Level: CPE
With Answers
The third part of the Reading and Use of English paper in the Proficiency 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.
Exam Tip 1
- 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.
- 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.
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