Reading - Missing Sentences
B1
Cambridge English B1 Exam
A few sentences have been removed from the text below. For each question, choose the correct answer. There are extra sentences which you don't need to use.
The Evolution of Artificial Intelligence
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the name we give to computers that can do tasks which usually need human intelligence. Today, AI can translate languages, recommend videos, and even help doctors. (1) ........... In fact, the story of AI is much longer and more interesting. The idea of intelligent machines became popular in the 1950s. At that time, some scientists believed that computers would soon be able to think like humans. (2) ........... However, early computers were slow and had very little memory, so progress was limited. In the following decades, AI developed in different ways. Some researchers tried to teach computers rules, like “if this happens, do that.” Others focused on making computers learn from examples. (3) ........... This was because computers became faster and there was more digital information available. In the 2010s, AI improved quickly again, especially in areas like image recognition and speech. Many people started using AI without even noticing it, for example when their phone suggested the next word in a message. (4) ........... As a result, governments and schools began to discuss how to use AI responsibly. Now AI is still changing. Some people feel excited because AI can save time and solve problems, while others feel worried about jobs and privacy. (5) ........... The best way forward is to learn about AI and use it carefully, so it helps society in a positive way.
About Reading Missing Sentences — Cambridge English B1
This Cambridge English B1 Reading Missing Sentences exercise removes several sentences from a text. Read the text and choose the sentence that best fits each gap; there are extra sentences you do not need to use.
It tests how well you follow the development of ideas and use reference words, pronouns and linking expressions to see how the parts of a text fit together.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Reading Missing Sentences?
A text has gaps where sentences were removed. You choose the correct sentence for each gap from a list that includes extra, unused options.
What does it test?
Cohesion and coherence — how ideas connect through reference words, linkers and the logical flow of the text.
Any tips for Missing Sentences?
Read the sentences before and after each gap carefully and look for reference words (this, they, however) that link the missing sentence to the text.
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What to do
This part is one of the longest texts that you must read. 5 sentences were removed. Your task is to choose the right sentence in the right gap.
Be careful there are 3 extra sentences you don’t need.
Some of the questions ask about facts and some ask about opinions. You’ll always be able to find the answers in the text.
Strategy
- The first thing you should do is to read the whole text to get a general understanding of what it is about.
- Then, look at each numbered space in turn and choose one of the sentences to fit the gap. In order to do this, you not only need to check that the meaning is correct for the gap but also that it fits grammatically with the sentences before and after the gap.
- Once you have chosen the sentence that you think fits best, quickly check that the other sentences don’t fit and try to decide why they are wrong.
- Once you have found all the missing sentences, read the text once more to make sure that it all makes sense.
