LanguageCert Academic Reading Part 1b: Question Type, Scoring, and Preparation Strategies

Reading Part 1b follows immediately after Part 1a in your LanguageCert Academic Reading section. While Part 1a tests vocabulary through independent sentences, Part 1b shifts focus to grammar. You’ll see a single paragraph with 5 gaps, and your task is to select the grammatically correct option for each gap from 3 choices.

Overview of LanguageCert Academic Reading Part 1b

Part 1b sits within the 50-minute Reading section that contains 30 questions across 5 parts. After completing the vocabulary questions in Part 1a, you move directly to the grammar-focused Part 1b.

Here’s where Part 1b fits in the Reading test structure:

Part 1b matters because grammar accuracy affects comprehension throughout the entire Reading section. Getting these 5 questions right demonstrates you understand how English sentences connect and flow, which helps with the more complex reading tasks in Parts 2-4.

Key Point: Part 1b uses a connected paragraph, not independent sentences like Part 1a. Read the entire paragraph first to understand the context before attempting individual gaps.

Question Type Explained: What to Expect

Part 1b presents one academic-style paragraph containing exactly 5 numbered gaps. Below the paragraph, you’ll find three options (A, B, C) for each gap. Your task is to select the option that makes the sentence grammatically correct and fits the paragraph’s meaning.

The structure typically looks like this:

Example format:

The research team discovered that participants who exercised regularly (1) better cognitive performance. This improvement was (2) evident in tasks requiring sustained attention. However, the benefits (3) only after several weeks of consistent activity…

Gap 1:

• A) showed
• B) showing
• C) shows

The correct answer depends on the tense established by the paragraph and the grammatical structure of each sentence.

Grammar points commonly tested:

• Verb tenses: Past simple vs past continuous, present perfect vs past simple
• Prepositions: At, in, on, for, to, by, with
• Articles: A, an, the, or no article
• Connectors: However, therefore, although, despite, while
• Relative pronouns: Who, which, that, whose, where
• Word forms: Adjective vs adverb, noun vs verb forms

The paragraph topics are academic but accessible. You might read about scientific research, historical events, educational trends, or social observations. No specialist knowledge is required.

Scoring for Reading Part 1b

Each correct answer in Part 1b earns you marks toward your overall Reading score. LanguageCert Academic scores each skill separately (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking), and your Reading score depends on getting as many of the 30 questions correct as possible.

How scoring works:

• Each of the 5 Part 1b questions carries equal weight
• There’s no negative marking for wrong answers
• Partial credit doesn’t apply. Each gap is either correct or incorrect
• Your Reading score is calculated from your total correct answers across all 5 parts

Why accuracy matters here:

Part 1b questions test foundational grammar skills. If you struggle with basic tense selection or preposition use, it may affect your comprehension in later parts where you need to understand complex sentences quickly.

For Australian immigration purposes:

Every question counts. Five correct answers in Part 1b contribute directly to reaching these thresholds.

Sample Question with Worked Example

Here’s what a Part 1b paragraph might look like:

Climate scientists have been studying ocean temperatures (1) the past three decades. Their findings suggest that warming trends are accelerating, (2) has significant implications for coastal communities. The data indicates that sea levels (3) by approximately 3mm per year, though this rate varies (4) different regions. Researchers believe that (5) immediate action is taken, the consequences could be severe.

Gap 1:

• A) since
• B) for
• C) during

Correct answer: B) for

Explanation: “For” is used with a duration of time (three decades). “Since” would require a specific starting point (since 1994). “During” doesn’t fit with “the past three decades” structure.

Gap 2:

• A) that
• B) what
• C) which

Correct answer: C) which

Explanation: “Which” introduces a non-defining relative clause referring to the entire previous statement. “That” cannot follow a comma in non-defining clauses. “What” doesn’t function as a relative pronoun here.

This pattern continues for all 5 gaps. The key is understanding both the grammar rule and how it applies within the specific context.

How It All Connects

Proven Tips and Strategies for High Accuracy

Read the full paragraph first

Unlike Part 1a where each sentence stands alone, Part 1b uses a connected text. Reading the entire paragraph before looking at options helps you understand the overall tense, tone, and topic.

Identify the grammar being tested

For each gap, ask yourself: Is this testing tense? Preposition? Article? Connector? Knowing what grammar point is being tested helps you eliminate wrong options faster.

Look at what comes before and after

Grammar depends on surrounding words. A gap after “have been” needs a past participle. A gap before a noun might need an article or adjective. Use context clues from immediately adjacent words.

Eliminate obviously wrong options

With only 3 options, eliminating even one wrong answer dramatically improves your odds. If you can identify why one option doesn’t fit grammatically, you’re left choosing between just two.

Trust the flow of the paragraph

Academic paragraphs follow logical patterns. Connectors like “however” signal contrast. “Therefore” signals cause and effect. “Moreover” signals additional information. These patterns help you predict what type of word fits each gap.

Pro Tip: Read the completed paragraph in your head after selecting answers. If it sounds awkward or illogical, reconsider your choices.

Time Management and Navigation Strategy

You have approximately 5 minutes for Part 1b’s 5 questions. Here’s how to use that time effectively:

Recommended approach:

1. Spend 1 minute reading the entire paragraph (without looking at options)
2. Spend 3 minutes working through each gap systematically
3. Keep 1 minute for reviewing your answers

Using the navigation features:

LanguageCert Academic allows you to:

• Skip questions and return to them later
• Flag questions you want to review
• Change answers before the Reading section ends

This flexibility means you shouldn’t panic if one gap seems difficult. Mark your best guess, flag it, and move on. You can return after completing other parts if time permits.

Avoiding common time traps:

• Don’t spend more than 1 minute on any single gap
• If two options seem equally correct, choose one and flag for review
• Don’t second-guess yourself repeatedly. Trust your grammatical instincts

Common Mistakes Candidates Make in Part 1b

Overthinking simple grammar

Sometimes the answer is straightforward. If “in” sounds right before a location, it probably is. Don’t assume every question has a trick.

Choosing based on one word only

The correct answer must fit the entire sentence structure, not just pair well with the word immediately before or after the gap. Read the complete sentence each time.

Ignoring paragraph context

A gap at the end of the paragraph might relate to information from the beginning. If the opening sentence uses past tense, a closing gap might need past tense too for consistency.

Rushing because Part 1a was easy

Part 1a’s vocabulary questions feel different from Part 1b’s grammar questions. Don’t let confidence from Part 1a lead you to rush through Part 1b carelessly.

Not reading all three options

With only 3 choices, you might see the first option and think it fits. Always check all three. The second or third might be more precisely correct.

Practice Resources and Test Centre Information

The LanguageCert Academic exam is delivered at approved test centres across Australia and internationally. When preparing for Part 1b, candidates benefit from using practice papers and practice tests that simulate the real exam experience. Official LanguageCert practice papers follow the same format as the actual test, featuring grammar gap-fill paragraphs with three options per gap.

Many test centres provide information about local practice test sessions. Your test report will show separate scores for each Reading part, helping you identify whether grammar-based questions like Part 1b need more attention.

For English language proficiency purposes, Part 1b demonstrates your ability to understand grammatical relationships within academic texts. This section of the LanguageCert Academic test helps assessors determine your readiness for higher education or professional contexts where precise English language use matters.

Comparing LanguageCert to Other English Tests

Unlike PTE Academic or Cambridge English tests that integrate grammar into other question types, LanguageCert Academic tests grammar explicitly in Part 1b. This direct approach means you can target your preparation more precisely.

The secure English language test structure of LanguageCert Academic makes it suitable for UK visa and Australian immigration applications. The qualification handbook provides detailed information about what each part tests and how scores are calculated.

How Marvel Edu Helps

Preparing for Part 1b requires developing grammar-in-context skills beyond memorising rules. Marvel Edu offers targeted practice that builds these skills efficiently.

The LanguageCert practice on Marvel Edu includes authentic paragraph-style questions that test the same grammar points you’ll encounter on exam day.

Quick Reference

Test Your Knowledge

Quick Review