Use of English - Word Formation
C1
Cambridge English C1 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.
Life in the 19th Century
For many people, life in the 19th century was marked by both hardship and quiet (0) BEAUTY. In rapidly growing cities, the (1) .......... (INDUSTRY) landscape was often filled with smoke, noise and endless movement, while in the countryside a slower rhythm still shaped daily existence. For the poor, survival depended on constant labour, and even childhood was rarely a time of true (2) .......... (CARE). Yet there was also a strong sense of community, and neighbours often offered (3) .......... (ASSIST) in times of illness or loss. At the same time, the century brought remarkable change. Scientific discovery and mechanical invention transformed travel and communication with astonishing (4) .......... (RAPID). For some, these developments inspired hope; for others, they created deep (5) .......... (ANXIOUS) about the future. Social class remained highly visible, and the (6) .......... (DIVIDE) between rich and poor could be seen in housing, education and opportunity. Even so, many writers of the period described ordinary life with great (7) .......... (TENDER), finding dignity in small domestic scenes. Looking back now, we may feel both admiration and (8) .......... (SAD) for a world that was harsh, fragile and strangely beautiful.
About Use of English Word Formation — Cambridge English C1
This Cambridge English C1 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 C1 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.