Gapped Text

Master gapped text tasks. Learn to spot cohesion, coherence, and logical flow so you can choose paragraphs that fit perfectly.

Level B2-C1-C2⏱️ 85 min📋 Requires: Advanced reading skills, Understanding of text structure, Knowledge of connectors
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What is Gapped Text?

Gapped Text is a task where paragraphs or sentences have been removed from a text and you must choose from a list which ones fit each gap. You need to understand cohesion and coherence.

Main strategies

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Cohesion devices

1. Pronoun reference

Pronouns that point back to earlier information.

Examples:
  • This, that, these, those → what do they refer to?
  • It, they, he, she → who or what is the antecedent?
  • Such, one, ones → what do they replace?
  • The former, the latter → which two items?

2. Logical connectors

Words that show relations between ideas.

Examples:
  • Contrast: However, Nevertheless, On the other hand
  • Addition: Furthermore, Moreover, In addition
  • Result: Therefore, Consequently, As a result
  • Example: For instance, Such as, Namely

3. Lexical repetition

Repetition of key words or synonyms.

Examples:
  • Exact repetition of important terms
  • Synonyms that keep the topic
  • Words from the same semantic field
  • Definitions or explanations of terms

Important rules

1. Logical flow of ideas

The paragraph must fit the progression of the text.

Examples:
  • Does it follow chronological order?
  • Does it develop the previous idea?
  • Does it introduce information at the right point?
  • Does it keep a consistent level of detail?

2. Consistency of style

The paragraph should match tone and register.

Examples:
  • Same level of formality
  • Consistent point of view (1st, 2nd, 3rd person)
  • Same dominant tense where appropriate
  • Vocabulary suited to the context

3. Elimination

Use elimination for difficult options.

Examples:
  • Which options clearly do not fit?
  • Which contradict the text?
  • Which lack a logical link?
  • Which have you already used elsewhere?
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