telc B1  ·  Reading Part 3

Matching advertisements correctly:
know all the traps, find all the answers

All the typical traps in Reading Part 3 of the telc B1 exam — with concrete examples, rules and a step-by-step algorithm for the exam.

1

Typical traps in Reading Part 3 of the B1 exam (telc)

Trap No. 1: Similar topic — opposite meaning

most common trap

This is the most common trap. The advertisement fits thematically, but the meaning is exactly the opposite.

Examples
"Book early and save!" — but the situation calls for a last-minute booking.
"From non-swimmer to swimmer" — but the person can already swim.
Rule

Pay attention not only to the topic, but also to the direction — for whom is it and what for?

Trap No. 2: Similar topic — different function

common

Two advertisements have the same topic, but one offers training and the other a service.

Example
Care home vs. Care courses
Rule

Pay attention to the verb in the situation: to receive training (learning) or to find a place (using a service).

Trap No. 3: Similar topic — different target group

common

The advertisement fits thematically, but not for the right person.

Example
Flights to the USA — but one advertisement is for students only.
Rule

Always check who the advertisement is intended for.

Trap No. 4: Partial match

common

The situation requires two conditions, but the advertisement only fulfils one of them.

Example
You need phone + personal conversation, but only phone is available.
Rule

Check each individual condition. One match is not enough.

Trap No. 5: Important information at the end

medium

The decisive information is often in the last line.

Example
Job advertisement → only at the end do you see the name of the company.
Rule

Read the advertisement in full and not just the heading.

Trap No. 6: Buying vs. working

medium

One topic, but different goals: buying something or finding a job.

Rule

First determine the person's goal.

Trap No. 7: Answer "x"

frequent mistake

The task always contains situations with no matching advertisement.

Typical mistake
Learners are afraid to put x and therefore choose a "similar" advertisement.
Basic rule

If no advertisement fits completely, the answer is x. This is part of the task.

2

The logic of solving the task

1

Read the situations carefully

Mark keywords: verbs, details and the target group.

2

Identify the conditions

Is it one condition or two? All of them must match.

3

Read the advertisements in full

The heading is only the beginning. The answer is often in the details.

4

Find the easy answers first

Start with the obvious matches.

5

Eliminate already used options

Each advertisement may only be used once.

6

Do not be afraid of x

It is better to put x than to choose a wrong answer.

3

The most important conclusion

The 3 rules for Reading Part 3 — summary

  • Read the conditions carefully — not just the topic.

  • Check every detail — one match is not enough.

  • Do not be afraid of x — it is part of the task.

Reading Part 3 in the telc B1 exam does not test understanding of the topic, but understanding of the exact needs: who, what, for whom and with what goal.

We wish you every success in the exam!