Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What aspects of reading are tested in this paper?

How many marks is the Reading paper worth?

How long should candidates spend on each part?

How do candidates answer the Reading paper?

What aspects of reading are tested in this paper?
Candidates are tested on their ability to understand gist, detail and the text structure and to identify main points and specific information. They are also tested on vocabulary, understanding discourse features and the ability to identify errors.

How many marks is the Reading paper worth?
The paper is worth 30 marks out of the whole BEC Higher exam, so scores are adjusted or weighted accordingly. The Reading paper is worth 25% of the total score.

How long should candidates spend on each part?
There is no time limit for each task; some tasks may take longer than others and students should be aware of how long they need for different tasks. However, it's worth remembering that some tasks have more items and are therefore worth more marks.

How do candidates answer the Reading paper?
In this paper, candidates put the answers on an answer sheet by filling in a lozenge (a kind of box) or by writing a one-word answer on their answer sheet in pencil. Sample Answer Sheet (PDF).

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