EOI B1&B2 Module 4 Reading. Tips & Practice

🔑 Master Key & Strategic Tips

📖 Task 1: Detailed Reading (Paraphrasing & Gatekeeping)

Decoding the Metaphor: The term "Gatekeepers" is central to this text. Students must understand that this refers to "control." The correct answer uses the phrase "control... decreased," which is a perfect B2 paraphrase of the word "decentralized."
The "Echo Chamber" Logic: Ensure students understand the link between algorithms and bias. If a question asks about the "result" of an echo chamber, they should look for concepts like "distorted reality" or "accepting lies."
Abstract Comparison: When the text mentions "Deepfakes," it describes them as "digital fabrications." The correct answer will likely use synonyms like "artificial" or "non-genuine."

🧠 Task 2: Multiple Choice Cloze (Precision & Collocations)

Collocation Mastery: In Gap (1), while "runs" or "goes" might seem possible in other languages, in English, information or news always "spreads." This is a high-frequency B2 collocation.
Identifying Register: In Gap (2), the text discusses "clickbait" and exaggerated headlines. The word "sensational" is the specific academic term used to describe this type of journalism.
Verb Patterns: In Gap (3), notice the word "people" after the gap. We use "encourage someone to do something," whereas "make" would be followed by the base form (make people share).

✍️ Task 3 & 4: Open Cloze & Word Formation (Grammar & Prefixes)

Dependent Prepositions: In Task 3, "Suffer from" (Gap 3) and "Connected with" (Gap 2) are essential B1-B2 structures. Students should memorize these verb-preposition pairs as single blocks of information.
The Negative Prefix Trap: In Task 4, Gap (4) is the biggest B2 hurdle. The base word is "RESPONSIBLE," but because the text says this behavior causes "confusion," students must use the negative prefix: "Irresponsible."
Noun Accuracy: For Gap (2), the verb is "Accurate." After the article "the," we need the noun: "Accuracy."

🔄 Task 5: Key Word Transformation (The B2 Tense Shift)

Criticizing the Past: Question 1 ("shouldn't have believed") tests the use of modal verbs in the past. This is a classic way to distinguish a B2 student from a B1 student.
The Third Conditional: Question 3 ("if I had turned") is the "star" item of the exam. Since the original situation was in the past ("I didn't see"), the transformation must use the Past Perfect.
Reported Speech Warnings: In Question 4, the verb WARNED requires the structure: warned someone (not) to do something.

🧩 Task 6: Text Reconstruction (Cohesion & Narrative Flow)

Track the Pronouns: In Gap (1), the answer is (C) because "This simple lie" refers back to the "claim" made in the blog.
Chronological Logic: In Gap (2), the text says the media was slow and the public was impatient. The logical consequence is (A): "This lack of speed made the situation even worse."
The "However" Turn: In Gap (4), the story shifts from panic to the truth being revealed. This requires a contrast linker: "However" (Option B).

📑 Task 7: Multiple Matching (Keywords & Scanning)

Professional Perspectives: Students should scan for "tools" or "images" to find Greg (A), or look for "old days" and "rules" to find Arthur (C).
Psychological Reward: For Question 8, students need to find Dr. Vera (D), who is the only one mentioning the "sense of reward" or the brain's "pattern" seeking.
Pressure & Speed: Samantha (B) is the only one who discusses the specific stress of keeping her followers and the "intense pressure" of breaking news.

⚡ Final Pro-Tip for Students:

After completing the Use of English parts (3, 4, and 5), read the sentences again. If the grammar is correct but the sentence sounds "unnatural" or the meaning has changed, you have likely missed a negative prefix or used the wrong preposition.