Practise the four Paper 1 reading formats
Recognise short-answer, matching, note-completion and multiple-choice reading tasks used in 0548 Paper 1.
Exam scope and assessment notes
This is an original starter sequence, not a complete 130-guided-hour course or a timed specimen paper. Browser speech synthesis is supplemental practice, not Cambridge audio; an Afrikaans voice may be unavailable or use unsuitable pronunciation, accent or pacing. No speaking component is assessed in 0548. Writing examples are self-review models, not Cambridge marks or grades. A qualified Afrikaans teacher should review the original language before this is described as publication-ready.
Before you begin
Work on paper. Try each question before revealing help, and explain why your method works.
Quick readiness check
Which reading format requires a learner to select a section for each question?
What you will learn
- Use short responses for precise information.
- Match ideas across related sections.
- Complete notes and choose a supported reading answer.
Know the four reading tasks
Exercise 1 uses a text of about 400–450 words and short single-word or phrase answers (8 marks). Exercise 2 matches nine questions to one continuous text divided into up to five sections, or up to five shorter related texts (9 marks).
Exercise 3 asks learners to complete brief notes from a 400–500-word text (7 marks). Exercise 4 uses a 550–600-word text and six three-option multiple-choice questions about ideas, details and attitudes (6 marks).
All four formats test reading objectives R1–R4 in different combinations. The 2025–27 and 2028–30 routes use this revised structure; the old summary task is not part of these cycles.
Keep responses within the evidence
For matching, annotate each text's main idea before matching. For notes, keep each answer short and within the note heading.
For multiple choice, find the line supporting the option and check for words that make a distractor too broad or reverse the writer's view.
StudyForA's practice is original and shorter than a full 0548 reading paper.
Sources for this lesson
Pause and explain
How should a matching question be answered?
Worked example
A note asks for «Twee redes waarom die museum belangrik is» (two reasons why the museum matters). The text mentions preserving local history and giving students a place to research. What belongs in the notes?
Show the worked solution
- Use the heading to decide the number of answers.
- Find two separate supporting details.
- Keep each answer concise.
Answer The two notes are: it preserves local history; it gives students a place to do research. They are separate reasons.
Try a topic test
Choose Easy, Normal or Difficult. Save your answers and open worked review after finishing.
Test this topic →From guided practice to a new situation
Write your answer and reasoning first. Use a hint only if you are stuck. The model solution is for self-checking; your written work is not automatically marked.
A note heading asks «Tyd en plek» (time and place). The text says «Die praatjie begin Donderdag om drieuur in lokaal ses». Complete the note.
Give me a hint
Copy the time and place, not the day unless asked.
Compare my reasoning
- Find the meeting time.
- Find the room.
- Write the two details under the heading.
3:00; Room 6 («lokaal ses»). Thursday is the day, not one of the two requested fields.
Look for these in your work
- Finds both fields
- Uses concise answers
- Distinguishes day from place
A section says a park is popular for its walking paths; another says it closes before sunset. A question asks which section explains a reason visitors like the park. Which section matches?
Give me a hint
Match the question's purpose, not the first occurrence of the word 'park'.
Compare my reasoning
- Identify that the question asks for a positive reason.
- Find the section naming an attraction.
- Reject the closing-time detail.
The section about the walking paths matches because it gives a reason visitors like the park. The early closing time is a limitation, not an attraction.
Look for these in your work
- Matches the idea
- Uses the question's purpose
- Rejects a distractor
In a multiple-choice question, options A and B both appear in the text, but only B answers why the writer changed plans. How do you choose?
Give me a hint
Check the question word «why» and connect the reason to the change.
Compare my reasoning
- Find the change of plan.
- Locate the stated reason.
- Select the option that links them.
Choose B if it states the reason for changing plans. A detail can be true yet fail to answer the question asked.
Look for these in your work
- Checks question scope
- Uses cause evidence
- Rejects a merely true detail
Common mistakes
- Putting three answers in a two-note task
- Matching a question by a repeated word instead of its idea
- Choosing an option that sounds plausible but is not supported
What can you explain now?
How should a matching question be answered?
Compare with the explanation
Find the section that contains the relevant idea
Matching depends on the idea, not just a shared word.
After trying it yourself, choose your next review. This is your self-assessment.
Your review choice appears on Today. Sign in to sync it across devices.
Make it stick
Explain one decision that helped you answer: use short responses for precise information.
If you needed the solution, close it and solve the problem again from a blank page. A correct answer is stronger when you can explain the reason for each step.