Using the Reading Time

What is reading time and how can I use it?

__WHAT IS READING TIME AND HOW CAN I USE IT? __

When you open the paper you will have 5 minutes (timed) to read and annotate the listening paper before the recording and the test starts.

Maximise the 5 minutes’ reading time by:

• Reading all the questions carefully, particularly those in Section B (the French section);
• Looking at the examples given, as these point out the level of detail required;
• Highlighting or underlining key words which have been highlighted in the explanations/ Blurb before the question/questions;
• Identifying the questions which have two parts (e.g. 10.1 and 10.2) as you will need to Listen for 2 bits of information in 1 part of the recording;
• Signposting Section B as it requires answers in French, you could also try to translate The questions/ options.
• Predicting answers which would make sense
• Noting any vocab you know in French which relates to each question

How long is the reading time?

5 minutes

Will the recording be playing during the reading time?

no

What should you use the reading time for?

Your answer should include: annotating / predicting

predictions

__MAKING PREDICTIONS __

You should use the reading time to help predict answers that might make sense. There are several ways to do this;

1- look at the multiple choice options in the English section of the paper, decide which would be the most plausible answer

2- translate as much as you can of the multiple choice options in the French section of the paper and decide which would be the most plausible answers

3- look at the wordy questions and decide what form your answer should take- verb? Noun? Adjective?

4- look at the wordy questions and predict answers that would make sense

When you come to answer the questions with the recording, compare your predictions to your actual answers, if the actual answers are very different from the predictions, check them again!

annotations

__ANNOTATING __

You should use the reading time to help you to annotate questions to support yourself through the paper. There are several ways to do this;

1- In the English section of the paper, annotate next to any English words their French translations or words linked to them, do this for multiple choice questions too.

2- Translate the section B questions and multiple choice options.

3- In section B, annotate and underline the section of text you are listening for.

Use your annotations when you are listening, they will boost your confidence and help you relax as you enter the exam.