Reading/ Lezen:

Tips & practical information 

The reading exam consists of 10-12 passages on various subjects, and you’re required to answer 25 questions. The texts are mostly simple, for example a short formal mail or letter, advertisement from a daily newspaper, description of a trip etc. There will be 3-4 multiple choice questions based on the given text. It is a computer-based exam, and you need to finish it within 65 minutes. 

First and foremost, you must be able to read at A2 level. This means that you should be able to read short and medium-length texts. Those can be advertisements, announcements, timetables, letters, etc. Tip: First read the questions and then read the passage!  

There are of course several websites where you can practice for taking the Reading exam. I also suggest the students to read a lot, not only Dutch textbooks, but also Dutch Childrens’ Books-the short sentences used in these books help you to formulate simple sentences of your own! I always advice my students to spend time on increasing their vocabulary to be able to qualify for this paper. Practice as many reading passages as you can. It pays if you do this regularly. It familiarizes you with the system and your reading tempo also increases. 

Another important tip is to read the passage well, because the answer options are tricky, and it is very easy to make a mistake! Please read the entire passage. Answering the questions based on ‘clue word’ in the paragraph is too risky and must be avoided at all costs.