C2 Proficiency Exam Guide: Key Word Transformations
Reading & Use of English Paper
Contents
Overview
Context: Part 4 of the Reading & Use of English paper consists of six key word transformations. Each question is structured with a lead-in sentence, a key word, and a second response sentence with a gap.
Task: Candidates must use the key word to fill the gap in the second sentence, ensuring it has a similar meaning to the lead-in sentence. The transformation may require altering the grammatical form of the key word, and the answer should consist of three to eight words, including the key word.
Objective: To test grammar and vocabulary skills by manipulating structures and lexical phrases to create a similar meaning sentence.
Scoring & Marks: The six questions are worth twelve points, so two points for each. There are 72 points available for the whole Reading & Use of English paper.
How to Approach
- Word Limit Adherence: Remember that the answer must consist of three to eight words. Contractions (e.g. don't, can't, shouldn't) count as two words.
- Key Word Usage: The key word provided must be used as it is and should not be altered in any way.
- Sentence Structure Analysis: Pay attention to the verb form and the words immediately before and after the gap, as they give clues about the correct form of the answer.
- Paraphrasing Practice: Practise rewriting sentences from texts or listening activities for paraphrasing skills. This can involve identifying the original sentence from a paraphrase.
Example Question
3. He failed the exam as he didn't work as fast as the rest of the class.
pace
His failure was blamed on his inability _____________________ rest of the class.
Assessment Focus
This part focuses on grammar and vocabulary, particularly the ability to manipulate sentence structures and lexical phrases while maintaining meaning.
Tips
- Practise transforming sentences while maintaining their original meaning.
- Develop skills in identifying grammatical forms and understanding sentence frames.
- Use a variety of texts to practise paraphrasing, focusing on maintaining the same meaning with different structures and vocabulary.
- Collaborate with peers for practice, challenging each other with transformation exercises.
How It Looks
![example Key Word Transformations question from C2 Proficiency example Key Word Transformations question from C2 Proficiency](../graphics/exam-section/c2-proficiency-key-word-transformations.gif)
Student Suggestion
"Rewriting sentences and focusing on the transformation of key words greatly helped me understand this challenging part of the exam." - Lina Kovacevic
Practice Exercises
We have a page on the site to practise: C2 Proficiency: Key Word Transformations Exercises