Reading B1/B2 . Model 2: Choose the answer for every text.

🌟 B1 Level – “The Shadow of the Wind – Stories Within a City”

You are going to read six short texts about The Shadow of the Wind. For questions 1–6, choose from the texts A–F.

🧠 B1 Reading Tips (Integrated)

Step	Strategy	How It Helps
1	Look for the main idea of each text	Helps you quickly identify focus of A–F
2	Watch for keywords	“mystery,” “danger,” “love,” “books” → match to questions
3	Don’t worry about every detail	Focus on the big picture
4	Compare texts for similarities and differences	Helps with questions that involve contrasts

Texts A–F

Text A – A City Full of Secrets

This reviewer enjoys how the novel makes Barcelona feel mysterious. They describe dark alleys, old libraries, and hidden corners, which create a magical and slightly dangerous atmosphere. According to the reviewer, the setting is like another character in the story. The city’s streets and buildings influence the actions of the characters, making readers feel like they are part of the adventure.

Text B – A Love for Books

This reviewer highlights the novel’s focus on books and reading. They explain that the story begins in a secret library called the Cemetery of Forgotten Books. The main character, Daniel, discovers a novel that changes his life. The reviewer praises how the book shows the power of stories to inspire, teach lessons, and connect people across time.

Text C – Mystery and Suspense

This reviewer emphasizes the suspense in the novel. They describe how the story keeps readers guessing about secrets, past crimes, and hidden identities. According to them, the book is exciting because the main character slowly uncovers mysteries that involve danger, betrayal, and long-forgotten events. They say this suspense makes the novel hard to put down.

Text D – Characters with Depth

For this reviewer, the main strength of the novel is its characters. Daniel, his friends, and the people he meets in Barcelona are complex and believable. The reviewer explains that each character has strengths and weaknesses, fears and desires, which makes the story feel real. They appreciate how the author develops personalities as the plot unfolds.

Text E – Romance and Friendship

This reviewer focuses on the relationships in the novel. They discuss Daniel’s friendships and romantic feelings, explaining how these personal connections influence the story. The reviewer notes that love, loyalty, and trust are central to the narrative, and they highlight how emotional bonds motivate characters’ decisions.

Text F – History and Memory

This reviewer admires how the novel mixes history and fiction. They point out that post-war Barcelona, its culture, and its past conflicts are woven into the story. According to the reviewer, this historical context adds depth, showing how events and memories affect people’s lives and decisions. They value the book not only as a mystery but also as a portrait of a city and its history.

🧩 Questions 1–6

1. Which writer focuses on the mysterious atmosphere of the city?A B C D E F

2. Which writer highlights the importance of books and stories?A B C D E F

3. Which writer emphasizes suspense and hidden secrets?A B C D E F

4. Which writer praises the development of characters?A B C D E F

5. Which writer focuses on love and friendship?A B C D E F

6. Which writer is interested in historical context and memory?A B C D E F

✅ Answer Key (B1)

1 A 2 B 3 C 4 D 5 E 6 F

🌟 B2 Level – “The Shadow of the Wind – Mystery, Memory, and Emotion”

You are going to read six short texts about The Shadow of the Wind. For questions 1–6, choose from the texts A–F.

🧠 B2 Reading Tips (Integrated)

Advanced Skill	How to Apply	Example
Identify main focus	Is the text about atmosphere, plot, characters, romance, or history?	Helps separate A–F
Detect attitude words	admires, highlights, warns, appreciates	Shows reviewer opinion
Watch for contrast markers	although, while, but	Helps interpret subtle opinions
Avoid surface traps	Same words may appear in multiple texts	Look for unique focus

Texts A–F

Text A – Barcelona as a Living Character

This reviewer admires how the author makes Barcelona feel alive. The streets, old buildings, and hidden corners influence the story. They explain that the city itself seems to interact with the characters, shaping their decisions and emotions. The reviewer believes that Zafón uses the city not just as a backdrop, but almost as a character with personality and secrets.

Text B – The Power of Books

For this reviewer, the novel shows how books can change lives. Daniel finds a book in the Cemetery of Forgotten Books, and it leads him to new experiences, knowledge, and adventures. The reviewer praises how the novel celebrates reading, imagination, and storytelling as forces that connect people and generations.

Text C – Unraveling Mystery

This reviewer highlights suspense and hidden truths. They discuss how Daniel uncovers secrets about past events, crimes, and identities. The reviewer points out that danger, betrayal, and forgotten histories make the novel compelling. They also note that readers feel involved, as the story slowly reveals answers to long-standing mysteries.

Text D – Depth of Character

This reviewer believes the novel’s main strength is the complex and realistic characters. Daniel, Fermin, and others are described with both strengths and flaws. According to the reviewer, these layered personalities make readers care about the story and understand motivations behind each decision.

Text E – Emotional Connections

This reviewer focuses on the emotional aspects of the novel. They highlight friendships, loyalty, and romantic relationships, noting how these influence the plot. They argue that the novel’s appeal lies not only in suspense but also in the realistic portrayal of love and human connection.

Text F – Historical Layers

For this reviewer, post-war Barcelona and its history are essential to the story. They explain that the political and social context affects the characters’ lives, adding depth to the plot. The reviewer values the integration of history, memory, and culture, which enrich the narrative beyond being just a mystery story.

🧩 Questions 1–6

1. Which reviewer focuses on the mysterious and alive atmosphere of the city?A B C D E F

2. Which reviewer emphasizes books and storytelling?A B C D E F

3. Which reviewer highlights suspense and hidden secrets?A B C D E F

4. Which reviewer praises the novel’s characters?A B C D E F

5. Which reviewer focuses on emotional relationships like love and friendship?A B C D E F

6. Which reviewer values the historical context and memory in the story?A B C D E F

✅ Answer Key (B2)

1 A 2 B 3 C 4 D 5 E 6 F