PET Reading Comprehension Strategies 3

Question 1

A product review says: 'The camera takes sharp photos, but the battery life is disappointing.' What is the overall tone of the review?

Accepted Answer

Mixed — praising one feature and criticising another

Answer

The review expresses both praise (sharp photos) and criticism (poor battery), making the tone mixed.

Question 2

Which clue word signals a contrast between two ideas in a reading passage?

Accepted Answer

However

Answer

'However' is a contrast signal word that introduces an idea that opposes or qualifies what was said before.

Question 3

A paragraph begins: 'First, boil the water. Then, add the pasta. Finally, drain and serve.' What type of text is this?

Accepted Answer

A set of instructions in sequence

Answer

Sequence words like 'first,' 'then,' and 'finally' indicate a step-by-step instructional text.

Question 4

You are asked to match headings to paragraphs in a PET reading task. What should you do first?

Accepted Answer

Read each paragraph quickly to find its main idea, then match it to a heading

Answer

Identifying the main idea of each paragraph first allows you to match it accurately to the correct heading.

Question 5

An email says: 'I am writing to complain about the service I received at your store last Saturday.' What is the main purpose of this email?

Accepted Answer

To express dissatisfaction and seek a resolution

Answer

The phrase 'writing to complain' clearly signals the email's purpose is to express dissatisfaction.

(PET) Preliminary English Test Practice Test