Reading B1/B2. Model 4. Picking out specific information about texts.

🟦 B1 Reading – Gapped Text (The IRA)

Topic: The IRA – A History of Conflict and Peace

You are going to read four short texts in which different people talk about the IRA. For questions 1–10, choose from texts A–D. The texts may be chosen more than once.

Texts (B1 – Simplified)

A

The IRA, or Irish Republican Army, was a group that wanted Northern Ireland to join the Republic of Ireland. It started in the early 20th century and became more active in the 1960s and 1970s. Many people were scared of bombings and shootings, which made everyday life difficult in cities like Belfast and Londonderry. Even today, some people remember these events with fear.

B

The IRA’s activities were not only about fighting; they also tried to gain support from local communities. They wanted people to help them or at least understand their goals. This made some people admire their courage, while others strongly opposed them. The conflict affected families and neighbourhoods deeply, creating tension between different communities.

C

The British government responded to the IRA with the army and police, trying to stop attacks. Sometimes, there were mistakes, and civilians were hurt. The violence lasted for decades and caused a lot of suffering. Peace efforts took many years, and finally, agreements in the 1990s helped reduce the conflict and bring hope to the people of Northern Ireland.

D

Many books, films, and news reports talk about the IRA. Some explain history in a simple way, while others show the human cost of the conflict. The IRA has become a symbol in politics and culture, and it is often discussed when people talk about terrorism, peace, and government decisions.

Questions (B1)

Which writer…

1. explains the goals of the IRA?

2. describes how the IRA tried to gain community support?

3. talks about British government actions against the IRA?

4. mentions cultural and media representation of the IRA?

5. focuses on fear caused by violence?

6. discusses disagreements among local communities?

7. talks about mistakes that harmed civilians?

8. mentions peace agreements in the 1990s?

9. describes the IRA as a symbol in politics or culture?

10. explains the conflict lasted for many years?

    
    

✅ Answer Key (B1)

Q	Text	Justification
1	A	Explains the IRA’s goal to unite Ireland.
2	B	“Tried to gain support from local communities.”
3	C	“British government responded with army and police.”
4	D	“Books, films, and news reports talk about the IRA.”
5	A	“Many people were scared of bombings and shootings.”
6	B	“Conflict affected families and neighbourhoods… tension.”
7	C	“Sometimes civilians were hurt.”
8	C	“Peace agreements in the 1990s helped reduce conflict.”
9	D	“IRA has become a symbol in politics and culture.”
10	C	“The violence lasted for decades.”

🧠 B1 Tips

• Look for simple historical facts: who, what, when, where.

• Note keywords: goals, violence, support, government, culture.

• Match events with consequences: violence → fear; support → admiration/opposition; peace → hope.

• Avoid overthinking; the B1 text uses direct, factual language.

🟩 B2 Reading – Gapped Text (The IRA)

Topic: The IRA – Conflict, Society, and Memory

You are going to read four short analytical texts about the IRA.For questions 1–10, choose from texts A–D. Texts may be chosen more than once.

Texts (B2 – Moderate Complexity)

A

The Irish Republican Army (IRA) sought to end British control in Northern Ireland and unite it with the Republic of Ireland. Its campaigns during the late 20th century included bombings, assassinations, and paramilitary operations. These actions created widespread fear and disrupted daily life, making Northern Ireland a centre of international attention for decades.

B

Beyond armed conflict, the IRA also relied on community influence. By seeking local support, the group hoped to legitimise its political aims and gain resources. This dual strategy — violence paired with community engagement — made them a complex organisation. Opinions about the IRA were divided: some admired their determination, while others condemned their methods.

C

The British government attempted to contain the IRA through police, military operations, and legislation. Yet these measures sometimes backfired, increasing tension and harming civilians. Over time, negotiations, political dialogue, and the 1998 Good Friday Agreement played a crucial role in reducing violence and creating a framework for peace.

D

Cultural representations of the IRA — in literature, journalism, and film — reflect both historical fact and social memory. The organisation has become a symbol of resistance, nationalism, and the moral ambiguities of political violence. These portrayals shape public understanding and contribute to ongoing debates about terrorism, justice, and reconciliation in Northern Ireland.

Questions (B2)

Which critic…

1. explains the IRA’s political and military objectives?

2. describes how community support influenced IRA strategy?

3. analyses British government strategies and their consequences?

4. highlights cultural and historical representation of the IRA?

5. emphasises the human impact of violence on ordinary people?

6. mentions the complexity of public opinion regarding the IRA?

7. discusses civilian casualties caused by countermeasures?

8. refers to the Good Friday Agreement as a turning point?

9. describes the IRA as a symbol with multiple meanings?

10. notes that conflict lasted for several decades?

    
    

✅ Answer Key (B2)

Q	Text	Justification
1	A	Political/military objectives described.
2	B	“Community influence… legitimise aims.”
3	C	Government strategies, tension, civilian harm.
4	D	Literature, journalism, and film reflect IRA.
5	A	“Widespread fear and disrupted daily life.”
6	B	“Opinions… divided: admired… condemned.”
7	C	“Sometimes backfired… harming civilians.”
8	C	“1998 Good Friday Agreement… reducing violence.”
9	D	“Symbol of resistance… moral ambiguities.”
10	A	“Northern Ireland… international attention for decades.”

🧠 B2 Tips

• Pay attention to abstract ideas: symbolism, social memory, legitimacy, moral ambiguity.

• Track cause and effect: violence → fear; government action → tension; negotiation → peace.

• Note tone differences:

  • A → factual/historical

  • B → analytical/community impact

  • C → political/peace process

  • D → cultural/interpretive

• Watch reference chains: “these measures,” “this dual strategy,” “these portrayals.”