Aptis for Teachers: Reading Test Part 2: Text Cohesion
Aptis for Teachers Reading Test Part 2 follows the same format as that of Aptis General. But you only have to do one task, not two, and you have to re-order six sentences, not five. The difference, as always, lies in the content. Each component of the Aptis for Teachers Test is set within an educational framework. Topics and situations will always be familiar to teachers.
In the second part of the Reading Test you have to do re-order a very short text. This is to test text cohesion. So let’s begin by looking at what that means in terms of both reading and writing.
As you probably know, cohesion means ‘sticking together’, so a cohesive text is basically one that makes sense. It follows a logical sequence.
In the Reading Test part 2 there are seven sentences. The first sentence is already done for you, and you have to put the remaining six sentences into the correct order to form a very short text. There’s only one correct solution.
So how do you do that? In the first place, the texts will usually be about everyday educational situations and activities. So using your common sense can help – you need to look for a logical structure. For example, you enter the classroom, you take the register, then you write the date on the board and introduce the theme of the lesson, etc. Secondly, you need to train yourself to look for clues in the text that will help you re-order the sentences.
What types of words can act as clues?
These could be:
Sequencing words: firstly, then, when, while, before, after, afterwards, finally, etc.
Words that introduce reasons: because, since, so, as, that’s why, etc.
Numerical information: times, dates, the first, the second, etc.
Pronouns: When we first talk about a person, we usually use their name – for example, Chris. Then later we can use the pronouns she or her to refer to Chris again. The same is true with things; we can use the pronouns it or them.
Articles: Similarly, the first time we mention something, we usually use the indefinite article – for example, a toy. Then later on we use the definite article.
Look at these sentences:
Chris went into class.
She greeted the students, then realised there was a child crying in the room. (She refers to Chris, and this is the first time we hear about a child.)
The child (now we know about the child) was looking at a broken toy on the floor.
Chris picked it up and tried to calm the children down. (It refers to the broken toy.)
Here’s some advice on how to approach the text cohesion tasks
First, quickly read the all the sentences to try to get the general meaning.
Think about what makes a logical sequence of events.
Look for sequencing words – these will help you a lot.
Then look for other clues (see above list).
Put the sentences into order.
Finally, re-read them to check that the text makes sense.
NOTE: Never leave this task unfinished. If you’re not sure, just do your best.
Reading Test Part Two: Instructions
In the Aptis Tests, the first sentence of the Text Cohesion task is always done for you as an example. Then you have to click and drag the other five to re-order them correctly.
In the official test you only have to do one of these tasks. But we’ve got four exam-style practice tests for you! If you’re working on a desktop computer, our practice tests work exactly like in the official exam – you click and drag the sentences. If you’re doing it on a mobile, you’ll have to use the up/down arrows.
In both cases press ‘Check’ when you’ve finished. You’ll also find the solutions at the bottom of the page.
Reading Test Part Two: Text Cohesion 1
Reading Test Part Two: Text Cohesion 2
Reading Test Part Two: Text Cohesion 3
Reading Test Part Two: Text Cohesion 4
Next steps
To further practise your technique for this part of the test, try Aptis Reading Test Part 2: Text Cohesion. It’s for Aptis General, but all practice is good practice!
Make sure you’ve also done Aptis for Teachers Reading Part 1: Sentence Comprehension, then go on to Part Three: Short Text Comprehension and Part Four: Long Text Comprehension.
Again, why not try the Aptis General Readings too? You’ll find them all in the Guide.
The best way to improve your skills in this area is to read as much as you can. Look at our Top Tips to help you pass the Reading Test, where we talk about Graded Readers and other materials.
Make sure you read the Overview of the Reading Test to familiarise yourself with all four parts.
SOLUTIONS:
Test 1
- Before you set foot in the classroom, think about your aims and the objectives of the lesson.
- Firstly, tell the students why you are doing the activity and what you hope they will learn.
- Understanding the reason behind the lesson should engage them and spark some interest.
- After that, give the students clear instructions and check they’ve understood.
- Be prepared to answer any questions if they haven’t.
- Then do some stretching and gentle warm-ups, and you’ll finally be ready to start the activity.
Test 2
- Frogs have multiple stages in their life cycle. Unlike mammals, frogs lay eggs.
- Some lay tens of thousands, while others only lay a few.
- The eggs then hatch, and out come the tadpoles.
- After about 14 weeks, these develop into froglets.
- Froglets still have long tails, like when they were tadpoles.
- Their tails eventually shorten and they start to look like adult frogs.
Test 3
- The Roman Empire was one of the most influential civilisations that has ever existed. It was also one of the largest.
- It was founded when Augustus Caesar proclaimed himself the first emperor of Rome in 31BC.
- In order for the emperors to control their empire, they developed important ideas about laws, government and trade.
- This third point was especially important for Rome, which was then the most populous city in the world and needed a strong marketplace.
- So roads were built to help facilitate trade and bring the necessary produce and products for the people of the capital.
- The last Roman emperor, Romulus Augustus, was defeated by the German Goth Odoacer in 476AD, and that was the end of the Roman Empire.
Test 4
- In 1956, John Lennon and some of his friends in Liverpool started a group called the Quarrymen.
- They couldn’t find any work in their home city, so they went to Hamburg in Germany and changed their name.
- There they played concerts for seven hours a night during the week, and eight at weekends!
- Even though they worked so hard, they didn’t make very much money and they lived on meatballs and beer.
- On New Year’s Eve in 1962, they played their last concert in Hamburg and returned to Liverpool.
- The following year, they released their first record and it got to number 17 in the UK charts. The Beatles were finally on their way to becoming famous!
After doing sample reading tests, I noticed how it would be it’s level and how I could do. It really helped me assess the exam. I would like to have more practice tests to do in order to improve my knowledge. Thanks a lot.
Hi Naima, We’re so glad to be able to help you with your revision, and I’m happy to tell you that we’ll be posting Reading Part 3 for Teachers today! With Part 4 coming very soon. Meanwhile, we strongly recommend you to do all the Aptis General tests too – they’re all the same in format except for part 3. Let us know how you get on!
Hi, Chris. Thanks for attention. After doing sample tests, I got high scores in the exam last week. Top tips and clues really helped me during the exam. I would like to thank you a lot. However, I never stop learning. I always watch your sample tests.
That’s great news, Naima –well done! We’re really happy we could help, and very pleased that you’re continuing to study with us. Please recommend us to all your friends and colleagues!
Thanks a lot for making us some tests to do. Appreciate it!
You’re welcome Adora – very soon we’ll be adding some more! Have a good weekend and good luck with your studying. All the best John and Chris.
Perfect sorry can you give listening tasks with answers for teachers
Hi Nargiza
We hope to upload some samples in a few weeks. All the best John and Chris
Nice can you put some reading materials with answers according to Aptis
Hi Nargiza – Thanks for leaving a comment. We’re adding some material to our YouTube channel at the moment, once we’ve done then we’ll add some more reading materials. All the best John and Chris
Hi! There are some misunderstandings associated with the order of the sentences. Could you make them more understandable
Hi Mikaddas – I see what you mean, we’ve just put some examples on the webpage and haven’t explained how to work out the answers! When we have some free time we’ll upload a video with some tips on how to do that part of the exam. All the best John and Chris
Hello. Could you upload more practice materials please? There are few of them…
Hi Nelli, We do our best, but it takes time to write good practice materials. I’m sure you can find something in our 100+ posts – make sure you do all the Aptis General tests too, as the format is virtually the same 😀👍🏻