Reading B1/B2. Model 3. Summarise every text

🟦 B1 Reading – Gapped Text (LONG VERSION)

Topic: The London SubwaySuggested time: 10–12 minutes

Instructions

Six paragraphs have been removed. Choose from A–G for gaps 1–6. There is one extra paragraph.

TEXT (B1)

The London Underground, known everywhere as “the Tube,” is one of the city’s most important forms of transportation. Every day, millions of people rely on it to travel to work, school, museums, and parks. It is a symbol of London, and many visitors say that no trip to the city feels complete without riding it.

1 [ ]

The first Underground line opened in 1863 and quickly became a great success. People at the time were surprised that trains could travel safely under the ground. Soon, more lines were added, and the system grew to connect many parts of the city.

2 [ ]

Each Underground line has its own name, such as the Central, District, or Northern Line. These lines are shown with different colours on the Tube map, which helps travellers understand the system even if they have never visited London before. The map has become famous around the world for being simple and clear.

3 [ ]

During busy times, called “rush hours,” trains and stations can get extremely crowded. Many Londoners use the Tube every morning and afternoon to travel to and from their workplace. Because of this, some people choose to wait for the next train if the first one is too full.

4 [ ]

Tourists also enjoy the Tube because it makes travelling quick and easy. Popular attractions like the British Museum, Covent Garden, and the Natural History Museum can all be reached in minutes. Some visitors even buy souvenirs with the Tube logo because it represents London so well.

5 [ ]

Although the Underground is helpful, passengers must also be careful. Stations are busy places, and travellers need to pay attention to the signs and announcements. Safety messages remind people to keep their bags close, hold onto handrails, and stand behind the yellow line on the platform.

6 [ ]

Even with occasional delays or crowded trains, most people agree that the Tube is an essential part of London life. It connects people, reduces traffic on the roads, and helps the city run smoothly every single day.

Paragraphs (A–G) for B1

A. This is why many stations have helpful maps and signs to guide people to the correct platforms.B. Over the years, the Tube has expanded to more than 270 stations and continues to grow.C. Because of this, the city often reminds passengers to stay patient and follow safety rules.D. For Londoners, it is one of the fastest ways to travel long distances around the city.E. Visitors also often take photos inside the stations because they like the bright signs and colourful maps.F. It was originally built to help reduce traffic in the busy streets above.G. Many Londoners appreciate how reliable and convenient the service usually is.

🟦 🧠 B1 Tips for Gapped Text (Extended)

• At B1, texts follow a simple, logical order: History → Today → Problems → Tourism → Safety → Importance.

• Look for clear links:

  • “Because of this…” → refers to a problem.

  • “This is why…” → explanation of something just mentioned.

• Paragraphs talking about tourists should go near the section on attractions.

• Paragraphs about maps, signs, and platforms match the idea of finding your way.

• Paragraphs about crowds/safety match the section on rush hours.

🟩 B2 Reading – Gapped Text

Topic: The London SubwaySuggested time: 10 minutes

Instructions

Six paragraphs have been removed. Choose from A–G for gaps 1–6. There is one extra paragraph.

TEXT (B2 – Expanded)

The London Underground is one of the oldest and most influential transport systems in the world. Since the nineteenth century, it has shaped not only the layout of the city but also how Londoners experience distance, time, and mobility. Today, it continues to function as the backbone of the city, carrying millions of passengers through a complex network of tunnels and stations.

1 [ ]

When the Metropolitan Railway opened in 1863, it offered a new solution to London’s growing traffic crisis. Over the next several decades, technological developments allowed the system to expand rapidly. Electrification, new tunnelling methods, and improved station design ensured that the network could adapt to the needs of a changing and increasingly crowded city.

2 [ ]

One of the Underground’s defining features is its distinctive visual language. The red-and-blue roundel, the Johnston typeface, and Harry Beck’s diagrammatic map have become symbols not just of the transport system but of London itself. These designs combine clarity, elegance, and practicality, and they have influenced public-transport branding around the world.

3 [ ]

However, the system also faces persistent difficulties. Overcrowding, ageing infrastructure, and the challenge of maintaining equipment that is more than a century old all require constant attention. Engineers and planners must upgrade lines without disrupting the essential service that millions depend on every day.

4 [ ]

In response, London has invested heavily in modernisation. New trains with air-conditioning and improved accessibility features have been introduced, and many stations now provide step-free access and real-time digital information. These improvements aim to create a more comfortable experience for passengers while preserving the system’s historic character.

5 [ ]

Environmental considerations are also becoming central to London’s transport strategy. The Underground increasingly relies on energy-efficient trains, regenerative braking systems, and LED lighting. Reducing carbon emissions while keeping up with passenger demand has become a key priority for the network.

6 [ ]

As the city looks to the future, the Underground remains both a practical necessity and a cultural icon. Its history shows a remarkable ability to evolve without losing its identity. The Tube continues to reflect London’s creativity, challenges, and ambition, proving that even long-established systems can reinvent themselves to meet modern expectations.

Paragraphs (A–G) for B2

A. This balance between preserving heritage and embracing innovation requires careful planning and significant investment. B. These visual elements demonstrate how good design can influence public understanding and national identity. C. Because of these pressures, long-term maintenance projects have become central to the network’s strategy.D. This evolution from Victorian engineering to modern technology explains why the system is often considered a living piece of history.E. These environmental efforts show how traditional transport systems can support sustainable urban development. F. At the same time, rising passenger numbers have led to debates about whether the system can continue to meet demand.G. While these improvements are widely appreciated, some critics argue that they still do not address the need for additional lines.

🟩 🧠 B2 Tips for Gapped Text

• Track the conceptual flow:History → design → challenges → upgrades → sustainability → conclusion.

• Look for abstract connections such as:

  • identity

  • heritage

  • innovation

  • sustainability

  • long-term planning

• Identify reference chains:

  • “These improvements…” → must refer to improvements in the previous paragraph.

  • “This evolution…” → must refer to historical development.

• Check the paragraph’s function:

  • gives an example

  • provides contrast

  • gives a consequence

  • concludes an argument

• Paragraphs in B2 often have subtle shifts in tone — match tone to the surrounding text.