In Part 3 you read a longer newspaper article and answer multiple-choice questions. Here’s how to find the right option.
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Key takeaways
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.
Read the article once in full for an overview.
Read each question and look for the matching spot in the text.
Choose the option that restates the text precisely in different words.
Rule out options that are only almost true or distort the meaning.
Back up your answer with a spot in the text.
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?
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.
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?
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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.
Six multiple-choice tasks (a/b/c) on a longer newspaper article.
Almost never. It’s paraphrased, and you must also recognize fine points and stances.
No. There is no penalty – answer every task.
Read longer articles and practice recognizing paraphrases and stances. With a Prepliq mock you get the answer explained after each task.
Learn 700+ of the most important Goethe-Zertifikat B2 words interactively with flashcards.
Preview and download the official Goethe-Zertifikat B2 practice test – with answers and study material.
Practice this exam part in the official format and see what needs more attention before the real test.
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