Goethe-Zertifikat B2 · Modelltest · Part 3 – Article (MC)
Goethe B2 Reading (Lesen) Part 3 – Newspaper Article
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In Part 3 you read a longer newspaper article and answer multiple-choice questions. Here’s how to find the right option.
Key takeaways
- You read a longer newspaper article and answer 6 multiple-choice tasks (a/b/c).
- The answer is often paraphrased – look for the statement in different words.
What this part tests
Part 3 tests whether you understand a longer, demanding text precisely – usually a newspaper or magazine article. You answer six tasks with three options each (a, b or c). Only one is correct.
The tasks follow the order of the text. At B2 the correct answer is almost always paraphrased, not literal, and you must also recognize fine points like stances and judgements.
Wrong options often pick up a word from the text but distort the meaning, or claim something that is only almost true. Rely precisely on the text. Every correct answer scores points; wrong answers are not penalized.
How to approach it
- 1
Read the article once in full for an overview.
- 2
Read each question and look for the matching spot in the text.
- 3
Choose the option that restates the text precisely in different words.
- 4
Rule out options that are only almost true or distort the meaning.
- 5
Back up your answer with a spot in the text.
Example task with answer
A short example in the same format: read the extract and choose the right option.
Die Stadt hat eine neue Radstraße eröffnet. Anfangs gab es viel Kritik von Autofahrern, doch inzwischen nutzen täglich Tausende das neue Angebot, und die Beschwerden sind fast verstummt.
How has the opinion on the cycle street developed?
- Die Kritik ist mit der Zeit deutlich zurückgegangen.
- bDie Radstraße wurde wieder geschlossen.
- cDie Autofahrer protestieren immer stärker.
Why? The text says there was criticism at first, “doch inzwischen” many use the offer and “die Beschwerden sind fast verstummt” – that’s a. (b) and (c) contradict the text.
Practice: test yourself
Aus einem Artikel (sinngemäß): „Immer mehr Menschen suchen bei Gesundheitsfragen zuerst im Internet. Ärzte sehen das kritisch: Die Informationen seien oft ungenau und verunsicherten die Patienten mehr, als sie ihnen helfen."
How do doctors assess internet searches for health questions?
The article says doctors “sehen das kritisch” because the information is “oft ungenau” and unsettles patients – that’s b. a and c contradict the text.Want to see how this feels in practice?
Try this section in an exam-like format and find out how confident you are before exam day.
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Common mistakes
A word from the text doesn’t make the option right. The answer is paraphrased.
An option is often only almost true. Check each precisely against the text.
Only what’s in the text counts – not what you personally know about the topic.
No answer means a guaranteed zero. Guess an option if you have to.
Tips
- Mark the spot in the text that proves your answer.
- Watch for evaluative words that show a stance.
- Practice reading longer factual texts and features.
Frequently asked questions
How many tasks does reading Part 3 have?
Six multiple-choice tasks (a/b/c) on a longer newspaper article.
Does the correct answer appear word for word in the text?
Almost never. It’s paraphrased, and you must also recognize fine points and stances.
Are wrong answers penalized?
No. There is no penalty – answer every task.
What’s the best way to practice Part 3?
Read longer articles and practice recognizing paraphrases and stances. With a Prepliq mock you get the answer explained after each task.
Other parts
Useful resources
Check if you’re ready for this exam part
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