Use of English PRO

Business English

For many students, preparing for a business English exam involves more than memorising specialist terms. Real success depends on clear communication, accurate writing and a good understanding of professional situations. In class, one of the first things teachers often stress is the (0) IMPORTANCE (IMPORTANT) of using language appropriately in different contexts. For example, a formal email written to a client must show (1) .......... (PROFESSION), while a report should be organised with great (2) .......... (CARE). Candidates are also expected to speak with (3) .......... (CONFIDENT), especially during presentations or role-play tasks. In addition, they need to show (4) .......... (FLEXIBLE) when responding to unexpected questions. Good preparation also includes reading about trade, marketing and customer behaviour, because this improves overall (5) .......... (KNOW). However, exam success is not simply a matter of studying harder; it also requires (6) .......... (EFFECT) strategies and regular practice. Without this, even very (7) .......... (AMBITION) students may perform badly through stress or poor time management. Fortunately, with enough preparation, the final result can be extremely (8) .......... (SATISFY).

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

  1. Read the title and the whole text so that you understand what it is about.
  2. Look at each sentence in detail.
  3. Think about what kind of word you need and whether you need a negative prefix or a suffix.
  4. Read the sentence again to check whether you need a plural form.
  5. Check your spelling, as it must be correct.