From CLB 8 to CLB 9 in Part 2
At CLB 9, you need 8 out of 8 on Part 2. Zero errors. Part 2 is your most "verifiable" section — every answer can be traced back to a specific piece of data. This makes it the ideal section to guarantee a perfect score.
The single biggest score killer: missing exceptions. A schedule says "Daily 9–5" but a note says "Closed Mondays." A price says "$25" but there's a footnote saying "Plus tax." One overlooked detail = one lost mark.
The Exception Scan
After studying the diagram, do a dedicated exception scan (15 seconds):
Look specifically for: - Asterisks (*) - "Except," "not including," "excludes" - "Only," "limited to," "subject to" - Italic or smaller text - Footnotes below the diagram
These exceptions are where CLB 9 questions target. A question might seem simple ("What time does the pool close?") but the answer changes if there's an exception for the specific day mentioned in the email.
Handling Paraphrased Data
At CLB 9, the question and answer options often rephrase the diagram's labels:
- Diagram says: "Complimentary breakfast included" - Question says: "Which option provides a free morning meal?"
If you're searching the diagram for "free morning meal," you won't find it. You need to translate between the question's wording and the diagram's terminology.
Strategy: For each question, identify the core concept being asked about (not the exact words), then find where that concept appears in the diagram, regardless of how it's worded.
The Verify Protocol
For every Part 2 answer at CLB 9, apply this 3-step check:
1. Source check: Can I point to the exact place in the diagram or text that proves my answer? 2. Condition check: Are there any conditions, exceptions, or footnotes that modify this answer? 3. Wording check: Does my answer match what the question asked, or did I answer a slightly different question?
This takes 10 seconds per question but eliminates the careless errors that keep you at CLB 8.
Speed for Time Banking
At CLB 9 reading speed, Part 2 should take 7–8 minutes. Aim to finish with 1–2 minutes to spare, which you can bank for Part 4.
- 60 seconds: Study diagram + exception scan - 90 seconds: Read email/text - 5 minutes: Answer all 8 questions with verification - Remaining time: Banked for Parts 3–4