6.3 Tarea 3: Locating Specific Information Across Three Texts

DELE B1 — Spanish Language Diploma Intermediate

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1 Chapter 1: Exam Structure, Logistics, & Scoring System

1.1 DELE B1 Qualification & CEFR Standards 1.2 Four Pruebas Format, Timing, & Administration 1.3 Scoring System: Two Groups & the 30/50 Threshold Rule

2 Chapter 2: Essential B1 Grammar — Past Tenses & Narrative Control

2.1 Pretérito Indefinido vs. Pretérito Imperfecto 2.2 Pretérito Perfecto & Pretérito Pluscuamperfecto 2.3 Habitual Actions, Time Markers, & Duration Structures

3 Chapter 3: Essential B1 Grammar — The Subjunctive Mood

3.1 Present Subjunctive Formation & Irregular Stems 3.2 Subjunctive with Wishes, Influence, & Emotions 3.3 Impersonal Expressions & Future Temporal Clauses

4 Chapter 4: B1 Sentence Structure, Connectors, & Syntax

4.1 Discourse Connectors & Textual Cohesion 4.2 Direct & Indirect Object Pronouns & Combination 4.3 Ser vs. Estar, Por vs. Para, & Verbal Periphrases

5 Chapter 5: B1 Thematic Lexicon & Sociolinguistic Domains

5.1 Daily Life, Housing, & Neighborhood Services 5.2 Work, Education, & Professional Communication 5.3 Travel, Leisure, Health, & Environmental Awareness

6 Chapter 6: Prueba 1 — Reading Comprehension: Matching & Text Analysis

6.1 Tarea 1: Matching Candidate Profiles to Short Notices 6.2 Tarea 2: Extended Informative Text Multiple-Choice 6.3 Tarea 3: Locating Specific Information Across Three Texts

7 Chapter 7: Prueba 1 — Reading Comprehension: Cloze & Linguistic Precision

7.1 Tarea 4: Gapped Text Fragment Insertion 7.2 Tarea 5: Grammar & Vocabulary Cloze 7.3 Reading Time Management & Distractor Traps

8 Chapter 8: Prueba 2 — Listening Comprehension: Announcements & Monologues

8.1 Tarea 1: Short Announcements & Advertisements 8.2 Tarea 2: Extended Personal Monologue 8.3 Tarea 3: Radio News Bulletins & Specific Facts

9 Chapter 9: Prueba 2 — Listening Comprehension: Conversations & Multiple Speakers

9.1 Tarea 4: Multiple Speaker Matching on a Common Theme 9.2 Tarea 5: Informal Everyday Dialogue 9.3 Active Listening Techniques & Double-Listen Protocol

10 Chapter 10: Prueba 3 — Written Expression: Interaction & Correspondence

10.1 Tarea 1: Letters, Emails, & Forum Responses 10.2 Register, Salutations, & Sign-Off Formulas 10.3 Word Count Management (100–120 Words) & Error Prevention

11 Chapter 11: Prueba 3 — Written Expression: Narrative & Opinion Composition

11.1 Tarea 2: Choosing a Prompt and Following Its Genre 11.2 Structuring a 130–150 Word Narrative or Opinion Essay 11.3 Analytic Scoring Rubric for Written Expression

12 Chapter 12: Prueba 4 — Oral Expression: Monologue & Follow-Up Discussion

12.1 The 15-Minute Preparation Period & Note-Taking Strategy 12.2 Tarea 1: 2–3 Minute Prepared Monologue 12.3 Tarea 2: Interactive Discussion with the Examiner

13 Chapter 13: Prueba 4 — Oral Expression: Photo Description & Role-Play

13.1 Tarea 3: Photograph Description & Guided Follow-Up 13.2 Tarea 4: Spontaneous Everyday Role-Play Simulation 13.3 Oral Evaluation Rubric (Holistic vs. Analytic) & Fluency

6.3 Tarea 3: Locating Specific Information Across Three Texts

Key Takeaways Explain This Topic AI

Tarea 3 presents three short thematic texts (Texts A, B, and C; approximately 100–130 words each) accompanied by 6 statements that must be assigned to the correct source text.

Because all three texts explore a common topic (e.g., three career changes, three volunteer initiatives, three travel experiences), candidates face significant cross-text informational interference.

The most effective approach is a statement-first strategy: annotate the 6 statements to identify target semantic tags before scanning the three stimulus passages.

Comparative, superlative, and exclusive markers (e.g., «el único que», «a diferencia de», «más tiempo», «sin coste alguno») provide decisive diagnostic clues for matching statements to texts.

Texts do not necessarily receive an equal number of matches: one text may match two or three statements, while another matches one or two.

Last updated: October 2026

6.3 Tarea 3: Locating Specific Information Across Three Texts

Tarea 3 of Prueba 1: Comprensión de lectura tests your ability to locate specific factual details, personal experiences, and comparative nuances across multiple thematic sources. In this task, you are presented with three short texts (Texts A, B, and C) describing three distinct people, projects, organizations, or travel routes sharing a common theme.

Accompanying these three texts are six statements (Items 13–18 in Prueba 1). For each statement, you must determine which text contains or affirms that specific piece of information. Because all three sources share overlapping vocabulary and similar contexts, candidates frequently suffer from informational cross-contamination —attributing a detail from Text A to Text B because both protagonists mention a similar activity.

Official Task Architecture & Format

Tarea 3 evaluates selective scanning, detailed verification, and comparative discernment under time pressure:

Stimulus Materials : Three independent texts (designated A , B , and C ), each approximately 100–120 words in length, totaling roughly 300–360 words across the entire task.

Typical Thematic Frameworks :

Three individuals recounting how they learned a second language or adapted to life abroad.

Three artisanal businesses or family companies describing their origins, products, and philosophies.

Three unconventional vacation packages (e.g., an architectural tour, an eco-farm stay, a mountain trekking expedition).

Three social volunteers describing their motives, community projects, and personal lessons.

Task Requirement : Six statements numbered 13 to 18. For each statement, choose whether it corresponds to text A , B , or C .

Distribution Rule : The distribution of answers across A, B, and C is unbalanced and unpredictable . For example, Text A might correspond to 3 statements, Text B to 2, and Text C to 1; or they may be split 2, 2, and 2. Never assume equal distribution .

Scoring Value : 6 objective items out of 30 in Prueba 1.

Recommended Time Allocation : 12–14 minutes .

• Feature Parameter Strategic Reality
• Source Texts 3 thematic passages (A, B, C) Short length (~120 words) allows rapid targeted scanning
• Items 6 statements (13–18) Must be attributed to exactly one text each
• Options per Item 3 options: A, B, or C Mark on optical sheet corresponding to the text letter
• Common Error Mixing up source protagonists Reading statements first prevents cognitive confusion

Note

Unlike an extended-text task, where a sequential search may help, the statements in Tarea 3 appear in random order . Statement 13 might refer to Text C, Statement 14 to Text A, and Statement 15 back to Text C.

The Statement-First Semantic Tagging Strategy ( Etiquetado Semántico Previo )

Reading the three texts from start to finish before reviewing the statements is the single greatest strategic error candidates make in Tarea 3. Because all three passages discuss the same overall topic, details blur together in your short-term memory, forcing you to reread all three passages six separate times.

The most efficient, evidence-backed strategy is the Statement-First Semantic Tagging Method : [Step 1: Read Statements 13–18] ---> Underline the "Diagnostic Core" in each statement

• ↓
• [Step 2: Read Text A] --------------> Match any confirmed diagnostic tags; cross out matched statements
• ↓
• [Step 3: Read Text B] --------------> Match remaining tags against Text B; cross out matched statements
• ↓
• [Step 4: Read Text C] --------------> Attribute remaining statements to Text C; verify evidence

Step-by-Step Implementation:

Analyze the Statements First (2–3 minutes) : Read Statements 13 through 18 carefully. In each statement, underline the diagnostic core —the specific condition, milestone, emotion, or restriction that distinguishes it from generic statements about the topic.

Create Mental Search Tags : Convert each underlined phrase into an active mental tag:

• «Tuvo que pedir un préstamo bancario para iniciar su proyecto» → Tag: DINERO / BANCO
• «Afirma que sus padres no apoyaron su decisión inicial» → Tag: FAMILIA / OPOSICIÓN
• «Eligió el destino por recomendación de un antiguo profesor» → Tag: PROFESOR / CONSEJO
• «Ofrece alojamiento gratuito a cambio de colaborar en tareas diarias» → Tag: ALOJAMIENTO GRATIS / TRUEQUE

Scan Text A with All 6 Tags Active (3 minutes) : Read Text A attentively. When you encounter evidence matching one of your active tags, verify that all details coincide. If confirmed, write "A" next to that statement and strike it through. You will typically resolve 1 to 3 statements immediately.

Scan Text B for Remaining Tags (3 minutes) : Read Text B searching only for the unresolved statements. Mark "B" next to any confirmed matches and cross them off.

Scan Text C for the Remainder (3 minutes) : Inspect Text C to confirm the final unmatched statements. Because only a few statements remain active, verification is swift and precise.

Comparative, Superlative, and Exclusive Linguistic Markers

In Tarea 3, statements frequently hinge on subtle linguistic markers that establish exclusivity, comparative superiority, or negative conditions. Identifying these markers allows you to instantly eliminate texts that describe similar but non-identical situations:

1. Exclusive & Restrictive Markers ( Marcadores de Exclusividad )

Words like «el único que...» , «únicamente» , «solamente» , «en exclusiva» , or «nadie más...» .

Textual Implication : If a statement claims «Es el único de los tres proyectos que ofrece actividades para niños» , you must verify not only that the matching text includes children's activities, but that the other two texts do not mention or explicitly exclude them.

2. Comparative Markers ( Marcadores Comparativos )

Phrases like «más tiempo que...» , «a diferencia de los demás...» , «con un coste inferior...» , «mayor experiencia previa...» .

Textual Implication : The matching text must express a relative comparison rather than an absolute statement.

3. Temporal Sequencing & Milestone Markers ( Marcadores Temporales )

Expressions such as «antes de licenciarse» , «tras varios años de experiencia» , «desde el primer momento» , «al cabo de unos meses» .

Textual Implication : Pay close attention to when an event occurred in the protagonist's timeline. If Person A volunteered after graduating and Person B volunteered during their university studies, a statement specifying «Realizó el voluntariado mientras cursaba sus estudios superiores» belongs exclusively to Person B.

4. Financial & Material Modality Markers ( Marcadores Económicos )

Terms such as «de forma gratuita» , «mediante intercambio» , «gracias a una subvención oficial» , «con ahorros personales» .

Textual Implication : The source of funding or reimbursement is one of the most frequent discrimination points on DELE B1.

Linguistic Marker Function in Statement Verification Clue in Text

«A diferencia de...» Contrasts one source with others Text highlights a unique exception ( «Al contrario que la mayoría...» )

«Sin coste alguno» Indicates complete absence of fee Look for «gratuito» , «sin cobrar nada» , «a coste cero»

«Gracias a la ayuda de...» Identifies external support source Look for «apoyo institucional» , «subvención» , «respaldo familiar»

«Tuvo dificultades iniciales para...» Highlights startup struggle Look for «al principio costó mucho» , «los comienzos fueron duros»

«Tenía experiencia previa en...» Verifies antecedent background Look for «ya había trabajado en» , «conocía el sector antes de empezar»

Tip

Whenever you see a statement containing words like «único» , «todos» , «primer» , or «antes de» , put a mental star next to it. These restrictive markers make the statement much easier to confirm or eliminate during scanning.

Cross-Text Informational Interference & Trap Resolution

Test authors engineer distractors by scattering shared secondary details across all three texts while reserving the core distinguishing fact for only one:

The Shared Detail Trap

Imagine three texts about learning Spanish in Latin America:

Text A mentions that the protagonist loved tasting local street food in Oaxaca.

Text B explains that the candidate enrolled in an intensive daily cooking workshop with a renowned local chef to master regional recipes.

Text C notes that the school organized weekly dinners at traditional restaurants.

The Statement : «Participó en un curso formativo de gastronomía tradicional como parte de su estancia» .

Trap Resolution : All three texts mention culinary experiences, but only Text B mentions a structured educational course ( «un curso formativo» ). Candidates who skim without reading the semantic core will be tempted by Text A or C.

Step-by-Step Worked Demonstration: Three Community Volunteers

Review this authentic-style B1 practice scenario featuring three community volunteers:

Stimulus Texts

Texto A: Marcos (Huertos Urbanos) «Tras finalizar mis estudios de Agronomía en Valencia, decidí impulsar un proyecto de agricultura comunitaria en solares abandonados de mi barrio. Al principio fue muy duro convencer a los vecinos, pero gracias a una pequeña subvención del ayuntamiento compramos las herramientas básicas. Hoy producimos verduras frescas para más de cuarenta familias en situación de vulnerabilidad.»

Texto B: Lucía (Alfabetización Digital) «Trabajo como diseñadora web y dedico cuatro horas semanales a enseñar el manejo de teléfonos móviles e internet a personas mayores en el centro cívico. Mi mayor satisfacción es ver cómo aprenden a realizar videollamadas con sus nietos. Nunca he recibido ninguna compensación económica ni ayudas públicas; todo el material tecnológico que usamos proviene de donaciones voluntarias de empresas locales.»

Texto C: David (Acompañamiento Hospitalario) «Llevo tres años colaborando con una asociación que organiza talleres de lectura y música para niños hospitalizados de larga estancia. Me incorporé al voluntariado por recomendación de mi hermana, quien ya participaba activamente en el hospital. Aunque la experiencia resulta a veces emocionalmente agotadora, el afecto y la sonrisa de los pequeños compensan con creces cualquier esfuerzo personal.»

• Statement Verification Exercise
• Enunciado 1 : «Inició su labor solidaria motivado por el consejo de un familiar cercano.»

Verification : Text C explicitly states: «Me incorporé al voluntariado por recomendación de mi hermana...» . Matches Texto C .

Enunciado 2 : «Pudo adquirir el equipamiento necesario para su proyecto gracias al apoyo financiero de una institución pública.»

Verification : Text A states: «...gracias a una pequeña subvención del ayuntamiento compramos las herramientas básicas» . «Subvención del ayuntamiento» is an exact conceptual match for «apoyo financiero de una institución pública» . Matches Texto A .

Enunciado 3 : «Lleva a cabo su actividad sin percibir ningún tipo de aportación monetaria del estado.»

Verification : Text B confirms: «Nunca he recibido ninguna compensación económica ni ayudas públicas...» . Matches Texto B .

Strategic Time Allocation & Final Exam Tips

Target Time : Complete Tarea 3 in 12–14 minutes .

Pencil Annotation : Always mark the target tags directly on your question booklet. DELE test booklets allow free pencil notes.

Verify Double-Matches : Verify the evidence for every match without imposing a quota. An unequal distribution is not itself proof of error.

Final Answer Transfer : Immediately bubble your selections on Hoja de Respuestas 1 before advancing to Tarea 4.