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

🟦 B1 Reading – Gapped Text (La Gomera)

Topic: La Gomera – A Small Island with a Big Story

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

Texts (B1 – Simplified)

A

La Gomera is a small island in the Canary Islands, Spain. It is famous for its mountains, deep valleys, and beautiful forests. Many tourists visit to enjoy the natural landscapes and hiking paths. It is quieter than Tenerife or Gran Canaria, so it is a perfect place for people who want to relax.

B

People on La Gomera have a unique way of communicating called El Silbo Gomero. It is a whistled language that can be heard across the valleys. Farmers and villagers use it to talk over long distances. This tradition has existed for hundreds of years and is now protected by UNESCO as a cultural heritage.

C

The island has a rich history. It was important for trade and travel between the Canary Islands and the Americas. Christopher Columbus stopped there before his voyage to the New World. Today, visitors can explore old towns, historic buildings, and museums that tell the story of La Gomera.

D

La Gomera is also home to many festivals and traditions. Local music, dancing, and food events take place all year. People enjoy celebrating both religious and cultural holidays. Tourists can participate and learn about local customs, which makes the visit more interesting.

Questions (B1)

Which writer…

1. describes La Gomera’s mountains and forests?

2. talks about El Silbo Gomero?

3. mentions Columbus visiting the island?

4. focuses on festivals and traditions?

5. says the island is quieter than other Canary Islands?

6. highlights hiking and tourism?

7. explains the whistled language is protected by UNESCO?

8. refers to museums and historical buildings?

9. encourages visitors to enjoy cultural events?

10. gives general facts about the island’s location?

    
    

✅ Answer Key (B1)

Q	Text	Justification
1	A	“Mountains, deep valleys, and beautiful forests.”
2	B	“People… have a unique way of communicating called El Silbo Gomero.”
3	C	“Christopher Columbus stopped there before his voyage.”
4	D	“Festivals and traditions… music, dancing, and food events.”
5	A	“Quieter than Tenerife or Gran Canaria.”
6	A	“Many tourists visit to enjoy… hiking paths.”
7	B	“Now protected by UNESCO as cultural heritage.”
8	C	“Visitors can explore old towns, historic buildings, and museums.”
9	D	“Tourists can participate and learn about local customs.”
10	A	“A small island in the Canary Islands, Spain.”

🧠 B1 Tips

• Look for keywords: mountains, language, history, festivals.

• Track topic shifts: nature → language → history → culture.

• B1 texts use simple, clear facts.

• Match specific details in questions with words in the text.

🟩 B2 Reading – Gapped Text (La Gomera)

Topic: La Gomera – Culture, Nature, and History

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

Texts (B2 – Moderate Complexity)

A

La Gomera is one of the smaller Canary Islands, located west of Tenerife. Its dramatic landscapes, including deep ravines, high cliffs, and ancient forests, attract hikers and nature lovers. The island’s relative isolation has helped preserve traditional ways of life, making it a unique destination for travellers seeking both adventure and tranquillity.

B

The island is famous for El Silbo Gomero, a whistled language used by residents to communicate across valleys. Originally developed for practical purposes, it has become a symbol of cultural identity. UNESCO recognised it as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. Today, it represents both a historical survival technique and a source of pride for the local community.

C

Historically, La Gomera played a role in maritime trade and exploration. Christopher Columbus stopped at the island on his way to the Americas, relying on its ports and resources. Evidence of this history is preserved in museums, colonial architecture, and archaeological sites. These provide insight into how the island connected to wider European and Atlantic networks.

D

In addition to natural and historical attractions, La Gomera hosts numerous cultural festivals. Music, dance, and culinary events take place throughout the year, combining traditional and modern influences. These celebrations offer both locals and visitors the opportunity to experience the island’s living culture, reinforcing a sense of community while promoting tourism.

Questions (B2)

Which writer…

1. highlights the island’s natural landscapes and hiking opportunities?

2. focuses on El Silbo Gomero as a symbol of identity?

3. mentions Columbus and the historical importance of ports?

4. discusses cultural festivals and traditions?

5. emphasises the island’s quiet, preserved lifestyle?

6. talks about UNESCO recognition of local traditions?

7. links historical sites with wider European and Atlantic history?

8. explains the combination of traditional and modern influences in celebrations?

9. encourages tourists to explore both nature and culture?

10. notes the role of isolation in preserving customs?

    
    

✅ Answer Key (B2)

Q	Text	Justification
1	A	“Dramatic landscapes… attract hikers and nature lovers.”
2	B	“Symbol of cultural identity… whistled language.”
3	C	“Christopher Columbus stopped… relying on ports.”
4	D	“Music, dance, and culinary events… throughout the year.”
5	A	“Relative isolation… preserve traditional ways of life.”
6	B	“UNESCO recognised it… Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage.”
7	C	“Provide insight… wider European and Atlantic networks.”
8	D	“Combination of traditional and modern influences.”
9	A/D	A → nature; D → culture.
10	A	“Relative isolation… preserve traditional ways of life.”

🧠 B2 Tips

• Track themes: nature, culture, history, identity.

• Look for keywords: UNESCO, festivals, Columbus, hiking, whistled language.

• Identify cause-effect or importance: isolation → preserved culture; festivals → community & tourism.

• Pay attention to dual references in B2 (A/D) — sometimes multiple texts contribute to a single answer.