English Reading Exam Masterclass (4KB)
Exam training
Lesduur is: 90 minOnderdelen in deze les
Exam training
What do you already know about reading English exam questions?
Learning Objective
At the end of the lesson you will be able to recognise and answer different English reading exam question types using effective strategies.
Activate Your Knowledge
Discuss: What do you find difficult in English reading exams? What do you do if you do not know a word?
Objective for Today
"I can recognise and approach different question types on the reading exam."
Lesson Schedule Overview
4. Practice in pairs (15 min) 5. Independent exam (25 min) 6. Reflection (5 min)
1. Activate knowledge (10 min) 2. Types of questions & strategies (15 min) 3. Teacher models a text (20 min)
Second Half
First Half
Types of Exam Questions
Learn to recognise: Multiple-choice | Open | Citation | Main idea | Reference words | Word meaning
Multiple-Choice Questions
Look for options A/B/C/D. Key strategies: Read the question first, underline keywords, eliminate two wrong options, pick the best answer.
Common Multiple-Choice Mistakes
Do not just choose what "sounds right". Always check the text for evidence!
Main Idea Questions
Look for questions about the main idea or goal of the text. Strategy: Read title, first and last paragraph. Ask: What is this really about?
Reference Words
Words like: he, she, it, they, this, that. Strategy: Look back one sentence. Find the noun it refers to.
Word Meaning Questions
Asked for the meaning of a word. Read the whole sentence. Look for hints: contrast words (but, however), examples. Guess the meaning.
Teacher Example: Skimming
Read the title and first sentence. Guess the topic before reading in detail.
Step-by-Step: Model Question
1. Read a practice question first. 2. Underline keywords. 3. Scan the text for relevant sections.
Teacher Example: Different Types
Show how to keep answers short and cite exactly.
Demonstrate reading the question and checking the text for support.
Multiple-Choice
Open & Citation
Partner Practice
Work in pairs. For each question: Identify the type, choose a strategy, answer, and explain why other options are wrong.
Teacher Guidance
The teacher walks around, asks: “Where do you see that in the text?” Encourage students to explain their thinking.
Independent Exam Time
Do a real exam (2024). Use your strategies. Focus on accuracy, not speed.
Differentiation Tips
Struggling? Fewer texts, use strategies sheet, dictionary allowed. Fast finishers: full exam, work with a timer.
Reflect on Your Learning
Write down: My biggest mistake today was… Next time, I will…
Class Discussion
Which question type did you find the hardest? Why?
Mini-Checklist for Success
If Unsure
Always Remember
Look again in the text. Don’t guess without evidence!
✔ Read the question first ✔ Spot keywords ✔ Scan the text ✔ Check your answer
Top 5 Exam Mistakes
1. Not looking in the text 2. Answering too quickly 3. Translating everything 4. Using own words in citation questions 5. Wrong main idea
Differentiation Ideas
Stronger students can explain to others; everyone can try making their own exam question; simulate exam pressure with a timer.
Didactic Tip for Teachers
Make your thought process visible (modelling) and let students practise actively. Teach them how to think, not just what to do.
Write down 3 things you learned in this lesson.
Write down 2 things you want to know more about.
Ask 1 question about something you haven't quite understood yet.
