at first glance but don’t fit logically.
Time: about 8–10 minutes for this part.

Now try these two short exercises (realistic B1 level).

Exercise 1: Staying Healthy at Work.
Many people spend long hours sitting at a desk. 1) ______ This can cause back pain, tired eyes and even weight gain. One simple solution is to stand up and move every 30–45 minutes. 2) ______ For example, you can walk to get a glass of water or do some shoulder rolls at your desk. Another good idea is to improve your workspace. 3) ______ A good chair and the correct screen height make a big difference.Eating well is also important. 4) ______ Bringing healthy snacks like fruit or nuts helps you avoid sweets from the vending machine. Finally, try to get some fresh air during your lunch break. 5) ______ Even ten minutes outside can improve your mood and energy for the afternoon.

Sentences
A. Small changes like this can reduce stress and improve concentration.
B. However, sitting for too long is not good for our health.
C. In fact, many offices now have standing desks available.
D. Taking regular breaks is more effective than working non-stop.
E. It is better to choose water instead of sugary drinks.
F. Poor lighting and bad posture often make the problem worse.
G. A short walk after eating helps digestion and clears your mind.
H. Some companies organise team sports after work.

Exercise 2:

The History of Chocolate

Chocolate comes from the cacao tree, which grows in hot, rainy parts of the world. 1) ______ The ancient Maya and Aztecs used cacao beans to make a bitter drink. In the 16th century, Spanish explorers brought cacao to Europe. 2) ______ At first, only rich people could afford it.D uring the 19th century, inventors found ways to make solid chocolate. 3) ______ This made chocolate much more popular with everyone. Today, most chocolate is sweet because manufacturers add sugar and milk. 4) ______ Dark chocolate, however, still keeps more of the original strong flavour. Interestingly, eating a little chocolate can be good for you. 5) ______ Scientists say it contains substances that help the heart and reduce stress — but only in small amounts!

Sentences
A. They often drank it with spices like chilli or vanilla.
B. People started adding sugar to make the drink taste better.
C. Switzerland and Belgium became especially famous for high-quality chocolate.
D. The beans were so valuable they were even used as money.
E. Too much chocolate, of course, is not healthy because of the fat and sugar.
F. This invention changed chocolate from a drink into bars and sweets.
G. Modern chocolate is very different from the original drink.
H. Cacao trees need shade and a lot of rain to grow well.

Answers – Exercise 1

Answers – Exercise 2