telc B2 Reading: 3 Parts, a Timing Plan and the Points
Level:B2Duration:~3 h + 15 minFee:Varies by centreValidity:UnlimitedFormat:Written + Oral
Last updated: 30 September 2026 · Verified against official telc sources
telc B2 Reading has three parts worth 75 points. It shares a single 90-minute block with Language Elements, and all texts together run to roughly 3,000 words. Each part tests a different reading style: global, detailed and selective.
Parts and suggested timings
| Part | Task | Reading style | Time | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reading 1 | Match 5 texts to 10 headlines (750–900 words) | Global | ~15 min | 25 |
| Reading 2 | Usually a popular-science text, 5 a/b/c questions | Detailed | ~20 min | 25 |
| Reading 3 | Match 10 situations to 12 texts (programmes, brochures, notices) | Selective | ~20 min | 25 |
Strategy by part
- Reading 1: read the headlines first; some are similar. Read the texts quickly for the main idea and finally check that the unused headlines really are wrong.
- Reading 2: questions follow the order of the text, so read in parallel. One wrong detail makes an option wrong; watch for hidden negation.
- Reading 2: decide by what the text says, not by what you know; it may argue an unexpected view.
- Reading 3: read the short situations first, then the texts. Each text is used once, and not every situation has a matching text.
Managing the 90-minute block
- You choose the order; tackling the high-value items (Reading 1–2) first is one option.
- Keep about 10 minutes for transferring answers; it is not given separately.
- Check the clock between parts; if a part runs more than 5 minutes over, mark it and move on.
- Only the answer sheet is marked; notes in the booklet do not count.
Official sources
The exam rules and figures in this guide were checked against the official sources below.
Related guide
Practise telc B2 Reading against the clock
Work through telc B2 Reading parts on Zertifly with the suggested timings and see which reading style costs you points.