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.
Staying Motivated
People often imagine that motivation is something we either have or do not have, but the reality is far more (0) COMPLEX (COMPLEXITY) than that. In fact, one of the biggest problems is the (1) .......... (EXPECT) that we should feel enthusiastic every single day. This belief can lead to (2) .......... (DISAPPOINT) when progress seems slow or results do not appear immediately. Another common difficulty is the (3) .......... (TEND) to compare ourselves with others, especially on social media, where success is often presented in an unrealistically (4) .......... (PERFECT) way. As a result, people may become (5) .......... (COURAGE) and start to doubt whether their efforts are worthwhile. Experts say that motivation becomes more (6) .......... (STABILITY) when people focus on small, realistic goals rather than dramatic change. They also point out that regular habits can reduce the (7) .......... (LIKELY) of giving up. In the end, long-term success depends less on sudden inspiration and more on (8) .......... (DETERMINE) effort over time.
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.