GT Reading Section 2: Workplace Texts

Section 2 of the General Training Reading test bridges everyday survival English (Section 1) and academic-level reading (Section 3). It presents texts you would encounter in a work or training environment. Mastering this section is essential for Band 7+ because the texts are longer and more nuanced than Section 1, and the scoring threshold for GT is unforgiving.

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What to Expect

Section 2 typically contains two texts with a combined total of approximately 13 questions. You should allocate around 20 minutes to this section.

Common Text Types

Text Type	Examples
Job descriptions and person specifications	Skills required, responsibilities, working conditions
Employment contracts	Terms of employment, notice periods, probationary periods
Company policies	Health and safety, IT usage, grievance procedures, dress code
Training materials	Induction guides, procedural manuals, safety training
Staff handbooks	Leave policies, benefits, professional development, code of conduct
Workplace notices	Meeting agendas, internal memos, restructuring announcements
Application procedures	How to apply, required documents, selection process, deadlines

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Common Question Types in Section 2

1. Matching Headings

You are given a list of headings (usually more headings than paragraphs) and must select the best heading for each paragraph or section.

Strategy:

• Read the first and last sentences of each paragraph — these usually contain the main idea.
• Eliminate headings as you use them (unless instructed that headings may be used more than once).
• Beware of headings that mention a detail from the paragraph but do not capture its main idea.

Matching Headings: Common Trap
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Paragraph about employee health insurance:
"All permanent staff are entitled to private health insurance
after completing their probationary period of 3 months. The
company covers 80% of premiums. Dependants may be added at
the employee's expense."

WRONG heading: "The probationary period" (detail, not main idea)
RIGHT heading: "Health insurance entitlements"

Band 7+ Tip: If two headings seem to fit the same paragraph, one of them is probably a detail-trap. The correct heading will cover the whole paragraph, not just one sentence.

2. Matching Features / Information

You match a list of features, people, or categories to information in the text.

Strategy:

• Identify the categories first (e.g. "Part-time staff", "Full-time staff", "Contractors").
• Scan the text for each category and note what applies to each.
• Some items may apply to more than one category — read the instructions carefully.

3. Multiple Choice

You select the correct answer from options A, B, C, or D.

Strategy:

• Read the question stem carefully before looking at the options.
• Locate the relevant section of the text.
• Eliminate options that are clearly wrong.
• Watch for "all of the above" or "none of the above" traps.
• The correct answer is usually a paraphrase of the text, not a direct quote.

4. Yes / No / Not Given

Similar to True/False/Not Given, but these questions ask whether statements match the claims or views of the writer (rather than factual information).

• Yes = the writer agrees with or supports this statement.
• No = the writer disagrees with or contradicts this statement.
• Not Given = the writer does not express a view on this.

Band 7+ Tip: Yes/No/Not Given questions test the writer's opinion, not facts. Look for opinion markers: "should", "believe", "it is important that", "ideally", "unfortunately".

5. Summary Completion

You complete a summary of part of the text using words from the text or from a provided list.

Strategy:

• Read the summary first to understand its structure.
• Identify the section of the text it relates to.
• Fill in gaps using the exact words from the text (if instructed) or the best option from the list.

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Understanding Workplace Language

Workplace texts use formal and semi-formal register. Recognising this language is critical.

Employment Terms