Use of English - Word Formation
B2
Cambridge English B2 Exam
For questions 1-8, read the text below. Use the word given in capitals to form a word that fits in the gap. Use only one word in each gap. Click the gaps to type your answer.
Online Shopping Growth
The rapid (0) EXPANSION (EXPAND) of e-commerce has changed the way people shop all over the world. What was once seen as a minor (1) .......... (ADD) to traditional retail has now become a major part of everyday life. One reason for this change is the increasing (2) .......... (POPULAR) of smartphones, which allow people to shop whenever they want. For businesses, selling online can be highly (3) .......... (PROFIT), especially because it often reduces the need for expensive shop space. At the same time, customers expect a fast and (4) .......... (RELY) delivery service. This has created new jobs in transport and logistics, but it has also led to fierce (5) .......... (COMPETE) between companies. In order to remain successful, many brands invest heavily in (6) .......... (ADVERTISE) campaigns and personalised recommendations. However, some people remain (7) .......... (DOUBT) about the long-term effects of e-commerce on local shops and town centres. Despite these concerns, it seems (8) .......... (LIKELY) that online shopping will continue to grow in the years ahead.
About Use of English Word Formation — Cambridge English B2
This Cambridge English B2 Use of English Word Formation exercise gives you a text with 8 gaps. Use the word in capitals at the end of each line to form a new word that fits the gap.
You may need to add prefixes or suffixes, change a word into a noun, adjective, adverb or verb, make a negative, or adjust the spelling. It tests both your knowledge of word families and the grammar of the sentence.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many questions are in this B2 Word Formation exercise?
There are 8 gaps, each with a base word in capitals that you must change to fit.
What does Word Formation test?
Prefixes, suffixes and word families — turning a root word into the correct noun, adjective, adverb, verb or negative form.
How can I improve at Word Formation?
First decide which part of speech the gap needs, then form it — and always check for negatives (un-, in-, dis-) and plurals, which are easy to miss.
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What to do
For each gap you get one word in capitals which you have to change so the grammar and meaning fit in the sentence. Here you have to show how well you know word families and if you can change words by using prefixes and suffixes.
You need to read the whole text to get the writer’s opinion on the topic. That’s because sometimes a negative prefix will be required. There is usually at least one word requiring a negative prefix, so look out for these.
In the exam always write something. You never know, you might be lucky even if you are not sure of the answer!
Strategy
- Read the title and the whole text so that you understand what it is about.
- Look at each sentence in detail.
- Think about what kind of word you need and whether you need a negative prefix or a suffix.
- Read the sentence again to check whether you need a plural form.
- Check your spelling, as it must be correct.