Passage Reference: The first multi-tiered cakes comprised iced cakes stacked on top of each other rather like a succession of boxes gradually decreasing in size.

Common Mistake: Some students choose tiers because cakes have tiers. But the passage is not defining the parts of the cake. It is making a comparison. This is a context shift trap.

Paraphrasing: Passage: 'a succession of boxes' = Diagram: 'looked like ___'

Tips: When a diagram asks what something is compared to, look for phrases like 'like' or 'rather like' in the passage.

Key Vocabulary:

• succession = series
• gradually = slowly

Question Focus: The diagram shows what later supported the cake tiers and asks what was used.

Correct Answer: B

Passage Reference: It was not until the beginning of the 20th century that the cake tiers were separated and supported by columns.

Why this is correct: The diagram refers to a later development in cake design. The passage says the tiers were supported by columns at the beginning of the 20th century. So the answer is columns.

Common Mistake: Some students pick boxes because boxes were mentioned earlier. But that describes early cakes, not later support. This is a wrong section trap.

Paraphrasing: Passage: 'supported by columns' = Diagram: 'held up by ___'

Tips: Check the time reference. Early cakes and later cakes often use different details.

Key Vocabulary:

• supported = held up
• separated = kept apart

Question Focus: The diagram shows modern wedding cakes and asks what affects their cost.

Correct Answer: A

Passage Reference: The cost of the all-important wedding cake can be hundreds of pounds, depending on the dimension and design.

Why this is correct: The diagram asks what influences the price of modern wedding cakes. The passage says the cost depends on the dimension and design. One correct label here is design.

Common Mistake: Some students choose tiers because tiers look important in a diagram. But tiers are not mentioned in the cost sentence. This is a wrong section trap.

Paraphrasing: Passage: 'design' = Diagram: 'style of the cake'

Tips: For cost or price questions, go straight to sentences that talk about money.

Key Vocabulary:

• dimension = size
• depending on = influenced by

Question Focus: The diagram shows decoration on the cake and asks what covered it.

Correct Answer: G

Passage Reference: These were impressive cakes: they were heavy because they were made with so much dried fruit, and highly decorated with icing and embellished with sugar flowers, doves, horseshoes and bells.

Why this is correct: The diagram points to the cake covering. The passage says the cakes were decorated with icing, along with other decorations. So the answer is icing.

Common Mistake: Some students choose flowers because sugar flowers are mentioned. But flowers are decorations on top, not the main covering. This is a partial truth trap.

Paraphrasing: Passage: 'decorated with icing' = Diagram: 'covered in ___'

Tips: If several decorations are listed, check which one matches the exact part of the diagram.

Key Vocabulary:

• icing = sweet cake covering
• embellished = decorated

General Tips:

• Diagram questions follow passage order. Start with early history and move forward.
• Always read the full sentence around a keyword, not just one word.
• When two options look similar, ask what job they do in the sentence.
• Modern details and historical details are often separated by paragraphs.
• Cross out options as you use them so you do not reuse the same word.