The Reading section of the VSTEP English exam is the second part of the B1, B2, and C1 certificate tests. To achieve a high score, candidates need to understand how questions are distributed according to the standard exam structure. At the same time, mastering appropriate test-taking strategies for handling different types of Reading questions in VSTEP is extremely important.

1. UNDERSTAND THE STRUCTURE OF VSTEP READING

The test includes 4 reading passages, with 40 questions in total.

Time: 60 minutes

Difficulty: Gradually increases from question 1 to 40; the later questions are generally more challenging.

Common topics: daily life, work, etc. Examples of typical topics:

Passage 1: Daily life

Topics may include: community, personal life, occupation, or education

Question types: advertisements, instruction manuals, job descriptions

Passage 2: Natural or social sciences

Topics may include: community, personal life, occupation, education, organizations

Question types: instruction manuals, newspapers, magazines, reports

Passage 3: Natural or social sciences and other specialized fields

Topics may include: personal life, occupation, education, community

Question types: newspapers, magazines, novels, specialized documents

Passage 4: Specialized subjects or literature

Topics may include: community, personal life, occupation, education

Question types: newspapers, magazines, specialized documents, novels, manuals

2. MASTER COMMON VSTEP READING QUESTION TYPES

Type 1: Detail questions
Example: According to the information given in paragraph 2, what is considered a unique feature of a lighthouse?
Answer options:
A. Its light signal
B. Its architectural design
C. Its use of colors
D. Its radio beacon

Type 2: Main idea questions
Example: Which of the following is the main idea of the passage?
Answer options:
A. A comparison of old and modern lighthouses and their importance
B. An overview of lighthouses and their distinctive features
C. The significance of lighthouses for the marine industry
D. The best remaining lighthouses currently functioning

Type 3: Inference questions
Example: What can be inferred from the passage about contemporary lighthouses?
Answer options:
A. They are fully automated thanks to the latest technology in navigation
B. They do not need as much maintenance as lighthouses in the past
C. They provide a romantic setting and thus are often used in movies
D. They receive funding from governments and become historical icons

Type 4: Vocabulary questions
Example: The word “identified” in paragraph 3 can be best replaced by _______.
Answer options:
A. found
B. located
C. recognized
D. described

Type 5: Reference questions
Example: The word “they” in paragraph 1 refers to ________.
Answer options:
A. lighthouses
B. mariners
C. rocks
D. reefs

Type 6: Other VSTEP Reading question types
Example: Look at the squares in the passage. Where would the following sentence best fit?
Sentence: “Even so, these old friends of ships and sailors have seen better days.”

3. SKIMMING AND SCANNING TECHNIQUES

In Reading, Skimming and Scanning are essential techniques.

Skimming (quick reading): Helps grasp the main idea of a passage. Read the title, first sentence, and last sentence to understand the general content.

4. VOCABULARY IS THE KEY TO SUCCESS

Vocabulary is crucial for understanding and analyzing passages. To improve reading skills, build your vocabulary regularly, especially words related to common VSTEP topics such as education, technology, health, environment, and society.

5. READ DAILY

Reading regularly exposes you to various topics and writing styles. Start with articles, magazines, or English books at different levels to develop reading comprehension. Resources like OnthiVstep.vn, BBC Learning English, or The Guardian are excellent for practice.

6. TIME MANAGEMENT IS CRUCIAL

In VSTEP Reading, time is golden. Allocate your time wisely across questions. Don’t spend too long on one question and miss easier ones later. Spend 1–2 minutes skimming the whole passage first, then answer easy questions before tackling harder ones.

7.READ QUESTIONS CAREFULLY

Many candidates make mistakes by not reading question instructions carefully, leading to wrong answers. Always check for keywords like NOT or EXCEPT to avoid misunderstanding.

8. PRACTICE REGULARLY

Practicing with sample tests is the best way to get familiar with question types and time pressure. You can find online VSTEP practice tests or join online courses to enhance your skills. Regular practice helps track your progress and identify areas for improvement.