A strategy for long B1 reading texts

Preview the structure

Look at the title and paragraph breaks to predict the subject. Read the question and decide whether it asks for a reason, result, condition, example or writer’s opinion. This gives you a target while scanning.

Track the relationship between ideas

Notice connectors such as maar (but), daarom (therefore), hoewel (although) and bijvoorbeeld (for example). Pronouns and repeated names can link a later sentence to an earlier point. Read the complete sentence around a possible clue; a nearby word match may still have the wrong meaning.

Compare evidence with every option

Find the detail that answers the question, then check whether the option says the same thing without adding or changing a condition. If two answers seem plausible, compare who did what, when it happened and whether the author presents it as a fact, reason or opinion.

Use the dictionary strategically

For NT2 Reading, the permitted paper dictionary is available under strict rules; no electronic aid is allowed. Practise first by inferring meaning from context, then look up only a word that blocks the answer. Use official sample tasks to learn the screen and timing, and review errors by question type.