LanguageCert Academic Reading Part 3: Multiple Texts | Complete Guide

What is Multiple Texts?

Multiple Texts is Part 3 of the LanguageCert Academic Reading section. In this task, you read 4 short academic texts that are thematically related and answer questions about each text. The texts typically present different perspectives, information, or aspects of a common topic.

This task tests your ability to:

• Comprehend multiple short passages efficiently
• Identify main ideas and supporting details
• Understand different viewpoints on a topic
• Compare and contrast information across texts
• Locate specific information quickly

Success requires effective reading strategies that allow you to process multiple texts accurately while managing your time.

Task Format

Sample Task Structure

Theme: Renewable Energy Adoption

Questions test understanding of each text individually and may ask you to compare information across texts.

Key Strategies

1. Identify the Common Theme

Before deep reading, quickly scan all four texts to understand how they relate. Knowing the overarching theme helps you contextualize each text.

2. Read Actively with Purpose

For each text:

• Identify the main idea in the first read
• Note the writer’s stance or perspective
• Mark key facts and figures
• Recognize how it differs from other texts

3. Use Strategic Reading Order

Option A: Text-by-Text

• Read Text A → Answer Text A questions
• Read Text B → Answer Text B questions
• Continue through all texts

Option B: Questions First

• Skim all questions to know what to look for
• Read texts with specific targets in mind
• Answer as you find relevant information

4. Note Different Perspectives

The four texts often present:

• Different opinions on the same issue
• Various aspects of a topic
• Contrasting data or evidence
• Complementary information

Tracking these differences helps with comparison questions.

5. Mark Key Information

As you read, quickly underline or mentally note:

• Names, dates, numbers
• Opinion indicators (“I believe,” “studies show”)
• Contrast words (“however,” “unlike,” “whereas”)
• Conclusion signals (“therefore,” “in conclusion”)

6. Handle Comparison Questions Efficiently

For questions asking about multiple texts:

• Note which texts are referenced
• Locate the relevant section in each
• Compare the specific information requested

Common Question Types

Main Idea Questions

What these ask: The central point or purpose of a text

Strategy: Focus on the first and last sentences; look for topic sentences

Example: “What is the main argument of Text B?”

Detail Questions

What these ask: Specific facts, figures, or information

Strategy: Scan for key words from the question; locate exact information

Example: “According to Text A, what percentage of energy comes from renewables?”

Purpose/Attitude Questions

What these ask: Why the writer wrote the text or their viewpoint

Strategy: Look for opinion language and the overall tone

Example: “What is the writer’s attitude toward the policy in Text C?”

Inference Questions

What these ask: Conclusions that can be drawn from the information

Strategy: Find supporting evidence and consider logical implications

Example: “Based on Text D, what can be inferred about community support?”

Comparison Questions

What these ask: Similarities or differences between texts

Strategy: Identify the specific aspect being compared in each text

Example: “Which text presents the most optimistic view of the technology?”

Text Types You May Encounter

Academic Summaries

• Research findings
• Study conclusions
• Literature reviews

Opinion Pieces

• Expert commentary
• Editorial viewpoints
• Professional perspectives

Informational Texts

• Factual reports
• Statistical summaries
• Process explanations

Case Studies

• Specific examples
• Real-world applications
• Implementation stories

Scoring and Timing

Scoring

• Each correct answer contributes to your overall Reading score
• No penalty for incorrect answers
• All questions carry equal weight

Time Management

• Total Reading Section: Approximately 60 minutes
• Part 3 Allocation: 12-15 minutes recommended
• Per Text: About 3 minutes (reading + questions)

Efficient reading is crucial. Don’t get stuck on difficult questions—move forward and return if time permits.

Practice Tips

• Read diverse short texts daily. Articles from academic news sites, research summaries, and opinion pieces build your ability to quickly grasp main ideas.

• Practice comparing multiple sources on the same topic. Read different news articles about the same event and note similarities and differences.

• Build your scanning skills. Practice locating specific information quickly without reading every word.

• Develop note-taking shorthand. Create a system for marking main ideas, opinions, and key facts as you read.

• Time yourself strictly during practice. Aim to complete Part 3 within the recommended time frame.

• Practice with varied topics. Familiarity with academic vocabulary across subjects improves reading speed and comprehension.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Reading Every Word Carefully

Multiple Texts requires efficient reading. Focus on key information rather than detailed analysis of every sentence.

2. Confusing Information Between Texts

Keep track of which information comes from which text. Misattribution leads to incorrect answers.

3. Ignoring the Question Requirements

Read questions carefully. “According to Text B” means you must find the answer in Text B specifically.

4. Spending Too Much Time on One Text

If one text is particularly difficult, move on and return to it. All texts contribute equally to your score.

5. Not Identifying Perspectives

Failing to note each writer’s stance makes comparison questions much harder. Track viewpoints as you read.

6. Overthinking Straightforward Questions

Some questions simply ask for stated facts. Don’t look for hidden meanings when the answer is explicit.

Comparison Skills Development

For comparison questions, practice identifying:

Points of Agreement

• Where do the texts share similar views?
• What facts appear in multiple texts?
• Which conclusions are common?

Points of Disagreement

• Where do opinions differ?
• Which facts seem contradictory?
• What different solutions are proposed?

Complementary Information

• How does Text B add to Text A?
• What unique perspective does each offer?
• How do the texts build a complete picture?

Topic Areas Commonly Featured

Multiple Texts passages often cover:

• Scientific developments - new discoveries, research methods, applications
• Social issues - education, healthcare, employment trends
• Environmental concerns - climate change, conservation, sustainability
• Technology and society - digital transformation, AI, communication
• Economic trends - markets, globalization, policy impacts
• Cultural topics - arts, traditions, social changes

Broad reading across these areas prepares you for the variety of topics you may encounter.

Ready to Practice?

Mastering Multiple Texts requires consistent practice with high-quality materials. Our LanguageCert practice platform offers:

• Extensive multiple text exercises
• Varied topics and text types
• Detailed explanations for correct answers
• Timed practice mode for exam simulation

Start Practicing LanguageCert Reading →

Develop your efficient reading and comparison skills to excel in Part 3.