C1 Advanced - Word Formation Exercises

Certificate in Advanced English (CAE)

The third part of the Reading and Use of English paper in the C1 Advanced Examination is word formation where you have to use a root such as 'able' and create an appropriate word (disable, unable, ability) to fill the gap in a text.

Example Question

2. After a difficult ________, Michael went on to be a successful lawyer.
bring

Word Formation Exercise 1
Exercise Number: CAE034

Word Formation Exercise 2
Exercise Number: CAE035

Word Formation Exercise 3
Exercise Number: CAE036

Word Formation Exercise 4
Exercise Number: CAE037

Word Formation Exercise 5
Exercise Number: CAE038

Word Formation Exercise 6
Exercise Number: CAE039

Word Formation Exercise 7
Exercise Number: CAE040

Word Formation Exercise 8
Exercise Number: CAE041

Exam Tip!

If you are sure that the word is, for example, an adjective but you can't think what the exact word is, try thinking of "usual" prefixes and suffixes.

Perhaps it needs the suffix "ive" or the prefix "de". Try a few out and see which ones seem to be best. This can also be done with nouns and verbs.

Remember one thing: you know more English than you think you do! If you don't try, when you see the answer, you'll say "I knew that!" so think a little first, try to build your way to the answer!

Word Formation Exercise 9
Exercise Number: CAE042

Word Formation Exercise 10
Exercise Number: CAE043

Word Formation Exercise 11
Exercise Number: CAE044

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Word Formation Exercise 12
Exercise Number: CAE045

Word Formation Exercise 13
Exercise Number: CAE046

Exam Tip!

Read the entire text/sentence to get a good idea of context. What "type" of word do you need? It's good practice to go through one of these exercises just thinking about "what category of word?" and "positive or negative?" Is it a positive noun (competitiveness) or a negative adjective (unfriendly). Always be thinking in those terms and it will make the word formation part of the Use of English exam easier.

Word Formation Exercise 14
Exercise Number: CAE047

Word Formation Exercise 15
Exercise Number: CAE048

Word Formation Exercise 16
Exercise Number: CAE049

Word Formation Exercise 17
Exercise Number: CAE062

Word Formation Exercise 18
Exercise Number: CAE063

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