What Is Part 3?
Part 3 gives you a long text divided into labeled sections (usually A through E). Each section is a paragraph on a related subtopic. You have 10 minutes for 9 questions.
Questions typically ask: "In which section does the author...?" or "According to section B, what is...?"
This part tests your ability to locate specific information across multiple paragraphs — not to understand the entire text deeply.
The 2-Minute Mental Map
Before reading anything in detail, spend exactly 2 minutes:
1. Read the heading of each section (A, B, C, D, E) 2. Read the first sentence of each section — this usually states the main idea 3. Create a mental map: A = topic X, B = topic Y, C = topic Z, etc.
This upfront investment saves enormous time. When a question asks about "safety procedures," you'll immediately know: "That's Section D" — no need to scan all five paragraphs.
Think of it like a phone directory: You don't read every entry, you look up the category first.
Question-Driven Scanning
For each question:
1. Identify the key topic in the question (e.g., "membership fees," "opening hours") 2. Match it to a section using your mental map 3. Scan that section for the specific detail 4. If your first guess is wrong, check the sections next to it — related topics are often adjacent
Important: Questions are NOT in order. Question 1 might reference Section D, and Question 2 might reference Section A. Never assume they go in sequence.
Watch for Paraphrasing
The question rarely uses the exact same words as the text:
- Text says: "Employees must submit a request two weeks beforehand" - Question says: "Workers need to provide notice 14 days in advance"
"Employees" → "Workers," "two weeks" → "14 days," "submit a request" → "provide notice"
Practice tip: After reading a paragraph, try restating the main point in different words. This trains your brain to recognize paraphrased information on test day.
Time Management for Part 3
10 minutes for 9 questions:
- 2 minutes: Build your mental map (headings + first sentences) - 7 minutes: Answer questions (~45 seconds each) - 1 minute: Review flagged answers
The biggest time trap is re-reading entire paragraphs. You should be scanning for keywords, not reading word-by-word. If you find yourself reading a whole paragraph again, stop — you're in CLB 6 mode, not CLB 7.